The second half of the seated postures in Primary Series offer an opportunity to bring awareness deeper into the body and mind. Proper support through breath and bandhas are key, and we’ll investigate those elements in depth, bringing them into play for some of the more challenging transitions in the practice as well.

NOTE This weekend workshop is part of the AYSR Student Development Course. It can also be taken on its own. For more information on the Student Development Course, CLICK HERE

Saturday April 20th

7:30-9:30am: Led Full Vinyasa Primary Series & Discussion -- Ashtanga Primary Series is most commonly practiced in the "Half Vinyasa" form, meaning that between seated poses, students flow through to Downward Dog and then back to seated. In "Full Vinyasa Form", students flow through all the way to standing (Samastitih) between poses and then back to seated again for the next pose. The result is energetically quite different, stimulating and relaxing at the same time. It is recommended that students have experience practicing Primary Series of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga consistently before attending this class. Practice will be followed by a discussion & Q&A

10am-12pm: Pranayama — “The decision to consistently and loyally attend to your breathing is the most important single decision that you will ever make to ensure success in yoga.” ~David Garrigues. This workshop will explore some foundational breathing exercises, as well as the 5 pranayama practices associated with Ashtanga vinyasa yoga.

1-3pm: 2nd Half Seated Postures: Breath, Bandhas & Balance — The last part of the Ashtanga Primary series brings a slight change of tone and energy, bringing more attention to the breath and bandhas, and settling the nervous system in preparation for closing the practice. We’ll look at the poses from Baddha Konasana through Setu Bandhasana, exploring key actions, and modifications.

Sunday April 21st

8:30-10:30am: Mysore Class (optional)

11am-12pm: Yoga Sutras & Philosophy — A discussion of yoga philosophy based on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (chapter1) and other texts.

1-3pm: Ashtanga Transitions —While most of the time, we think of transitions in Ashtanga as being jump backs and throughs, in actuality, transitions include any time we are moving from one position to another throughout the practice. In this workshop we’ll be looking at the unusual and challenging transitions in Primary series, including jumping back to chaturanga and forward to seated, chakrasana (backward roll), and others.

Investment:

$120 for the Full Weekend; $35 per session

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations made up to 14 days prior to the start of the Workshop will receive a refund minus any credit card fees already accrued and a $15 handling fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations made within 14 days of the start of the Workshop.