ashtanga vs. rocket
i get asked all the time, how can i practice both these styles of yoga?
(believe it or not, people actually find it important to know)
and my answer is always - how could i not? i need both.
Ashtanga (with a capital "A") teaches me to be disciplined and committed. it demands a lot from me, physically, emotionally, and mentally - and all before my first cup of coffee. i learn patience and even compassion (towards myself) as i work through challenges on my mat. i leave my mat feeling stronger and more grounded.
i need that purposeful structure Ashtanga brings to keep me rooted and productive.
but lest i get too stuck (and i'm not talking postures) ...
rocket brings me freedom and joy. still structured and demanding like ashtanga (now, with a small "a"), but with a sense of ease and play woven in. i'm encouraged to take risks, explore, and get swept up in the flow of movement and breath. i remember that life is serious enough without me always having to be. i leave my mat feeling lighter and inspired.
rocket keeps that creative flame burning - and a lightness that allows me to fly.
i recently read a facebook status from baron baptiste that said, "playful and purposeful is powerful."
my yoga, both Ashtanga (with a capital "A") and that rocket ride to the moon, bring together purpose and play - and that IS powerful!
yoga, by whatever name, should bring us each into balance on the mat, bringing out not just our best - but letting us develop that other side too. it should complement who we are while challenging us in the way we are not. but in the end, just like in religion and politics - there is no absolute. there is only what makes sense to us.
besides, all yoga is good yoga ... it's whatever gets you there.
whatever gets you there.
(believe it or not, people actually find it important to know)
and my answer is always - how could i not? i need both.
Ashtanga (with a capital "A") teaches me to be disciplined and committed. it demands a lot from me, physically, emotionally, and mentally - and all before my first cup of coffee. i learn patience and even compassion (towards myself) as i work through challenges on my mat. i leave my mat feeling stronger and more grounded.
i need that purposeful structure Ashtanga brings to keep me rooted and productive.
but lest i get too stuck (and i'm not talking postures) ...
rocket brings me freedom and joy. still structured and demanding like ashtanga (now, with a small "a"), but with a sense of ease and play woven in. i'm encouraged to take risks, explore, and get swept up in the flow of movement and breath. i remember that life is serious enough without me always having to be. i leave my mat feeling lighter and inspired.
rocket keeps that creative flame burning - and a lightness that allows me to fly.
i recently read a facebook status from baron baptiste that said, "playful and purposeful is powerful."
my yoga, both Ashtanga (with a capital "A") and that rocket ride to the moon, bring together purpose and play - and that IS powerful!
yoga, by whatever name, should bring us each into balance on the mat, bringing out not just our best - but letting us develop that other side too. it should complement who we are while challenging us in the way we are not. but in the end, just like in religion and politics - there is no absolute. there is only what makes sense to us.
besides, all yoga is good yoga ... it's whatever gets you there.
whatever gets you there.
Posted by peg mulqueen at 9/29/2011 11:39 AM 
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: rocket yoga ashtanga yoga
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: rocket yoga ashtanga yoga
"Whatever gets you there." Love that.
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