Ashtanga Yoga Mysore Style

Sherry began teaching Ashtanga Yoga at The Shala in 2010. Currently, she teaches at their Fort Greene location several days a week. She offers yoga privates and consultations at both of her practice locations. Schedule a session if you want to begin your ashtanga journey, support navigating a pain free practice, or are looking to enrich your existing practice.

Sherry teaches traditionally, (as she was taught,) and blends insights from her energy work into her teachings.

Traditionally, in the beginning of practice, within the Surya Namaskars (sun-salutations,) the teacher places their hand on the students’ sacrum in Adho Mukha Savasana (downward facing dog) which allows the teacher to understand the student physically, emotionally, and energetically. With the hand on the sacrum the teacher can receive insights from the student’s nervous system and anatomical and fascial strains throughout the body can be perceived. In addition, potency within the dural tube (which encloses the spinal cord) and energy within the student’s field reveals vital information as to the vitality or “life-force” of the Yogi/Yogini. Hence, this is a great place to begin.

Ashtanga Yoga is a set sequence of Asanas (postures) that are linked together by movement and breath. Most agree that the practice originated with Sri T. Krishnamacharya and was later refined by K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. The practice emphasizes the use of Tristana (a three-part focus), comprised of linking together Ujjai Pranayama (victorious breath), Bandhas (energy locks), and Drishti (gaze). When done properly, the practice creates heat in the body to remove toxins and impurities. Ashtanga Yoga increases strength and flexibility, reduces stress, and improves focus. 

Ashtanga Yoga can be practiced by all, regardless of age or preexisting conditions. Modifications can be offered easily as the practice is taught one-on-one, allowing people to move and progress at their own pace. Beginning with Asana we learn to practice steadiness and ease within posture. Over time, concentration improves, strengthening the mind, which leads to the more subtle aspects of the practice. These are some of the steppingstones that will help our practice to evolve. 

As a teacher, Sherry balances her love of tradition and discipline with a sense of humor and compassion.

TESTIMONIALS

“As anyone interested in starting an Ashtanga practice, and they'll tell you how intimidating it is to walk into their first Mysore class, myself included! However, my anxiety quickly dissipated under Sherry's instruction. From the start, she was at once warm and welcoming, and professional and commanding. Sherry's insightful teaching is clearly guided by a deep mastery of her craft, evident by the ease, humility and integrity with which she works with her students. My practice has been turbo-charged by the simple, down to earth way she combines a no-nonsense approach with lots of patience and humor.” — Nadia

Sherry has been my Yoga teacher for the past two years. Her no-nonsense approach to the Ashtanga form combined with her deep knowledge of the body and compassion for everyone in the room is what has kept me coming to practice every morning. Sherry maintains an inclusive space where everyone is recognized, challenged, and supported. As a professional dancer, Sherry's guidance helps me feel centered, open, and ready for my rehearsals each day. She has helped me discover what I thought my body would never be capable of doing! Thank you!! — Aria