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WELCOMING DAVID SWENSON
Ashtanga Yoga: Weekend Intensives

Friday 15 April to Sunday 17 April 2011
Ysynergy KL Malaysia

15 April to 17 April 2011
Friday - Sunday
Enjoy your weekend immersing in this in-depth and fun-filled exploration of vinyasa and Ashtanga Yoga! Step-by-step, students will be exploring the realms of vinyasa in which David breaks this flowing action down into detailed components. This section he refers to as: "The Physics of Flight". There will also be time spent exploring the opposing forces at play within the practice of yoga and beyond. This David calls: "Equality of Opposition and the Six Directions" in which he offers methods of creating a balance between these opposing forces in order to find greater depth in asanas while using less effort to get there. There will be partner work in this energetic class, as well as plenty of laughter woven into the wealth of knowledge and information that students will gain. In addition to these innovative tips to refine the physical practice, David will also delve into the more subtle aspects of Ashtanga yoga including Pranayama and the Philosophy of the Eight Limbs in Daily Life.
 

Class Description
15 April 2011 (Friday)
• 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Ashtanga Yoga: An Introduction

Exploring the Fundamentals -
This class is an introduction to Ashtanga Yoga. It is open to all levels of experience or lack thereof. 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.

16 April 2011 (Sat)
• 9:30am - 11:30pm
All abroad the Ashtanga Train
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.

• 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Flying Floating and Handstanding
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. The class will also explore the elements of handstands and arm-balances, which will all be done through the avenue of partner work. All levels may attend even if you have never done a handstand before. Alternatives are always given.

• 4:00pm – 5.30pm
Breath, Bandhas and Pranayama
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 will attempt to gain greater understanding of these subtle yet powerful tools through interactive discussion and a series of practical exercises.

17 April 2011 (Sun)
• 9:30am - 11:30pm
NADI SHODANA/A GUIDED TOUR
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.

• 1:00pm – 3:30pm
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 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.

• 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Through the Eyes of a Teacher
Learning About Ourselves Through Assisting Others -
This class will focus on viewing our practice from a teacher's perspective. Developing an eye for alignment and energy flow in the asanas will be explored through a look at hands-on adjusting techniques. This will be achieved through partner work beginning with a look at the dynamics of downward dog followed by a sampling of asanas from the standing sequence, seated sequence and some from the closing sequence. One need not be a teacher to attend. There is much to learn about our own practice through assisting and observing others.

All workshops are open to all levels - alternatives will be given relative to students' various levels. This weekend workshop is great for beginners or those already familiar with the practice.

Terms and conditions
Discount:
• Early-Bird discount ends 28 February 2011. Please email to register or enquire on fees.

Refunds/Cancellation:
• No refund or credit will be given for cancellation starting 1 March 2011.

To register, please email your interest to info@ysynergy.com or call 013-336666-0 for further enquiries.

About David Swenson
David Swenson began practising yoga at the age of 13. His older brother Doug was his first teacher and they practised 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. He then initiated studies directly with the master. Swenson made his first trip to Mysore in 1977 and learned the full Ashtanga system as it was originally taught by K. Pattabhi Jois. David Swenson is recognised today as one of the world's foremost practitioners and instructors of Ashtanga Yoga. In the last five years He has produced 5 videos, 4 audios, and written the highly popular book: Ashtanga Yoga "The Practice Manual". David has also just released 5 new DVD's, 3 CD's and a series of Laminated Practice Cards.

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+60 13366666-0