WEEKS ONE & TWO SEQUENCE

I strongly encourage you to have your own copy of Light on Yoga. It's pretty readily available at most large bookstores and online. It's a fantastic resource, and I will be referring to it extensively both here and during class. The series of practices that constitute our Dirgha Kala classes begins on page 462 (Appendix I). You'll see that Iyengar has taken the time to tell us exactly what to practice and when. And if we refer back to the previous sections within the text, we'll find explicit instructions for how to practice all the poses, how long to hold them, how to modify or advance them, and what kinds of physical and physiological effects they create. He sometimes explains their historical or philosophical significance (i.e. Warrior I, pg. 69). And he rates them according to difficulty on a scale of 1-60 (i.e. Triangle is a 3, Downward-facing Dog is a 5, and Scorpion is a 32). That means that we have access to a comprehensive understanding about what to do as well as how to do it and why.

Notice that the first sequence is practiced for two weeks. The second sequence for the following two weeks. And so on. Some sequences last just one week, others for three or four or more. Sequences sometimes add and sometimes eliminate poses. Sometimes the order in which poses are practiced are rearranged. And sometimes the duration that poses are held fluctuates. None of this is done arbitrarily, and understanding that is part of the challenge as well as part of the purpose. In that way, this is more than just "another yoga class." It's a journey and a project. It's a group effort and an individual investment. It's an opportunity to build a solid foundation of knowledge which can definitely grow into an advanced practice if that is what you desire.

Each time the sequence changes, it'll be posted and discussed here. Look through the sequence before class. Look at the pictures and read the instructions. Formulate an idea in your mind about what that week's practice may be like. Consider potential questions, concerns, and comments. Think about what seems especially accessible to you versus what will be more challenging. Preparedness and consistency are probably the two most important factors for success in this course. Missing a week or two is not a big problem, but stay engaged and informed if possible. Approach it with an open-mind and genuine curiosity, and we'll all learn together.

..........

Scheduled to take place on Sundays, May 18 and 25

As printed in Appendix I of Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar:

"I am dividing the asanas into three groups; primary, intermediate and advanced courses. I am giving the series of asanas in a serial order for practice and the possible time it may take to gain control in all these three courses.

(The figures within the brackets after the asanas denote the serial number of the illustrations [found throughout the book].)"

Tadasana (Mountain pose) [1]

Vrksasana (Tree pose) [2]

Utthita Trikonasana (Extended Triangle pose) [4 and 5]

Utthita Parsvakonasana (Extended Side-angle pose) [8 and 9]

Virabhadrasana I and II (Warrior poses I and II) [14 and 15]

Parsvottanasana (Intense Side-stretch pose) [26]

Salamba Sarvangasana I (Supported Shoulderstand I) [223]

Halasana (Plow pose) [244]

Savasana (Corpse pose) [592]