Ashtanga Yoga Bend

Moon Days: Please check the moon dates from AYB’s Moon Day Calendar as dates from other calendars, yoga studios, etc may occur on different days.   Lady’s Holiday: Women should take about 3 days of rest during menstruation.   How Often Should We Practice? When able and willing, it is best to practice every day [i.e. 5 - 6 days per week with the exception of ladies holiday]. However, for various reasons, this may not be possible. In which case, practice and non-practice days should be spaced as evenly as possible – e.g. practicing 2 - 3 days in a row before taking 1 - 2 days of rest rather than 4 days on followed by 3 days off. One may also consider doing a shorter practice rather than skipping practice entirely. There are no requirements as to how many asanas must be practiced each day; sitting and breathing with bandhas and drishti for 10 minutes, or doing surya namaskara & standing asanas, there are many great options. A long time [e.g. at least 12 years] of continuous daily practice develops a strong & stable mind, and forms the foundation for deeper levels of concentration & spiritual growth. As for advancing sequentially in Ashtanga Yoga, it is important to rise enthusiastically to the occasion of daily practice.   “Only those who discard laziness find success from practicing yoga (Hatha Yoga Pradipika, 1.64).” Please come to class bathed & wearing clean clothes [mats & rugs too]. Cleanliness (shaucha) is part of the eight limbs of yoga. It also brightens mental dullness, calms restlessness and makes practice more pleasant.   Chanting in Class: Please do not chant out loud, on your own, during class. It distracts others from maintaining a proper internal focus. Fortunately, “reciting mentally is a thousand times more effective than reciting audibly… (Yoga Yajñavalkya Samhita 2.12 - 2.17).”   Do not to eat for several hours before yoga. This strengthens metabolism and helps to purify the blood, organs and tissues.   Do not drink water during practice. This would hinder the circulation vital to purification. Instead, drink plenty of water at least 30 minutes prior to practice.   Moon Day Calendar: Aside from containing moon days, this calendar also contains all workshops, cancellations, etc. It is virtually always up to date.     See: Richard Freeman’s Practice Notes.