Q & A

Here are some common questions we have encountered.

I’ve never done yoga, can I start with Ashtanga Yoga?

As Guruji and Sharath have said many times, ‘anyone can learn and practice Ashtanga Yoga.’  Whether they are young, old, sick, strong, weak, stiff, flexible, anyone who wants to can practice this method of yoga.  The only person who cannot practice is “the lazy person.”

What is a “Mysore” class?

The “Mysore” method of practice is the traditional way of learning, practicing, and teaching Ashtanga Yoga.  It is named “Mysore” after the city of Mysore, in India, where Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois continues to teach regular classes.  It is a method where the student learns to practice independently, while in a group setting.  This gives the teacher more opportunity to work closely with each student, one to one, helping with the specific postures and any areas of difficulty.        

How many times a week do you practice?

Generally, we practice asana six days a week, taking Saturdays, full and new moon days off as “rest” or “recovery” days.  Harmony also takes two or three days off each month during her menstrual cycle, as prescribed by Guruji.

What is the best time to practice [asana]?

We have found that the best time to practice is early in the morning.  This is for a few reasons, the first is that this time of day is very calm and quiet, and is traditionally an excellent time for focusing on spiritual practices.  Secondly, our stomachs are guaranteed to be empty at this time of day, which is recommended when practicing pranayama or asana.  Lastly, if we were to leave practicing until the end of the day, it can be energizing, and may interfere with our ability to sleep, or we often get busy doing other things and before we know it the day is over and we haven’t had time to practice!

What kind of food do you eat?

In our experience the best food to support the yoga practices are fresh, simple, and natural foods.  Both of us follow a vegetarian diet.   We don’t believe in imposing restrictions or rules on ourselves with regard to food, but feel that food choices need to be made with awareness.  The best advice we can give is to eat moderately.  Overeating is a big obstacle both for digestion and for the practices of yoga, not to mention it makes you fat!   Also, we have found it very beneficial to include lots of ghee (clarified butter) or olive oil in our diet, and we usually drink a cup of hot milk after practices.  

Can you do other sports and still do yoga?

Yes, yoga is compatible with other sports.  In fact, it can actually be of great aid to other sports or excercises; however, the sports will probably not be of great aid to your yoga practice. 

How long do I need to practice before I will notice changes in my body and the benefits of yoga?

Many practitioners start to notice some benefits from the practice right away, but there is no predictable time frame for experiencing the effects of practice.  This practice takes many years of dedication before the real benefits of yoga start to manifest in one’s life.   We continue to experience many new things from our own daily practices, and the benefits have been innumerable.