January 2016: Love-dart from the blow-gun of Portland Ashtanga Yoga

+++A LETTER FROM JASON AT PORTLAND ASHTANGA YOGA

Hello friends--

This simple newsletter will now be released twice-monthly, on moon-days. (I'm already late! Cripes.) It's a way to keep you appraised of studio happenings, my current writings, and other Ashtanga-related info. It's also the easiest way for me to reach you directly, without social network filters, advertisements or editorial interference.

Just when you lock in to the current 'guna' of your situation, it changes. Since the new year our youngest, Ren, has been up and about at 4:50 (like clockwork) every morning. The downstream effect is that my early-morning breathing practice schedule has been rattled because I arrive to the studio later each morning. It's only taken me 10 days to realize that this is the current situation.

Don't worry, I really enjoy pranayama, so I will find a way to make it happen. I hope you continue to enjoy the Ashtanga practice at the studio (or elsewhere) — and if not, I hope I can help you figure out a way to enjoy it.

Speaking of obstructions to practice, Patanjali does not specifically list "children." But he does have some thoughts on other impediments to practice, and these will be one of the first topics of the new Sunday Conversations class, beginning February 7 at 9:30 a.m. (following Mysore). It'll be the place to talk, ask questions, and learn about philosophy and mythology. You can read about the new Sunday schedule as well as several other upcoming events below.

Thanks for your time — I hope to see you in class or elsewhere soon!

jason
 
+++JESS WALDEN VISITS PORTLAND NEXT MONTH!

Don't miss out on this rare opportunity to practice with Jessica Walden! She's living a tremendous life of work, family, kids, and Ashtanga yoga — she's got greatness to share. She'll be in Portland to present a 3-hour workshop on the bandhas, and it'll include discussion, posture practice, and question-and-answer.

The workshop will be Saturday, February 13, from 9–noon. We're doing it at Yoga on Yamhill. The cost is $49. Visit the page for more info! Or enroll here!

+++DEEPEN YOUR PRACTICE: FIRST SERIES SEMINAR!
You'll learn the poses and their names, the Sanskrit count, and adjustments both verbal and physical. You'll learn philosophy and mythology, and perchance your eyes will glaze over during the anatomy parts (that is fine). You'll practice Mysore-style, even if you're new. You'll even do some light pranayama! All told you'll get about 35 hours of yoga instruction in one burst — it will be like a teacher training, yet you'll keep your day job when it's finished — not least because we will also discuss the economic realities (or lack thereof) of teaching yoga.

The Seminar will be held at Yoyoyogi, and will encompass 35 hours of Ashtanga radness from March 2–6 (Wed-Thu-Fri: 10:30-3:30pm; Sat-Sun: 1-6pm). It costs $699. You can enroll here, or visit the page for more information! Please email me with questions!

+++SUNDAY SCHEDULE CHANGE!
FULL PRANAYAMA: 7:15-8 a.m.
SUNDAY MYSORE: 8–9:30 a.m.
SUNDAY CONVERSATIONS: 9:30–10 a.m.

I hope to incorporate conversation and discussion — to discuss the Sutras and other philosophy, mythology, and perhaps even asana mechanics. There will be suggested "assigned" readings, and we will begin with the Yoga Sutra. Bring a copy if you have one, otherwise I'll bring my stack to pass around. The new schedule begins Sunday, February 7. Note new full pranayama time: 7:15 a.m.

+++JANUARY MOON DAYS!
They are all on Saturday in January! TAKE NO DAYS OFF.

I have a teacher who says, "Do yoga every day — no days off." Of course, he was not referring to asanas at all --- he meant meditation, ritual, breathing, visualization, mantra, journaling, and/or inquiry into yoga philosophy.

+++TWO JANUARY LED PRIMARY CLASSES!
Friday, January 29
Two classes: 6–7:30 a.m. & 7:30–9 a.m.
Please enroll online beforehand!

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