My Daily Ashtanga Practice: A Journey On the Mat

Working on Karandavasana, a challenging arm balance. This pose has been a long journey of facing my fears and patiently breaking down the technique. Each attempt teaches me something new about strength and surrender.

The goal is to make the practice your own, to transform instructions into experience. Ashtanga is an intellectual practice that, over time, becomes meditative. It's about asking "how" and "why" within your own body.

A short practice is not a bad practice. On busy days, I try to find time for myself on the mat, remembering my teacher's words and turning technical instructions into my own feelings and experience.

Practicing Eka Pada Rajakapotasana in a historic Indian temple. For me, yoga is the union of attention, movement, and the mind's reactions, bringing it all into balance.

Why do I love difficult asanas like Mayurasana (Peacock Pose)? In these moments, there is only a silent contact with my inner nature, full of potential. This, for me, is yoga.

The simple ability to move can bring such desired joy and peace. You always have more potential than you think. Just get on the mat, start moving, and see where you lead yourself.

A deep forward fold, Urdhva Prasarita Eka Padasana, using the wall for support. Props can be valuable tools for exploring alignment and increasing flexibility safely in your home practice.

Working on Hanumanasana, the splits. Ashtanga has helped me find a unique combination of strength and flexibility, making me feel more energetic at 35 than I did at 25.

The standing sequence of the Primary Series is the foundation. It teaches deep breathing, core engagement (Uddiyana Bandha), and how to work from your center. Mastering these details is essential for progress.