The Ashtanga Shift: How to Adapt Your Practice for Life's Transitions
I think we can all agree… Ashtanga Yoga is a beautiful and powerful practice. I've been reminded of just how transformative it is while teaching this past week during my retreat in Tenerife!
The structure of the traditional system offers a strong path for making epic possibilities become a reality and increasing positive outcomes for both mind and body.
These benefits are easily felt by everyone while on retreat, but what happens when students go back home?
How can we, as teachers, offer students the kind of support and continued learning even after the retreat ends?
This is what I'm talking about today with my guest Elizabeth Ball on the Finding Harmony Podcast!
Both teachers and students embedded within the Ashtanga context often find themselves struggling with an "all or nothing" approach. We can fall into the trap of believing that if we can't wake up at 4am, six days a week, or maintain at least a minimum physical practice, we're failing.
But this simply isn't true!
It's our mindset around practice that needs to shift. It isn't helpful for those with family obligations, demanding jobs, or health considerations to put even more pressure on themselves to perform. Over time, if we can't adapt, this rigidity will lead to burnout, frustration, or even abandoning the practice altogether.
We're exploring how to adapt your Ashtanga practice whether it be with a teacher in person, or online, to create a sustainable, fulfilling yoga journey that works for you!
If this sounds like a familiar story, then you won't want to miss our conversation this week!
True dedication in Ashtanga Yoga doesn't mean sacrificing our well-being on the altar of our yoga mat. Instead, we must discover flexibility within the framework.
Here's some ideas:
Prioritize Sleep & Rest: Adequate sleep is essential for health and for optimal yoga practice. If early mornings compromise your sleep quality, explore a later practice time or an earlier bed time.
Listen to Your Body: On days you feel fatigued, respect those signals. Shorter practices, gentler movement, or even restorative yoga can be equally beneficial.
Adapt Your Schedule: Fit your practice into your day based on energy levels and commitments. Some days, this may mean you can fit in an entire series, and other days you may only have time for sun-salutations and a few key poses.
Another way to boost your commitment to practice is find an online yoga community with a teacher who wants to know you on a more personal level.
Beyond the Mat: A Holistic Approach
The ultimate goal of yoga goes beyond the asanas (physical postures). Enhance your practice by incorporating these elements:
Breathwork (Pranayama): Explore simple breathwork practices to calm your mind and regulate your nervous system: My FREE 5-day Breathwork Challenge is a great place to start!
Philosophy: Dive into yogic philosophy to gain a better understanding of the tradition and your own journey: Come into our Finding Harmony Community to deepen your understanding of yoga!
Mindfulness: Weave principles of mindfulness into your daily life, cultivating greater awareness on and off the mat.
Come join my Workshops in Lisbon!
I'm thrilled to be partnering with Elizabeth at Ashtanga Yoga Lisbon for a special "Finding Harmony" retreat May 24th-28th, 2024. This retreat is your chance to immerse yourself in Ashtanga Yoga, receive personalized instruction, explore stunning Lisbon, and connect with a supportive community.
Remember: Yoga is a Journey, Not a Destination
Your Ashtanga Yoga practice will evolve over time. Embrace the shifts, prioritize your well-being, and cultivate a practice that supports you through all of life's transitions.
Let me know in the comments how you adapt your practice to fit your lifestyle!
I'm so excited to announce my new Finding Harmony Community!
To kick things off… I'll be hosting a FREE 5-day Breathwork Challenge inside our NEW Community Space (Starting April 1st)… and you're gonna get so much goodness inside!
What you'll find inside:
The opportunity to kick start your pranayama practice: whether you join live or watch the replay, you'll have access to this 5-Day Challenge whenever it works best for you!
Get personalized support: receive guidance from me and join the conversations happening inside a diverse and expansive yoga community.
Community & Connection: build relationships with like-minded yoga students and teachers, so you can feel supported + connected, even when practising alone in your home!
I hope you'll come along on this exciting new journey!
Come Join the Finding Harmony Community!
Work With Harmony:
Follow the Finding Harmony Podcast on IG
Two Minute Breathwork Session
Learn more about Elizabeth:
Special Coupon code for Finding Harmony Listeners: HARMONY15
This coupon offers them 15% off their monthly Membership for a 4 month or 6 month plan-valid for use until the end of March 24, 2024.
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The Finding Harmony Podcast is hosted and produced by Harmony Slater and co-hosted by Russell Case.
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