Why do I keep making cheat sheets?
Students aren’t allowed to use them in my Mysore room.
On many occasions, I’ve pried a sweaty cheat sheet out of the trembling hands of a nervous student.
Why can’t you use a cheat sheet?
Because memorizing the sequence of asanas is part of learning the practice. Committing the series to memory promotes concentration. Doing all that hard work helps you to own your practice. And, finally, we Ashtangis are infamous for eschewing props, and what’s the cheat sheet but a prop for your brain? (Sidenote- upon the discovery and development of writing, Plato called it “A pernicious crutch to memory”.)
So if you can’t use them in the room, why do I bother making them? I think it’s because I like to see little pictures of myself doing the poses. Specifically, doing the poses the way I want my students to do the poses. So, a little bit of ego, and a little bit of honest concern.
Anyway, here they are. Feel free to download and share them. Just don’t bring them into my Mysore room.
BTW- all the pics are from the fantastic Tim Bermingham!
Primary Series:
Intermediate Series:
Thank you so much for the cheat sheets 🙂
You’re welcome 🙂
Thank you,
Sarah in Ireland
Thanks a lot Rob, this is helping me so much while I memorize all the postures and improve my practice, love from México!
I am 66 years old female who just started yoga classes. I am finding most (not all) Ashtanga poses very difficult. Are there any poses that I can do that can help prepare my body to do the primary series?
Amazing, much appreciated
Just came across this page and saw your comment, I feel bad that no one answered your question. I don’t know if you already found your answer since it’s a year and a half ago and this year has been so crazy.
Anyway, if you haven’t got it elsewhere already, here is the answer: Just show up and do what you can, the practice is going to change your body in a way to make you stronger and get more accessible to the postures, all you need to do is practice according to your capability, stop and trying the next day when it gets too hard. Best way to learn is to follow a teacher face to face, but with covid, youtube is a good alternative
But of course, if you have any medical conditions or injuries, before committing to the practice, you need to consult your doctor and assess if the practice is safe for you.
Awsome work guys.. This is what i needed in life. Thanks so much
Many thanks my friend:)
Been a while im practicing with your led class on youtube, but now i can work on memorizing it as well thanks to this sheet.
Much appreciated 🙂
Thank you very much!