Amazing Ashtanga: Eye-Opening Insights on Yoga, Teaching, and Life - with Ross Stambaugh
This conversation is a compelling dialogue about yoga, teaching, history, and philosophy.
Today we’re chatting with Ross Stambaugh, a travelling yoga teacher, who came to the practice to help him find freedom from the daily stress of working as a fine arts teacher in public schools.
The conversation delves into Ross Stambaugh's unique yoga journey, including his choice to practice with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois' daughter, Saraswathi Jois, over making a more conventional choice to practice under her son, R. Sharath Jois.
We speak about the significance of Saraswathi's unique contributions to the Ashtanga yoga lineage as a female leader. Ross shares his thoughts on the broader perspective of yoga beyond physical postures and what he's learned from his years of practising in Mysore, India.
We dive into the wisdom of ancient yoga practices and how he’s noticed changes to his practice over time. We also talk about the creation of his book: 'Ashtanga Svādhyāya.'
Here are some more highlights:
1. Early Influences and Yoga Journey:
- Ross reflects on his introduction to yoga and the pivotal influences that shaped his early perceptions.
- Insights into the evolution of his understanding of yoga over time.
2. Ashtanga Yoga and Global Teaching:
- Deep dive into the practice and philosophy of Ashtanga Yoga.
- Ross shares his experiences studying under Saraswathi verses Sharath Jois in Mysore, India.
- Challenges and rewards of teaching Ashtanga Yoga to a global community.
3. Evolution of Ashtanga Yoga:
- Discussion on the changes within the Ashtanga Yoga community, focusing on the approach to Authorization and Certification.
- Ross compares the teaching styles of Saraswathi and Sharath.
4. Teaching Philosophy and Approach:
- Insights into Ross' teaching philosophy, emphasizing seeing students as individuals and not giving up on them.
- The role of discipline and breaking the misconception of pushing harder for enlightenment.
5. Yoga Beyond Asanas:
- Exploration of yoga as a life experience and maturing through those experiences.
- Ross shares thoughts on the broader perspective of yoga beyond physical postures.
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**Direct Quotes:**
"We aren't yogis at 20 or 30. We're just asana practitioners." - Ross Stambaugh
"Yoga is experience, and maturing through those experiences." - Ross Stambaugh
"Learn the rules really, really well. Know what works. Know that the rules don't know you." - Ross Stambaugh
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