Weekend workshop - A guided tour in the realm of Ashtanga yoga

 
Friday, 4 June 2010

• 17:00-19:30 All aboard the Ashtanga train
   
  Yoga Chikitsa: A fully conducted primary series class.
  This class is designed for those already familiar with the first series of Ashtanga vinyasa yoga. It will be conducted like a train ride that will continue flowing along all of the way from the opening sun salutations to the closing sequence. There will be time at the end of the flow to enjoy a deep relaxation.

Saturday, 5 June 2010

• 08:30-11:30 Building the foundation and learning to fly
   
  A thorough exploration of the primary series including vinyasa.
  In this class David will take you through the primary series in a step-by-step manner taking time to analyze the minute details of the practice. There will be time spent exploring the realms of vinyasa. This section David refers to as "the physics of flight" because the minute details of the vinyasa are broken down. There is a lot of partner work in this fun-filled and energetic class as well as plenty of laughter. Though there is no guarantee that you will be able to jump through or enter all of the postures of the primary series after completing the class there is a guarantee that you will find a wealth of knowledge and information that you may apply within all realms of your practice. Alternatives will be given to allow students of all levels to attend.
• 13:30-15:30 Balance length and oppositions of force
   
  Seeking balance through exploring opposites.
  This class is an exploration of the opposing forces at play within the practice of Ashtanga vinyasa yoga as well as the world we live in. Everything around us is comprised of opposing forces. If we inhale we must also exhale. To go up we must also move down. Balance means much more than not falling over. We will look at methods of creating a balance between these opposing forces as well as the benefit of facilitating length with the spine during practice.
• 15:30-17:00 Breath, bandhas and pranayama
   
  Exploring the mantra of ujjayi and the mysteries of energy locks.
  In Sanskrit, man means mind and tra means to free or deliver. Therefore the word mantra means to free the mind. There are many mantras in yoga such as Om, Hare Krishna, Om Namo Shivaya and a plethora of others. In Ashtanga vinyasa yoga the mantra is the sound of our breath: Ujjayi. There is no other sound more universal than breath. It is not tied to language or culture and is "chanted" from the first moment of birth. This class will focus on the mantra of ujjayi within asana practice as well as during pranayama. In addition to breath work the class will also explore the invisible world of bandhas. We well attempt to gain greater understanding of these subtle yet powerful tools through interactive discussion as well as a series of practical exercises.

Sunday, 6 June 2010

• 08:30-11:30 Nadi shodana / nerve cleansing
   
  An introduction to the intermediate series of Ashtanga vinyasa yoga.
  Students should have a regular practice of the first series in order to attend this class. There will be an introductory discussion of the dynamics inherent to the second series. David will then lead the class through a portion of first series acting as a springboard into as much of the second series as seems appropriate. There will be a variety of options given for each posture in order to allow multiple approaches.
• 13:30-16:30 Eight limbs and daily life
   
  How does this practice apply within the context of daily living?
  Underlying the mysterious and complex philosophy of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras there is a truly profound simplicity that may be applied within the context of our daily lives. This class will discuss the eight limbs of Ashtanga yoga and explore their applications within our day-to-day life. What is the use of philosophy without real application? We may memorize quotations or stanzas from great writings but unless we can apply them within our life they are merely words spoken rather than knowledge realized.

Participants

Cf. above you must be familiar with the first series of Ashtanga vinyasa yoga to participate. However, perfection is not needed! Ask us if you feel insecure about your personal 'level' of experience with the practice. Come with an open mind - and get inspiration and enjoy!

7-day teacher training / yoga immersion

This course is designed as an intensive immersion into the teaching techniques of the primary series of Ashtanga yoga. The participants will learn safe and effective hands-on adjustments through partner work for all of the asanas, practicalities of conducting a class and yoga theory. This is a deep immersion into the details underlying the practice and teaching of Ashtanga yoga.

Schedule

Monday to Friday, 7-11 June 2010

• 09:00-12:00 Morning session
• 14:00-17:00 Afternoon session

Saturday, 12 June 2010

• 09:00-13:00 Morning session
• 15:00-17:00 Afternoon session

Sunday, 13 June 2010

• 09:00-13:00 Closing session

Participants

One need not be a teacher to attend or even desire to be a teacher. All students may attended this course to merely enhance their personal practice. Those that do wish to teach however will find a wealth of invaluable tools to share with their students.

Participants should have a consistent personal practice of Ashtanga yoga and understand the flow and sequencing of the asanas. The course is not designed as an avenue to learn the sequence but rather to learn to teach Ashtanga yoga or to deepen an existing practice.

Don't miss this opportunity!

As in all courses run by David there is sure to be plenty of laughter and fun woven into the experience. You are sure to learn more than you ever imagined possible in a weeklong course and have a great time in the process.