Ashtanga Yoga - A Set Sequence of Postures? Doesn’t it get boring?

The set sequence of postures of Ashtanga Yoga provides a depth and richness to our practice and lives.

I can totally understand why some people might wonder if completing the same set of postures on a regular basis, as done with Ashtanga yoga, might get boring.  So, I thought I would share with you some of the reasons why completing the same set of postures is quite the opposite to boring! For me, completing the same set of yoga postures has provided me with so much inspiration on a daily basis and has deepened my knowledge of how I do my life and improved the relationship I have with my mind and body.  The set sequence provides a foundation that you return to every time you roll out your mat.

You might be able to add a bunch more but here are a few that I’ve put together…  

  • Taking comfort in the familiar set of postures can be reassuring especially when our lives can be hectic and quite unpredictable;

    You become more comfortable with what is because you don’t get to avoid the postures that you don’t like or feel you’re not good at.  This teaches us to stay with what is.  We learn to breathe through the uncomfortable by practising with the support of our teacher, we learn how to navigate the posture in bite size pieces; 

  • You can practise anywhere in the world because you know the postures and don’t have to be led by a teacher in regards to what posture comes next;

  •  Greater awareness with your body and mind as the set sequence provides you with a gauge on how you are feeling physically, emotionally and mentally each time you practise.  What you could do with ease one day, might not be the case the next day so you learn to tune in and become curious about what might be happening for you that may have previously been out of your awareness.  Your mat becomes the experiential ground for how you do your life;

  • The practise becomes a reliable and wonderful friend that is always there for you.  Just roll out your mat, move and breathe;

  • Once you remember the sequence, your practice can become more like a moving meditation where your breath and body move to your own beat;

  • Your teacher can provide more support to you because they are observing you on a regular basis completing the same postures.  Your teacher can see where you might need to break down the posture, encourage and support you with some more challenging postures, notice any repetitive movements that might not be serving your body and so much more!

 

If you are interested in learning more about Ashtanga yoga in Kuranda, visit the website to book a class – www.villageyogalife.com.au