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Friday, March 20, 2009

The Joys of Yoga and the Art of Adjusting

A few videos to whet the appetite for some weekend practice.

Pattabhi Jois is no longer teaching, but his timeless presence is captured here: the shorts, the broken English, the impatience, the confusion, the vague hand gestures. It's classic Ashtanga Vinyasa, at it's finest. Who could forget those profound words: "Take it your hand! Tight it!"

Oh, and that poor guy on the left.



Here we see more of why Guruji is Guruji: his light touch, patience, and willingness to "listen to the body," a Western yoga catchphrase that surely originated in Mysore. The "standing on the heels" move is unprecedented. And during the feet-to-the-head move, notice how some get two or three five-counts (joy!), and witness Tim Miller (the third guy to be adjusted) release into bliss after Guruji's compassionate, healing touch.



See you in class!!

3 comments:

Jen said...

What did he say that got everyone laughing??

BG said...

I don't think he actually said anything, Jen. I think what you heard was that guy's spine snapping like a twig.

K said...

Got it (maybe): "Oh, today so stiff."