The intensive mornings are powerful moments of practice and exchange within the Ashtanga Yoga Institute.
In a spirit of openness and a friendly atmosphere, they offer the opportunity to devote more time to deepening the practice, studying the postures and understanding the foundations of Ashtanga Yoga.
Currently held over two intensive mornings — and three mornings from September — these sessions allow a deeper exploration of the different dimensions of the method transmitted by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois.
They are also an important stage of the Institute’s Transmission Path.
A practice at the heart of the Transmission Path
The intensive mornings hold a special place within the Ashtanga Yoga Institute.
More than a simple technical deepening, they form a privileged space for study, practice and transmission. They allow more time for observation, for understanding the body, for the quality of the breath and for integrating the foundations of the method.
These sessions are part of the Institute’s Transmission Path. They bring together regular practitioners, future teachers engaged in the training and teachers continuing their development.
This diversity of paths creates a rich learning environment where everyone progresses through contact with others.
The practice then becomes a space of observation, mutual support and transmission. Each person learns to know themselves better, but also to observe, support and accompany other practitioners in their progress.
Even without any plan to teach, these gatherings reveal an essential dimension of yoga: that of a community of practice engaged in a shared inquiry.
Exploring the series
The intensive mornings offer the time needed to explore the First Series (Yoga Cikitsā), the Second Series (Nāḍī Śodhana) or the Third Series (Sthira Bhāga) in greater depth, according to the level of the participants.
The exceptional length of the sessions allows postural, anatomical and breathing details to be analysed with more precision.
We take the time to observe the postures, understand their logic, refine the placements and smooth the transitions.
Beyond performance, the aim of this exploration is to allow everyone to gradually find « their own depth » in the practice.
The foundations of the practice
The breath (Ujjāyī)
Breathing is at the heart of Ashtanga Yoga.
The extra time offered by the intensive mornings allows a closer observation of the breathing rhythm, its depth and its continuity throughout the practice.
Particular attention is given to integrating Jālandhara Bandha and Ujjāyī into the various postures and transitions.
The energetic locks (Bandha)
We deepen the work of:
- Mūla Bandha;
- Uḍḍiyāna Bandha;
in order to develop more stability, lightness and precision in the practice.
The role of the Bandha in protecting the body and circulating the energy is studied gradually and concretely.
The gaze (Dṛṣṭi)
The Dṛṣṭi is one of the fundamental pillars of Ashtanga Yoga.
We take the time to observe how the quality of the gaze influences:
- stability;
- concentration;
- balance;
- the quality of presence.
The movement (Vinyāsa)
The intensive mornings allow the rhythm of the Vinyāsa to be refined and the links between postures to be smoothed.
The practitioner gradually discovers how breath, movement and attention can work together within a single dynamic.
The Institute’s approach
At the Ashtanga Yoga Institute of Brussels, we pay particular attention to:
- understanding the body and how it works;
- the quality of the breath;
- the precision of the placements;
- adapting the practice to each person;
- long-term progression.
The three-hour duration makes it possible to go beyond the mere execution of the postures.
We take the time to observe, question, experiment and understand.
Each participant receives advice suited to their practice and level of experience.
What you will develop
The intensive mornings gradually develop:
- a better understanding of your practice;
- a deeper, steadier breath;
- more fluidity in the Vinyāsa;
- a greater capacity for observation;
- more autonomy;
- a finer understanding of Tristana;
- a greater quality of presence;
- the ability to accompany and help other practitioners.
They also provide a privileged setting to durably integrate the teachings received during the weekly classes.
A practice of observation and mutual support
The intensive mornings are also a privileged space to develop observation.
You will gradually learn:
- to better perceive your own functioning;
- to observe the postures more finely;
- to understand the difficulties encountered by other practitioners;
- to offer suitable help when appropriate.
This dimension of observation and support is an integral part of the Institute’s Transmission Path. It gradually prepares future teachers to develop the relational qualities needed to transmit yoga, while enriching everyone’s practice.
Towards a meditation in movement
When the breath, the Bandha and the gaze are harmoniously integrated, the practitioner gradually reaches the state of Tristana. The practice then ceases to be a succession of postures and becomes a continuous movement in which body, breath and attention work together. This quality of presence gradually opens the space of Dhyāna, meditation in movement. The intensive mornings offer the time needed to explore this deeper dimension of the practice.
From Prāṇāyāma to sharing Chai
Each morning ends with a Prāṇāyāma practice. Seated in Padmāsana or cross-legged, we explore different forms of controlled breathing that gradually prepare the mind for the space of Dhyāna, meditation. As Karlfried Graf Dürckheim wrote, becoming fully present to the moment is already a preparation for the meditative experience. The session then closes with the traditional closing invocation. Then comes a moment particularly appreciated by the participants: sharing Chai. Prepared in the Indian tradition with spices, organic whole milk or organic rice plant-milk and organic cane sugar, this tea becomes a genuine moment of meeting. Around a cup of Chai, the conversations continue naturally: questions often find their answers, experiences are shared and bonds are formed.
This time of relaxation is fully part of the spirit of the intensive mornings and helps nourish the human and community dimension of the practice.
Who is this intensive morning for?
This session is for:
- people who practise yoga on a regular basis;
- practitioners wishing to establish or strengthen a regular personal practice;
- students wishing to deepen their understanding of Ashtanga Yoga;
- future teachers engaged in the Transmission Path;
- already-trained teachers wishing to broaden their practical, theoretical and pedagogical knowledge.
Qualified teachers can also use these sessions as a time to refresh and deepen their practice and teaching.
Practical information
Upcoming dates for this class
-
09h00 → 12h00
2026
- September 19, 20
- October 10, 11
- November 7, 8
- December 5, 6
2027
- February 13, 14
- March 13, 14
- April 10, 11
- May 15, 16
- June 12, 13
- Level
- Advanced
- Duration
- 3h
Teachers who lead this class
Where this class takes place
Ashtanga Yoga Institute – Brussels studio
610, Chaussée d'Alsemberg – 1180 Uccle, Brussels
View on Google MapsOur rates
Your first class costs 30 €, with no commitment. The membership card (30 €), which is your insurance while practising, is only needed if you decide to continue.
See all rates →Frequently asked questions
What is an intensive morning?
A longer morning session to explore and refine your practice in depth, beyond the format of a regular class.
What level is needed?
An established practice (intermediate to confirmed): the intensity and duration call for a minimum of ease.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, places are limited to keep the guidance personal. Get in touch to reserve your spot.
