Schedule update

8am Led Class replaces Mysore on Sundays starting March 13th.

{AYB Recommends} Yoga Stops Traffick NYC

Demonstrations: Surya Namaskar A & B

KPJAYI asana demonstration at the 2010 Dasara Festival in Mysore, India.


Surya Namaskar A



Surya Namaskar B
coming...

Moon Day Friday

Friday, March 4th is a moon day. There is no class, take rest!

Archive: The Yoga Portfolio

The May 2007 Vanity Fair photo essay featuring Shri K. Pattabhi Jois (Guruji).




High quality image at Govinda Kai's flickr page here
Article at Vanity Fair here

Moon Day Friday

Friday, February 18 is a moon day. No classes, take rest.

Sunday Led Primary

Led Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga
February 20, 2011 with Elise Espat
Class begins at 8am, arrive early.
Included in AYB monthly tuition, $20 drop-in. $2 mat rental.


Location: Go Yoga 112 North 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Subway L to Bedford Ave
ashtangayogabrooklyn.com


Next Sunday Led class is on March 6.

Weekly led classes Tuesday & Thursday at 3:30pm. $18 drop in, included in AYB tuition and Go Yoga class cards.


image: sri k. pattabhi jois, garbha pindasana, kpjayi

Clips from "Guru"

From the film "Guru"

Sharath speaks on Ashtanga Yoga




On Mysore-Style

Ashtanga Yoga Mantras with Laksmis

Sunday Led Primary

Led Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga

February 6, 2011 with Elise Espat

Class begins at 8am, arrive early.

Included in AYB monthly tuition, $20 drop-in. $2 mat rental.

Location: Go Yoga 112 North 6th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Subway L to Bedford Ave

Next Sunday Led class is on February 20.

Weekly led classes Tuesday & Thursday at 3:30pm. $18 drop in, included in AYB tuition and Go Yoga class cards.

www.ashtangayogabrooklyn.com
photo by Elizabeth Bick www.onceiblink.com

Wednesday Moon Day

Wednesday, February 2nd is a moon day and Groundhog Day... no class, take rest!

Winter 2011 Class Schedule

Ashtanga Yoga Brooklyn program expands tomorrow to include more Led Primary and afternoon Mysore.

Click to register

Resolution #4 Recycle E-Waste

Want to recycle some electronics? If you have any of the following heading for the sidewalk, this weekend is your chance to make certain they are properly recycled. Read on for more information.

• Computers (laptops & desktops, servers, mainframes)
• Monitors
• Printers, scanners, fax-machines, copiers
• Network devices (routers, hubs, modems, etc.)
• Peripherals (keyboards, mice, cables, etc.)
• Components (hard drives, CD-ROMs, circuit boards, power supplies, etc.)
• TVs, VCRs, & DVD Players
• Audio-visual equipment
• Cell phones, pagers, PDAs
• Telecommunication (phones, answering machines, etc.)

To recycle media, such as floppies, cd’s, zips, VHS tapes please recycle with Green Disk.

From the Lower East Side Ecology Center Newsletter
8th Annual "After the Holidays" E-waste Events

January 22, 2011 | 10:00am - 4:00pm Flyer(English) Flyer(Spanish) Directions

Ring Garden, Riverside Drive between Dyckman Street and Seaman Avenue, Inwood

January 22, 2011 | 10:00am - 4:00pm Flyer Directions
Habana Outpost, Fulton Street b/w South Portland Avenue and South Oxford Street, Ft. Greene

January 23, 2011 | 10:00am - 4:00pm Flyer Directions
Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, 331 East 70th Street between First and Second Avenues, Upper East Side

January 23, 2011 | 10:00am - 4:00pm Flyer Directions
NEW LOCATION: West 63rd Street between Central Park West and Broadway, Upper West Side

The Ecology Center will accept electronic waste ("e-waste") from New York City residents and small businesses (under 50 employees). Bring your working or non-working electronics to the collection events to have them recycled responsibly. A list of acceptable materials can be found here. We do not accept home appliances such as microwaves, refrigerators or air conditioners.

If the promise of a clutter-free home isn't enough, we have two additional incentives to motivate you:

If you're a Zipcar member come out to an e-waste event, flash your Zipcard and you'll get a $15 driving credit while supplies last. Not a member yet? Join now and receive a $60 free driving credit and a $25 discount on your application. Simply enter the promo code "EWASTE" when you sign up! Go to Zipcar.com to sign up.


Tekserve is offering everyone who drops off their e-waste this January a free limited edition t-shirt and the chance to win a new Apple MacBook Air.

We would like to thank Tekserve for sponsoring these events.

Ashtanga Yoga - Parampara

From the KPJAYI website:

Parampara is knowledge that is passed in succession from teacher to student. It is a Sanskrit word that denotes the principle of transmitting knowledge in its most valuable form; knowledge based on direct and practical experience. It is the basis of any lineage: the teacher and student form the links in the chain of instruction that has been passed down for thousands of years. In order for yoga instruction to be effective, true and complete, it should come from within parampara.

Knowledge can be transferred only after the student has spent many years with an experienced guru, a teacher to whom he has completely surrendered in body, mind, speech and inner being. Only then is he fit to receive knowledge. This transfer from teacher to student is parampara.

The dharma, or duty, of the student is to practice diligently and to strive to understand the teachings of the guru. The perfection of knowledge – and of yoga — lies beyond simply mastering the practice; knowledge grows from the mutual love and respect between student and teacher, a relationship that can only be cultivated over time.

Continue reading

Elise learning a new posture with Sharath at the KPJAYI. Photo by Tom Rosenthal.

Wednesday Moon Day

Wednesday, January 19th is a moon day. There is no class, take rest.

All 2011 moon days here.
Why we observe moon days here.

Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice

From the KPJAYI website:

Ashtanga Yoga is an ancient system of Yoga that was taught by Vamana Rishi in the Yoga Korunta. This text was imparted to Sri T. Krishnamacharya in the early 1900’s by his Guru Rama Mohan Brahmachari, and was later passed down to Pattabhi Jois during the duration of his studies with Krishnamacharya, beginning in 1927.

The following are aspects that Pattabhi Jois emphasizes as the main components of Ashtanga Yoga.

Vinyasa: Vinyasa means breathing and movement system.
Tristhana: This means the three places of attention or action: posture, breathing system and looking place.
The six poisons: A vital aspect of internal purification that Pattabhi Jois teaches relates to the six poisons that surround the spiritual heart.

Read full posting at KPJAYI.org

Sunday Led Class

Starting January 16th, every first and third Sunday there will be a led primary class replacing Mysore class. The led will begin at 8am. Arrive at least ten minutes early. Drop-ins are welcome.

Location:
112 North 6th Street (between Berry and Wythe)
Subway L to Bedford Ave

Website:
www.ashtangayogabrooklyn.com

Resolution #3 Yoga Mat

Making the decision to replace an old mat and figuring out how to pick a new one can be a little overwhelming. Here is a simple guide to help you navigate your mat matters.

Clean or Replace?
Is your mat breaking up or shredding in little pieces?
Does your mat smell?
Does your mat have black spots where your hands and feet rest?
Do your wrists and hands ache during practice?
Has your mat lost the traction you prefer?
Is your mat made of PVC?

It is time to replace a mat if it is shredding at a disruptive rate, if the stink and dirty have become a permanent fixture that withstands even heavy duty washing (see below). Also, if you are having wrist/hand pain it may be a sign that you are not using an appropriate mat.

Jessica Stickler:
"The only one I've ever had to "replace" was because it was getting holes in it. I clean my mats depending on how much I've been using them, if they smell or if they lose their stickiness, its time to clean!"

Cleaning Tips & Keeping it Clean
Using a yoga towel or cotton mysore rug helps keep your mat clean since you aren't practicing directly on your mat. Clean your feet before you walk in the classroom for practice, especially during summer months with flip flops. Allow your mat to dry completely after each use and cleaning to prevent bacteria growth and icky smells.

Bryan Johnson:
"I wipe my mat down after each class and wash it if it gets stinky with a gentle soap in the bathtub and let drip dry."

Ralph de la Rosa:
"I take mine in the shower with me! Scrub it down with my loofah and everything. Then it can just hang dry inside the shower. So easy."

Jessica:
"Some mats are tough enough to go into the actual wash! I used to literally put my Jade mat in the washing machine on an extra small load with a drop of soap, and then run it through the dryer for 20 minutes."

What to do with the old one
If it is time to replace rather than clean, that old mat may still be of use...

Ralph:
"Please donate your used mats!! There are tons of yoga programs at schools, programs for at-risk youth, etc. that are constantly looking for any mats to use for their classes. We donate to YogaActivist.org. If anyone has old mats they'd like Go Yoga to donate for them, I'd be more than happy to take them!"

Jessica:
"I cut my old mat up and used it for furniture pads (under the corners of my bed, to keep it from slipping on the floor). Also, there are MANY school programs that can use the spare mats. lineageproject.org is one of them.

What to look for in a new mat:

• Eco-friendly / sustainability
  The most important consideration is whether or not a mat is eco-friendly and/or sustainable. It is true, you can find a yoga mat at a local variety store for $20. It may be easy on your pocket, but that is where the fun stops.
  
  Jessica:
  "Be super cautious about buying one at a Sporting Goods Store. Their mats tend to be of lower quality and made out of weird plastics." (You can read up on PVC at the Green Yoga Association.)
  
  Ralph:
  "It has to be eco-friendly."
  

• Traction
  They call it a "sticky mat" for a reason. While a slightly slick surface can be a great teacher in pulling in and up, a super slick surface can be counter-productive.
  
  Jessica:
  "I look for mats that my hands and feet stick to. I have three mats and the main feature that they all share is traction, my hands have to stick to the mat in Downward Dog!"
  
  Bryan:
  "I tend to get pretty sweaty. My Jade Yoga mat has extra cushion without compromising its no-slip ability."
  
  Ralph:
  "I have a Vinyasa practice and I use a Jade Harmony. The traction is great, but I think it is time to switch to the Manduka Eko when my current mat starts to fade. I want firmer contact with the earth."

• Thickness
  There are super thin and light travel mats and the thick and firm Manduka Pros. How you choose your thickness depends on your practice and lifestyle. A thin mat will be lighter and easier to carry back and forth from yoga. Having very close contact with the ground has its benefits, but also can be uncomfortable in postures like dhanurasana. A thicker mat is going to be heavier and harder to travel with, but you can always sign up for mat storage. For me, I look for thick and firm (stable surface that also cushions my bones) or very thin with a cotton rug handy.
  
  Jessica:
  I have mats that are thicker, and I have a mat that's so thin it feels like I'm directly on the floor. You might want a thicker mat if your knees are sensitive, you might prefer a thin mat if balancing postures are challenging for you. (Because you can feel the floor better with your toes!)

Staff picks: Our Favorite Yoga Mats

• Manduka Pro Black Mat:
  Thick and firm with a lifetime guarantee. Can be slippery for some people. Add a cotton Mysore rug or Yoga towel.

• Jade Yoga Harmony Mat:
  Thin and firm or thick and firm. Great traction. They plant a tree with each purchase! Can be too sticky for some people. Add a cotton Mysore rug or Yoga towel.
  

• Manduka Eko:
  All firm with a variety of thickness. One side slick and one side comparable to the Jade yoga. Great colors.

-Elise Espat



Contributors:

Bryan Johnson is a yoga newbie and co-manager of Go Yoga.

Elise Espat is dedicated to the ongoing practice and study of the traditional Ashtanga yoga method. She is one of the few teachers worldwide to have received Level 2 Authorization enabling her to teach both the primary and intermediate series of Ashtanga yoga. She is honored to have practiced with the late Shri K. Pattabhi Jois and maintains an ongoing practice with R. Sharath Jois and R. Saraswathi Jois at the KPJ Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore, India. Elise leads the Ashtanga Yoga Brooklyn Mysore program hosted by Go Yoga and teaches Led Ashtanga classes on the ongoing Go Yoga class schedule.

Jessica Stickler teaches musically infused and philosophically amused classes at Go Yoga that aim to inspire, uplift, incite, and ignite! After experiencing physical and metaphysical transformation in her own life through these practices, she decided to teach! Jessica graduated Jivamukti Teacher Training in 2008, and has since completed 800+ hours advanced certification. She would like to thank all of her holy teachers, especially Sharon Gannon, David Life, Matthew, and Nicole for inspiring, teaching, and seeing more in her than she sometimes saw in herself! Classes integrate anatomical and intellectual precision with choreographic sequencing and playful music.

Ralph De La Rosa is a lifelong spiritual seeker and, more recently, a spiritual finder. Yoga and meditation have offered him the hands-down, best solutions to the depression, addiction, anxiety and trauma that weighed him down for a very, very long time. Ralph is the manager of Go Yoga, teaches meditation with The Interdependence Project (www.theidproject.org), and is studying to become a psychotherapist at Fordham University.

Resolution #2 Eat Healthier Right Now

Change is hard. Changing the way we eat isn't just about substituting one thing for another, portion control, and following a set of rules. If it was that simple, maintaining a healthy relationship with food wouldn't be one of the top 5 New Year's Resolutions year after year. Where we buy our food, how and where we eat our food, and the company we keep while we eat all factor into the choices we make.

Here are some articles, tips, and ideas to masticate in 2011

In 2008, Kino Macgregor (Certified Ashtanga Yoga teacher) contributed an article to the Living Mysore Journal which lists 10 healthy eating tips from interesting factoids to knowing when to cleanse. Click to view article.

Where we opt to shop impacts what we choose to eat. Here are some health food stores in and around Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Learning how to cook differently and with new foods is much easier with a good cookbook. Books on food and cookbooks at the AYB blog.

A yogic diet is very specific. Guy Donahaye (Certified Ashtanga Yoga teacher) discusses key points here and lists suggestions from the Hatha Yoga Pradipika.


Tips on how to eat and feel healthier right now
Replace sugar with agave, brown rice syrup, or date syrup
Get in the habit of reading labels
Do not eat high fructose corn syrup/corn sugar
Do not eat partially hydrogenated vegetable oil
Replace butter with ghee or non-hydrogenated vegan butter
Replace cheese with tahini
Replace eggs in sweet baked goods with mashed banana (1 egg = 1 banana)
Do not eat refined grains
Only drink fresh juice
Drink water instead if soda
Have dark chocolate instead of light, keep it dairy-free
Steam veggies rather than fry
Avoid labels that say "natural flavors"
Buy fresh vegetables instead of frozen
Buy whole fruit and vegetables rather than pre-cut



Quick and Easy Veggie Bowl for One
Cook Together:
1 cup Rice or Quinoa
2 cups Water
2 inches Sweet Potato
1/2 cup Onion if desired
Handful of Kale or Broccoli
1 small Beet
1 small Carrot

Garnish:
1/2 Lemon
Splash Olive Oil
Pinch Sea Salt or Tamari
1/2 small Avocado
1 stalk Green Onion/spring onion/scallion
Sprinkle Sesame Seeds or Pepitas
1/2 sheet Nori

Add grain and water to pot, turn up the heat. Wash and chop up about half a small sweet potato and onion and add to pot with grains. When it comes to a boil, turn down, cover, and simmer until water is gone and grain is cooked. In the meantime, wash and chop some kale, toss in. Wash and shred the beet and carrot, toss in.

Once the grain is cooked, plate it. Squeeze half a lemon (or more if you really like lemon) over the food. Add a splash of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt or tamari. Add half of a small avocado, sliced. Add green onions, sliced. Sprinkle sesame seeds or pepitas on top. Tear up 1/2 a sheet of sushi nori and add. Mix it all up and enjoy!