10/4/2013 Friday, 7:30p to 9:30p
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.
10/5/2013 Saturday, 9:00a to 12:30p
BREATH, BANDHAS AND PRANAYAMA
Exploring the Invisible and Mysterious World of Prana
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 that are well known amongst yoga practitioners such as Om and a plethora of others. There is another mantra that is just as powerful and even more accessible. It 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 transcends religious beliefs. The sound of our breath is “chanted” from the first moment of birth. When practiced with awareness and efficiency this simple act of breathing becomes a deep and spiritual experience. In addition to breath work the class will also explore the invisible world of internal energy valves known as Bandhas.
ALL ABOARD THE ASHTANGA TRAIN
First Series Flow
This class is designed for those already familiar with the First Series of Ashtanga Yoga yet it is open to all levels of proficiency from the daily-practicing-professional ashtanga aficionados to the novice fit-it-in-when-I-can weekend warrior and everyone in between. The class 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. Prior to beginning the talk-through practice session David will present alternatives to some of the more challenging asanas of the First Series as well as give some user-friendly options for the vinyasa-challenged individuals needing other methods than the standard jumping techniques. There will be time at the end of the flow to enjoy a deep relaxation. Hop of the train and enjoy the ride!
10/5/13 Saturday, 3:00p to 5:00p
INVERSIONS AND BACKBENDS
Planting Roots and Growing Confidence
Whether you are frightened of inverting or love to hang out upside-down and whether you have a flexible back or a stiff board-like spine there is much to be learned from David’s insightful tools for building confidence and gaining control in Inversions and Backbends.
David will take the class on a journey of exploration into the unseen world of Gravity and share methods of how to utilize this perpetual energy as a stabilizing force for establishing our roots from which we can grow into inversions and backbends with greater ease and more confidence.
He will teach the participants methods to expand the front of the body and open the heart rather than collapse the back in order to discover greater depth in a backbend with less effort and more grace and efficiency.
David likes to encourage patience when he teaches. He phrases it like this: “The strongest trees in the forest grow the slowest!” Take the seeds of information he shares and plant them within the fertile ground of your personal practice and watch them grow and blossom over time!
10/6/2013 Sunday, 9:00a to 12:00p
SECOND SERIES GUIDED TOUR
Hop on the Bus and Enjoy a Ride Through Second Series Asanas
Many people are frightened of or intimidated by the Second Series of Ashtanga Yoga. But it is truly one of the most fun sequences! David will present the Second Series with great compassion, patience and humor. Students should have a regular practice of the First Series in order to attend this class. David will lead the participants through as much of the Second Series practice as seems appropriate for the group. He will offer alternatives and guidance along the way and explain methods and techniques to make the Second Series asanas feel more accessible and user-friendly. This class is a great way to experience the dynamics of second series in a safe and fun environment.
10/6/2013 Sunday, 2:00p to 4:30p
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 basic components. He likes to refer to this as: “The Physics of Flight”. Participants will explore techniques for creating greater lightness and efficiency of practice while using less effort to achieve greater ease.
The class will also explore the elements of handstands and arm-balances. It is common to feel intimidated or even frightened by balancing on our hands. David will address this issue and offer techniques and practical methods of approach to allow for greater confidence and ability that can be carried away and applied within a personal practice. This will all be done through the avenue of insightful and simple methods he has designed through decades of practice and teaching others. There will be partner work as well as individual techniques offered. There is always plenty of laughter and fun as well as a depth of information David’s classes. All levels may attend even if you have never done a handstand before. Alternatives are always given.
Come and Experience the Joy of Flight!
Dates: Friday, October 4, 2013, 7:30p to 9:30p, Saturday, October 5,2013, 9:00a to 12:30p & 3:00p to 5:00p Sunday, October 6, 2013, 9:00a to 12:00p & 2:00p to 4:30p
Teacher:
Cost: $295.00. Save $50.00 if paid by August 30, 2013.
Location: The Yoga on High Teacher Training Institute (TTI)
REGISTER NOW
A $50.00 non-refundable deposit is included in the cost of this workshop. No refunds will be given after August 30, 2013.
All David Swenson Programs:
David Swenson: Friday Evening
David Swenson: Weekend Workshop
David Swenson: Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training
