Ashtanga with Denise - Singapore

Sometimes you use a yoga prop the way you're meant to.. And sometimes you don't :)

Some of my students like this stretch after practice. It's a good hip-opener. Try it?

I remember when I first practised with you, opposite the Gokulam shala, there were only 12 people in the class.

I remember you leaning over whilst sitting in your chair to press my leg down in Supta Padangustana.

I remember how you always knew who was doing what in the room even as classes got bigger and bigger.

I remember you telling me to always wait for your adjustment in Kapotasana. You adjusted me in it every day until I could do it on my own.

I remember being the one you always adjusted in Pashasana in Led Intermediate cos I couldn't get my heels flat on the floor. Then you chuckling when you let go and I fell over.

I remember hearing your count from the 2nd floor of the ladies changing room in Led Primary and you telling us not to cheat during Utpluthih just because you couldn't see us.

I remember you shouting out instructions from your chair whilst reading your newspaper every morning.

I remember looking forward to Sunday Conferences where you would share insights from your own practice and life experiences.

I remember you being kind and gentle with beginners especially with students who struggled and needed help. You always made it a point to adjust and encourage them.

I remember your sense of humour and how your comments drew laughter from everyone. I remember thinking, if English is your 2nd language, how much funnier would you be in your 1st.

I remember your love for babies&children and your consideration for their parents who could practise anytime that suited their family schedule.

I remember your warmth towards my parents when they came to Mysore to visit me.

There are many more things I remember from my time practising with you in Mysore.  I treasure them and hold them close to my heart.  My prayers are with you and your family.  Thank you for being our teacher.

Love this.. Thanks for sharing

Tried this in Brisbane .
Basically I reclined and relaxed for 2 hours. Listened to a guided meditation but only heard bits of it because I conked out into a deep sleep. Woke up wired (normal apparently) but relaxed after I came out of the room.

If you are interested in technology behind this therapy, read on...
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Watch me guys, this is how to do Downward Dog. I'm also the Shala's model of the year, people are always taking photos of me :)

Photo credit:

When a VIP comes to class, out come the paparazzi

I didn't teach him this! He said it's a good glutes stretch ... and it does look quite cool :)

Interesting article about Engaging your Core .. similar to the bandha engagement we used in Ashtanga Yoga with some differences eg how to breathe.

What does it mean to 'engage your core' when exercising? The advice is common – and vague. Here’s how to do it properly.

Kudos to companies who care about the wellbeing of their employees. I started this corporate class in March 2013. It's so rewarding to see their dedication; comtinuing via zoom through Covid & office renovations. The newcomers are equally impressive. You can see the changes in their practice in just 2 months

#99%practice1%theory

This morning I practiced.

It was very simple. I unrolled a mat, said a few words softly to myself, and began.

Nobody asked me to open or expand anything. I was not instructed to take anything from one level to another. No one asked me to melt any part of my body. It was never suggested that I should embody some concept or another. I didn’t hear anyone speak their truth. No one assured me that I could manifest anything I wanted. It was never suggested that I would be happier if I bought some new product. I wasn’t told to pursue any bliss. Spirit was neither mentioned nor invoked. No one used the word energy. Nobody implied that I could be stronger, more beautiful or more free than I currently am.

In fact, no one spoke at all.

I spent two hours moving through a familiar sequence of poses. I did this practice in a warm, quiet room listening to my breath and the breath of those practicing nearby. I was assisted by a gentle and patient human being who, for the most part, left me alone to do my work. At the end of my practice, I lay on the floor completely still for a long time.

When I was done, I quietly left. People smiled at me on my way out. I smiled at them.

I will practice again tomorrow.'

by Eric Jeffers

Kapotasana is a very intense backbend. My body and mind used to tense up in the asanas leading up to it. You can tell all this from the quality of your breath. It feels like it's stuck in your chest. Ironically, if you consciously focus on the breath and surrender to what the asana will be that day, (no expectations), your body&mind will relax and before you know it, you are in it. And if you don't get into it, there is always tomorrow :)

I had a bouncer (with his pet leopard) guarding my door this morning.

Basking in the morning sun :)
For some people, leg-behind-the-head asanas are easy. For others, they are a struggle. Either way, the aim is to breath, and be present; to be a witness to what we feeling in the pose

Photo credit

Class schedule as or 28/5/24

Latest class schedule as of 28/5/24