In the first module of this course, we learn how fostering an understanding of the Ayurvedic elements that give rise to both our bodies and the world at large can allow us to deepen our yoga practice.
Sun Salutations ideally create heat in the body and focus in the mind as they soothe the soul. In the beginning it is important to learn how to build that heat without collecting a lot of tension. This practice will illuminate some of the essential ingredients of a Sun Salutation. By the end, the soul-soothing … Continued
What a luscious, simple way to feel strong, agile, energized, and centered. These breath-centred movements are a foundation series and a more challenging whole-body workout. Plank and Cobra are two more postures added to create a series of 12 movements which further develop core, arm, shoulder, back, and leg strength and flexibility, while increasing mobility … Continued
In this segment, we add a breath-centered flowing movement to the foundation series for variety designed to enhance balance, focus, strength, and agility. We continue to advance opening the hips, ankles, and shoulder joints while strengthening your body’s core, arms, and legs. Feel the flow. Feel the glow.
In our final segment, we add five more posture variations to your Sun Salutations repertoire. You’ll experience another level of flexibility in your spine, neck, hips, inner thighs along with strengthening your core, arms, shoulders, back, legs, while adding mobility to your wrists, fingers, ankles, hips, and toes. We finish the series with a delightful … Continued
This practice will emphasize the flowing rhythm of Ashtanga, and will touch on each section of the full practice: standing, seated, finishing. Emphasizing simple postures and unbroken vinyasa. This is a great practice to catch the rhythm, warmth, and core engagement of ashtanga on days when you have a little less time.
This practice warms up with Suryanamskara and standing postures, then goes directly to the finishing sequence where Kate will talk you through a few of the finer points of the Ashtanga shoulder stand cycle and beneficial practice of Sirsasana. It is important to be proficient in Suryanamaskara and Beginning Primary practice before undertaking the full … Continued
The practice of full vinaysa, or coming all the way to standing between each seated posture is most beneficial when the body needs lightening- and very fun. This practice creates more sweating, increased heart rate, and can be quite relieving for a stiff back and shoulders. Warm ups, full vinaysa primary series and complete finishing … Continued
Pattabhi Jois noted that a full practice, up to 90 minutes or more, is sometimes not possible amongst the duties of daily life. His MDR, Minimum Daily Requirement, includes Suryanamskara A and B, 3 times each, and the final 3 seated postures. Get your heart rate up, sit and breath, take rest- and you’re done! … Continued
Move the energy, warm the body, and open the hips and hamstrings safely by practicing sun salutations, complete standing sequence, and the final 3 seated postures. It is recommended to practice standing sequence until all asanas can be performed without discomfort in the low back or knees, before trying any of the forward bends in … Continued
The 41 asanas of the primary series are a sequence designed to improve strength and flexibility, and to purify the blood and digestive organs. That’s a lot of postures, and traditionally, they are learned one-by-one. In this way, the next posture is not attempted until the student can perform the previous asana, maintaining rhythmic breathing. … Continued
This quick, rhythmic practice takes you through sun salutations, standing sequence, the first half of the primary series linked by vinyasa, backbending, 3 seated postures, and rest. Traditional and modified versions of the Marichasana sequence are detailed. Grow a comfortable “Beginning Primary” practice before attempting half primary.