Imagine these quiet early mornings. The world still largely asleep. You enter the warm and cozy shala with its dim light. There is this serene and quiet but welcoming atmosphere. The soothing sounds of other practitioners moving and breathing. You roll out your mat and start your practice. Your moment, before the busy day takes over. Your opportunity to bring your attention inward and to be with yourself and whatever presents itself. On a solo journey, but carried by the energy of the group. That is the magic of Mysore mornings. And that is why we love it.
The Mysore-style practice explained
There are two types of ashtanga classes: the led class and the Mysore-style class (deriving its name from the city in India where it originates). In a led class, practitioners follow the teacher that counts the sequence, calls out the poses and establishes the rhythm. Cues on alignment are mainly verbal. In a Mysore-style class, on the other hand, practitioners move through the memorized sequence independently, at their own pace and breath and at their own level. The teacher goes around giving one-on-one guidance and hands-on assists.
Traditionally, ashtanga is mainly learned and practised in the Mysore-style class. This is reflected in the practice schedule. It consists of five days of Mysore-style practice and one led class per week, in which the full primary series is counted. Ashtanga is considered a daily practice, with one rest day per week, and additional rest on moon days. Although it is very important to find a rhythm that works for you and fits your life, it is a fact that you will benefit most from practising frequently and consistently.
sa tu dīrgha kāla nairantarya satkārāsevito drdhabhūmih
– Yoga Sutra 1.14
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Practice becomes firmly established when it has been cultivated uninterruptedly and with devotion over a prolonged period of time.
The benefits: personal guidance and a self-sufficient practice
Mysore-style practice has two major advantages compared to regular led classes. In the first place, it offers a highly personalized approach while maintaining the group energy of a conventional led class. Secondly, it allows you to fully own your practice and work independently. Led classes are great to learn the vinyasa system. To surrender to the flow, and to move as one in a group. However, the pace can be (too) fast. You still must direct your attention outwards to a certain degree as you will have to follow the teacher. And there is less room for correcting alignment.
A one-on-one approach in group setting
The Mysore-style practice firstly allows for much more personal guidance. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced practitioner, your teacher will meet you where you are and help you to establish or deepen your practice in a safe, sustainable way. By joining regularly, you build a relation with your teacher, who knows and supports your process, observes your development and guides you through your practice based on your specific strengths and weaknesses. This way of working ensures that you get the most benefits of the practice.
Owning your practice
Moreover, the Mysore-style class enables you to bring your attention fully inwards and tailor your practice to your needs. You can arrive and leave at any time during the open hours, and decide on the length and intensity of your practice according to what feels right for you on that day. Your practice can become deeply focused and meditative, as the class is quiet, and you follow your own breath and rhythm. This allows you to really explore your body, give extra attention to areas you struggle with, and sit with your experience. Over time, you become your own teacher, equipped with a practice you can do when- and wherever you want.
All in all, the Mysore-style class is a unique way of experiencing yoga. It offers a warm, safe and inclusive space for personal development and growth and provides you with a self-sufficient practice for life. Are you ready to fall in love with those magical Mysore mornings? Then book your session right away! If you are new to the practice and want to know a little more about what to expect, you can read our beginner’s guide.