I decided to learn Astanga Yoga for practical reasons; to be able to practice it anywhere anytime independently.
By practicing Astanga Yoga, synchronising the breath with the movement, approaching stillness through skillful action, still today I feel a growing freedom.
“Astanga Yoga is 99% practice, 1% theory” _ Pattabhi Jois
Words cannot provide us with the direct experience of yoga; practical training is the only way.
To share in the benefits of this unique method, I completed my teacher training at the Astanga Yoga Academy (RYT-200) in The Netherlands and joined the 40h course with David Swenson, where I learned effective hands-on adjustments for the Primary Series. Kino MacGregor introduced me to the Intermediate Series. I attended the teacher training for the Intermediate Series with Manju Jois, as well his workshop with focus on scoliosis and knee problems.
After an intensive year of guiding LED classes in studio/group settings as well private in The Netherlands and having emigrated to New Zealand I deepened my own practice through daily Mysore classes.
Currently I share the practice with parents, while having our kids around at Waiheke Playcentre. These classes have spontaneously evolved into Mysore style classes: supervised self practice, where the student/parent advance at their own pace.
I am grateful to have set foot on this wonderful path of yoga and I aim to channel through yogic insight to those inspired and willing to enjoy from the living lineage of Astanga Yoga.
Let’s get on the yoga mats with no expectations, and in turn, experience everything.
Namasté, Elana