A series of lectures, inquiries, explorations, and asana classes that will cover the following topics:
Part I: What is YOGA?
1. A brief look into its history and philosophy
2. Patanjali's eight limbs of Yoga
3. The paths of Yoga
Understanding hatha Yoga in the context of all other forms of yoga
4. Purpose and relevance of Yoga
Part II: Hatha Yoga
a. Breath
b. Meditation / Sound
c. Basic asanas (Postures): What is asana?
The WHATs, HOWs, and WHYs of Asana
1.) The essential poses:
Surya namaskar (Sun salutation)
Standing poses
Seateds, forwards, and twists
Backbends
Simple balancing and inversions
Simple restoratives
2.) Learning how to work the poses
Breath and alignment
Lines of force
Working with gravity
Working one's "edge" with mindful attention
3.) An approach to practicing the postures
How is asana relevant to self-awareness/growth?
Asana as a tool for transformative practice
4.) Yoga practice - What it is, its relevance, and guidelines
in establishing one
The workshop aims to provide the beginner with a well-rounded introduction to yoga. By departing from the standard class format, it hopes to guide the beginner into a deeper exploration of the basic tools and knowledge necessary to establish a solid
foundation for practice. It also seeks to encourage the student to discover his/her own questions as a starting point from which to relate to the essence of Yoga. This way, it hopes to foster the understanding that each person's Yoga practice is unique,
meaningful to the extent that it serves this uniqueness. It is, therefore, an effort to introduce yoga as that greatly rewarding,
life-long process of self-discovery and understanding.
Course duration: 8 weeks / 16 hours
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Venue: Centro Flamenco Studio, 5th Flr., 8463 SJG Bldg,Kalayaan Avenue cor. Don Pedro St., Makati (landmark: Export Bank at the ground floor; beside Coco Cabana Grill)
