Ashtanga Yoga
With Nancy Goodstein
Download printable flyer
Monday through Friday, 6:30-8:30 am
Begins March 8, 2010
The morning Ashtanga program at Santa Monica Yoga is a traditional Mysore-style class with led first series on Fridays. Arrival and departure times Monday through Thursday are flexible within the two-hour window.
A message from Nancy
I want to welcome you to Ashtanga, Mysore style . It is not like other yoga classes. Not only the flexible arrival and departure time, but what happens to you, the way you grow. It will not be by force but through intense attention love, and yes, hard work. As a friend of mine says, “There is nothing we can’t do better if our bodies are with us.” To have that you must be with your body, your focus must be fierce and loving, as mine will be towards you.
For new students, expect patience towards you and learning to be patient. At times you will have to wait your turn when I am helping someone else. During that time think about you, study your breath and body and mind in a way you never have before. When you do have my attention you have it like a laser beam, as if in a private, to be learning about you.
Experienced students can expect respect for the learning you have already done and my eagerness for you to move further not only in your series but in finding ease and fluidity, meditation and grace in your practice that you can bring with you where ever you go.
I look forward to seeing you all and doing our Practice.
My yoga began in 1990 with two years of meditation and breath study. When I began physical practice I was intrigued but also felt it a distraction from the meditation and breath work. It wasn’t until I practiced Ashtanga, first with Dena Kingsburg in 1995 and then with Pattabhi Jois and others, that I felt a true braiding of the three.
I have never turned back. Receiving permission from Pattabhi Jois to teach in 1997, I teach with passion and compassion. While correcting form it is always to the aim of liberating energy in the body and encouraging a serene mind for a strong and consistent practice.
Free Introduction to Ashtanga Workshops
Space is limited, please contact the studio to pre-register. Pre-register via e-mail now.
Saturday April 3, 9:15 – 10:30 am
Saturday May 15, 2:45 – 4:00 pm
Saturday June 12, 2:45 – 4:00 pm
Ashtanga FAQ
Q: How is Ashtanga different from other classes?
A: The Ashtanga system provides a set series of poses that you follow each time you practice. In a Mysore class, students at different stages practice at their own pace. You will memorize the sequence up to the point that is appropriate for you. As you progress in the practice, your teacher will instruct you in additional postures.
Q: Isn’t Ashtanga too hard for a “normal” person?
A: The practice can be modified to fit your needs. It is a challenging practice, both for teacher and student. The individual attention required to teach the practice requires an equal commitment from the student to learn it.
Q: Ashtanga sounds intimidating. Can I try a class?
A: Fridays is “led first series”. For this class all students will do the entire first series as a group, similar to a regular yoga class.