ashtanga

Ashtanga yoga is a complete yoga method based on Bhakti (devotion) to a breathing and movement system called vinyasa. Through Ashtanga yoga you come to realize your Self and your purpose by learning to systematically combine several internal and external techniques including: breathing, internal locks, meditation, posture, conscious movement and gazing. When these basic techniques are applied with discipline, subtlety and skill, they are excellent tools for becoming physically and mentally strong and perceptive. When you’ve developed your practice, you learn to ‘inhabit’ your body like an animal moving freely in the wild and at the same time your mind becomes strong and fit for meditation. Practicing to create this combination of physical grace and power and mental clarity and openness leads to spiritual awakening. The method consists of learning rigorous, well-balanced sets of postures and the vinyasa positions that form the set sequences. The alternating, opposing movement and breathing patterns within the given sequences help you to internalize your mind and to gain depth and wisdom by observing the true nature of what is happening within you.

The Ashtanga yoga method was originally taught in Mysore, southern India by the late yoga master, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois.  Since the first Ashtanga classes were taught in Mysore, this style of teaching is named after the city and is really just short for “Mysore Style Ashtanga.”

This Summary of the Ashtanga yoga lineage was given with permission and written by my teacher, David Garrigues

Melissa loves and appreciates the dichotomy of yoga: the stark contrast between strength and power compared to grace and surrender. Melissa yearned to add balance to her cardio driven workouts. Yoga would provide the mental clarity, as well as the fluidity her body needed. In 2017, Melissa took her very first yoga class. Easily making a connection to breath and body, she soon found herself immersed in daily yoga school studying to become a yoga teacher. That same year, she completed her first 200 hour yoga school based in Dallas, TX.

After a couple of years of teaching and practicing yoga at various studios, she knew there was so much more than what she was giving as well as receiving. She began practicing Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga at the Ashtanga Yoga School of Raleigh, NC. The Ashtanga method resonated deeply as the practice encompassed and encouraged the study of all eight limbs of yoga according to Patanjali. An apprenticeship opened up with her Ashtanga teacher and she completed another 200 hour yoga study. Simultaneously, that same year Melissa completed a 300 hour teacher study at Gratitude Hot Yoga Center in Raleigh. Melissa has since been designated E-RYT 500 by Yoga Alliance Yoga Registry.

When Melissa isn't teaching or practicing Yoga, she can be found outdoors with her husband hiking, snow skiing, and paddle boarding. She is highly likely at the moment, spoiling her 3lb. Chihuahua, StellaLuna.

Melissa welcomes you to to share her practice of bending, breathing, and believing. She will lead you through fundamentals, dynamic movement, and mindful breathing through active awareness. Come to EXPLORE, leave with CLARITY.

Stacy began her yoga journey with a 6-week intro to Ashtanga class in St Louis in 1998. She has been practicing ever since. She began teaching in the Triangle, North Carolina area in 2001.

A student of David Garrigues since 2009, she has been apprenticing with him since 2014. David is one of the few teachers in the US certified to teach Ashtanga yoga by the late world renowned master Sri K Patthabi Jois.

Studying under David's expert guidance, Stacy has completed the 3rd Series of Ashtanga yoga, taken on a more serious study of the 8 limbs of Ashtanga yoga, and been inspired to share what she has learned with others.

She has learned over her years as a student and teacher that a strong foundation of body and mind, built and attended to with patience, persistence and an eye for details is key to a long-lasting and fruitful practice and study of yoga.  

Former Owner and Founder of New Bern Yoga, in New Bern, NC, Lorie has always been athletic, predominately running for the past 15 years. She initially added yoga as part of her marathon training. As her life shifted, so did her journey with yoga. A couple of years ago health issues turned her life upside down, but yoga was a constant that helped to keep her mind and body going.. She continued her practice and poured over everything yoga. As her passion continued to grow, she pursued studying Ashtanga Yoga in Thailand under Vari Morales through an intense immersive teacher training with All Yoga. There she learned all the history and philosophy associated with traditional Ashtanga.

She is passionate about Ashtanga-the quiet meditative movement, synchronized with the breath. Everyday her practice inspires her to be the best version of herself.

Lorie was also a teacher at Siva Om Global Yoga (https://sivaom.com) Aside from having a background in Physical Therapy, she is a Certified Running Coach with RRCA and has completed several additional trainings related to trauma.