Led Practice, MySore Style

Starting approximately thirteen years ago I was taught ashtanga yoga by three amazing teachers. Even though the practice itself doesn’t change; those three teachers have very different teaching styles. I’ve also taken two teacher training intensives from two prominent ashtanga teachers. Both of whom have very different approaches and attitudes towards teaching. And whenever I’ve traveled; if there is an ashtanga studio there, I would show up and practice. All those different teaching styles and knowledge are mixed together in how I practice. When you add in my own personality, MS, life experiences – voila my unique practice.

I have gained enough knowledge about yoga in general to determine and make my own decisions about how I practice. In addition to actually learning from teachers I’ve read many books about yoga and yoga philosophy. One of my teachers told me you can’t learn yoga from a piece of paper. However books backfill my knowledge. All of this experience and knowledge contributes to my unique practice experience. (Sounds like I’m applying for a job). I feel comfortable enough and confident about what I know and how to apply it. I also feel I’d be a better teacher of yoga today than when I actually assisted others years ago.

I still practice the ashtanga system the way it was taught to me. I may and do leave out or modify some asanas based on how my body is feeling on that particular day; however, I still follow the sequence.

The major difference in how I practiced before is; I had a teacher there while I practiced but more importantly now; my MS has progressed. Over the last many years I’ve practiced alone in my basement. Practice has become much more deliberate, thoughtful, independent, and aware. I’m more confident about my ashtanga practice today.

My practice these days is determined by MS and that is what guides me.

I now start my practice at around 60 degrees Fahrenheit 15 degrees Celsius. I’m wearing shorts, t-shirt, and a hoodie. Usually after the first five sun salutations I’ve warmed up enough and I take off the hoodie (this morning a red Man United hoodie).

I’m continually checking in with myself about how I’m doing. I am much more responsive to a let’s-not-do-this-asana-today attitude more than I used to. Before I would ignore those thoughts and just push through.

As I continue the room is starting to warm up. I turned on the heat (baseboard heater) at the same time I started. Whereas before I turned on the heat an hour before I started. We now warm up together. By the time practice is finished the temperature is around 71 degrees F. 21 degrees C. The cooler temperature allows me to practice longer as I don’t deteriorate as fast. My practice would not last long if I practiced at studio temperature (around 79 degrees F 26 degrees C). I’d be lucky to get past the eight sun salutations. Heat has developed into a road block that I can no longer pass through (an obvious MS progression). I melt like ice cream on a hot summer day.

I now use blocks, belts, and a wedge while I practice (my substitute teacher). Whereas before those tools were sacrilege.

My practice is broken into three distinct and equal parts: standing asanas, sitting asanas (vinyasas included) and pranayama (breathing exercises). All that adds up to about an hour or more. Sitting meditation is something that has not materialized and I’m not sure it needs to. I realize meditative benefits via my asana practice.

Multiple Sclerosis is changing how it affects me – it is more prominent and demands more attention than it used to. So my practice has to change too. I have to evolve and learn what I’m capable of or what is actually beneficial. I have the knowledge to figure it out and still get on my mat. I could just quit and that was a thought but that gets me nowhere much faster.

I will say it was part of the dogma and or my ego to contort myself into some of those really difficult asanas. I was very proud of that and I should be because it took lots of work to get there. And to be honest it was necessary for me and my state of mind and my MS condition at that time. But it’s no longer beneficial or in my case required. I am seventy and I’ve realized I don’t need to prove anything anymore (took ya long enough). It’s an evolution. An evolution of knowledge, equanimity, and self awareness.

And as I continue to get on my mat it’s comforting that my practice can evolve. I can still do it. It’s malleable, adjustable, and most importantly still beneficial. Multiple Sclerosis guides me as to my practice environment, level of difficulty, and duration. I’ve had to adjust and that’s OK. What has not changed is my understanding that I have to keep moving. And for this person with MS; my MS led practice is that perfect moving vehicle.

Jump on any time, you’re more than welcome and most assuredly capable.

Ahimsa

Photos above and below are from this morning’s adventure. Taken after Man United beat Man City – I believe a turning point. Just an awesome morning – it’s the little things.