What is Shabda Sunday?

This is the process of using the breath, the body, and language...things we hang out with all the time...but through the practice of yoga (the big picture yoga) we harness the energy and the experience. We move these aspects, breath, body, and voice as we wish to move toward what we must.

What yoga student doesn't want to merge with that?

See you this evening at Shri Yoga in Pawtucket at 5pm.

How do you define practice?

Ashtanga yoga students take practice very seriously as a daily ritual. I have defined and redefined what practice means to me so many times over the years. I was just re mined of this very inspiring passage by the amazing Martha Graham. The first part is beloved by those who practice yoga because she is directly talking about prana. It is the juiciest part, but after that she takes a strong turn toward action and defines practice as:

"Practice means to perform, over and over again in the face of all obstacles, some act of vision, of faith, of desire. Practice is a means of inviting the perfection desired."

Martha Graham

Not only was Martha a yogi...she sounds like an Ashtangi.

I love practice

Some Catch Up Photos

Rock Steady

This blog about practice came from my friend, Michael Peter Carter. I met Michael on my second trip to Mysore. We were the only TWO students in Sanskrit class. He and his wife Holly were a great support to me the next year when I was on my first solo trip to India. I look forward to meeting them again in Mysore but this post touches so completely on what practice is about...steadiness.

I had to share it.

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras:
I:2 yogah chittavritti nirodhah => union + consciousness + movement + cessation
II:46 sthira sukham asanam => Steady + Joy + Pose

Bhagavad Gita
II:58 They who can withdraw their senses from the sense objects, as a tortoise withdraws its limbs into its shell, that persons intellect is considered steady.

I find that Drishti helps me to keep my mind focused on my practice. By fixing my gaze softly on a single place, there is less stimulation for my mind. I am not distracted by what other students are doing or wearing and I am not distracted by the thoughts and judgments that naturally follow.
I find that by keeping my breath steady, with equal qualities on inhales and exhales, my nerves remain calm even when a posture is extremely challenging. The soft sound, like the ocean, gives my ears a kind of ‘white noise’ to listen to. It also gives me feedback to let me know if I am straining too hard or being lazy.
I find that by following the correct vinyasa my mind can be still. My practice unfolds one breath at a time. There is no guesswork, no dialogue about what to do next, or what to do for the next series of postures. Instead, I only need to be present with one breath/movement at a time. As each one completes, another one begins.
I find that by doing practice everyday there is no remembering, wondering, or considering. Practice is the same today, as yesterday, as tomorrow. Over weeks, months, and years, a few new poses may be introduced, but they are done at correct intervals, when my mind can remain steady with the added challenges.
I find that by having faith and determination in this practice all fears and worries are swept away. I can step on my mat and get straight to the work of cultivating a steady mind.
I find, by practicing in the correct method, my mind, to be steady.

Here is the link to Michael's webpage
http://onthepathoflife.com/

Fall Newsletter

Shaktipat..feeling the energy fall

Sweet friends,

What an intense and busy year this has been! Moving from my cozy
community in Philadelphia to the unknown Providence, RI has had it share
of 'the agony and ecstasy' moments. I am so excited to continue building
this budding community that has started to form here in Rhode Island and I
am bolstered reading, Guruji: A Portrait of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois comforted
by the accounts of over 600 years of practice thoughts from his students
around the globe.

My fall schedule is bursting with content...way too much for this blast!
There will be practice 5 mornings a week at Motion Center in Providence,
and a full schedule of workshops in Providence, Pawtucket, Philadelphia,
DC, and in New Hampshire. Please check my website for the most current
information.

http://www.ashtangayogaprovidence.com

I'll be heading to my heart-land home Mysore, India at the end of the year
and will return in April...stay tuned for Spring Events!!

love|practice

Jill

It's here now. Are you?

Just yesterday someone said to me, "I didn't think you could practice Ashtanga Yoga Mysore Style in Providence?"...."really a year!"

Please spread the word.

This is where my friend Amanda has taken her practice in Austin. It is a great little piece of inspiration.

Ashtanga Austin from ASHTANGA AUSTIN on Vimeo.

Gathering

Ashtanga Yoga Sangha


It has been a year practicing and teaching in the great state of Rhode Island and what an amazing experience. This event is for all those who practice and for anyone who have an itch to practice and are curious about the tradition.

Saturday September 25th, 2:30-5pm FREE!

This is a chance for those who practice and those who wish to start a practice to come and celebrate. At 2:30pm Jill will lead a half primary series. Afterwards, there will be time for chanting and chatting with a Q and A session. Jill is hoping to stretch her chai and cookie making muscles as well!

This event is held at Motion Center, 111 Chestnut Street, Providence, RI.

*that photo was my first trip to Mysore November 2006.

Back to school

Wow! That is one full fall schedule. Catch the practice wave, expand prana, and snuggle to the self.

http://www.ashtangayogaprovidence.com