
What is Mysore Style Yoga?
Are you interested in beginning a lifelong yoga practice that is sustainable for any stage of your life? Curious about working one-on-one in a group setting with a teacher who has “been in your shoes”?
Read on about our unique + one-of-a-kind Mysore Program here at Heart N Soul Yoga Studio in Fairfax, VA!
Mysore Style Yoga
Mysore-style Ashtanga is the traditional way of learning the Ashtanga Yoga system. Named after the South Indian city of Mysore in India (where Krishnamacharya and Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois lived) this style is an individualized practice for beginners and advanced students alike. The method allows students to work “one on one” with a teacher in a group setting — think of it as a “Yoga Study Hall”. >> Rather than the group being guided by the Teacher, each student works on the sequence given to them by her.
The Ashtanga System has 6 series of postures (and 7th series — being with your Family): students start in the primary series and spend their practice time working on these postures. Across many years of practice (often 6 days a week), some students may advance to the second, third, or fourth series. It is the practice of a lifetime.
When we learn the yoga postures at our own pace, we cultivate individual responsibility for our own practice. With the individual attention, support, and help of our Teacher, it is perhaps the only way that poses you never deemed possible can be safely learned, with proper skill and dedication. When you commit to consistent practice (we recommend 3x a week) and open communication between you and the Teacher, learning happens; and it is here that you have the unique opportunity to experience change: within.
What our Yogis are saying…
Come & join us on this journey of discovering the Self!
FOUR FOLD TRANSMISSION OF KNOWLEDGE IN MYSORE YOGA:
25% effort from the student
25% effort from the teacher
25% effort from the community
25% from the teachings of the Ashtanga Yoga System
Etiquette | Mysore Style
Before you begin your practice, please inform your teacher of any injuries or conditions that might affect your yoga practice.
Begin and close your practice with the Ashtanga Opening + Closing Mantras
Minimize distractions in the Shala: keep all personal belongings in the cubbies (including cell phones)
If it is necessary to check your device please do so outside of the practice room.
Please keep the practice space clean & free of clutter
It is traditional to refrain from hydrating during your practice.
Physical adjustments take place during Mysore practice. If you wish not be adjusted inform the teacher before class.
Respect and appreciate your Teacher & their instructions.
Practice Present-Moment Awareness during the course of your practice
Work towards a joyful meditative silence in the room.
**If visiting, please practice the Primary Series on your first day with us.
Stick to the traditional sequence and vinyasa. Do not skip postures without reason.
Do not add new asanas unless they are given by your teacher. Never ask your teacher for adjustments — they are at the discretion of the teacher only.
Scenes from one of our morning Mysore practices at Heart N Soul Yoga Studio.
Our Mysore Schedule
The Mysore program is built upon a strong foundation of trust between the teacher and student. Your practice can be 1.5 hours (seasoned practioners) or 30-45 minutes long (beginners). If this is your first time practicing with us (or if you are newer to the Ashtanga practice), please review our Studio’s Etiquette.
Fall/Winter 2024 Mysore Schedule
**We do recommend taking Rest on Moon Days.
Mondays, Tuesdays, every 4th Wednesday (with Isabella) & Thursday Mornings (with Laura)
7AM to 9AM
Tuesday Evenings (with Isabella & Laura)
4:30PM to 7:30PM
**As this is a self-guided practice, students must have a strong working knowledge of the Ashtanga Primary Series and be accepted to the program by the teachers Isabella and Laura. If you are a beginner, you may come in and practice Surya Namaskar A + B with us and some standing poses for the duration of your practice. If you are visiting from out of town, please contact us to discuss the best program for you.
MEMBERSHIPS
We do NOT offer drop-ins or the New Student Package for Mysore, as we want students who are devoted to the practice and can attend more than 1x a week
We offer a safe environment to practice and grow, as well as small group classes to offer lots of personal attention + hands-on adjustments
You may purchase any of our other packages for Mysore yoga only… OR….
**SINCE THIS IS A TRADITIONAL TO PRACTICE 3-5 TIMES A WEEK IN A SHALA… if you are interested in practicing JUST Mysore with us (v.s. our other guided studio classes), please email our Studio Manager Laura to learn more about our Mysore Only Package.
“Amazing teacher. I made so much progress physically and mentally with Isabella in the last 1.5 years that I never thought possible during my prior 10 years of yoga practice. She tells you when your body is not ready to do poses, but will show you the path to get there safely. I have learned to face my current limits and acquired patience to work with my own body.
Isabella is caring, has a deep knowledge to personalize practices to fit individual needs, and most of all, a beautiful person.”
— Woo Lim T.