Who comes to Mysore class? Why do they come?
A series of posts presenting some of our regular mysore students, and their experience of mysore practice, in their own words.
How long have you been practicing mysore for?
I’ve been practicing Ashtanga for about 9 years (although it doesn’t seem that long!).
What made you start mysore practice?
I started by doing 1 or 2 Led classes a week until about 2 years ago when I was lucky enough to get a place on David Keil’s Mysore week when he was in Glasgow & I loved it! To be honest prior to that I didn’t think I would like Mysore, as I liked the discipline of a counted class, but I soon discovered Mysore is my favourite way to practice.
How often do you practice?
I try to practice 5 or 6 times a week and it’s a mix of Mysore, led & home practice. My home practice only ever lasts an hour but some practice is better than no practice.
What effect has the practice had on your life?
Initially Mysore required a few lifestyle changes and a bit of re- scheduling things at work on practice days. Getting up for 6am practice for me means going to bed earlier than I am used to and not eating/drinking too late at night. There are many nights I’ve been in my bed and I can hear the kids in my street still out playing LOL. 
What benefits do you feel from it?
I love the discipline of the practice and how grounded it makes me feel and it definitely puts me in a better frame of mind to deal with the stresses of the day.
There’s something special about getting on your mat for an early Mysore practice – although everyone is focussed on their own practice, the sound of everyone breathing and the energy in the room really motivates you.
What have you found most challenging (in terms of physical postures, or otherwise!) about the practice?
I’ve never been a natural back bender so for me back bending is my biggest challenge. I’ve been trying to get to grips with drop backs for 2 years now and sometimes I get really frustrated that I’ve not got it yet, but hey these challenges are given to us for a reason and we learn a lot from them. I’ll get there eventually and I guarantee I’ll be going out to celebrate when it happens.
What do you find the most rewarding?
There have been a lot of positives through the practice – I’ve made lots of lovely new friends, I’m much more disciplined with myself and feel healthier, less stressed and more focussed.
What is your favourite posture?
To be honest I’d never really given it much thought – I just love the Ashtanga practice (even the back bending).
It’s probably supta kurmasana because when I started it was one of those “in another lifetime” postures, but gradually with time and practice I managed to get the bind and cross my feet, so I guess it’s kind of special.
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Supta Kurmasana
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Kapotasana
Learn more about mysore classes at Ashtanga Yoga Glasgow. We will also be running another mysore workshop on Saturday, 30th July at Balance in Glasgow. Details coming soon.
