WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
Adjustments and Alignment Workshop
Adjusting a yoga posture is an art form, much like pottery, that takes understanding and skill. If we wish to have a better understanding of our own yoga practice we must begin to recognize how the body works through line and form. In this workshop we will break down the energetic flow of the most popular standing postures, some floor postures, and also backbends. We will look at the breath and how it relates to the flow of energy in the body in order to heal and soothe tension. Then, to further our understanding, we will adjust each other in each posture giving ourselves a more organic and intuitive sense of what is happening. A partner is not necessary as we will team up and change partners in order to experience different bodies in different positions. Come join John and deepen your awareness of your own body through this amazing awakening of your yoga practice!
Astanga "MIX" workshop
Astanga has many series of poses, which are labeled "primary," "secondary," and "advanced." Many of us get stuck in first-series and never get to do the other wonderful poses the advanced series have to offer. Backbends come to mind, arm balances and inversions are areas of interest that some can do, but perhaps do not attempt often because of the strictness of the Astanga system, as taught by Sri. K. Pattabhis Jois.
John has devised a simple intelligent flow of postures that incorporates first, second, and advanced postures in order to develop parts of the body that need a little extra help and attention. This class is available to even a newer practitioner because of the options and modifications that John offers, so that nobody feels left out of the mix!
This class is fun, challenging, and informative, as we blend the postures into balanced sequences that make sense for everyone.
Invigorating Vinyasa - Inspire your Soul
Spark your soul’s awakening by igniting your inner spiritual fire during this uplifting two-hour vinyasa flow class. Vinyasa is the movement of the body and the breath together in order to balance the nervous system and bring about mental tranquility. The body-breath movement generates heat, which is then used to burn away impurities that hinder the movement of energy in and through the body. Once the nervous system is calm, the senses become calm and the mind follows. The senses should then merge inward focusing on the opening of energy. This is called pratyahara. The mind follows the senses inward and withdraws from objects of desire outside the body, which can cause suffering if we are too attached.
Real one-pointed concentration can then be achieved, which allows for meditation. Meditation cannot begin until the mind is tranquil. If the mind remains disturbed or distracted seated meditation cannot begin.
This unbelievably fun class will leave you feeling open and alive!
Journey into light-ness
Uplift your yoga practice by working with John Salisbury, as we uncover the foundations necessary for inversion and arm-balance confidence. Most people have a narrow understanding of how the body works upside down and in arm-balancing postures. We will break down the essence of specific poses, such as rotations of the limbs, how flexibility plays into these postures, and the nature of the bandhas (inner muscle contractions that help to stabilize energy).
This class will use sun salutation variations and flow to heat the body and prepare it for inversion work, while offering instruction on how to ground your poses through flexion and uplift with breath. Your breath is the fuel for flying in arm-balances. We will workshop inversions and arm-balances for beginners, intermediate, and advanced practitioners from a technical standpoint and offer modified postures as building blocks.
One year of yoga practice is helpful; all are welcome.
