Description

Udaya Yoga – Vytas Baskauskas Classes – Level 1, 2, 3 and 4  VYTAS BASKAUSKASEver since I can remember, I have been on the search for more, for something greater. Growing up in LA, I never truly felt comfortable in my own skin. I hungered for knowledge and growth through perspectives that differed from myopic western systems. After reading some Alan Watts and Krishnamurti my thirst grew stronger and, although I didn’t know it at the time, I began my path seeking out yoga. Some of my old friends had found yoga and invited me to classes with them. At first, I rejected the notion. My assumptions about yogis kept me away: there was no way I was going to start eating tofu, opening chakras and chanting to Gods I knew nothing about. Thanks to my persistent friends, I walked into a Bryan Kest class in the summer of 2000. His down to earth approach was exactly what I needed and I instantly resonated with the physical benefits of the practice. The practice was a perfect companion for my recovery: my body healed from the abuse of addiction, and my mind grew clearer. The high I had experienced with heroin was now replaced by calmness, balance and equanimity. My practice grew and I found another great teacher that gave me new insights and pearls. Govindas showed me the soul of yoga. However, my seeking did not subside. After finishing graduate school in mathematics at UCLA, I noticed that Bryan was doing a teacher training in Mexico. I wasn’t interested in teaching, but wanted to deepen my practice and travel. The training exposed me to new ideas, two of which I connected with immediately. The first was a 3-day Iyengar intensive with Lisa Walford. My analytical mind was intrigued by the depth of alignment instruction and precision she presented. I was hooked. In addition to intense physical practice every day, we meditated at the end of the evening for 45 minutes. This was the next step for me. Even though I had achieved great control over my body, I realized I had almost no control over my own mind. Meditation was the most challenging part for me in the training, and at the same time, the most rewarding. Today I practice asana regularly at home and try my best to meditate every day. My teacher Vinnie Marino helps me continue to learn better ways to teach and incorporate my yoga into day-to-day life. He is a wonderful mentor and friend. I have climbed but a few steps of the ladder and am working my way upward still. Every fault is an opportunity for growth and every day is an opportunity for life. I am lucky to have great friends and family to share the love with. Hope to see you as we follow the road to happy destiny.****************************************************1. Blindfold Practice – 60 min – Level 32. Deep Hamstring Work – 60 min – Level 23. Detox – 30 min – Level 24. Eagle – 40 min – Level 35. Flamingo – 60 min – Level 36. Lie Down and Stretch – 20 min – Level 17. Mixed Bag 2 – 30 min – Level 38. Mixed Bag 3 – 30 min – Level 39. Mixed Bag 4 – 30 min – Level 310. Mixed Bag 5 – 30 min – Level 311. Side (Plank) Stepping – 20 min – Level 312. Slow Fast – 30 min – Level 313. Symmetric Poses – 40 min – Level 214. Tree – 60 min – Level 315. Twist and Flow – 60 min – Level 216. Yin Yang – 60 min – Level 317. Deep Side Stretches – 40 min – Level 318. Find Your Center – 60 min – Level 319. Find Your Squat – 30 min – Level 120. Knee to Chest – 60 min – Level 321. Koundinyasana 1 to 2 – 20 min – Level 422. Left Side First – 60 min – Level 323. Lifting the Back Ribs – 60 min – Level 224. Mixed Bag Vinyasa – 60 min – Level 325. Neutrals, Twists, & Core – 30 min – Level 226. Plank Challenge – 10 min – Level 327. Quick Cardio – 20 min – Level 228. Seated Postures – 20 min – Level 229. Short Holds – 60 min – Level 330. Shoulder Openers – 20 min – Level 131. Stand on Those Hands! – 60 min – Level 332. Standing and Balancing – 40 min – Level 333. V25 No. 1 – 30 min – Level 234. V25 No. 2 – 30 min – Level 235. Visvamitrasana – 60 min – Level 436. Vytas Yoga Butt – 60 min – Level 2