David Swenson Hosted by the Yoga Shala and Yoga Passage!
David Swenson Weekend Workshop August 6-8
Come and immerse yourself in the wonderful depths of Ashtanga Yoga with one of the world's top instructors.
David has been practicing Ashtanga for over three decades. His expertise as a practitioner is matched by his ability
to share a wealth of knowledge in a very personable, fun and down-to-earth manner. His courses are presented in a
supportive and compassionate fashion making it accessible to all levels of practitioner to participate.
There are always practical tips offered such as his "Physics of Flight" class in which he breaks down the dynamics of
vinyasa into minute details. In another class he may explore what he calls "Equality of Opposition and the Six Directions."
Here he explains how to seek balance through uniting the opposing forces that form every asana as well as the world around
us. On a philosophical level he offers practical insights into Patanjalis Yoga Sutras in a class entitled "Eight Limbs and Daily
Life." David sheds light onto the more ethereal areas of the internal practice through explorations of pranayama and the
energetic realms of bandhas. Whether new to Ashtanga or a seasoned practitioner all are sure to gain benefit from attending
the classes. Don't miss the opportunity to study with David. You are sure to return home with greater insights into your
practice and a smile on your face.
$320.00 plus GST for the weekend ($295 early bird price if registered prior to June 1/10)
or $65 per session if space is available after June 1/10
Register by calling Yoga Passage Calgary at 403.277.3058 or online.
Detailed Schedule:
Friday
ASHTANGA YOGA: AN INTRODUCTION 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Exploring the Fundamentals
This class is an introduction to Ashtanga Yoga. It is open to all levels of experience or lack there of. The building blocks of Ashtanga Yoga will be explored through the basic elements of Breath, Bandhas and Vinyasa. There will be a short discussion followed by an introductory flow through an abbreviated sequence from the First Series. The class will end with a guided deep relaxation.
Saturday schedule 9 - 11:00am
Saturday
ALL ABOARD THE ASHTANGA TRAIN 9:00 - 11:00am
Yoga Chikitsa: A Fully Conducted Primary Series Class
This class is designed for those already familiar with the First Series of Ashtanga Yoga. It will be conducted like a train ride that will continue flowing along all of the way from the opening sun salutations to the closing sequence. There will be time at the end of the flow to enjoy a deep relaxation.
FLYING FLOATING AND HANDSTANDING 1:00 - 3:30pm
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.
BREATH, BANDHAS AND PRANAYAMA 4:00 - 5:30pm
Exploring the Mantra of Ujjayi and the Mysteries of Energy Locks
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.
Sunday
NADI SHODANA / A GUIDED TOUR 9:00 - 11:00am
An Introduction to the Intermediate Series of Ashtanga Yoga
Students should have a regular practice of the First Series in order to attend this class. There will be an introductory discussion of the dynamics inherent to the Second Series. David will then lead the class through a portion of First Series acting as a springboard into as much of the Second Series as seems appropriate. There will be a variety of options given for each posture in order to allow multiple approaches.
INVERSIONS, BACKBENDS AND SITTING WITH YOUR BREATH 1:00 - 3:30pm
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.
EIGHT LIMBS AND DAILY LIFE 4:00 - 5:30pm
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.
One week Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training (40 hours seven days) Aug 9-15
First Series Teacher Training / Yoga Immersion
This 40-hour course is designed as an intensive immersion into the teaching techniques of the Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga. It is NOT a certification course. Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the course but NOT a Teaching Certification. Participants will gain great insights and depth of knowledge as to how to share the practice of Ashtanga Yoga with all levels of students. The information contained in this course is invaluable and will be beneficial to those already teaching as well as to students wishing only to attend to deepen their personal practice. This course will cover the teaching techniques of the Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga. The participants will learn safe and effective hands-on adjustment techniques through partner work for all of the asanas, practicalities of conducting a class and yoga theory. This is a deep immersion into the details underlying the practice and teaching of Ashtanga Yoga. One need not be a teacher to attend or even desire to be a teacher. Many students have attended this course to merely enhance their personal practice. Those that do wish to teach however will find a wealth of invaluable tools to share with their students.
It is necessary for participants to have a consistent personal practice of Ashtanga Yoga and an understanding of the flow and sequencing of the asanas. The course is not designed as an avenue to learn the sequence but rather to learn to teach Ashtanga Yoga or to deepen an existing practice.
As in all courses run by David Swenson there is sure to be plenty of laughter and fun as well as an incredible depth of knowledge shared. Participants are certain to learn more than they ever imagined possible in a weeklong course and have a great time in the process. Don’t miss this opportunity!
This is a deep immersion into the details underlying the practice and teaching of Ashtanga Yoga. One need not be a teacher to attend or even desire to become a teacher. Many participants attend simply to deepen their own practice. Those that do wish to teach, however, will find a wealth of invaluable tools to share with their students. The course is open to all levels of practice however, it is recommended for participants to have a consistent personal practice of Ashtanga Yoga and an understanding of the flow and sequencing of the asanas in order to gain the greatest benefits from the course. The information contained in this course is invaluable and will be beneficial to all levels of practitioners! Participants who complete the entire 40 hour course will receive a Certificate of Completion from David at the end of the training.
SCHEDULE:
Monday through Friday 9:00 - 11:00 / 1:00 - 4:00 pm.
Saturday 9:00 - 1:00 pm / 3:00 - 5:00 pm.
Sunday 9:00 - 1:00 pm
To register please contact Yoga Passage: phone 403.277.3058 or online.
$1,100 plus GST for the One Week Teacher Training ($995.00 early bird rate if registered before June 1/10)