Birds, binds, balances and breathing: A yoga wokshop series

ABOUT

Much of modern yoga is presented as a kind of "yoga based" workout akin to aerobics, often built around repetitive standing postures such as warrior lunges. These stances are a good foundation, but there is so much more depth to yoga than this.

In this series of workshops we will quite deliberately work beyond the common yoga stances and explore some of the more exotic forms and techniques.

Movement, breathing, mental focus and postures are interventions that alter the functions of the autonomic nervous system, motor control system, hormonal and lymphatic systems and our belief systems about ourselves and our capabilities. Yoga is an ancient tool to master the body and its subtle flow of energy. If it is done in a safe way and sequenced well, it will provide a healthy balance of strength, stability, mobility and justified confidence.

COST: R250 per workshop or R900 for all four

WORKSHOP 1: BIRDS

When: Monday 3 February 2020, 6:30 - 8:45pm

We begin by learning the key alignment and energetic messages contained in some of the classic ‘bird’ yoga postures including the eagle, the swan, and how they are related to others such as the peacock, crane, heron, as well as various pigeons. We will explore progressions and transitions between postures and useful modifications.

WORKSHOP 2: BINDS

When: Monday 10 February 2020, 6:30 - 8:45pm

Looking into the ‘binding’ 'sage' postures like Koundinya, Marichy, Baravadja from the perspective of biomechanics and the concept of tensegrity. By ‘tying oneself in knots’ we develop a greater range of movement and control in our joints, massage the lymphatic system, and prepare our breathing mechanisms. Energetically we connect to steadiness and restrain the mind.

WORKSHOP 3: BALANCING

When: Monday 17 February 2020, 6:30 - 8:345pm

This workshop will focus on balancing techniques, including balancing on the feet, one foot, the head, the hands and possibly one hand! The latest research into neurobiology and anti-aging shows that neuroplasticity is enhanced by challenging ourselves with balance. The balancing postures are an amazing way to discover the natural integrity of our spines and our inherent ‘antigravity’ capacities.

WORKSHOP 4: BREATHING

When: Monday 24 February 2020, 6:30 - 8:45pm

This workshop will explain healthy breathing, physiology and the traditional subtle energetic practices known in the yoga tradition as pranayama. We will look at how we can create more stability, vitality and ease with the aid of breath and how to use breath as an entry toward the stillness of meditation.

PLACES ARE LIMITED.

DIRECTIONS