World-Renowned Master Teacher David Swenson
Date: February 18-20, 2011
Time: Friday - 6:30-9:30pm
Saturday & Sunday - 11:30am-2:30pm, 4:00-7:00pm
(break 2:30-4:00pm)
Cost: $225 ($250 after 2/11/11)
Friday Evening Schedule:
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 thereof. 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 Schedule:
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.
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.
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 Schedule:
EQUALITY OF OPPOSITION AND THE SIX DIRECTIONS
Seeking Lines of Energy and Feeling the Flow
Everything within this universe in which we reside is comprised of opposing forces. Up/Down, Right/Left, Day/Night, Winter/Summer, Birth/Death. Everything has an opposite. If we inhale we must also exhale. The word Yoga itself means unity or balance between opposites. Balance means much more than not falling over. By applying awareness of the inherent lines of energy present within any asana we may find greater freedom and more stability with much less effort. Learning to see and feel these energy flows will be explored through partner work and applied to individual practice. All levels are welcome and both students and teachers will find benefit from learning to recognize these natural flowing lines of prana and gain insights into riding the flow.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.
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.
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.
About David
David's introduction to Ashtanga came in 1973 when he met David Williams and Nancy Gilgoff in Encinitas, California. In 1975 David and Nancy brought K. Pattabhi Jois to the U.S. for the first time and Swenson was fortunate enough to be there. He then initiated studies directly with the master. Swenson made his first trip to Mysore in 1977 and learned the full Ashtanga system as it was originally taught by K. Pattabhi Jois.
David Swenson is recognized today as one of the worlds foremost practitioners and instructors of Ashtanga Yoga.