About Mysore Style
This is Yoga in its traditional form, where the practice is shared directly from teacher to student. Each student is addressed individually and shown each pose gradually, one at a time.
All levels of student practice in the same environment, from beginners to advanced students, all together in a supportive group environment. The teacher works directly with each to determine the best sequence of poses, to develop a flowing, consistent and established yoga practice.
It is surprisingly fast to learn if you come consistently.
What is Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga?
Named after the city in South India where this ancient practice originated, Mysore style is yoga as it was meant to be taught – with individual attention within a supportive environment.
Unlike gym-style “led” classes that have dominated commercial yoga in recent years, Mysore style allows you to be taught the moves gradually, receiving one-on-one guidance from an expert who tailors the practice to your body and abilities.
Power of Dawn Practice
We open our doors at 5:30am and everyone arrives by 6:00am. The liminal space between sleep and waking is when your consciousness is most fluid and receptive to transformation. In these still hours, before the noise of the world takes hold, astounding progress becomes possible.
Yoga is about harnessing this exact state where limitations dissolve and new possibilities emerge. People consistently report that morning practice helps them feel more satsified with their practice and with their lives.
Embrace Being a Beginner
When is the last time you really felt like a newbie? Ironically, Mysore style can be the most confronting for people who have done lots of gym style “led” yoga classes. There’s a common misconception that you need to know the sequences in advance but this couldn’t be further from the truth.
You don’t need to know anything except how to breathe.
Embrace being a beginner. It’s fun to start something new! Mysore style classes are an opportunity to be taught authentic techniques from the ground up, free from the performance pressure and group conformity of led classes.
The beauty is that a complete beginner and an advanced yogi can be in the same room, both receiving exactly what they need.
Sacred Rhythm
When you observe the energy in the room, you start to notice a pattern emerging. Everyone seems to be on a path, following the same general movements of the traditional sequence, each with individual flair and modifications.
Compared to other yoga classes the silence is striking. Occasionally the teacher will whisper something to a student, but the dominant sound is the collective breath creating a meditative atmosphere that supports deep inner work.
You’ll notice the teacher move from person to person, giving words and adjustments as appropriate. This is yoga education in its purest form – rather than instructions shouted to a room, we have wisdom transmitted carefully and kindly.
Move At Your Own Pace
If you feel tired, that’s okay. If you feel full of energy, that’s great too. If you need to ask questions – fantastic! Sometimes in this worlds people get stuck trying to doing everything at full power. It can happen in yoga too, but not in our classes.
We think yoga should be enjoyable. The advantage of Mysore style is you move at a pace that feels right for you on the day, allowing the physical and mental benefits to accrue naturally over time.
This kind of yoga gradually erodes the beliefs and restrictions that keep you from flourishing. Consistent morning practice in a quiet and receptive state helps people discover freedom they thought possible.
This Ancient Method Works
After 25+ years of traditional practice in Newcastle, we’ve seen countless transformations that go far beyond physical flexibility. The Mysore method works because it honors the individual within the collective, provides authentic spiritual content missing from commercial yoga, and harnesses the transformational power of consistent early morning practice.
This is yoga is complete system of human flourishing.
Ready to experience the difference? Your first visit is always free.
You learn the sequence gradually
In a Mysore style class you gradually learn the a sequence of postures over time at a pace that is suitable for you. You are at all times under the guidance of an experienced teacher who gives individual instruction and adjustments, specific to your needs. It is akin to personal training for yoga – you receive individual one on one attention in a group environment.
Everyone practices according to their ability on the day
Beginners start with a shorter practice that evolves into a longer practice as they gain strength and flexibility. Be patient and remember that a regular, consistent practice, at least 2-3 times a week to start, is recommended to learn the posture sequence, and see the many benefits to mind and body accrue.
If you feel tired, that’s okay. If you feel full of energy, that’s great too. If you need to ask questions – fantastic! In the West, we are accustomed to doing everything at full power, and this can happen in yoga sometimes. The downside is that this approach can be unpleasant or even increase the risk of injury.
The advantage of Mysore style is you move at a pace that feels right for you on the day.