Ashtanga Sanskrit-counted class during Carnival week (2 hrs)

Monday 17 february 19:00 - 21:00

This class is taught in English.

This special Ashtanga class will comprise the counted practice o primary series until Navasana, backbends and finishing. Marija will then lead pranayama and meditation.

The use of Sanskrit count in the practice puts an emphasis on the vinyasa quality of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Its main goal is to enhance the synchronicity between breath and movement within the practice. Using Sanskrit count and breathing as the objects of meditation allows one to shift the focus away from asana performance, and to concentrate more on how the breathing supports the movement. As a consequence, one experiences an enhanced steadying of the mind, deeper and calmer breathing, and a greater ease in flowing through asanas and vinyasas. The flowing practice eventually starts to resemble meditation in movement.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The technical instructions given by the teacher are minimal. Therefore, this class is only intended for students having a solid practice of standing and some seated asanas in the first part of the primary series. However, the mastery of asanas is NOT a pre-requisite to attending the class. The teacher will suggest the options for typical challenging asanas.

Cancellation Policy

Up to 48 hours before class time, we will provide you with a credit to use during our Winter 2020 term. Within 48 hours, your participation will be lost.

Style: Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga vinyasa is a hatha yoga practice transmitted to Pattabhi Jois from the great yoga master Krishnamacharya. It is for students seeking an invigorating approach that purifies, stimulates and energizes. It consists of postures practiced in a fluid rhythm with a concentrated breath, steady gaze, and internal contractions to direct vital energy. Due to the dynamic nature of this practice, one feels completely energized and purified in each cell of the body and also in the mind. Go to the Ashtanga yoga page.

Teacher: Marija Bjekovic

Marija practiced Ashtanga vinyasa yoga since 2008 under the guidance of Denise Pesch. Over time, she complemented Ashtanga with Iyengar Yoga (with Constantinos Giannetakis) and with Vinyasa Krama. This brought an understanding of how to wisely adapt the physical practice in order to emphasize strength, mobility, mental focus or healing as needed. With gradual extension to other limbs of yoga, her practice became a means to balance energy, reconnect to a state of deep inner peace, and relate to the world more meaningfully. Her teaching path started after 200 hours of Ashtanga yoga teacher training with John Scott and Lucy Crawford Scott in 2015. Over the years, she continued her studies and teaching within the lineage of Sri T. Krishnamcharya (the father of modern yoga and a pioneer in yoga therapy) through Srivatsa Ramaswami and A.G. Mohan. She is currently following an 800-hour Svastha Yoga Therapy Foundations program with A.G. Mohan and his family. Go to Marija's page.

Location: Strassen

Yoga La Source Strassen — 143 route d'Arlon. Traditional hatha yoga in Sivananda, Ashtanga, Vinyasa Krama, Yin, Lower Back & more. Oak floors, warm ambiance, all levels welcome. Go to the Strassen page.