Elizabeth and I have the deep privilege of guiding the Mysore classes here at Ashtanga Yoga Denver. When people walk into our shala or ask us about ‘Mysore style,’ there’s often a mix of curiosity and sometimes a little apprehension, especially if they’ve heard it’s a ‘stronger‘ kind of yoga. So, allow us to share with you what this practice truly is, from our hearts and our experience in the room.
At its essence, Mysore-style is the traditional, time-honored way of learning and practicing Ashtanga Yoga. It’s not just a ‘type’ of class; it’s a profound method, a direct lineage passed down.
So, what does it look like in our shala at Ashtanga Yoga Denver?
Imagine walking into a warm, quiet room. You won’t hear one of us at the front calling out poses. Instead, you’ll see students, each moving through their own practice, at their own pace, breathing their own unique rhythm. Some might be just starting with Sun Salutations, others might be further along in the Primary Series, or even working into Intermediate. Everyone is on their own journey, yet we’re all sharing the same space, the same energy, the same intention. It creates a beautiful, focused, and supportive atmosphere.
Our role in this setting is not to lead like an orchestra conductor. Instead, we move quietly from student to student. We’re there to offer personalized guidance. This means:
- Teaching you the sequence, posture by posture: When you’re new, we start right at the beginning. We’ll give you a few postures to work on, and as you memorize them and integrate them into your body and breath, we’ll gradually add more. There’s no rush.
- Offering hands-on adjustments: When appropriate, and always with respect, we might offer a physical adjustment to help you understand a pose more deeply, find better alignment, or open up a little more safely.
- Verbal cues and reminders: Sometimes a quiet word about the breath, a drishti (gazing point), or an internal engagement (like the bandhas) is all that’s needed.
- Holding space and ensuring safety: We’re watching to make sure you’re practicing safely and progressing in a way that honors your body.
The Pillars of the Practice We Cultivate:
- The Set Sequences: Ashtanga has specific series of postures. We all start with the Primary Series, known as Yoga Chikitsa or yoga therapy. Its genius lies in how it systematically works to detoxify, align, and strengthen the body. Only when a student has a solid foundation here do we begin to explore the Intermediate Series, Nadi Shodhana (nerve cleansing).
- Memorization: This is key. Learning the sequence by heart allows your practice to become a true moving meditation. You’re not waiting for cues; you’re flowing from within. It empowers you and makes the practice deeply personal.
- Tristhana: This is a Sanskrit term for the three crucial points of attention we cultivate:
- Asana (Posture): The physical forms, learned and practiced with integrity.
- Ujjayi Pranayama (Victorious Breath): That steady, audible breath you’ll hear in the room. It’s our internal fire, linking movements, calming the mind, and detoxifying the system. We always tell students, “The breath is the real teacher.”
- Drishti (Gazing Point): For each posture, there’s a specific place to rest your gaze. This focuses the mind, draws your attention inward, and aids balance.
- And, of course, woven through all of this are the Bandhas (energy locks), particularly Mula and Uddiyana, which bring lightness, stability, and an upward lift to your practice.
Now, about that idea of Mysore being ‘stronger’ yoga…
Yes, Ashtanga is a dynamic and physically invigorating practice. You will build heat, strength, flexibility, and stamina. But when we think of ‘strong,’ especially in the context of what we nurture here at Ashtanga Yoga Denver, it goes far beyond just the physical.
- Mental Strength: This is where real growth occurs. Showing up regularly, especially on days you don’t feel like it, requires discipline. Practicing at your own pace, without the external push of a led class, builds immense self-reliance and focus. You learn to listen to your body, to navigate your own mental chatter, and to persevere.
- Strength of Consistency: The tradition encourages practice 5-6 days a week. This consistency is transformative. It’s not about pushing yourself to the brink every day, but about the steady, dedicated application of effort over time. That’s where real, sustainable strength – both inner and outer – is forged.
- Inner Strength: The practice is designed to burn away not just physical impurities but also mental and emotional ‘cobwebs.’ It helps you face yourself, your patterns, and your potential with honesty and compassion.
Is Mysore-style for beginners? A resounding YES!
This is something we feel very strongly about. Sometimes people think they need to be ‘good’ at yoga or already flexible or strong to come to a Mysore class. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Mysore is, in our opinion, the ideal way for a beginner to learn Ashtanga. Why? Because you get that one-on-one attention right from day one. We build your practice from the ground up, ensuring you learn correctly and safely. There’s no pressure to keep up with anyone. Your practice is yours. All you need is the willingness to show up, to learn, and to be patient with yourself.
Here at Ashtanga Yoga Denver, we strive to create a welcoming space for everyone. The Mysore room is a place of quiet dedication, but also of community and support. We’re all in it together, exploring this powerful path of parampara from teacher to student.
Some days are light and easy, others are challenging. But through it all, with consistent effort and the guidance of the method, you’ll find it’s so much more than just a physical exercise. It’s a way to connect more deeply with yourself, to cultivate a calm and focused mind, and to build a strength that radiates from the inside out.
If you’re curious, we truly encourage you to come and experience it for yourself.
Warmly,
William & Elizabeth
Ashtanga Yoga Denver