Ganga White - Yogi MasterWhat are we really teaching? What is the relevance of the received wisdom of tradition? What happens when different traditions of yoga seem to conflict in their priorities or emphases? What does it mean to have an evolutionary perspective in the process of practicing and teaching? What does it mean to have a spiritual practice? Where might one look to inform the spiritual aspects of yoga? How can we draw upon philosophical insights from outside the core yoga traditions? What are the essential kernals of wisdom in classical yogic texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutras, Rig Veda and Hatha Yoga Pradapika?
We'll kick off this monthly series with a close reading and discussion of Ganga's White's Yoga Beyond Belief - Insights to Awaken and Deepen the Practice, available from www.whitelotus.org or your local bookstore. Discussion questions will be sent to you when you pre-register by emailing Mark or calling 831-454-0478.
Yoga Beyond Belief with Ganga WhiteYoga Beyond Belief
Friday, March 2nd, 2007
6:30-9:30 p.m.
"Yoga Beyond Belief" will strike a chord with anyone seeking a new level of awakening and freedom in yoga and in their lives. This book offers a flexible and modern perspective that is needed more than ever to meet and live in these times of accelerating change."
~ Sting
"This is the clear voice of a modern yogi."
~ Erich Schiffmann
Ganga WhiteGanga will speak on his radical, ground-breaking book, Yoga Beyond Belief - Insights to Awaken and Deepen the Practice. The book has received early praise and endorsements from Andrew Weil, Sting, Jack Canfield and many leading yoga teachers. This evening will include readings by Ganga, a short talk, Q & A, a book signing and socializing.
Price: $25 by Feb. 16th, $35 thereafter.
For more information or to pre-register, please email.
Please Note: As part of the ongoing Philosophy in Teaching Series, we will discuss topics found in Ganga's book on Friday, February 23rd, from 6:30-9:00 p.m.
White Lotus Flow with Ganga White & Tracey RichGanga White & Tracy
Saturday, March 3rd, 2007
10:00am - 12:30pm
Please join us for a 2.5 hour White Lotus Yoga Vinyasa Flow, pranayama and philosophy intensive on a tour celebrating the release of the new book, Yoga Beyond Belief, with internationally renowned teachers Ganga White and Tracey Rich of the White Lotus Foundation. Focus on a powerful practice that yokes the physics with the fundamentals. Movement inspired by breath with insight and knowledge can lead to an ecstatic meditative expression of art meets science, mind meets heart. Come learn and explore something old revealed as something new!
Price: $25 by Feb. 16th, $35 thereafter
To register please email Mark or call 454-0478.
The husband and wife teaching team of Ganga White and Tracey Rich share a unique blend of energies that combine humor, humanity and inquiry. Through the nature of the male/female dynamic they express a beautiful living and contemporary expression of Yoga. They are one of America’s most respected and earliest teaching teams whose melded energies yet strongly individual natures have inspired much of the current waves now being experienced in Yoga around the world. They are the creators of what is commonly called “flow yoga” and their videos and dvd’s, The Flow Series: Earth, Water, Fire and Total Yoga are million sellers. Ganga is the original creator of partner yoga, and his book Double Yoga was first published by Viking Penguin in 1980. The recent release of his current book, Yoga Beyond Belief, Insights to Awaken and Deepen Your Practice is receiving wide acclaim and quickly becoming a recommended reading for trainings across the country. Tracey and Ganga's White Lotus retreat center in Santa Barbara, California is a magnificent gem and oasis for learning and personal transformation.
Vinyasa Flow YogaShiva Rea
Tuesday, March 27th, 2007
Prana Vinyasa Flow: Becoming One with Prana
2:00 -5:00pm
Experience the unitive power of the five movements of prana that underlies our asanas and all of creation. In a dynamic sadhana, learn specific navigation methods within Prana Vinyasa Flow, an energetic approach to vinyasa that releases the “doing” of yoga and brings greater ease and vitality into “being” yoga. Designed for teachers and dedicated students.
Cost: $35 by 3/1, $45 thereafter
Radiant Heart: Expanding Our Heart's Field Within Yoga
5:30-7:15pm
The brain-dominant view of our embodiment is outdated but still feeds our doubt of the power of our heart’s intuitive knowing. Explore the breakthrough understandings of our heart’s electromagnetic field that complements and enhances the heart-centered practices of yoga including vinyasa with hridaya namaskars (heart-centered sun salutations), pranayama, mudra meditation, bhava (feeling awareness), visualization, and chanting to illumine the healing power of our spiritual and physical heart.
Cost: $25 by 3/1, $30 thereafter
Shiva Rea, M.A., is a leading teacher of prana vinyasa flow yoga™ and yoga trance dance™ worldwide. She began exploring yoga at the age of fourteen as a way to understand her name, given to her by her father, a surfer and artist. Her studies in the Krishnamacharya lineage, tantra, ayurveda, bhakti, kalaripayattu, world dance, yogic art and somatic movement infuse her approach to living yoga and embodying the flow. She is known for bringing the roots of yoga alive for modern practitioners in creative, dynamic and life-transforming ways and for offering the synthesis form of vinyasa flow out into the world.
As a global adventurer, she has lead over 70 retreats and pilgrimages nationally and internationally as well as served as a creative catalyst for conferences, festivals and actions for the environment, yoga and the arts including the third annual Yogini Conference of Kripalu and Omega. Shiva writes for Yoga Journal and is the author of award-winning CD's and DVD’s to empower and transform yoga home practice. She lives with her family near their favorite surf break at Sunset Beach in Pacific Palisades, California. See www.shivarea.com for more information.
Information & Registration:
Please call 831-331-3955 or
email m a r k @ m a r k s t e p h e n s y o g a . c o m
Mark Stephens - Vinyasa Flow - Back BendHealthy Back, Open Heart
Om Oasis, Pacific Grove
April 21, 2:30-5:00 p.m.
Our ability to move with confidence, ease and grace depends upon the strength, integrity and mobility of the spine. With a healthy spine and back, we also can begin to fully open our subtle or spiritual heart center.
This workshop will explore a variety of techniques, including core integration movements, hip and shoulder openers and spinal twists, to help you move safely and joyfully into a deeper backbending, heart opening practice. Open to all levels of students.
Information & Registration: www.omoasis.com
Email: sarah@omoasis.com
Tel: 831-657-9885*
Hands-On Adjsutments II
April 22, 1:00-6:00 p.m.
Vinyasa Flow Yoga - WorkshopsSkillful, sensitive, appropriate touch and verbal cues have the potential power to transport your students to a more conscious awareness and self-refinement in their yoga practice. But before we touch and speak we must first see and understand the unique qualities present in an individual student’s practice.
In this workshop, you will further develop your observation skills; learn and practice effective hands-on adjustments that both address common misalignments and encourage inner guidance in a variety of poses; enhance your skill in linking clear verbal cues with adjustments; and build confidence in the practice of giving and receiving as you learn to better help your students find joy and ease amidst the challenge of their practice.
Open to Students & Teachers. With satisfactory completion of an outside written assignment, this workshop qualifies for 8 hours toward Yoga Alliance RYT 200, RYT 500, or Continuing Education Units. Applicable to Yoga Teacher Certification.
Price: $60 by 3/22, $75 thereafter.
Information and Registration:
Email mark@markstephensyoga.com
Tel: 831-331-3955*
Vinyasa Yoga PosesHarnessing the Power of Flow in Sustained Vinyasa Flow
Yoga Source, Los Gatos
May 19, 2007
Vinyasa Flow Yoga opens us to our own naturally creative and most powerful dynamism as we explore the blending of breath, body and mind in the continuous flow of energy. Yet there is much wisdom in crafting a practice that derives from intelligent Vinyasa Krama, or sequencing of asana.
Drawing largely from the three main springs of teaching in the Krishnamacharya lineage, this intensive class draws equal inspiration from the spirited and vigorous flow of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga (elements of 1st, 2nd & 3rd Series), the safe alignment principles and awakening energetic actions highlighted in the Iyengar method, and the individualization of practice embodied in the teachings of Desikachar and Viniyoga.
Information & Registration: www.yogasourcelosgatos.com
Vinyasa Flow - Arm Balance WorkshopBeyond Bikram - Developing a Powerful Arm Balance Practice
Yoga Source, Los Gatos
May 20, 2007
Arm balances simultaneously require and help us to develop strength, flexibility, focus and openness. These qualities are heightened when movement into the pose involves hip rotation or flexion - poses like Bakasana (Crane Pose), Astavakrasana (Eight Crooks Pose) or the Mukta Hasta Sirsana Vinyasa (a sustained series of interconnected arm balances that from Tripod Headsdtand). More concentrated mental focus is harnessed when then moving into poses involve steadier balnce, such as Adho Mukha Svanasana (Handstand) and Pincha Mayurasana (Forearm Balance). Practicing these asana sequences safely and consciously leads to equanimity, confidence and personal freedom well beyond the mat.
In this workshop we explore how to approach arm balances with patience, intelligence and compassion. We will look closely at the basic elements of each pose and work on cultivating the integrity of these elements as we integrate them into the fuller poses. Along the way we will practice being present to the whole experience of this practice as Vinyasa Yoga, consciously connecting the breath and bodymind moment by conscious moment.
Information & Registration: www.yogasourcelosgatos.com
Breaking Down the Sun Salutations –
Teacher & Student Intensive
Yoga Flow, San Francisco
June 3, 1:00-4:00pm
The entire foundation of Vinyasa Flow Yoga is rooted in the dynamic heart-centered flow of Surya Namaskara, the greeting of the sun and the divine within each of us. It is here that we set the rhythm and mood for all that follows, connecting breath and movement in the gradual opening and refining of the bodymind. In this workshop we will go deeply into each element of the Sun Salutations, exploring basic principles of ujjayi pranayama, alignment, movement, bandhas and dristi within and between several asanas: Tadasana, Urdhva Hastasana, Uttanasana, Ardha Uttanasana, Anjaneyasana, Chataranga Dhandasana, Urdhva Mukha Svanasana, Adho Mukha Svanasana and Virabhadrasana I. This workshop is designed for all levels of students as well as teachers interested in deepening their understanding of how to teach safe, expansive, spirited Sun Salutations in Vinyasa Flow, Ashtanga Vinyasa and other flow-oriented classes.
Information & Registration: www.yogatreesf.com
Two Workshops:
The Art of Vinyasa Flow
&
Arm Balances: Integrating Body, Mind & Spirit
Yoga High, Salinas
June 16, 2007
The Art of Vinyasa Flow
1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
This intermediate-to-advanced level Master Class will focus on the cultivation of balance in a heart-centered movement meditation approach to vigorous Vinyasa Flow Yoga. Offering an intensive focus on moving from the core for stability and ease in standing poses, arm balances and backbends, the practice will be balanced with deeply integrating pranayama techniques and a sequence of restorative twists, hip openers and forward bends designed to bring you into your bliss.
Arm Balances
3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Arm balances simultaneously require and help us to develop strength, flexibility, focus and openness. These qualities are heigthened when movement into the pose involves hip rotation or flexion - poses like Bakasana (Crane Pose) or Astavakrasana (Eight Crooks Pose). Practicing these asanas safely and consciously leads to equanimity, confidence and personal freedom well beyond the mat.
In this workshop we will explore how to approach hip-intensive arm balances with patience, intelligence and compassion. We will look closely at the basic elements of each pose and work on cultivating the integrity of these elements as we integrate them into the fuller poses. Along the way we will practice being present to the whole experience of this practice as Vinyasa Yoga, consciously connecting the breath and bodymind moment by conscious moment.
Information & Registration: www.yogahigh.com
June 2007 Workshops
The Art of Vinyasa Flow
&
Arm Balances:
Integrating Body, Mind & Spirit
Yoga High, Salinas
June 16, 2007
The Art of Vinyasa Flow
1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
This intermediate-to-advanced level Master Class will focus on the cultivation of balance in a heart-centered movement meditation approach to vigorous Vinyasa Flow Yoga. Offering an intensive focus on moving from the core for stability and ease in standing poses, arm balances and backbends, the practice will be balanced with deeply integrating pranayama techniques and a sequence of restorative twists, hip openers and forward bends designed to bring you into your bliss.
In this workshop we will explore how to approach hip-intensive arm balances with patience, intelligence and compassion. We will look closely at the basic elements of each pose and work on cultivating the integrity of these elements as we integrate them into the fuller poses. Along the way we will practice being present to the whole experience of this practice as Vinyasa Yoga, consciously connecting the breath and bodymind moment by conscious moment.
Information & Registration: www.yogahigh.com
September 2007 Workshops
Teacher Training Intensive -
Surya Namaskara
Yoga High, Salinas
September 16, 2007
Information & Registration: www.yogahigh.com
Yoga Philosophy Discussion:
Tantra Yoga – Daniel Odier’s
Yoga Spandakarika
Monday, September 17, 7:15-8:45PM
FREE!
The Spandakarika, or “Song of the Sacred Tremor,” is one of the most important Tantric Texts in the tradition of Kashmiri Shaivism. The oldest masters of Spandakarika viewed everything in the universe, including matter, as consciousness and created a yoga practice in accordance with this realization. The sacred dance of Yoga Spandakarika, Tandava, allows the practitioners to touch the divine inner impulse. Energy is no longer bound by the perception of duality and the body-mind form a sphere that contains all. Exploring these teaching through a reading and discssion of Daniel’s seminal translation and interpretation, we will expand our own perception of Self and yoga. Excellent preparation for the workshop on September 22 with Sally Kempton.
Sally Kempton -
Befriending the Mind Dragons:
A Yoga-Tantric Approach to Emotional Transformation
Saturday, September 22, 2007
1PM-5:30 PM
The yoga- tantra traditions created a radical approach to emotional turmoil: Find the creative energy within the turmoil, and the suffering will free itself. In this highly experiential workshop, Sally introduces the core tantric principles and processes for freeing ourselves from painful or prohibiting emotional habits. We’ll explore the reasons we remain immobilized in disruptive or counterproductive emotional patterns, and work with a series of meditations and contemplative inquiries that are uniquely designed to redirect how we relate to obstructive patterns, allowing the essential truth of our hearts to emerge and begin dissolving the energies that block us. Includes several periods of meditation, as well as contemplation and partner work.
To register for Sally’s workshop, please call 831-454-0478 or visit ticketweb.com
Developing a Powerful Arm Balance Practice
Saturday, October 6, 2007
1:30-4:30PM
Arm balances simultaneously require and help us to develop strength, flexibility, focus and openness. These qualities are heightened when movement into the pose involves hip rotation or flexion - poses like Bakasana (Crane Pose), Astavakrasana (Eight Crooks Pose) or the Mukta Hasta Sirsana Vinyasa (a sustained series of interconnected arm balances that from Tripod Headsdtand). More concentrated mental focus is harnessed when then moving into poses involve steadier balnce, such as Adho Mukha Svanasana (Handstand) and Pincha Mayurasana (Forearm Balance). Practicing these asana sequences safely and consciously leads to equanimity, confidence and personal freedom well beyond the mat.
In this workshop we explore how to approach arm balances with patience, intelligence and compassion. We will look closely at the basic elements of each pose and work on cultivating the integrity of these elements as we integrate them into the fuller poses. Along the way we will practice being present to the whole experience of this practice as Vinyasa Yoga, consciously connecting the breath and bodymind moment by conscious moment.
Hands-On Adjustments – Working With At-Risk Students
October 14, 12:30PM
Yoga Source – Palo Alto
Skillful, sensitive, appropriate touch and verbal cues have the potential power to transport your students to a more conscious awareness and self-refinement in their yoga practice. But before we touch and speak we must first see and understand the unique qualities present in an individual student’s practice. This is is even greater importance with working with “at-risk” students – especially those healing from emotional trauma, substance abuse, violence and other pain and suffering.
In this workshop, you will further develop your observation skills; learn and practice effective hands-on adjustments that both address common misalignments and encourage inner guidance in a variety of poses; enhance your skill in linking clear verbal cues with adjustments; and build confidence in the practice of giving and receiving as you learn to better help all students find joy and ease amidst the challenge of their practice.
Open to Students & Teachers. With satisfactory completion of an outside written assignment, this workshop qualifies for 8 hours toward Yoga Alliance RYT 200, RYT 500, or Continuing Education Units. Applicable to Yoga Teacher Certification.
YOGA SOURCE - PALO ALTO
158 Hamilton Ave.
Palo Alto, CA
(between High and Emerson in downtown Palo Alto)
Phone: 650-328-YOGA (328-9642)
Working with Injuries &
Special Conditions
A Teacher Training &
In-Depth Studies Workshop
Sunday, October 21, 12:30-6:30PM
We commonly face injuries and other special conditions in yoga. ACL repairs, strained medial collateral ligaments, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff strain or weakness, various spinal conditions such as lordosis, kyphosis, scoliosis and spondalolysthesis, recent ankle sprains and strained hamstrings are some of the conditions you are likely to find in practically every class.
In this workshop, we will start with the perspective embedded in the Chinese character for “crisis,” which has the dual meaning of “danger” and “opportunity.” We will learn how to work with a variety of student challenges, exploring how to turn them into opportunities for deepening the overall practice. We will look closely at specific accommodations for different injuries and challenges, including alternative alignment, energetic actions, use of props, verbal cues and hands-on adjustments.
Open to Students & Teachers. With satisfactory completion of an outside written assignment, this workshop qualifies for 8 hours toward Yoga Alliance RYT 200, RYT 500, or Continuing Education Units. Applicable to Yoga Teacher Certification.
Yoga Praxis:
Ancient Wisdom,
Timeless Practice
December 9, 1:30-4:30
Yoga Source, Los Gatos
Dating back over 5,000 years, the ancient texts of yoga are filled with philosophical gems and practical tools for cultivating vibrant energy and awakening. These are spiritual texts offering timeless insights into yoga as path to greater happiness and wellbeing.
What can we draw from this ancient wisdom to inform and advance our yoga practice? How can we literally embody the deeper meaning and spirit of yoga in our regular practice?
Yoga Praxis is where "yogarobics" gives way to yoga as a conscious movement meditation. Exploring the inner and outer edges of strength and flexibility, with Yoga Praxis the breath-body-mind are increasingly experienced as the One that they are. Asanas find their finest expression as the full power of yoga manifests here and now.
In this workshop, we will do yoga as a complete, integrated Vinyasa Flow practice with deep exploration of pranayama techniques, asanas and guided meditation. We will journey deep into the hips, shoulders, core, spine and heart to open the flow of pranic energy and experience the balanced, sustained, ecstatic awareness of our fully awakened being.
For Information & Registration:
Call: (831) 331-3955
Email:
mark@markstephensyoga.com
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