Next Dates for Saturday Yoga Labs 

 November 28

Saturdays 2 to 5 pm 

COST ZAR 400

To join all remaining labs will allow deep exploration and investigation of key elements of yoga practice.

Topics are:

July 11 – Primal movements to Fluid transition (concluded) 

August 1 -Taking Flight with the birds (concluded) 

The Crow – Bakkasaana. contains a key action that opens and allows several other postures. The Eagle, the Swan and the King pigeon have there own secrets too. To examine these classical postures in depth, is beyond the scope of the average yoga class and yet they contain unique physical and energetic access to special awareness and somatic connection. Secret keys and techniques of mastering gravity and ‘taking flight’ with upward ‘anti gravity’ energy. 

We will also relate some of the ancient stories related to these asana.The archaic mythology places a special reverence and honour on the creatures of the air. The vedic mythology points to the importance of embodying these beings who have transcended gravity: 

Sept 5 – Freedom in Restraint – Binding postures Baddha & Bandha leading to Backbends (concluded) 

We examine the practice of binding, restraining or containing the body by the the limbs and it’s link with Baddha, Bandha and Mudra, the gestures of holding create “Closed Chain” activations which mobilise vital energy in the central channels.

Healthy binding techniques and appropriate anatomical joint function of shoulder, hip and knee is essential as we explore a variety the bound asana forms.    Recently it has been shown that a strap known as a Patta was a common tool for the yogis of old. Many of these postures are named after famous sages such as Marichy, Bharavadja, Ashtavakra and Kasyapa.

What metaphorical meaning could this have? and what energetic or physiological lesson is there in these asana? 

Through these we can practically grasp the concept of Baddha (connections or ties) and its relation to Bandhas, the muscular and energetic “pressure valves” which mobilise deeper pranic movements, visualisations and breath control.

The correct sequence of actions, together with appropriate understanding of the joints, and preparation of the spine will open up joyful possibilities in backward bending.  

Openning to ease in Backward Bends

Knowing how to use ‘Neutralising’ actions will allow us to “be fearless” while entering variations of the front opening postures such as the little bow “Laghu Vajrasana”, Meru Dhanda Vakrasana and understanding why the camel pose is called the camel.

Sept 26 – Beautiful balancing. (concluded) 

A practical, real time exploration of  “Sthiram and Sukham Asanam” from the Yoga Sutra which instructs the yogi to sustain a resolute stillness together with a feeling of ease and freedom. 

Though it is generally understood to refer to seated meditation posture, the instruction applies perfectly to headstand, handstand, shoulderstand and any manner of balance. 

The tensegrity skills, that ‘unify’ the body, are now put to the test by turning the world upside down. In this, our perception to become more familiar with uncertainty, and opens our mind and neurons to new possibilities. 

This workshop will also explore some partner techniques of assisting partners in their inversion practice.

Saturday November 28 –

2pm – 5pm – Breath, Bindu & Prana awareness 

The last in this series of 5 workshops Labs.

We explore the authentic direction of the yoga path, the inward journey. There is a path which leads us from superficial and external distraction toward an inner stillness. Which in turn brings refined character traits and the fulfilment of deeper connections.  

The workshop of traditional Pranayama “Breathwork” examines the cord that ties all the other workshops together. Each of the previous workshops  trains the aspiring yogi in one or more breathing perspectives drawing the mind from outer to inner.

The control and refinement of our breath naturally occurs as a by product of consistent and comprehensive asana practice. Strong respiratory muscle function is a basis of vitality and also an indicator for longevity but having strong lung function is also not the deeper purpose of yoga.

These perspectives will be integrated and merged with particular techniques leading us to effortless retention in ‘maha mudra’ and a calm meditative centre. In this workshop I will attempt also to share methods of internal visualisation known as pranavidya. For those who are suitably prepared, the pranavidya practices bring a profound steadyness.

Book on Quiket or Cash at the door.