You might be wondering what horse racing and ashtanga have in common. Well, I'm talking about another triple crown: I went to three wonderful classes this weekend, and their combined experience is one to appreciate and celebrate.
On Friday evening at YogaYoga South, Matt was teaching his Advanced Ashtanga class. Depending on who's in class, Matt’s approach ranges from a led primary series with a few second series postures thrown, in to a full tilt second series adventure sure to leave your nervous system tingling. This Friday we practiced mysore style, leaving some wonderful opportunities to work with Matt one-on-one on challenging postures. In my case, I worked on jump backs from seating positions; I was convinced that God simply did not provide my body with those mysterious muscles that allow you to move from a seated position to chaturanga dandasana without having your feet touch the floor, but Matt could see that I was getting decent lift off the ground and helped me focus on changing my ingrained jump-back habits.
On Saturday, I was treated to Annick’s Hip Opening Workshop. Annick is a true treasure to be enjoyed by the Austin Yoga community.
The two and a half hours will impact your practice for weeks to come.
The class was a wonderful mixture of senior students and new people, and I was particularly inspired by a lady next to me named Shirley, who has only been practicing a few months. She was an absolute model of restraint and intelligence and gave full attention and effort in class; when she hit her limit she moved into a beautiful child’s pose. I hope I can hold onto what Shirley taught me that day through her own practice.
Sunday was a moon day, but I figured that following Saturday’s workshop I needed to do a little something. That little something was a led primary series with Sharon at YogaYoga North. Knowing Sunday was a moon day, Sharon did a wonderful job of encouraging the class to take it easy: she asked that we not push the physicality of the practice and focus on breath, and the class was an absolute delight. I could feel the benefit of Annick’s workshop and took Sharon's advice by skipping lots of vinyasas. At the end, we participated in Sharon’s traditional circle, enjoying a tasty, homemade macaroon and a beautiful Passover prayer.
It was definitely a Triple Crown Weekend. I had three wonderful classes from three wonderful teachers, each bringing such wonderful insight into this practice that we love. The best part is that such a weekend doesn't only happen once a year: in Austin, Triple Crown Weekends can be any weekend.
Yoga is Good .
More Yoga is Better!
Blessings, Rusty
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