Our intention is to better understand the practice conditions of yogis so that we can teach in accordance with their ability. It should also allow practitioners to better position themselves in yoga practice.
This Shanti Mantra is taken from the krishna Yajurveda Taittiriya Upanishad (2.2.2):saha nau Bhunaktu (May we be nourished in our practice); saha vīryam karavāavahai (May we work together with great energy); tejasvi navadhītamastu (May we studying be effective).
1. What is your job, how old are you, what are your hobbies?
I am a lighting designer and a theater director.
I am 48 years old.
My hobbies are horse riding, walking, I like anything artistic things
2. How many years ago have you learned Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga? And why choose the Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga?
I started Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga about three years ago. I did the introduction courses 1，2 and 3, then continued with the Mysore course.
I choose Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga because I want to do a physical activity that can let me relax, feel calm, and help me deal with stress. Compared with horse riding, I also need to know how to deal with my emotions. I need to do something to my body. At that time, I didn't particularly want to choose yoga. Then after, I have a colleague who was practicing yoga and she told me about the benefits of yoga. So thanks to yoga, I can learn to listen my body. For me, I want to do some activities in the morning. I have seen that only Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is morning class, and I have seen your friendly website, it seems to be talking to me, because the practice style of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga looks very dynamic. However, the main reason I chose Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga was that I can practice in the early morning. In a word, what I like about Mysore Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is that I learned to be able to practice independently by myself.
3. What were the difficulties you encountered at the beginning of the practice?
With physical difficulties, flexibility, and understanding, I doubt that what the postures I have done are correct, but it is through practice that my doubts disappeared. In independent practice Mysore style, there were fewer conversations, which was difficult for me, and it was a bit depressing at the time. But that is where I learned the most, is to accept my limitations. At first, we compare ourselves with others, and then compare with practiced techniques, and soon realize that practicing yoga is for ourselves and not for others. Looking back at the initial introduction classes, now I can see that my whole practice is improving, and of course I am also more adapted to this practice. I can better understand the practice I am doing. I still remember that after the first class, I’ve got ache all over, but that was common. I need to reconnect with my body. It is not easy to get up in the morning. Once I walk into the Mysore room, I am very happy to be there.
4. Does the practice of yoga produce physical and mental changes in your life?
Yes, the main thing is that I can better accept myself and others.
Physically, I remember that at the beginning, I felt that the way of movement on the yoga mat was different from the movement in daily life. In the way of movement, let body movement was much easier.
I think the Ujjayi breathing method used in the practice is excellent, and has produced great benefits. It allows me to relax certain parts of my body that are under tension.
After Savassana, I felt calm.
I also do transcendental meditation before going to bed, which helps me prepare for the night.
5. So far, what is your goal for practicing yoga?
That is to come into the Mysore room every morning, no, actually, I don't have a goal, just continue to move forward. I need to come to the Mysore room to practice, it feels good and energetic. I know that I will not be able to come regularly for a while soon because I will have to work outside and I would like to be able to practice alone. This is still a step I haven't made.