Ashtanga Foundation workshop

Ashtanga Foundation workshop with Jill Manning

A graduate of New York University, Jill has studied the intellectual aspects of yoga as well as the physical and spiritual ones. Her scholarly understanding of the Bhagavad-Gita and the Yoga Sutra’s, along with other Shastras, brings an important dimension to her own practice as well as her teaching style. During her weeks traveling throughout India, Jill immersed herself in the country’s culture (and the Great Ganga). She has studies Sanskrit with Manorama and with Sri Lakshmish Bhat of Mysore, India, to further round her understanding of the yoga tradition and to place an asana practice in a larger context for herself and her students.

Jill co-taught Wake Up Yoga’s 250-hour Yoga Alliance registered teacher training program from 2004-2009.  Currently Jill is preparing for her fourth pilgrimage to India this December further steeping in the Yoga Tradition and connecting to the lineage of Ashtanga Yoga. Recently relocated to Providence, RI, Jill is excited to bring Ashtanga Yoga to this community, and strongly believes that everyone can benefit from this practice. Jill makes her new home in the Armory District with her husband Mike and two dogs Charlie, and Angie.

About the Mysore Method
Yoga, for thousands of years, has been taught from teacher to student on a one-to-one basis. Traditionally, a student has been taken through his or her own development at an appropriate pace. This method is still used in Mysore, India where Sri K. Pattabhi Jois taught this method, and his grandson, R. Sharath Rangaswamy, teaches today.
In Mysore classes, students are taught individually in a group setting. Beginners are introduced to a set sequence of poses little by little and are encouraged to remember the sequence as they progress. More experienced practitioners are guided to deepen and further develop their practice, as they more through each series. Thus each student works within the traditional series, but with integrity at his or her own pace.

The consistency of sequence in Ashtanga yoga allows students to focus on the sound and rhythm of the breath rather than on the voice of a teacher, making practice a moving meditation and allowing a deepening connection to the practice. As students advance through the Ashtanga series’ at a pace that matches their individual needs and abilities, they continue to receive individual, tailored instruction, hands on adjustments, and
personal attention from the teacher.

The goal of the workshop
The goal of the workshop is to provide students with a clear understanding and awareness of the Ashtanga methodology as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. By calling upon the guidance of her teacher, David Keil, and her experiences during her annual pilgrimages to Mysore (’06, ’07, ’08, ‘09), Jill will lay a proper and strong foundation on which the students can confidently build self-practices and continue their studies. Over the course of the class we will explore the foundations of the Ashtanga practice by studying the external postures and working to develop awareness of the more subtle aspects such as the prana (breath), bandha (energy) and dristi (focus). Throughout the class Jill will cover the opening and closing mantras, some history on the origin of Ashtanga, debunk some widespread myths, share some personal tips and tricks as well her own stock of stories and experiences. The weekend will culminate with led (traditionally counted) practice of the asanas (postures) covered during instruction. The workshop is open to practitioners of all levels; whether just beginning to explore the system or
looking to clear up any confusion, hopefully all attendees will fall in love with the divine details and
keep these lessons close for a long time.