By practicing Yama and Niyama whole heartedly (abhyāsa) and releasing attachment to specific outcomes (vairāgya), āsana can be done anywhere at anytime, no matter what shape our body is in. Everyone who wants to practice Yoga ought to be able to do so, in a way that works for them.
Yoga is a unique methodology for developing self-control. It can have wide reaching rewards for enhancing physical, emotional, mental and interpersonal wellbeing. Studying what it has been for the last 2,000+ years helps me understand how to make it more accessible to anyone who wants to practice it. Though I have much more to learn, I am beyond grateful to see people become more calm, centered and empowered in their lives week after week.
I used to think that a Yoga posture was assuming a shape like table or downward facing dog. Now I understand that āsana means being firmly established (sthira) in practicing Yama and Niyama, the ethical foundations of Yoga, that make breathing, sense control, concentration and meditation more accessible. By doing so, we can create a good space (sukha) within and around us, regardless of the outer circumstances beyond our control. By practicing Yama and Niyama whole heartedly (abhyāsa) and releasing attachment to specific outcomes (vairāgya), āsana can be done anywhere at anytime, no matter what shape our body is in. Everyone who wants to practice Yoga ought to be able to do so, in a way that works for them. I am grateful to be a small part of the many diverse approaches at the Asheville Yoga Center.
Weekly Classes
Bhakti Flow Into Stillness | Sundays 10:00am-11:30am
Upcoming Workshops
Monthly Kirtans
Michael Johnson has been a full-time yoga instructor for over two decades and a teacher trainer since 2003. He has traveled to India and studied many with many teachers and traditions. He is a lead instructor for Asheville Yoga Center’s 200hr Teacher Training and 300hr Advanced Training Programs. He offers in-depth online courses on the foundations of Yoga, Meditation, Prāṇāyāma, Āsana, Vinyāsa, Mantra, Sanskrit, Philosophy, Anatomy, History and Alignment. He also offers a 195-day Challenge that begins January 1st.
visit clearlightyoga.com for more information.