David Swenson

We are very happy to welcome internationally renowned Ashtanga Yoga Teacher David Swenson for a fun filled weekend of workshops and talks.

9/11/23 Thursday

18:00-20:00

ASHTANGA BASICS

Exploring the FUNdamentals

This class is an introduction to Ashtanga Yoga open to all levels of experience or lack there of. The building blocks of Ashtanga Yoga will be explored through what David refers to as The Five Elements of Practice; Breath, Bandhas, Drishti, Asana and Vinyasa. After the short discussion David will conduct an introductory flow through an abbreviated sequence from the First Series. This is a great way to gain a taste of Ashtanga under the guidance of one of the world’s most renowned and compassionate instructors.

If you are curious to know more about this dynamic and flowing system then come and join David for a fun, flowing, user-friendly adventure into the basics of Ashtanga Yoga.

*Cautionary Note: You might actually enjoy it

10/11/23 Friday

9:00-11:00

FULLY LED PRIMARY SERIES

Dancing with the Breath in a First Series Flow

This class is designed for those already familiar with the First Series of Ashtanga Yoga yet it is open to all levels of proficiency from the daily-practicing aficionados to the novice fit-it-in-when-I-can weekend warriors and everyone in between. The class will be conducted like a choreographed dance flowing along all of the way from the opening sun salutations to the closing savasana. David will spend time at the beginning of class to introduce alternatives to some of the more challenging asanas as well as offer user-friendly vinyasa options. There will be time at the end of the flow to enjoy a soothing, deep relaxation.

Required Items: Mat and Breath

12:30-15:00

FLYING FLOATING AND HAND STANDING

A Fun-filled exploration of Vinyasa and Arm-balances

One of the greatest challenges of the Ashtanga flow is the vinyasa. In this class David will break the vinyasa down into its components. He likes to refer to this as: “The Physics of Flight”. The class will also explore the elements of handstands and arm-balances.

This will all be done through the avenue of partner work. There is always plenty of laughter and fun as well as a depth of information in this class. All levels may attend even if you have never done a handstand before. Alternatives are always given.

15:30-17:00

BREATH, BANDHAS AND PRANAYAMA

Exploring the Mantra of Ujjayi and the Mystical Energy of Bandhas

In Sanskrit, Man means Mind and Tra means to Free or Deliver. Therefore the word Mantra means to Free the Mind. There are many mantras in yoga such as Om, Hare Krishna, Om Namo Shivaya and a plethora of others. In Ashtanga Yoga the mantra is the sound of our breath: Ujjayi. There is no other sound more universal than breath. It is not tied to language or culture and is “chanted” from the first moment of birth. This class will focus on the mantra of ujjayi within asana practice as well as during pranayama. In addition to breath work the class will also explore the invisible world of Bandhas. We well attempt to gain greater understanding of these subtle yet powerful tools through interactive discussion as well as a series of practical exercises.

11/11/23 Saturday

9:00-11:00

Half & Half Fun Fest

Half First Series and Half Second Series Makes for Full Fun

This class is a talk-through of Half of Primary Series and Half of Intermediate Series. In Ashtanga the traditional approach for entering the Intermediate Series is to use the Primary Series as a yogic springboard to propel the student forward. Intermediate Seies can be intimidating yet David has a way of presenting it in an accessible and engaging manner. Those that feel a bit uncertain about taking that first step into the realms of the Intermediate Series will find comfort in knowing that David always keeps it Fun, Safe and Incredibly Informative as he guides the group along in a compassionate and thoughtful manner using the first half of Primary Series as a wonderful gateway into Intermediate.

Come and experience the joy and wonder of exploring new asanas or deepening awareness and ability for the ones you are already familiar with!

12:30-15:00

INVERSIONS, BACKBENDS AND SITTING WITH YOUR BREATH

Finding Stability When the World is Inverted and Returning Home to Breath

This class will turn your world upside/down in order to explore the dynamics of inverting the body through building a solid foundation from which to grow while also looking at the opposing forces at play in Inversions. Backbends will be redefined as front openings and sitting quietly will be explored as an active participation in self-exploration through developing a relationship with our lifelong companion, breath.

15:30-17:00

EIGHT LIMBS AND DAILY LIFE

How does this practice apply within the context of daily living?

Underlying the mysterious and complex philosophy of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras there is a truly profound simplicity that may be applied within the context of our daily lives. This class will discuss the Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga and explore their applications within our day-to-day life. What is the use of Philosophy without real application? We may memorize quotations or stanzas from great writings but unless we can apply them within our life they are merely words spoken rather than knowledge realized.

David Swenson

David began practicing yoga in 1969 at the age of 13. His older brother Doug was his first teacher. They practiced hatha yoga from whatever books they could find. David's introduction to Ashtanga came in 1973 when he met David Williams and Nancy Gilgoff in Encinitas, California. In 1975 David and Nancy brought K. Pattabhi Jois to the U.S. for the first time and Swenson was fortunate enough to be there. Swenson made his first trip to Mysore in 1977. He is one of a very small number of people that have learned the full Ashtanga system as it was originally taught by K. Pattabhi Jois. David Swenson is recognized today as one of the world’s foremost practitioners and instructors of Ashtanga Yoga. David has produced 5 DVD’s and is the author of the highly popular and bestselling yoga book: Ashtanga Yoga “The Practice Manual” that has been printed in 10 different languages and sold internationally.

Pricing

Early bird until 1/7/23 1350₪ (370$)

After 1/7/23 1550₪ (425$)

Registration fee - 125₪  will be deducted from total amount and will not be refunded in case of cancelation

** number of participants is limited

Cancellation policy

Until 26.10 - 50% refund

after 26.10 no refund