The Yoga at Ananda Ashram

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There was a lovely group of students in the teacher training program at the Ashram. I asked one of them the book they were using for their coursework, and I was delighted and tickled pink to find out it is my Favorite Yoga Guide Book, which I refer to as my ancient dusty guide from India- which has Incredible Illustrations of yoga poses, and Many ab exercises that I recognized immediately as Pilates exercises! Here it was- the proof that Joe Pilates got his work out techniques directly from Yoga!! Including the 100’s, leg raises, the roll over , the double bicycle, and others! I have , in my yoga library at home, this very book, which I have referred to many a time, I have copied the illustrations and the pages are falling out of the book. Just before leaving on this trip, I saw the book in my bookcase, and the thought went thru my mind-I could sell all my yoga books someday when I move, but that one I will keep.
I think I bought it at Jivamukti’s Yoga Center in NYC. The name of the book is Asana Pranayama. Nidra Bandha
By Swami Satyananda Saraswati.
An odd feeling came over me during a few yoga classes at the ashram . The teacher introduced yoga poses that I have been doing for years, and I thought that I made up! One is the yoga backbend push-up which has always felt like a natural shoulder strengthened to me , but I never saw it done over many years of classes at a zillion different yoga studios! And here it was! I had an errie sense of finding my home; where I came from . Another one is a move from child pose thru cobra , repeating 10 times. Another one is what I call popcorn and I have done it a million times with kids. You roll on your back, then you rock straight up to stand with a hop and repeat 10 times! They even do jumping jacks!
As the week progressed, we had 2 classes a day and I was amazed at the variety of exercises we did. They insist on calling it all Yoga , but because of the repetions of a lot of it,it felt like basic exercise . It is a lot of ankle rotation, knee circles , hip openers in butterfly ( their term) and wrist circles. It was all easy to do and a one size fits all style. There is a Lot of resting on the back between exercises which I was looking forward to and by the end of the class I was not exhausted, like after a Vinyasa class or Pilates class. I recognized this style of resting yoga as Sivananda, and sure enough, the gurus of this style of yoga include Sivananda, and Paramahamsa Satyananda Saraswati , and Swami Niranjananda Saraswati. It is referred to as the Bihar School of Yoga, as their headquarters is located in Bihar , India. And that is where their books are published. I couldn’t help wonder why this was all so familiar to me. I was getting bored with the routine in the classes after a while, but my heart was warmed as I saw all the students there having no problem doing the moves. And by far, the most amazing revelation was right next to me – Allynn !! He went to Every class, every chanting class and I was amazed and delighted! And he was able to keep up with the class because of it’s very basic, beginner style level. One day I was asked to lead Ashtanga style sun salutes, which I was happy to do and I Felt I was recognized and appreciated as an advanced practioner. It was there, one night that we got the E mail from the Ashtanga Institute that I had Not been accepted into their program for Feb, but I could apply for March- which is when I am leaving- and it was such a slap in the face.
I have been thinking a lot about attachments! And I have a lot of them. Paring down for this trip, it is first the clothes thing- am I attached to dressing in a particular way? And what is That about? And Why do I Have to do the Ashtanga yoga Everyday? And why the coffee? And why the drawing? I did not bring all those art supplies, so I am not doing a daily painting, like I have been doing for a long time. It leaves me feeling a bit adrift, not to have my regular routine that I have at home – my ballet class and friendship with Lynn Needle, who runs the studio and we seem to have a similar creative world.
Life changes are hard- I somehow wanted to throw myself into the unknown. And I found my husband Allynn is glued to my hip- fortunately and we are inextricably linked ! I have a new appreciation for him! We are getting along great and spending almost every minute together. So long for now. Next time I will tell you about my cough. Namaste, and love, Annie

One thought on “The Yoga at Ananda Ashram

  1. Yes, I am sure you must have had a past life there! Without a doubt! Will look up the book. Don’t think I have heard of this one. Also, it is nice to hear that you are, indeed asking yourself about your particular attachments to certain kinds of routines. Have been doing quite a bit of that myself. But in this case it is attachment to STuFF! ! ! Brought a couple of huge bags over to the Salvation Army after three weekends of tag sales (which were quite fun). Am glad that I did but still, giving up some things is quite harrowing for me. I guess we all have our shticks! Detachment/Attachment: TOUGH STUFF! ! ! (Also heard about a new concept this week: “Detach with Love” — never heard that before — something to contemplate).

    Anyway, I will closed both attached and detached with Love (and STuFF),

    Liisa

    P.S. It is great to hear that you are truly enjoying your time together you lucky couple, you!

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