WORKSHOPS 2015
Back-bending Workshop
Friday 9 Jan 2015, 19.30 - 21.30
Triyoga Chelsea
£25
For all levels except complete beginners
Have you ever wondered:
How to do drop-backs?
How to straighten you arms in back-bends?
How the second series back-bends work?
How to align your back-bends so they feel and look amazing?
We will explore a range of different back-bends from the primary and secondary series of ashtanga yoga, and look at the link between handstands, forearm balance and back-bends. We will use props to assist us where necessary, which will help you to get the right muscles firing in the postures, and to feel the right alignment and range of movement appropriate to your ability and age.
This workshop is suitable for those who wish to deepen their knowledge of their body in yoga and the mechanics and energetics of back-bending in a fun and lighthearted way. Expect to feel your your heart opening, your breath deepen, and your lung capacity increase as the ribs and chest open and expand. Suitable for all levels.
You will learn:
• The connection between handstands, forearm balance and back-bends
• The main challenge in back-bending: how to open the chest, shoulders, and arms
• Simple postures you can do at home that will improve your back-bends
Handstand, Forearm Balance, and Headstand Workshop
Friday 24 Apr 2015, 19.30 - 21.30
Triyoga Chelsea
£25
For all levels except complete beginners
Primary Series Adjustments Workshop
Friday 19 Jun 2015, 19.30 - 21.30
Adjustments for the fist half of primary series
and
Friday 26 Jun 2015 19.30 - 21.30
Adjustments for the second half of primary series
Triyoga Soho
£25
For yoga teachers or those proficient with the primary series and wishing to deepen their practise
*please note, participants must attend both workshops
Ashtanga Second Series Workshop
Friday, 11 Sep 2015, 19.30 - 21.30
Triyoga Soho
£25
Jumping Back, Jumping Through in Ashtanga
Friday 4 Dec 2015, 19.30 - 21.30
Triyoga Chelsea
£25
For all levels except complete beginners
WORKSHOPS 2014
Jumping Back, Jumping Through: The Ashtanga Vinyasa
Fri 29 August, 2014, 19.30 - 21.30
Triyoga Chelsea
£25
For all levels except complete beginners
In ashtanga yoga, vinyasas are repeated between postures throughout every series, and are the links that connect each pose to the next in a flowing dance of energy.
Often vinyasas are rushed through without much thought, with emphasis being placed on the asanas that are held for longer, and on progressing through the series. This workshop will look at the significance of vinyasas in ashtanga yoga, techniques of how to jump back and through, and why it is important to practise vinyasas with awareness and precision.
In addition to strengthening exercises linking the core, shoulders and bandhas, we will break the vinyasas down to look in detail at the shoulder girdle and pelvis in chaturanga, upward dog and downward dog.
We know from neuroscience that repetition over time establishes neural pathways in the mind body matrix, and as these postures are repeated so often, we will look to set up healthy vinyasa patterns for every body type, to enrich and strengthen your practise for longevity and wellbeing. This workshop will be fun, lighthearted and challenging, and will leave you with some tools to take home and practise. Suitable for those who have been practising yoga for at least 6 months or the athletic beginner.
Back-bending Workshop
Friday 9 Jan 2015, 19.30 - 21.30
Triyoga Chelsea
£25
For all levels except complete beginners
Have you ever wondered:
How to do drop-backs?
How to straighten you arms in back-bends?
How the second series back-bends work?
How to align your back-bends so they feel and look amazing?
We will explore a range of different back-bends from the primary and secondary series of ashtanga yoga, and look at the link between handstands, forearm balance and back-bends. We will use props to assist us where necessary, which will help you to get the right muscles firing in the postures, and to feel the right alignment and range of movement appropriate to your ability and age.
This workshop is suitable for those who wish to deepen their knowledge of their body in yoga and the mechanics and energetics of back-bending in a fun and lighthearted way. Expect to feel your your heart opening, your breath deepen, and your lung capacity increase as the ribs and chest open and expand. Suitable for all levels.
You will learn:
• The connection between handstands, forearm balance and back-bends
• The main challenge in back-bending: how to open the chest, shoulders, and arms
• Simple postures you can do at home that will improve your back-bends
Handstand, Forearm Balance, and Headstand Workshop
Friday 24 Apr 2015, 19.30 - 21.30
Triyoga Chelsea
£25
For all levels except complete beginners
Primary Series Adjustments Workshop
Friday 19 Jun 2015, 19.30 - 21.30
Adjustments for the fist half of primary series
and
Friday 26 Jun 2015 19.30 - 21.30
Adjustments for the second half of primary series
Triyoga Soho
£25
For yoga teachers or those proficient with the primary series and wishing to deepen their practise
*please note, participants must attend both workshops
Ashtanga Second Series Workshop
Friday, 11 Sep 2015, 19.30 - 21.30
Triyoga Soho
£25
Jumping Back, Jumping Through in Ashtanga
Friday 4 Dec 2015, 19.30 - 21.30
Triyoga Chelsea
£25
For all levels except complete beginners
WORKSHOPS 2014
Jumping Back, Jumping Through: The Ashtanga Vinyasa
Fri 29 August, 2014, 19.30 - 21.30
Triyoga Chelsea
£25
For all levels except complete beginners
In ashtanga yoga, vinyasas are repeated between postures throughout every series, and are the links that connect each pose to the next in a flowing dance of energy.
Often vinyasas are rushed through without much thought, with emphasis being placed on the asanas that are held for longer, and on progressing through the series. This workshop will look at the significance of vinyasas in ashtanga yoga, techniques of how to jump back and through, and why it is important to practise vinyasas with awareness and precision.
In addition to strengthening exercises linking the core, shoulders and bandhas, we will break the vinyasas down to look in detail at the shoulder girdle and pelvis in chaturanga, upward dog and downward dog.
We know from neuroscience that repetition over time establishes neural pathways in the mind body matrix, and as these postures are repeated so often, we will look to set up healthy vinyasa patterns for every body type, to enrich and strengthen your practise for longevity and wellbeing. This workshop will be fun, lighthearted and challenging, and will leave you with some tools to take home and practise. Suitable for those who have been practising yoga for at least 6 months or the athletic beginner.
Sarai Harvey-Smith Ashtanga Workshop, Yoga Reading – Saturday, 21 June 2014
This workshop is suitable for all levels except complete beginners.
The Shoulder Girdle 10 – 11am
The chest and shoulders are one of the most important parts of the body to work with correctly in Ashtanga yoga, as we repeat so many vinyasa's. When practiced with correct alignment, your body has the opportunity to build strength, and cultivate openness. A strong back holds the body upright, as part of the core, and must be strong to hold the shoulders in place and chest open. Good posture here is one of the most challenging things today where a collapsed chest is the result of hours spent sitting looking at screens or books during work or leisure time. Opening the chest and thoracic spine uplifts emotionally, effects the lungs, respiratory system, and circulation, which in turn effect digestion and elimination, with an immediate affect on physical and mental wellbeing.
Self-practice 11 – 1pm
This is your chance to put your new shoulder girdle understanding and techniques into practise! Practise in the traditional Mysore style, at your own pace within the group setting, with one to one assisted help from Sarai.
The Pelvis and Spine in Back-bending 2.30 – 4.30pm
Building on what we learnt in the shoulder girdle workshop, we will now focus on the organisation of the pelvic girdle in back-bending, and how the limbs effect and move the pelvis and spine. The pelvis contains the sex and digestive organs, and it is important to maintain the integrity of the organic body for wellbeing physiologically and energetically (the nervous system). We will look at ways to avoid common injurious mistakes in back-bending by learning correct arm, shoulder and leg positions, and how to stabilise to work into stiff areas rather than overextending into your flexibility (the lumbar spine). Practised with integrity, back-bending can create immense feelings of wellbeing and openness in the body and mind.
TO BOOK AND FOR MORE INFO ON YOGA READING
WORKSHOP: cleanse your mind + detox your body:
with ashtanga's second series
fri 07 february 2014 7.30pm – 9.30pm
triyoga chelsea
for those who have had an established ashtanga practice for at least 6 months
£25
We will take the hierarchy out of the Second Series, with an approach that will allow every body to practice and benefit from this amazing sequence.
The Second Series in Sanskrit is known as “Nadi Shodhana”, which literally means channel cleansing. Where the Primary Series is designed to bring the biomechanics of your body to peak health and performance, the Second Series is designed to do the same, except energetically - by cleansing the 72,000 nerve pathways that make up the yogic subtle body.
This workshop will introduce you safely to the Second Series and it's energising, cleansing effects. You will learn:
• Backbending sequence
• Hip openers
• Inversions
This workshop is suitable for those who have had an established ashtanga practice for at least 6 months. Postures will be adapted to the level of the practitioner, so that the more experienced student will benefit from learning alignment and direction, while the less experienced will learn ways to prepare the body for and modify more difficult postures.
WORKSHOPS 2013
Workshop in Beirut, Lebanon, 6 - 9 December 2013
I'm very excited to be returning to Beirut! This time we will be at Nok Yoga Shala
Friday 6 Dec 2013, 6.30 - 8.30pm - Detailing the Primary Series
This class is suitable for all levels. Students will be led methodically through some or all of the primary series, with focus on alignment, and correct breath, vinyasa (synchronized movement) and dristi (gaze point). Implementing breath with vinyasa and dristi enables the practitioner to move into a state of ‘tristana’ - meditation in movement. Beginners will experience the flow and precision of the ashtanga sequence, whilst more seasoned practitioners will enrich their sense of alignment and directionality.
Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 Dec 2013, 10am - 1pm - Mysore Style Self-Practice
This class is suitable for beginners to advanced level. In Mysore Style Self-Practice, students of all levels practice together in the same room, practicing to their level and in their own time, whilst the teacher is available to assist students one-to-one as required. The format of the class, whereby students can arrive and leave at anytime, supports the differing levels and durations of different students’ practices. For e.g; a beginner should expect to practice for 30-40 minutes; whilst the more accustomed practitioners’ practice usually lasts between 1.30 - 2 hours.
Saturday 7 Dec 2013, 1 - 2pm - Q&A with Sarai
Bring your burning questions on any aspects of yoga, ashtanga, and practice
Monday 9 Dec 2013, 8 - 10am - Mysore Style Self-Practice
Last chance to work through any challenges, hurdles or hoops in your practice, before I head back to London!
Cost for all 4 sessions is $175 USD, $50 drop-in. Email nok@nokyogashala.com to book
Triyoga Chelsea, London
14 July 2013
Finding Your Potential
Join us for an in-depth exploration of the core postures of primary series: Bujapidasana, Kurmasana, Supta Kurmasana, Garbha Pindasana, Baddha Konasana. Often the most challenging poses in the series, their importance lies in the fact that they open the body and mind in preparation for intermediate series. We will then move through the first part of intermediate series, taking away the hierarchy of the method by allowing practitioners of every level to practice the postures, with modifications where necessary and emphasis on alignment and directionality. Breaking down challenging postures can push the limits of our conceptions of self, what we think we can and can’t do, and teach us to approach the practice with self belief, trust, and an open mind.
Triyoga Soho, London
8 March 2013
Intro to Ashtanga: the 2nd Series
This workshop is for all levels, and will explore what makes the Second Series unique - comparing the Primary Series, known as ‘Yoga Chikitsa’ (meaning yoga therapy) with the Second Series ‘Nadi Shodhana’ (meaning energy channel cleansing).
We will work our way through the Second Series, looking at the postures in detail - focusing on alignment and technique, and providing methods and modifications for every level of practitioner and body type.
You will learn:
- How the breath assists with Nadi Shodhana (energy channel cleansing) - What differentiates beginner level and advanced level Ashtanga
- How to build the strength required for the Second Series
- How to build the flexibility required for the Second Series
WORKSHOPS 2012
Ashtanga Yoga Workshops on Waiheke Island, New Zealand
29 - 30 December 2012
The Art of Jumping Through
In ashtanga yoga, vinyasas are repeated between postures throughout every series. Oftentimes vinyasas are rushed through or relegated with emphasis being placed on the asanas that are held for longer. This workshop will look at the significance of vinyasas in ashtanga yoga, and why it is important they are practised with awareness and precision. In addition to learning how to jump back and through, we will break the vinyasas down to look in detail at chaturanga, upward dog and downward dog, postures that need to be practised correctly as they are repeated so often. We will explore ways in which everybody can practise vinyasas with correct alignment and technique to build a strong and enriching practise for longevity.
Steady Inversions
Inversions are the most therapeutic of yoga asanas, and often the most challenging mentally and physically. This workshop will explore ways in which everybody can practise these postures safely, with preparatory exercises and techniques designed to set the body’s neuronal pathways to create correct alignment, build strength, and maintain a nourishing and safe anatomical position necessary for comfortable, steady inversions. We will look at headstand (sirsasana), forearm balance (pincha mayurasana), handstand (adho mukha vrksasana), and shoulderstand (salamba sarvangasana). The emphasis will not be on the ability to balance, but rather on creating a solid and firm foundation from which to enter, build from, and maintain, these postures.
Contact Stephanie to register: waihekeislandashtangayoga@gmail.com
http://www.thebreathingspace.co.nz/
Workshop in Beirut, Lebanon SOLD OUT.
4 - 6 May 2012: Details
I am very excited to be teaching this set of workshops in Beirut, kindly hosted and organised by Bashir Saade.
Ashtanga Yoga Workshops on Waiheke Island, New Zealand
14 - 16 December 2007
A weekend self-practice workshop
This workshop is suitable for all levels except complete beginners.
The Shoulder Girdle 10 – 11am
The chest and shoulders are one of the most important parts of the body to work with correctly in Ashtanga yoga, as we repeat so many vinyasa's. When practiced with correct alignment, your body has the opportunity to build strength, and cultivate openness. A strong back holds the body upright, as part of the core, and must be strong to hold the shoulders in place and chest open. Good posture here is one of the most challenging things today where a collapsed chest is the result of hours spent sitting looking at screens or books during work or leisure time. Opening the chest and thoracic spine uplifts emotionally, effects the lungs, respiratory system, and circulation, which in turn effect digestion and elimination, with an immediate affect on physical and mental wellbeing.
Self-practice 11 – 1pm
This is your chance to put your new shoulder girdle understanding and techniques into practise! Practise in the traditional Mysore style, at your own pace within the group setting, with one to one assisted help from Sarai.
The Pelvis and Spine in Back-bending 2.30 – 4.30pm
Building on what we learnt in the shoulder girdle workshop, we will now focus on the organisation of the pelvic girdle in back-bending, and how the limbs effect and move the pelvis and spine. The pelvis contains the sex and digestive organs, and it is important to maintain the integrity of the organic body for wellbeing physiologically and energetically (the nervous system). We will look at ways to avoid common injurious mistakes in back-bending by learning correct arm, shoulder and leg positions, and how to stabilise to work into stiff areas rather than overextending into your flexibility (the lumbar spine). Practised with integrity, back-bending can create immense feelings of wellbeing and openness in the body and mind.
TO BOOK AND FOR MORE INFO ON YOGA READING
WORKSHOP: cleanse your mind + detox your body:
with ashtanga's second series
fri 07 february 2014 7.30pm – 9.30pm
triyoga chelsea
for those who have had an established ashtanga practice for at least 6 months
£25
We will take the hierarchy out of the Second Series, with an approach that will allow every body to practice and benefit from this amazing sequence.
The Second Series in Sanskrit is known as “Nadi Shodhana”, which literally means channel cleansing. Where the Primary Series is designed to bring the biomechanics of your body to peak health and performance, the Second Series is designed to do the same, except energetically - by cleansing the 72,000 nerve pathways that make up the yogic subtle body.
This workshop will introduce you safely to the Second Series and it's energising, cleansing effects. You will learn:
• Backbending sequence
• Hip openers
• Inversions
This workshop is suitable for those who have had an established ashtanga practice for at least 6 months. Postures will be adapted to the level of the practitioner, so that the more experienced student will benefit from learning alignment and direction, while the less experienced will learn ways to prepare the body for and modify more difficult postures.
WORKSHOPS 2013
Workshop in Beirut, Lebanon, 6 - 9 December 2013
I'm very excited to be returning to Beirut! This time we will be at Nok Yoga Shala
Friday 6 Dec 2013, 6.30 - 8.30pm - Detailing the Primary Series
This class is suitable for all levels. Students will be led methodically through some or all of the primary series, with focus on alignment, and correct breath, vinyasa (synchronized movement) and dristi (gaze point). Implementing breath with vinyasa and dristi enables the practitioner to move into a state of ‘tristana’ - meditation in movement. Beginners will experience the flow and precision of the ashtanga sequence, whilst more seasoned practitioners will enrich their sense of alignment and directionality.
Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 Dec 2013, 10am - 1pm - Mysore Style Self-Practice
This class is suitable for beginners to advanced level. In Mysore Style Self-Practice, students of all levels practice together in the same room, practicing to their level and in their own time, whilst the teacher is available to assist students one-to-one as required. The format of the class, whereby students can arrive and leave at anytime, supports the differing levels and durations of different students’ practices. For e.g; a beginner should expect to practice for 30-40 minutes; whilst the more accustomed practitioners’ practice usually lasts between 1.30 - 2 hours.
Saturday 7 Dec 2013, 1 - 2pm - Q&A with Sarai
Bring your burning questions on any aspects of yoga, ashtanga, and practice
Monday 9 Dec 2013, 8 - 10am - Mysore Style Self-Practice
Last chance to work through any challenges, hurdles or hoops in your practice, before I head back to London!
Cost for all 4 sessions is $175 USD, $50 drop-in. Email nok@nokyogashala.com to book
Triyoga Chelsea, London
14 July 2013
Finding Your Potential
Join us for an in-depth exploration of the core postures of primary series: Bujapidasana, Kurmasana, Supta Kurmasana, Garbha Pindasana, Baddha Konasana. Often the most challenging poses in the series, their importance lies in the fact that they open the body and mind in preparation for intermediate series. We will then move through the first part of intermediate series, taking away the hierarchy of the method by allowing practitioners of every level to practice the postures, with modifications where necessary and emphasis on alignment and directionality. Breaking down challenging postures can push the limits of our conceptions of self, what we think we can and can’t do, and teach us to approach the practice with self belief, trust, and an open mind.
Triyoga Soho, London
8 March 2013
Intro to Ashtanga: the 2nd Series
This workshop is for all levels, and will explore what makes the Second Series unique - comparing the Primary Series, known as ‘Yoga Chikitsa’ (meaning yoga therapy) with the Second Series ‘Nadi Shodhana’ (meaning energy channel cleansing).
We will work our way through the Second Series, looking at the postures in detail - focusing on alignment and technique, and providing methods and modifications for every level of practitioner and body type.
You will learn:
- How the breath assists with Nadi Shodhana (energy channel cleansing) - What differentiates beginner level and advanced level Ashtanga
- How to build the strength required for the Second Series
- How to build the flexibility required for the Second Series
WORKSHOPS 2012
Ashtanga Yoga Workshops on Waiheke Island, New Zealand
29 - 30 December 2012
The Art of Jumping Through
In ashtanga yoga, vinyasas are repeated between postures throughout every series. Oftentimes vinyasas are rushed through or relegated with emphasis being placed on the asanas that are held for longer. This workshop will look at the significance of vinyasas in ashtanga yoga, and why it is important they are practised with awareness and precision. In addition to learning how to jump back and through, we will break the vinyasas down to look in detail at chaturanga, upward dog and downward dog, postures that need to be practised correctly as they are repeated so often. We will explore ways in which everybody can practise vinyasas with correct alignment and technique to build a strong and enriching practise for longevity.
Steady Inversions
Inversions are the most therapeutic of yoga asanas, and often the most challenging mentally and physically. This workshop will explore ways in which everybody can practise these postures safely, with preparatory exercises and techniques designed to set the body’s neuronal pathways to create correct alignment, build strength, and maintain a nourishing and safe anatomical position necessary for comfortable, steady inversions. We will look at headstand (sirsasana), forearm balance (pincha mayurasana), handstand (adho mukha vrksasana), and shoulderstand (salamba sarvangasana). The emphasis will not be on the ability to balance, but rather on creating a solid and firm foundation from which to enter, build from, and maintain, these postures.
Contact Stephanie to register: waihekeislandashtangayoga@gmail.com
http://www.thebreathingspace.co.nz/
Workshop in Beirut, Lebanon SOLD OUT.
4 - 6 May 2012: Details
I am very excited to be teaching this set of workshops in Beirut, kindly hosted and organised by Bashir Saade.
Ashtanga Yoga Workshops on Waiheke Island, New Zealand
14 - 16 December 2007
A weekend self-practice workshop
