WHAT is MYSORE STYLE?
Mysore style is misunderstood. Today, it is typically taken simply to mean self-practice in a group at a yoga studio (or even online[!?]). But the Mysore style does not describe a way of practice, but a way of teaching.
The primary feature of Mysore style teaching is to move a student slowly, step by step from one stage of practice to the next. This system is found in the traditional South Indian approach to the teaching of music, language, dance etc..
The idea is that you should perfect what you learn through practice and then move to the next step. It is, perhaps, understandable why this idea is unacceptable to many people in the West. We do not expect to work hard, or diligently, we expect to be able to acquire things instantly.
People feel they should be able to do a whole primary series right away. And of course, people can do that if they wish, but they will miss out on what is really valuable and important. Quantity not quality - that is our modern mantram.
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In order to justify this approach, people suggest that a teacher who holds a student back at a stage of practice and does not encourage them to do more, is exerting a manipulative power dynamic.
This is to completely misunderstand the logic of the Mysore approach. On the contrary, the teacher really cares about the student’s progression, s/he knows the value of a practice that has depth and integrity.
Skipping over challenges and “progressing” in practice without depth simply diffuses the potency of practice.
Of course, some people do not want depth. Some people cannot cope with depth, they need to just skim the surface, because going deep may bring up their inner demons. Fair enough.
But if you are not interested in depth, then you are not interested in yoga - you are looking for something else. Yoga is for those who want to overcome their suffering, to overcome their demons, to evolve and become free.
If you just want to keep skimming along the surface and just feel OK from day to day, that is understandable. Yoga may not be for you. Stretching and breathing is good. Exercise is good. Going to church and praying to be saved is good, for some people.
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Apart from the step by step method, Mysore style also depends on the repetition of simple practices until they are perfected. This repetition is done in silence, in synchronisation with one’s own breath, in one’s own time.
You don’t need a teacher constantly speaking and giving corrections, you need to get out of the head and into the body, to feel what is right.
The support for this is guidance through the teachers hands. Of course some verbal guidance is needed, but if the teacher will not stop speaking, there is no space for your own ideas or experience. That experience is unique for each person.
Hands can transmit more than words can say and leave the student free to have their own thoughts and experiences. Of course, those hands need to be well trained. That teacher needs to be in service of the student and not pushing his own personal agenda.
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MINI TEACHER TRAINING IN TRADITIONAL MYSORE STYLE ASHTANGA
with a Focus on GIVING and RECEIVING ADJUSTMENTS
in Karkur - July 20-23
Mysore Style is practice in silence with the help of physical adjustments from the teacher. Each student has a unique practice, unique needs, abilities and desires - this is honoured in the Mysore Style approach.
This workshop involves practice, training in giving assists and explanation of the Mysore approach to teaching.
The training is open to teachers, experienced practitioners and students with an established practice.
Register here: https://buy.stripe.com/9AQ4jE0py4z53iE7tl
Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Credits and Certificate is available to those who complete the course.
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"Guy's approach to adjustments is therapeutic. He studies his students and knows their bodies so well, even the slightest touch from Guy can have a profound effect on the practitioner. Each adjustment Guy makes is purposeful and with intention. His careful eye goes hand in hand with his gentle (although sometimes firm) touch. In this respect, I often view guy as a doctor, or physical therapist, using asana and adjustments to cure his students of impurities and misalignments in the body and mind.” - Alex