One of my goals this year, is including some study of yoga texts into my yoga practice.
During my Teacher's Training, we read some of the classics:
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika.
Moola Bhanda.
And also many more.
Since coming to Japan, and living in a very isolated area, my access to yoga classes has been two times in the past year and a half. I had a strong mysore practice going before coming here, but I still mostly practiced at a studio. Even though I rarely took led-classes, I had an instructor available for adjustments, advice, and support. Not to mention the great community of yogis. Now, it is just me alone in my room. No adjustments, and for the time being, very cold weather. The insulation in Japan is almost non-existent, and so the house temperature is around 5degrees. Too chilly for yoga! I have a space heater, but at best the room can get up to 23 degrees right now. This makes it not ideal for yoga, that's for sure. But, I do my best.
It has been hard to stay motivated. I do my practice anyways, but is doesn't feel as enjoyable, and I am not making as many improvements and connections as I was with studio to visit. But, perhaps this is the real yoga. Taking yoga out of the studio, and into your life. Finding the dedication and acceptance and compassion for your current situation, and rolling with it. So, I have turned to books for some support and community. I do have plenty of time at my desk at work, so I am currently reading from the stack above.
Some resources that I have found to be of great value are:
I try to do this at least once per week for a great led-class.
Not many Ashtanga classes, but sometimes it is nice to be talked through a series.
Yoga Blogs
There are many blogs out there dedicated to yoga, and many about Ashtanga yoga specifically. I will soon post a list of my favourites. I like to read about other people's practices and goals, and watch videos. It help me to stay connected.
Teaching in Japan
I am teaching one class per week here, which has been such a wonderful experience. I had to start it all on my own. I rented a community center, and have slowly built up a regular group of participants. Many are fellow English teachers, but I also have some Japanese people coming.
They like to try yoga, and study English in one go.
