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Weekend Workshop: Primary Series Part I - Strength & Flexibility


  • Ashtanga Yoga School Raleigh 302 Pebble Creek Drive Cary, NC, 27511 United States (map)

In this weekend workshop, we begin picking apart what makes the Primary Series of Ashtanga what it is: Yoga Chikitsa (Yoga Therapy). A deeper understanding of the structure of the practice, along with the vinyasa counting method and the intentions of the postures in the Primary Series seated postures will help lead students deeper into their practice, offering a way to a more sustainable long-term practice.

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 march 9th

7:30-9:30am: Led Primary Series & Discussion -- Students will be led through a traditionally counted Primary Series practice, followed by a discussion/Q&A. Students who have not completed the Primary Series may stay and observe, or close out on their own and take rest.

10am-12pm: Sanskrit & Vinyasa Counting — The Vinyasa count of the Ashtanga practice is like the official road map. Each breath and movement is accounted for from the first "ekam" to savasana. Learning this count in sanskrit and the names of of the postures helps students develop a deeper understanding of the practice and how it flows. This in turn allows for a more meditative practice.

1-3pm: Primary Series Part I — The first section of the Primary Series seated postures (Dandasana - Maricyasana) is designed to open the hips and hamstrings and build strength and endurance in the body. In this session we will explore the most basic intentions of the postures using hatha yoga techniques, including props, and more.

Sunday March 10th

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: The Train Wreck — The postures of the Primary Series from Marichyasana D through Garba Pindasana can be particularly challenging for many students. As we gain the strength, flexibility, and endurance built in the first half of the practice, these postures test those aspects in a variety of ways. For this workshop, we’ll look at the intentions of each of these postures, preparatory postures, modifications, , and self adjustments using props and other techniques.

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.