Ashtanga Yoga - My Experience

I first came across ashtanga yoga through a Luke Jordan workshop at santosha studio in lisburn. I first met Luke at a totally different event in findhorn on the northeast of Scotland at a retreat. To this day Luke is a close friend and inspiring teacher. We had Already met in a space that was a little more open and able for radical thought and stillness. Meeting in this space made me drawn to Luke as a teacher and also the fact he was from just down the road!! I soon realised in Luke’s presence his enthusiasm for this practice. This was enough for me to feel like i was ready to bring this discipline into my life.

Luke and myself 

I began the practice with whatever Luke had passed over that weekend and after my first trip to Goa with Rolf naujokat 6 months later I was more able to have a practice where I had something to work with. Ever since that time I have been willing to be the student. As a student I am able to practice and pass on whatever knowledge and experience I have to people willing to participate! 

Rolf and Myself

The relationship with teacher and student is paramount in maintaining a steady discipline. Some days there is more enthusiasm than others, however turning up makes change possible.  After turning up to practice , on a day that feels difficult, there comes a sense of accomplishment and gratitude. Practicing within the phantom mental restrictions and seeing these restrictions with more clarity is the key. That constitutes a good practice. Many times the mental attachment to achieve postures (asana) has got in the way of potential change or a sense allowing the practice to offer  some therapeutic benefit. Listening to what my body needs and responding to that is me showing myself love. With all of the hussel and bussel  that comes through responsibility of being a human being in modern day society, listening and responding to the body and heart is essential. 

Everyone has their stories and experience to offer and the body holds all this. Different bodies need different ways and in life’s ever changing ways inside and outside, we need different therapy. Having come through injury/feeling strong and healthy/loss in life/.. all the challenges of life, I have had to modify or do more in practice and all with the help of guidance from teacher. These experiences hopefully  help me become more empathic and understanding of all needs that present themselves through each practitioner who enter the studio. For that opportunity I feel blessed and more willing to learn and experience. To the teachers who I continue to learn from I am grateful.