doug swenson weekend workshops
december 3-5, 2010

 

The word VINYASA (Sanskrit) stems from the root word NYASA which means "to place" and the prefix VI in this case means "in a special way". This could refer to placing your arm in a special way while in triangle pose, or it could mean placing a sequence of postures in a special way to reach a desired result. For example, a desired result could be a sequence to help improvedigestion, relieve back pain or reduce chronic fatigue.

The word TANTRA (tantric is an adj. which describes something coming from tantra) is made up of two words: TANOTI and TRAYATI. Tanoti means "to expand, to stretch, to extend", while the word trayati means "to liberate or free". Therefore Tantra (tan+tra) means to expand one's experience and awareness of everything, to extend the frontiers of apprehension beyond the material, and hence to attain spiritual knowledge and liberation. Another definition of Tantra is "to weave".

Wow! That's some serious stuff. How do we do that? The main difference you'll notice in a Tantric Vinyasa class is that they include something called ADHIKARA. Simply put, adhikara means "progression" and "a sensitivity to the subtle realms". There will be a little guidance on alignment. Also there will be a smooth pace to the class to build a little heat, improve flexibility and strength, however, it won't stop with the physical body.

Through "weaving" in certain breathing and meditation techniques "in a special way", we will build this "sensitivity to the more subtle forces" which is called PRANA or the vital life force. The ancient Yogi's believed through learning to control the prana, you also learn to control the mind. You will leave a Tantric Vinyasa class feeling like you've cultivated vital life force and also a clear mind. To read Jim's bio, click here.

Below are the sessions, times and titles. Click here to get more detailed information about each session.

Friday, October 8 - 7-8:30pm: Tantric Vinyasa Discussion and Demo with Jim
Saturday, October 9 - 9:30am-12:30pm: Vinyasa from a Tantric Perspective
Saturday, October 9 - 2-5pm: Stilling the lake of the Mind
Sunday, October 10am - 1pm: Viparita Karani: Turning Your World Upside Down

$60 per session
Purchase Saturday and Sunday for $150 and get Friday night free!

Click here to sign up online!

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Weekend workshop with ashtanga master Doug Swenson. Doug began his study of yoga in 1969. He has had the fortune of studying with many great teachers including Dr. Ernest Wood, K. Pattabhi Jois, David Williams, Nancy Gilgoff, Ramanand Patel, and others.

Doug is a master yoga practitioner, philosopher, poet and dedicated health advocate. He has incorporated influences from several different yoga systems along with his passion for nutrition and the environment to develop his unique approach. More information about Doug is available at www.sadhanayogachi.com. 

Each session will be half lecture/discussion and half practice time. The lecture and practice topics are listed below. Don't miss this unique opportunity to learn from Doug!

$60 per session or $200 for the full weekend. Click here to sign up online.

Friday, December 3 - 5-8pm
Lecture: Breathing Basics and Practice of Pranyama
Practice: Ashtanga with Extra Spice

Saturday, December 4 - 10am-1pm
Lecture: Yoga Kriyas (Internal Yogic Cleansing Techniques) 
Practice: Introduction to 2nd Level Ashtanga Flow 

Saturday, December 4 - 3-6pm
Lecture: Meditation - Lecture on Types and Sample Meditation Practice
Practice: Mastering the Secrets of Yoga Flow

Sunday, December 5 - 12-3pm
Lecture: Cross Training with Yoga
Practice: Endurance Yoga/Power Yoga