Welcome!

Thank you for visiting and for your interest in Ashtanga Yoga. I am grateful to my primary teacher Tim Miller for his guidance and encouragement over the years and for his unwavering dedication to the Asthanga practice, to Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and R. Sharath for authorizing me to teach it, to my wife Erin for helping me to live it and to the countless other teachers, students and friends who have supported me along the way. Much love and a deep bow to each of you.

May all beings be filled with loving-kindness
May all beings be peaceful and at ease
May all beings be happy and free

Om Peace,
Mike

Ashtanga Yoga

The practice of Ashtanga Yoga is an ancient and powerful discipline for cultivating physical, mental and spiritual health. Progressive techniques of breath, posture and movement help in cleansing, stretching and strengthening the body as well as focusing and calming the mind. A deeper experience of the self becomes possible through consistent practice. (source: Tim Miller)

Mysore style practice is the traditional method for learning Ashtanga Yoga. Students progress through the series of postures at their own pace to the rhythm of their own breath. The teacher introduces the student to the Ashtanga sequence gradually over time with one-on-one instruction. Postures are added according to the individual's ability and consistency of practice. In this way the practice is individualized and appropriate for each student. This style of practice provides the meditative dimension of self-practice within the context of a supportive group environment. The teacher’s role is to provide the student with input, assistance and specific adjustments. New students as well as advanced students are encouraged to cultivate self-awareness and self-reliance in the process of developing their own personal practice in a safe and gradual manner.

No prior experience of this method or knowledge of the proper sequence of postures is required to participate in mysore classes. It is an absolute joy to introduce people to the Ashtanga practice. “beginners mind” is an advantage and it is what we all strive for!! However, since it usually takes a few weeks for students to understand this style of practice, new students are encouraged to commit to a month of practice and to come at least three times a week during this time. You are invited to observe a class during normal class hours before deciding to practice.

Schedule

Mike will be in Spokane, Washington teaching at the Spokane Yoga Shala for the remainder of 2010 (and beyond). He is leading the mysore program there:

monday, wednesday, friday 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.

sunday 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.  

Please email Mike at info@livingashtanga.com for more information or visit www.spokaneyogashala.com. Thanks!!

About Mike

Mike began practicing Yoga over twelve years ago. In July 2002, he discovered Asthanga Yoga and has practiced this method with great dedication ever since. He has traveled to Mysore, India four times to study with Yoga master Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and R. Sharath and is authorized by them to teach Ashtanga. Mike's ongoing studies are with Senior teacher Tim Miller in Carlsbad, California. He completed Tim's Primary Series and Second Series Teacher Training Programs as well as a two year apprenticeship with Tim at the Ashtanga Yoga Center. 

Mike teaches the traditional Ashtanga method in a passionate, dynamic and inspiring way, weaving in the wisdom of various traditions, his own personal experiences and humor. He teaches with enthusiasm and care incorporating both the physical and spiritual aspects of the practice, to guide practitioners on an inner journey towards healing, self-awareness, acceptance and empowerment. Mike's compassionate nature and sincerity help create the space for students to open in body, mind and heart.

Mike is also a dedicated student of Ayurveda and has a love for the art and practice of Kirtan, disciplines which naturally influence his yoga teaching and his life. Mike and his wife Erin offer Ayurvedic consultations, workshops and cooking classes as well as kirtans in the U.S. and abroad.

You can find out more about Mike and Erin's offerings at www.livingsattva.com.

In Memory

If we practice the science of yoga, which is useful to the entire human community and which yields happiness both here and thereafter - if we practice it without fail, we will then attain physical, mental and spiritual happiness, and our minds will flood towards the Self.

-Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009)

Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois (“Guruji”) passed away on May 18th, 2009. His inspiration and light live on in those who had the honor and joy to practice with him directly or through one of his students. His gift to us all is this healing and transformative practice that he taught so compassionately and patiently for over 70 years. He also connected us Yoga practitioners with each other. He was the magnet that attracted us all and now we have each other. May we continue to support each other and share the practice with humility and integrity. May we share with others the joy, support, guidance, inspiration, love and kindness that he shared with us. May he be at peace. Thank you Guruji!!

(picture: David Swenson)

Gallery

Kirtan Music

Mike regularly leads groups in this heart-opening practice of call-and-response group chanting, while Erin accompanies him on the drum. Please see their schedule at www.livingsattva.com for upcoming kirtans.

Mike's first Kirtan album, "Rivers that Never Run Dry - Kirtan Experience", recorded in Mysore, was released in December 2009. To learn more about the album, preview all the songs and purchase it, go to Mike's site on CD Baby - http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mhannum. 

Thanks for listening!

Related Links

Here are a few links that may provide more insight into the lineage and practice of Ashtanga.

• Richard Freeman on Lineage
• Tim Miller on The Alchemy of Yoga
• Shri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute in Mysore, India
  
• Opening and Closing Chants from Ashtanga Yoga Bend

Connect

Please email Mike at:

info (at) livingashtanga (dot) com

Meditate. Live purely. Be quiet. 

Do your work with mastery. 

Like the moon, come out from behind the clouds! 

Shine.

- Buddha