Pranayama is consistently the focus of the yoga classes I have been attending. The first instruction is always to take deep breaths, and this instruction is repeated throughout the class. My teacher also shows us how to use different types of breathing, like alternate nostril breathing and ujjayi breathing. Although these breathing techniques are not emphasized at every class, they are the focus of about half of the classes I have attended. Often, these techniques are practiced first without any postures or movements of the body to go along with them, which further emphasizes the importance of breathing in my class. In addition to these techniques, the teacher tells us throughout the class to make sure we are moving with our breaths, and that our focus is remaining on our breath. Based on these instructions, it is very clear that pranayama is a focus of my yoga class, with the physical postures being much less important. Based on other instruction from the teacher, like to keep the mind quiet and free of thoughts, I assume that the purpose of this emphasis on breath control is to keep the mind focused and to avoid wandering of the mind or outside thoughts. The breathing techniques practiced are also very calming, so this may be another reason that the teacher uses them.
If I had to sum up our in-class Ashtanga practice in one word, I would say challenging. The fact that it was challenging made it an enjoyable class, because I like exercise that challenges me and forces me to work hard. The most difficult aspect of the class was getting into some of the poses because they required so much flexibility, and I am only moderately flexible. The class stretched my entire body, especially my legs, which made me feel good afterwards. One aspect of the class that made a community atmosphere was how the entire class was arranged in a circle, with all of us facing towards each other. This brought a sense of togetherness to the class because everyone was facing each other instead of being in rows towards the front of the room. Another aspect of the class that made it feel like a community was how the class would look at each other for help for some of the moves. Because of this, we weren't doing yoga individually, but rather looking to our neighbors to see how
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