Today was my first time doing a Mysore class. It was really good because I have done some Ashtanga yoga before, but I didn’t know their system and the different poses they use.

It’s interesting to me that they have a system. Systems are helpful in creating structure and focus in all areas of life, not just in yoga. But sometimes, it’s also good to try different things and not stick to just one system. In my yoga practice, I like to learn from different disciplines and try different styles of yoga. There are so many beautiful ways to practice this ancient tradition. I recently read a book by Swami Rama, who learned from many different teachers and they all had something valuable to teach him. I believe it’s important to have a foundation but also be open to improvisation and trying new things. I thought the Mysore class would be for advanced practitioners, and even though I consider myself advanced, I can’t do all the poses perfectly. But that’s okay because I am above average and I can still do my own practice with some guidance from the instructor.

In this class, you learn a specific sequence of yoga poses called Ashtanga. The teacher helps you and it’s like a group practice. After that, I wanted to do more poses on my own, but I had to follow the same sequence. I tried another class from a different teacher to see how it compares. But for me, personal practice is important because yoga is about listening to your body and doing what feels right. I don’t do the same poses every day, I choose different ones based on what my body needs.

Do you have a favorite style of yoga? I want to learn all the styles!