OCTOBER 19-21: ASHTANGA WEEKEND with DAVID SWENSON

Come and immerse yourself in the wonderful depths of Ashtanga Yoga with one of the world’s top instructors. David has been practicing Ashtanga for over three decades. His expertise as a practitioner is matched by his ability to share a wealth of knowledge in a very personable, fun and down-to-earth manner. His courses are presented in a supportive and compassionate fashion making it accessible to all levels of practitioner to participate.

There are always practical tips offered such as his “Physics of Flight” class in which he breaks down the dynamics of vinyasa into minute details. In another class he may explore what he calls “Equality of Opposition and the Six Directions”. Here he explains how to seek balance through uniting the opposing forces that form every asana as well as the world around us. On a philosophical level he offers practical insights into Patanjalis Yoga Sutras in a class entitled “Eight Limbs and Daily Life”. David sheds light onto the more ethereal areas of the internal practice through explorations of pranayama and the energetic realms of bandhas. Whether new to Ashtanga or a seasoned practitioner all are sure to gain benefit from attending the classes. Contact the host of the event if you are interested in finding out more details about the classes David will be offering. Don’t miss the opportunity to study with David. You are sure to return home with greater insights into your practice and a smile on your face.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE:

FRIDAY-6:00-8:00pm ($40/$60)
ASHTANGA YOGA: AN INTRODUCTION: Discovering Fundamentals, Insights and Fun
This class is an introduction to Ashtanga Yoga open to all levels of experience or lack there of. The building blocks of Ashtanga Yoga will be explored through what David refers to as The Five Elements of Practice. There will be a short discussion followed by an introductory flow through an abbreviated sequence from the First Series. The class will end with a guided deep relaxation. If you are curious to know more about this dynamic and flowing system that is the root method for so many popular styles of yoga today then come and join David for a fun, flowing, user-friendly adventure into the basics of Ashtanga Yoga. *Cautionary Note: You might actually enjoy it!

SATURDAY-9:00-11:00am ($45/$65)
NADI SHODANA / A GUIDED TOUR: An Introduction to the Intermediate Series of Ashtanga 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.

SATURDAY 1:00-3:30pm ($50/$70)
FLYING FLOATING AND HANDSTANDING: A Fun-filled exploration of Vinyasa and Arm-balances
One of the greatest challenges of the Ashtanga flow is the vinyasa. In this class David will break the vinyasa down into its components. He likes to refer to this as: “The Physics of Flight”. The class will also explore the elements of handstands and arm-balances.
This will all be done through the avenue of partner work. There is always plenty of laughter and fun as well as a depth of information in this class. All levels may attend even if you have never done a handstand before. Alternatives are always given.

SATURDAY 4:00-5:30pm ($35/$55)
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 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 9:30-11:30am ($45/$65)
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 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.

SUNDAY 1:00-3:30pm ($50/$70)
INVERSIONS, BACKBENDS AND SITTING WITH YOUR BREATH: Finding Stability When the World is Inverted and Returning Home to Breath
This class will turn your world upside/down in order to explore the dynamics of inverting the body through building a solid foundation from which to grow while also looking at the opposing forces at play in Inversions. Backbends will be redefined as front openings and sitting quietly will be explored as an active participation in self-exploration through developing a relationship with our lifelong companion, breath.

SUNDAY 4:00-5:30pm ($35/$55)
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 the fabric of our life they are merely words spoken rather than knowledge realized.

FEES: Whole workshop before September 1st $275 after $350.
Register and pay here for entire workshop.
If you are not able to attend the whole workshop but would like to attend some of it, please sign up with Jennifer.