Sama Ashtanga Intensive with Chuck Miller

Monday, July 13 – Friday, July 17
8:30-3:30pm each day • Back Bay
Sama!
This word touches the essence of what Chuck wants to teach. It is the first word Pattabhi Jois would say at the beginning of class. It is the first chapter of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. It is the first word of the first pranayama practice in Ashtanga Yoga.
Chuck Miller, widely recognized as one of the world’s leading Ashtanga teachers, has inspired countless practitioners across the globe with his clarity, depth, and dedication to the art of yoga. A student of Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, Chuck helped co-found YogaWorks, shaping modern yoga in the United States, and has mentored many respected teachers, including Natasha Rizopoulos. His teaching combines decades of experience, technical mastery, and a deep connection to the heart of the practice.
We can learn one simple thing, knowing which gives us insight into many others. A small set of teachings can guide us through the complexity of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga—or any practice. This understanding helps us to be more calm and focused, reducing stress and confusion for both teacher and student.
Format:
- Morning Practice: 3 hours
- Afternoon Clinic: 3 hours
- 1 hour break (between 11:30am-12:30pm)
Daily Themes:
Day One – Samasthiti in Depth:
We explore how one pose, one element of practice can include all other aspects. Going deep into this sets the stage for everything else, simplifying navigation through this great practice.
Day Two – Surya Namaskar-s:
Using insights from Day One, we apply them to Sun Salutations. We observe how much we compromise to achieve external appearances of progress and reset our intentions to prioritize quality over quantity.
Day Three-Five – Traditional Ashtanga Vinyasa Form:
We continue applying these principles as we progress through the traditional form. By slowing down, polishing fundamentals, and deepening the roots, we eventually return to increasing speed and observe where we fail.
This is the essence of practice—practice rather than performance. Yoga must not be performative, comparative, or competitive. It is just for us—all of us—to improve, to become better humans, to become humane beings.
Chuck prefers to call the asanas Practices, rather than poses or postures—they are alive, dynamic, ever-changing. It is not about speed or distance, but about starting correctly, with the right intention and effort. These foundational efforts bear fruit throughout your practice.