In the hands of an experienced teacher, the risk of injury is minimal to none. “You don’t breathe through the nostrils. These are not shallow, gasping breaths. You breathe from deep within you. It is meditative; it quiets the mind.”
The core muscles are engaged as you move into and hold each pose; even the eyes have to be fixed at a distinct point as the pose is held. Muscles are lengthened and the joints are moved into full motion. As the poses progress into more movements, the breath must remain calm. Hold a pose a little longer to catch more air.
“Yoga has a balancing effect. You learn to be still and be more peaceful. Everyone, without exception, can learn how to be still.”
Mysore class
Mysore is similar to a freestyle dance. Each moving at his/her own pace so there’s no pressure to catch up with the person next to you. A teacher and an assistant help students execute the asanas properly if needed.
Everyone is doing the same thing but bringing in different experiences. Some go further, while others remain on their specific level. Everyone does different things but works together so best to achieve the goal—to relax the mind and achieve peace.
“We call it self-practice. The benefit is being surrounded by all these energy. Being close to somebody who knows more rubs off on you. It’s a beautiful thing to be next to somebody who inspires.”
“Yoga is a skill that you can bring wherever you are. Nobody can learn the eight limbs in his/her lifetime. You learn and practice it your entire life.”
