Taught by Aurelie Grahek.
Ashtanga vinyasa yoga is a traditional and dynamic practice, and Mysore-style practice is the most authentic method of learning Ashtanga. Named after the city in India where this practice originated, this approach empowers students to develop a meditative, self-directed practice with individualized instruction. In a Mysore class, students of all levels practice together at their own pace with 1:1 guidance from the teacher. This is the traditional way of learning yoga and is truly an "all levels" practice that is adapted to the individual! Though this format may feel intimidating at first for beginners, it enables each student to develop a personal yoga practice with time.
The goal of this series is to introduce the foundational elements of Ashtanga yoga, equipping you with the tools to begin your Ashtanga practice safely and confidently in Mysore-style practice.
We will cover:
Opening and closing mantras. Traditional Sanskrit chants in this lineage that set the tone and intention for practice.
Adaptation and alignment. Techniques to ensure proper posture and prevent injury, tailored to your body.
Breath, core and gaze (drishti). The essentials of Ashtanga yoga! Synchronizing breath and movement, engaging the core, and learning how to steady the gaze to create an internal focus.
Introduction to meditation. A brief exploration of meditative practices to cultivate mindfulness and inner peace.
Individualized guidance. Practical advice for practice with personalized guidance to meet your unique needs.
No prior yoga experience necessary! All are welcome.
About Aurelie: I have been practicing yoga for over 20 years, a discipline I discovered during my psychology studies at the University of Lille (France) in 2003 with Jean-Marc Scalecki, a two-time world champion in French boxing. Since 2012, I have traveled annually—over ten extended trips—to the source of Ashtanga Yoga at KPJAYI/SYC Mysore (India) to train in the traditional teaching of Ashtanga Yoga under Sharath Jois. In 2016, Sharath Jois granted me authorization (blessing) to teach the first and second series of Ashtanga Yoga. I assisted him from 2017 to 2024. In addition, I continue to deepen my practice with teachers like Petri Räisänen, Kino MacGregor, and Eddie Stern. I enhanced my understanding of physical adjustments through an intensive course in Toronto with David Robson. I also trained in supporting pregnant women in Ashtanga Yoga with Arielle Nash (a physiotherapist and authorized Ashtanga Yoga teacher) and completed studies in Indian history and literature at the University of Lyon III ( France). I have been teaching Ashtanga Yoga for over 15 years and have been mentoring and training assistants on their path to becoming teachers for many years. Committed to honoring the uniqueness of each body and mind, my goal is to create a space of silence that fosters breathwork, physical care, meditation, clarity, self-discovery and personal growth.