Fundamentals: Basic Form

Description

Often times the traditional form of the sequence is daunting and many beginners are discouraged, thinking that it is too much of a challenge for them. In this video we want to offer an alternative way to get familiar with the sequence in a safe and holistic way. You can experience the beauty of practicing a breath-led moving meditation from the very first practice. By starting with this foundation, you are also preparing yourself to attempt taking more challenging poses as you develop your practice. As always, we highly recommend you work with a qualified teacher to help guide you along your yoga journey. 

Tristana - the  "Lotus flower" of Ashtanga Yoga

When your movement syncs with your breath, your body seems to effortlessly move, allowing your focus to move inwards and leading your towards tristana. In other words, through the union of vinyasa, bandha and drishti you are able to experience the spiritual aspect of the Ashtanga yoga practice. The benefits of this practice permeate every level of our being. 

Vinyāsa

When movement and breath merge, Vinyasa arises. Vinyāsa (movement) connects the individual postures (Āsana) like a string of pearls. Ujjāyī breath can be looked at as the string holding the entire practice together. This sequence of breath-led movement known as Ashtanga yoga has a long tradition, and has been said to have been practiced for thousands of years. 

Here you can take the first few steps and explore how this practice feels for yourself. Experienced the meditative flow that arises as you move to the rhythm of your breath. Being a more gentle practice, it is an exceptional way to bring your central focus to the breath. 

Highlights

Minute 0: Welcome -  short Introduction
Minute 1: Tuning in and opening Mantra
Minute 3:20: Begin practice with Samstitih and breathing technique
Minute 5:43: Surya Namaskara A
Minute 12:01: Surya Namaskara B
Minute 19:43: Padangushthasana
Minute 21:21: Pasa-Hastasana
Minute 22:42: Utthita Trikonasana
Minute 24:34: Parivritta Trikonasana
Minute 26:26: Utthita Parshvakonasana
Minute 28:21: Parivritta Parshvakonasana
Minute 30:24: Prasarita Padottanasana A
Minute 32:04: Prasarita Padottansana B
Minute 33:37: Prasarita Padottanasana C
Minute 35:13: Prasarita Padottanasana D
Minute 36:45: Parshvottanasana
Minute 38:39: Utkatasana
Minute 39:42: Virabhadrasana A & B
Minute 42:11: Dandasana
Minute 42:47: Paschimottanasana A
Minute 43:35: Paschimottanasana B
Minute 44:17: Paschimottanasana C
Minute 45:02: Paschimottanasana D
Minute 45:40: supine Vinyasa
Minute 46:05:  Purvottanasana
Minute 46:54: Urdhva Dhanurasana - Basic form
Minute 49:14: Finishing sequence
Minute 57:53: Closing mantra

Why we recommend this video

In this video we want to share a form of practice that so gentle enough to attempt as a beginner to yoga. At the same time, it is perfect for those looking to make a better connection to the breath during their practice in order to experience the meditative effects of Ashtanga yoga.

VMany thanks to OGNX for the apparel (teacher and student).