The King is Back
Internationally renowned yoga teacher and Ashtanga authority
David Swenson
Yoga Workshop in Manchester - May 2012
Friday 6pm –8 pm
ASHTANGA YOGA: AN INTRODUCTION - Exploring the Fundamentals
This class is an introduction to Ashtanga Yoga. It is open to all levels of experience or lack there of. The building blocks of Ashtanga Yoga will be explored through the basic elements of Breath, Bandhas and Vinyasa. 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.
Saturday 9am – 11 am
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.
Saturday 1pm-3pm
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 4pm-5.30pm
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 9am – 11am
ASHTANGA'S GREATEST HITS - A special guided tour of select asanas from the Primary, Intermediate and Advanced Series of asanas
Curious about some of the more intricate or advanced asanas but have felt intimidated by them or uncertain about how to approach them in your practice? Then this class is for you!David will take the group on a special guided tour of select asanas from the Primary, Intermediate and even from the Advanced Series of asanas. If you are not familiar with the more challenging postures there is no need to be scared of them! David has designed the class for students of all levels to attend. He has an amazing ability to break down the essence and energetic foundation of any asana to allow practitioners of all levels to feel comfortable and confident when exploring realms of the practice that they find most challenging. There are always plenty of safe and sensible alternatives offered so that the student may utilize the most comfortable approach for their particular level. David's classes are always full of valuable information as well as plenty of laughter and joy.
Sunday 1pm – 3pm :
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 4pm – 5:30pm:
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.
Price:
The full price for the weekend workshop is £150, or we are offering an early bird of £125 if booked and paid by April 1st. Alternatively you can book on individual classes at a cost of £30 each.
Venue TBC:
Venue will be confirmed early 2012
