The Six Days of Ashtanga Part Deux

So after three blissful and challenging days of practicing primary series (and one day of intermediate series) I hit a road block. Whether this block be real or imaginary will not be known- but I am ready to try again. Sure I was coming down with a head cold, work stress had reached a new all time high, the holiday frenzy was upon me, it was first but not last attempt at the proper practice oh Ashtanga.... but those are all excuses.

But it also raises the question of when the practice of अहिंसा (ahimsa) directly interferes with one's asana practice which one takes trump? How can you ever reach, explore and extend your edge without causing violence to your self? As a long distance runner I live and breathe by 'no pain, no gain.' I try to leave that thought on the road and keep the mat clear of pithy sayings used to justify extreme training but sometimes I find them joining me when I am learning new postures or trying for the bind, holding a posture that extra breath.

The Six Days of Ashtanga

After the fourth Teacher Training weekend I decided to set the intention of practicing Ashtanga the way K. Pattabhi Jois intended- six days honoring Saturdays and moon days. What triggered this I am unsure.

I am a bit apprehensive about this journey- will I be able to make the time, two hours on the days I cannot make the led classes. In my personal practice will I be able to reach and push my edge or will I succumb to my inner doubt and back off? Will I forget my breath, my alignment, will I allow myself to be comfortable in my practice or will I reach for what is not mine?

Today I made it- went to led Primary Series. Pushed through despite being tired from the weekend.

Tomorrow is a new day and I shall see.