I had my first encounter with yoga at the age of ten, but Ashtanga remained unknown to me for over 20 years. That changed on an ordinary day in Bremerhaven when I spontaneously decided to attend a yoga class in the park. What happened next was unexpected and profound: my body felt energized and strengthened, while my mind became calm and focused. It was as if a new balance between inner strength and tranquility had been established. On my way home, I felt a remarkable sense of lightness and energy – a new path had opened up for me.n me.

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The following days, I was plagued by muscle soreness, but at the same time, I couldn’t stop learning more about this fascinating yoga style. I read, watched videos, and was amazed by the motivation that drove me to my mat every day. After just one year, I felt a completely new flexibility and inner strength within me.

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What fascinates me most about Ashtanga is the unique state this practice creates: an intimate, powerful experience that simultaneously fosters a strong sense of community among practitioners. It’s like walking the same mountain trail with fellow hikers – each at their own pace, but all sharing the same goal.

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Yoga, like music, has now become a lifelong companion for me. Through my daily practice, I find balance, strength, and peace. In 2023, I took the step and completed my yoga teacher training. Now, I am proud to share my knowledge and passion as a certified Ashtanga-Vinyasa Yoga teacher (RYS Yoga Alliance, YOMA Studio, Bremen).​

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    YOGA NERDISM - A DEEP DIVE!​

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And for those who have been intrigued by this style, here is a more detailed taste.

 

Ashtanga yoga is a demanding and dynamic form of yoga that initiates powerful transformation in the body and soul. The practice follows a precisely structured flow, with the breath always initiating the movement. The gaze is fixed on specific focal points during the asanas, greatly aiding in directing attention inward. The combination of breath and movement creates a meditative flow that allows physical and mental tension to be released.

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Practitioners perform the same asanas (postures) every day, in a steady rhythm of breath, silently and from memory. This practice is akin to a Zen garden: by removing unnecessary elements, it enables calmness and deep concentration.

 

Ashtanga yoga has its roots in traditional yogic philosophy and is based on the eight-limbed path of yoga according to Patanjali.

The following verse from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras can help us understand the essence of the inititally demanding practice: 1.2: yogaścittavṛttinirodhaḥ.

"Yoga is the state in which the movements of the Citta [the thinking mind] dissolve into dynamic stillness." (Sriram)

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Calming the fluctuations of the thinking mind is a particular challenge in today's world. By combining mental focus and demanding physical exertion, Ashtanga Yoga is one of the most interesting ways to experience this tranquility. This verse also demonstrates that the asana practice is just one aspect of yoga. The path to dynamic stillness of the mind traverses through our bodies, but it does not end there.

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