Doing the Work

Type:       ● [A] "On the Mat"/Asana ●

INSTRUCTOR:   Beryl Bender Birch

Class Description:  Getting into the work of asana as abhyasa, or 'practice'. Classically defined, 'practice' according to BKS Iyengar, is "the steadfast effort to still the fluctuations [of the mind]". If you aren't making an effort to use the tools of drishti, bandhas, and breath to train the mind in stillness, your 'practice' isn't practice; it's just exercise. Do the work! This is a morning practice in the Krishnamacharya vinyasa tradition, combining the styles of Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, and Desikachar into a safe and powerful therapeutic practice. Mindful breathing, strong asana, sweaty effort. Friendly modifications for all postures. As Beryl says in her book Beyond Power Yoga "...yoga is not an external experience. It is not done for the benefit of others. It is not a performance. It is done only for oneself."