I was asked if I'm still practicing Ashtanga.
I have no idea anymore what I practice, is it Ashtanga, early Krishnamacharya, late Krishnamacharya.... or just practice.
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I tend to start my practice with a little tadasana hand and arm movements as taught by Ramaswami followed by some of Simon Borg-Oliver's nerve stretching movements.
Sun salutations, A and B and a little extra time spent in each stage, five slow breaths.
Standing is pretty standard up to Ardha badha Padmottanasana, then on to seated and the photos below.
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| Dandasana, some time spent here exploring natural breathing and relaxation techniques |
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| Long stay in Paschimattanasana, Krishnamacharya's yoga Makaranda instruction. |
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| Tirang Mukha pada paschimattanasana and krouchasana |
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| Maha Mudra followed by Janu Sirsasana |
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| Parsva janu Sirsasana |
Currently enjoying exploring Simon Borg-Olivier's Baharadvajrasana variation, long stays with long slow inhalations and exhalations
As well as a wider, more stable seat in regular Bharadvajrasana, again to explore longer slower inhalations and exhalations.
I'd cut out Marichiyasana variations when I trimmed my practice to allow for long stays. When I put on some weight after moving back to japan I noticed that I had lost marichiyasana D altogether, curious to see that having lost the gained weight Marichi D was still there waiting for me, I'm enjoying it again.
Likewise leg behind head postures, thought I had lost them altogether but they too seem to be available again although not as deep as they once were, I've started to include them again to explore breathing options.
Supta kurmasana was another posture I lost/let go and has only come back after getting back to my regular practice weight. These days I follow Manju's suggestion and have the feet above the head rather than behind the neck.
After some prep and a five minute sarvangasana without variations I like to explore some of the variations krishnamacharya shared with us on the 1938 film footage that Ramaswami also teaches.
Following a five minute sirsasana with slow inhalation emphasis, some more of krishnamacharya's 1938 film footage variations.
Long stay in baddha konasana and variations, exploring Simon Borg-olivier's different breathing emphasis exercises
Nadi Shodhana with mantra
