Dear lovely Ashtanga newbies.

I want to take the time to talk to those who took my Ashtanga
Yoga Workshop, and the people who may be considering an Ashtanga Yoga
practice.

I want to tell everyone how Ashtanga Yoga came into my life.

My journey into yoga only began a few years ago. I had just moved to
Austin after taking a new job there. I was driving home from my new
job one day when I happened to see a yoga studio.

“Yoga… Yoga sounds like it could be interesting,” I thought to myself,
“I’ve got a little free time, so I’ll check out this yoga studio.”

I walked into the YogaYoga studio on Anderson Lane and took an
Ashtanga Yoga class.

Yes, my first yoga class was the primary series of Ashtanga Yoga. I
had no experience with yoga, so I didn’t realize I was about to get my
butt kicked (though I’m happy I did)!

My first teacher is still my teacher today. She’s a lovely lady named
Eriko. Eriko has been such an amazing teacher. She’s cute, friendly,
and funny, however, Eriko knows how to push you during practice. Eriko
took me, a total beginner, under her wing and has help guide me to
where I am today.

That was nearly four years ago and I’m still taking her classes today.
I love the connection I have with such an amazing Ashtanga Yoga
teacher. Also, I believe staying with the same teacher is important.
Your teacher begins to know you not only as a person, but also where
you are in your practice. Your teacher will understand your strengths,
weaknesses, and they will help your grow. I’m extremely thankful to
have such a good teacher continue to help me every week.

Today, I was in Eriko’s shoes. I met people who are new to Ashtanga
Yoga. Some had some background knowledge of Ashtanga
Yoga, but most of them came in without any knowledge on Ashtanga Yoga (like
I did years ago). I can only hope that I am fortunate enough to have
such a great relationship with my students as Eriko has with me.

Thank you for allowing me to guide you through the Ashtanga Yoga Workshop.

I want everyone to know that there is a lot going on with Ashtanga
Yoga. Ashtanga Yoga has body locks, specific breathing techniques, set
sequences, challenging transitions, and many, many nuances. Also,
Ashtanga Yoga has no “finishing line.” Ashtanga Yoga is a lifelong
journey which few people ever “master.”

All of the finer points and details will come in time, so don’t stress
over anything. I will continue to talk about many yoga related
subjects on this blog, which will include Ashtanga!

When starting your journey into Ashtanga Yoga, simply give your best
effort during practice.

As you continue your practice, learning and understanding the various
facets of Ashtanga Yoga will come. You will find yourself learning
constantly while you are perfecting your first sequence. Reading
helps, but practice and experience will bring the best understanding
of Ashtanga Yoga. So, continue practicing :) !

I want everyone to know this: I am here for you and I look forward to
teaching (helping) you along the way. Ashtanga has been rewarding for
me in so many ways, and I want to share everything I have learned with
all of you.

Thank you for coming today and I hope to see you all soon.

Reiko