Practicing Ashtanga

The latest... almost finished with the primary series!

Kukkutasana | UP4Yoga Kukkutasana is the twenty-third pose of the primary series, and the eighteenth seated pose. This is the final pose of what is often called the "apex" of the

I love the Ashtanga opening Mantra. It is a comforting presence to me..
Here are some thoughts about its meaning and translation:

Ashtanga Mantra | UP4Yoga Everywhere in the world, Ashtanga yoga classes start with this mantra. To a long-time practitioner, it becomes a familiar friend and a welcoming presence, a

Asana is both steady strength and ease, wherein effort becomes effortless and the mind is fixed on the infinite. Then, one is invulnerable to dualism. -Yoga Sutra

Let's unpack that ...

Asana | UP4Yoga What is a Yoga Asana? How do we practice it? Asana is indispensable, yet it is not a complete Yoga practice in and of itself.

I'm remembering this wisdom from Mary at the Yoga Workshop.

Excellent article, very worth reading.

The real story on the Chakras Six fundamental facts most yogis today don't know! Revised version of the controversial post which finally unveils the truth (from the traditional perspective, anyway) about the subtle energy centers called chakras.

I'm back to publishing How-to Yoga guides after a long pause. Hoping to be have the whole primary series done soon.

Latest updates
Utkatasana
http://up4yoga.com/utkatasana/

Ardha Baddha Pada Padmottanasana
http://up4yoga.com/ardha-baddha-padmottanasana/

& Virabhadrasana
http://up4yoga.com/virabhadrasana-a/

Utkatasana | UP4Yoga Utkatasana. Learn what to do and what to avoid.

If you're feeling a bit stiff or in pain, try this stylized version of the sun salutation.

It's also a nice way to start practice on a cold day - do a few of these before the more energetic surya namaskara A.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hef7gZafSqE

Trikonasana (Triangle) is one of the early poses in the Ashtanga sequence, but it has layers and layers of complexity...

Is your triangle decidedly non-Euclidian? Then you're not getting the juice out of this posture! Trying to create crisp angles (notably at the hip and neck) aren't just for show -- or suffering. They create the therapeutic benefit of this pose, and are necessary to master for several later asana.

Read up, practice, share with your Yoga community :)

Utthita Trikonasana - Triangle Pose | Asana Project: UP4YOGA | UP4Yoga Utthita Trikonasana (triangle pose) is the third position of the Ashtanga-Vinyasa standing sequence. Discussion of alignment and practice with photos.

How much do you know about your pelvis?

Improper alignment can create pain through your whole body! Find out more with my most popular article:

Understanding Pelvic Tilt | UP4Yoga Correct alignment in the pelvis is essential for alignment of Yoga positions. Harness the power of microadjustment with the Asana Project.

People throw the word BANDHA around like it's confetti at Mardi Gras. Yeah, I use it all the time too.

This is what all the hoopla is about.

New article: http://up4yoga.com/bandha/

Or skip straight to the accompanying video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ3y-Unrjhc

Have you ever wanted to do a Sun Salutation in the birthland of Yoga?

I'm leading an Ashtanga & Ayurveda retreat to Mysore, India. February 10-19, 2015

More details at http://up4yoga.com/retreats/

If you're interested, send me a note--Registration closes November 1st!

Retreats | UP4Yoga 10 Day Yoga & Ayurveda Retreat in Mysore, India February 10-19 with KC Mitchem and Griffin Litwin Register by November 1st! Have you ever wanted to do