Ashtanga Yoga Weekend Workshop

November 21 - 23, 2008

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga

Ashtanga means 'eight limbs' and is described by the great Indian sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras, written 2,300 years ago, as the 8-step path to true yoga (union of body, mind & soul).The third step, ASANA (postures), is the foundation that purifies body and mind.

By practicing correct Vinyasa (breathing movement system), the body produces an intense internal heat and purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. The result is improved circulation, a light and strong body and a calm mind. These powerful results have Ashtanga communities growing in most major cities around the world and is stirring media attention through endorsements from practitioners like Madonna, Sting and Willem DaFoe.

FRIDAY, November 21

6:00 - 8:00 PM Encountering your Breath, Guided Class, Yoga Nidra (Guided Deep Relaxation). Michael will guide the primary series of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga using the traditional Sanskrit count of each vinyasa. Hands on adjustments will provide a deeper practice experience. Open to all levels.

SATURDAY, November 22

9:00 – NOON Nauli Kriya, Pre-Asana Pranayama, Guided class, Guided Relaxation Michael will guide the primary series of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga using the traditional Sanskrit count of each vinyasa. Hands on adjustments will provide a deeper practice experience. Open to all levels.

2:00 - 4:30 PM SECOND SERIES… An Introduction!

This afternoon, Michael will take on a journey into the Second Series of Ashtanga Yoga. The class starts and ends the same as a Primary Series class but with an amazingly different selection of poses in the middle. Nadi Shodhana, the traditional title for this series (also known

as the Ashtanga Intermediate Series) refers to the results of the practice - said to purify the subtle energy channels or nadis thus allowing the prana to flow freely throughout the body.

SUNDAY, November 23

9:00-NOON Full Vinyasa Class

The original practice of “full form” of the vinyasa system had each and every asana start and finish in Samastitihi (or Tadasana). In this class we will move together through the original Full-Form Vinyasa of Primary Series, following the correct vinyasa count in Sanskrit. Few practitioners and teachers understand this ‘full form” and even fewer teach it. A rare and wonderful opportunity. Open to all levels.

2:00 - 4:30 PM The Magic of “Bandhas”

How do I jump thru and jump back? How do I do handstands? When will I float? The seemingly magic of bandhas that allows us to fly is a gradual process that is developed over time with steady practice. But, if we can’t understand the basic physics of activating our core, we can remain stuck to the earth indefinitely. In this workshop we will break down individual elements that allow us to experience weightlessness in all elements in our practice. All levels, all styles of practitioners!

Michael Gannon: Yoga found Michael after 10 years of chaotic deal making in the American advertising and music business. Through his yoga practice he was awakened to incredible balancing benefits that would gradually change his life path. After studying in India with Sri. K. Pattabhi Jois, learning the 1st, 2nd and 3rd series of the traditional Ashtanga system, he was authorized directly by Jois in 2001 to teach. Since then, Michael has had no home... He has only a journey. He spends the year traveling and teaching workshops, trainings and retreats in The Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia and continues his studies every year in India with his Guru and assistant grandson Sharath Rangaswamy.

Michael’s rare understanding and unique teaching style of the original vinyasa system supports the idea that yoga’s transformational powers - physical, mental and spiritual - are available to all, slowly, slowly, through a daily Ashtanga practice. He has passed this unique teaching style on by training over 100 teachers around the world in his Yoga Teacher Apprenticeships.

Michael has also created the instructional CD, "Awaken Your Life Force and Quiet Your Mind", the DVD "From Earth to Heaven" and two Primary Series posters which are used by yoga practitioners around the world. Please check out Michael’s web-site for more information: www.ashtangaamericas.com.

Pricing

Weekend Workshop: $275

Individual classes: $60