Ashtanga Mysore Program

Mysore instruction is designed for students interested in learning the traditional method of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, South India. Learning in this way supports the development of a personal yoga practice, which helps to build self-reliance on and off the mat. This class is suitable for both beginning students and students already versed in yoga but wanting to change their yoga discipline, as well as more experienced practitioners wanting to continue with their Ashtanga practice.

Students of all levels progress silently, at their own pace, individually instructed by Ayelet Even-Nur. Postures are taught one at a time, following the traditional sequence of asanas designed by Pattabhi Jois, but taught according to each student's individual needs. Since this class is not led in the sense that the teacher works with individual students, rather than instructing all the students at once, the atmosphere is quiet and focused. This focused energy of this environment encourages students to develop deeper concentration as they advance their yoga practice.

Class Schedule (See below for New Introduction to Mysore Series):

Instruction is offered every day, Sunday through Friday. Doors open at 6:00 a.m. On Sunday, instruction is from 8:00-10:00 a.m.; Monday-Friday, instruction is from 7:00-9:00 a.m.

Closed on the New and Full Moon

Fees:

Monthly Tuition: $135
Monthly Tuition Sliding Scale: $75-$134*
Drop-in class $20
*Sliding scale tuition is reserved for anyone needing to pay less than the full rate. Talk to the instructors about
this option if you need it.

What to expect in your first Mysore class:

Most importantly, expect a welcoming environment. To begin with, the teacher, Ayelet, will provide new students with a bit of background information about the Mysore method and its history, and might ask the student to observe the classroom for a few minutes before introducing physical postures. Then, Ayelet will begin the asana instruction by detailing the type of breath that grounds the practice, before leading the student through the opening postures of the Ashtanga sequence, one at a time. After going through each asana as many times as the student needs, the student will be asked to repeat them by themselves. Each successive time that the student returns to class, they will repeat the poses they already learned with Ayelet and be taught new ones. In this progression, according to each student's pace and schedule, practitioners advance through the Ashtanga primary series.

Contact:

For more information about the Mysore Ashtanga Program at the Berkeley Yoga Center, contact Ayelet Even-Nur at ayeletevennur@gmail.com or 773-678-4290.

leigha

Ashtanga Yoga Intensive with Leigha Nicole
June 2-28, 2013

Berkeley Yoga Center welcomes Leigha Nicole who is joining us for the month
of June and is hosting a mysore intensive with 3 weekend workshops. This is
a rare opportunity to study with Leigha in an intimate mysore environment as well
as a chance to deepen one's practice in workshops of the Intermediate series,
the traditional pranayama sequence and the complete back-bending sequence
as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Leigha brings warmth, humor and accessibility
to her nearly 3 decades of teaching as well as a deep love of the Ashtanga practice.

MYSORE
Sunday through Friday, 7-9 am, June 2 - 28; Cost $200 for the month; $25 drop-in
One-on-one guidance and adjustments based on individual needs will be provided in a quiet group setting in which students practice a portion or the entire sequence of the primary, intermediate or advanced series. Leigha will be available for private consultations regarding personal practice or injuries so specific programs can be developed and incorporated over the course of the month. All levels welcome.

INTRODUCTION TO NADI SHODANA (Intermediate Series)
Saturday, June 8 & Sunday, June 9, 1-4 pm; Cost $90
An in-depth exploration of the second series of Ashtanga Yoga. The first day will explain back-bending alignment basics and the anatomy involved in the postures through Kapotasana. Partner work and modifications will be included. The second day will include a review of the backbending portion of the series and move to hip opening "researching" poses to prepare students for Eka Pada Sirsasana. Students should be already familiar with the primary series, but no second series experience is necessary.

INTRODUCTION TO THE TRADITIONAL PRANAYAMA SEQUENCE
Friday, June 14, 6-8 pm; Cost $30
This workshop will provide students with an opportunity to experience various pranayama techniques at the conclusion of a short asana practice. In addition to Ujjayi breathing, other pranayamas include: Rechaka and Puraka Kumbhaka, Nadi Shodana, Bhastrika and Sitali. All levels welcome.

THE ASHTANGA BACK BENDING SEQUENCE
Saturday, June 22 & Sunday, June 23, 1-4 pm; Cost $90
Participants will be introduced to the full series of back-bending postures practiced in addition to Urdhva Dhanurasana. Preparation postures and partner work will be inserted to create a stepping stone program for students to work toward Adho Mukha Vrksasana (handstand balance), Vipirita Chakrasana (reverse wheel), and Vrschikasana (scorpion). Comfort with the primary series and Urdhva Dhanurasana is a prerequisite.

LEIGHA NICOLE has been teaching yoga for 29 years and taught at Yoga Works in Santa Monica, CA from its inception in 1987. Her love of Ashtanga Yoga brought her to Inida 21 years ago to study extensively with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and was authorized to teach by him in 1996. Leigha has a gentle approach and encourages students to embrace the contemplative aspect of the practice with attention to alignment and the cultivation of awarness. She has an intimate knowledge of anatomy that stems from a 25 year bodywork practice which enables her to address the specific therapeutic needs of her students. Leigha moved from Point Reyes, CA to the spiritual town of Crestone, CO in 2005, where she built a straw bale solar home and yoga studio. She regularly returns to the Bay Area for group classes and workshops.