Ashtanga Mysore Classes

Mysore instruction is designed for students interested in learning the traditional method of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, as taught in Mysore, South India. Learning in this way supports the development of a personal yoga practice, which helps to build self-reliance on and off the mat. This class is suitable for both beginning students and students already versed in yoga but wanting to change their yoga discipline, as well as more experienced practitioners wanting to continue with their Ashtanga practice.

Students of all levels progress silently, at their own pace, individually instructed by Melanie Green. Postures are taught one at a time, following the traditional sequence of asanas designed by Pattabhi Jois, but taught according to each student's individual needs. Since this class is not led in the sense that the teacher works with individual students, rather than instructing all the students at once, the atmosphere is quiet and focused. This focused energy of this environment encourages students to develop deeper concentration as they advance their yoga practice.

Class Schedule

Instruction is offered Thursday from 6-8 am (doors open at 5:45 am) and Fridays 9:15-11:15 am (doors open at 9 am)

Fees:

Drop-in class $20; 4-class pass $70; 8-class pass $128

What to expect in your first Mysore class:

Most importantly, expect a welcoming environment. Beginners are all welcome! It is frequently heard that students who are new to Mysore are intimidated by walking into a studio full of long-time practitioners. While it is true that as a beginner, you may be surrounded by advanced practitioners, simply getting your feet on the mat is advanced in-and-of itself. Remember that everyone in the Mysore room began in the same place!

On your first day, you will be taught the fundamentals of Mysore practice. To begin with, students will be provided with a bit of background information about the Mysore method and its history, and will be asked to observe the classroom for a few minutes. This is intended to help students settle into the new space and gain a sense of how the class works. Next, you will be taught the traditional breathing technique that is practiced in Ashtanga Yoga, called Ujjayi Pranayama. After practicing the breath, you will work one on one with the teacher and be lead through the traditional sun salutations, Surya Namaskara A and B which begin every Ashtanga practice. After going through each posture as many times as the student needs until a measure of memorization has been reached, the student will be asked to repeat them by themselves. Each successive time that the student returns to class, they will repeat the postures already learned with the teacher and then be introduced to new ones. In this progression, according to each student's pace and schedule, practitioners advance through the Ashtanga primary series.

Contact:

For more information about the Mysore classes at the Berkeley Yoga Center, contact Melanie Green at melyoga@hotmail.com or 510-368-3581 and visit www.melyoga.com.

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