Yoga
for Body, Breath & Mind:
Our approach to
yoga is a holistic one. Yoga can uplift each and every person when
learnt correctly and practiced sincerely. To work with the body,
channel the breath and center the mind is behind this practical and
fun teaching and learning time.
Each student will gain confidence
in their own yoga asana practice with a ‘partially
guided’ led class or a traditional Mysore style class. Breath-work
exercises will provide an introduction to pranayama and create an awareness
of the importance of the breath on and off the mat. Meditation and
its basics are cultivated.
We will offer discussions on the nature
of yoga, and how these practices can be integrated into one’s
daily life. Many topics can be discussed and may include: asana tips
and techniques, overcoming mental and physical barriers, and how our
practices on the mat can be a mirror for daily living, plus more.
The
practices learned during this retreat will help to promote confidence
and create independence as students build their personal yoga practice
and develop the tools for continued personal growth. Plus, how to integrate
it in your daily life amidst family and a busy work schedule. Plenty
to keep up till you’re ready to come back and move on or advance
it.
Whether you are brand new to yoga, or you have been practicing
yoga for years, developing a personal “self-practice” is
a very effective way to deepen your experience with yoga. All levels
of students are encouraged to participate.
Yoga
& the Breath
Practice (Pranayama):
The focus of these
programs is to build on to the asana practice a regular and well informed
practice of pranayama and meditation. Pranayama uses the breath
and the entire respiratory system to purify and strengthen the nerves
which leads to greater control of the senses and a subsequent calmer
and clearer mind, not just when sitting but throughout the day, when
practiced consistently for a long time. Here is the opportunity
to be introduced and grow through these techniques in a supportive environment.
Paul has practiced and been trained to a high level in these practices
under one of the few remaining authorities in pranayama, O.P. Tiwari.
Tiwariji has only taught the complete pranayama to Paul and one other
student.
The day will open
with pranayama and meditation followed by the ashtanga practice.
In the afternoon will be a workshop to further explain the practices
so better understanding can come followed by sessions on restorative
asanas and pranayama. In the evening after dinner will be a variety
of programs followed by meditation.
This course is
open to all levels of students.
Adjustment Clinic
This workshop is intended for those practitioners wishing to explore
asanas in more detail and is especially beneficial for those that are
already teaching.
This short course will focus on all three main elements. The continued
development of your own personal practice, the experience of being
adjusted and the theoretical and practical aspects of giving hands
on adjustments.
These workshop sessions will pay particular attention to understanding
the relevant asanas, what is meant to be happening in each pose and
then how to facilitate that through safe, intelligent and appropriate
adjustments. The anatomical and physiological aspects of each pose
will be weaved into the explanations.
In addition a large percentage of the time will be dedicated for students
to practice these adjustments on each other, getting used to touching
different bodies and receiving feedback from each other. The key is
to understand the postures, the purpose of the adjustments, how to
do it. Ultimately adjustments can only refined over time with experience
and lots of practice.
The primary focus will be on postures from the first series, as these
poses correctly understood hold the keys to understanding many of the
other poses. We will however explore some of the poses from the intermediate
series for a better understanding of how to do them correctly.
Additionally this course provides those with Yoga Alliance Registration
50 hours Continual Education credits and can be counted towards the
ERYT200 and RYT500.
Both Paul and Neil
will lead these sessions. Read
full details.
