Uses & Benefits of Ayurvedic

Iyengar has illuminated much of the yoga practice and philosophy for me. The more I learn, the more I am drawn to him.

Why practice:

“Freedom. From each and every part of our body. Until freedom is gained in the body, freedom of the mind is a farfetched idea.”

The 8 limbs can all be found in the practice of asana and pranayama:

“These two steps of Patanjali are the ladder for you to reach the rightness in your wisdom.”

The practice of asana:

“Our practice of asana is not for the sake of the body -- that is only a support. If that is not there you cannot walk. Can you walk on water? So, asanas are the foundation… they make us the light of the soul.”

Purpose of practice:

“No doubt I have said, “My asanas are my prayers.” But now I say “practice is my mantra.” The purpose will come as one goes on practicing. So practice practice practice.”

I also really liked this essay that Grimmly posted, written by one of Iyengar’s students, Patricia Walden. I love her description Iyengar:

“With the mind of a scientist and the soul of a poet, he has spent thousands of hours using his body as a laboratory, experimenting, exploring, observing, and creating.”

And a few more gems from Iyengar…

“When I was young, I played. Now, I stay.”

"Make the mind feel the stretch. Awaken the mind of the little toe."

“If you keep your armpits open, you won’t get depressed.”

“When confronted with difficulty, take an action, no matter how small."

My new hairdo: I want to have my hair in a way that I don't have to do "hair vinyasas" how B called it after so many poses. Hair must be bound in a way that allows it to lie on the back and to stand on the head, the top of the head and the back must be free of hair knots or barrettes......I hope my braid remains for one practice so that I do not have to adjust my hair from time to time anymore.....

An Ashtanga practice becomes easier
- in a warm room
- in the evening
- when the breath is used as a guide
- when I practice slowly
- when I don't go to my limits
- when I take some extra breaks, i.e. when in downward facing dog
- when practicing not correctly, i.e. not using the bandhas, not engaging the legs
- when I omit asanas and vinyasas
- when I am relaxed
- with music
- in a group of committed yogis and yoginis
- when well-rested
- with an empty stomach
- and usually a few kilos lighter
- with an opitimistic attitude
- visualization helps
- not to forget the supporting teachers
- a daily routine makes it easier to step on the mat
- after many years of practicing it

This was a brainstorming. Some points are surely a recommendation on days I feel weak, others not. There are endless ways to modify a practice.

I practiced slowly today (Mysore class). My back opens, it is an amazing feeling. I had focus and I engaged my muscles. The breath helped me......yeah, I feel good.