Why led practice?
A while back we wrote a post about the importance of approaching vinyasa as the effort to focus, check it out here if you missed it. Vinyasa – the synergy of count, breath, movement & intention – is the foundation of our daily practice and what takes our practice beyond the physical into the contemplative. If we stick to the framework of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga then we refine our ability to stay present moment-to-moment, breath-to-breath, count-to-count and only then the power of this practice is unlocked.
We want to use our practice to override the (over)thinking process and move into the realm of direct experience, a space of full embodiment and sensuality. When we hold ourselves accountable to staying with the vinyasa count it is easier to stay in this space. After all, as Patanjali succinctly states in the sutras, this is yoga... atha yoga anusasanam!
The beauty of mysore practice is that we get to practice to our own breath and tune into our own internal rhythm. However, it is also possible to become habituated to our practice and once we have the basics down to turn on automatic pilot. We might become comfortable in our patterns and slowly all the little extra distractions creep in like the extra flourishes (aka flamenco hands), wiping with a towel, fixing our mat, adjusting our clothes or hair, watching others and making comparisons. This is why led practice is such a powerful (and much needed) tool. It redirects us back to the framework of the sequence and the coordinates of vinyasa into the present. Led practice often means we move in a rhythm and pace that is perhaps not natural to us but this in turn helps us to see the habits we have developed and may be attached to. It asks us to be willing participants in a shift of perspective and be open to the (sometimes uncomfortable) insights that this can bring.
Even though every day we are doing the same postures it is important that we honour our practice and ourselves by staying present and learning to accept that not every day is the same. To practice non-attachment, whether to patterns or postures, and be receptive to the feedback of our breath and body. The practice does not require that we bind in Marichyasana D but rather that we move into the fullest expression of the posture for us in that moment and breathe within the unfolding of that experience. And then we get to let go of that experience as we move into the next moment, breath, count, posture.
Whether you are practicing full primary or still learning the fundamentals Led Primary + is for you! On Fridays from 7 am we meet for opening chant and we will move to the rhythm of the sanskrit count until 8:30 am. If you are not familiar with the full sequence you may stop sooner to observe and then join in again as we move through the closing postures and final rest. If you need to head off to work at this time you may leave or you have the option to stay for breathwork, chanting or guided meditation until 9 am. There is also Led Half Primary on Saturday morning at 9:30 am.
See you on Friday.
Shanti,
Lana & Mercedes