Once or twice a month we offer a Sunday morning workshops of
3 hours, from 10.00 till 13.00, giving the opportunity to deepen your yoga practice.The following workshop, with the theme 'Awakening the Core: The Psoas', is on 19th of September. In these Sunday workshops we will be enlivening the abundant resources inherent in our bodymind.
For students with some experience. Some Sundays are also open to beginners. Space is limited, please contact us beforehand to ensure your booking.
Period Autumn 2010 to Summer 2011:
Awakening the Core: The Psoas 19 September 2010 |
The Psoas is a deep core muscles which runs from both sides of our spine, at the height of the lower back, all the way down through the pelvis to the legs – simply speaking, it directly connects our upper body with our legs. A well functioning Psoas supports upright posture and, at the same time, allows the legs to move freely. Being located so deep at the very core of our body, the Psoas could be said to be an instinctive muscle since it responds to the ‘fight-flight’ mechanism; that means the muscle might contract and shorten when fear is experienced and release and lengthen with trust. Working with the Psoas muscle, one of the things you may discover can be a sense of lightness through the body, ease of movement and a comfortable, spacious feeling through the core and around the hip joints. |
| Connective Tissue - Yin Yoga 17 Oktober Sandra |
Almost every structure in the body is wrapped in connective tissue, so if everything else were removed there would still be a fairly comprehensive map of the whole body. Connective tissue is an integral part of muscle and actually forms the tendons, it can be seen like a ‘body stocking’ as a body shaper, almost sculptable like clay. Connective tissue can express what is held in the muscles over an extended period of time. By focusing on the connective tissue we can begin to notice and address deeper holding patterns that can limit our potential for growth and adaptability and thereby gain a renewed flexibility and freedom. We will stay longer in postures which are mostly supported; here the mind becomes more receptive as the muscular tension releases. The effects are calming, rejuvenating and long lasting. This form of yoga has been called ‘Yin Yoga’ and has developed into a style that can also be a useful counterpart to a more rigorous practice. |
| Feet-Spine Connection: Support & Core Strength 7 November Leo |
The feet are key in stimulating core support, yet to do this they need to be able to talk to the spine. Just as in the hand, activating the multifunctional intrinsic muscles, those that are in the foot and not the foreleg, is a major part of this process. In this workshop we will engage the feet as both a sensory organ, communicating vital information to the rest of the body, and as an essential part of the whole postural system – in other words in stimulating stability & mobility. When the feet clarify much of our perception of the ‘where’, as well as provide an appropriate response to this and the demands on the body, we have then less to contrive an Asana or even Mula Bandha. This two part workshop can be taken on its own or together with Hands-Spine Connection. These workshops are not suitable for (complete) beginners. |
| Hands-Spine Connection: Support & Core Strength 28 November Leo |
The shoulders can ideally be a porous frontier between the hands & spine, where there is a simultaneous independence & connection. Since the organisation of the shoulders is in a large way dependent upon the hands we will explore this potential. We will also look at how the core supports the porosity of the shoulder girdle: a freedom of movement combined with strength & stability. The hands play a major role in the way we interact with the world and therefore also in the clear expression of any Asana. This two part workshop can be taken on its own or together with Feet-Spine Connection. These workshops are not suitable for (complete) beginners. |
| Refresh, Renew, Rejuvenate 16 January 2011 Sandra |
To create a fresh start to the New Year we will practice stimulating postures to get the energy flowing and relaxing postures to recover and rejuvenate. This class will address the dip in energy that often occurs at this time of year. Get those juices flowing! |
|
Meditation
|
Traditionally, the goal of yoga is ‘to slow down and calm the movements of the mind’.…so we can realize who we really are. We will practice yoga postures to create space, ease and alertness in the body as a preparation for sitting meditation. Using simple meditation techniques, mostly from Tibetan Buddhism, we will practice down to earth skills, such as being present and developing an attitude of friendliness toward oneself.
|
Ground & Space |
In yoga there can sometimes be a bias towards focusing on the body rather than on our relation- |
Balance: Stability & Mobility Leo |
Balancing postures are a way to centre oneself, and to discover how states of mind can influence this ability. They can also be a form of integration where we can learn not to interfere with our innate ability to balance. This may then create the space for many qualities, such as of non-judgemental and acceptance, to emerge and support us in finding a very simple and immediate form of presence. Then we have the added physical benefit of a perfect combination of stability and mobility, something that in simple movements such as walking and sitting can otherwise be quite elusive. |
Pelvic Floor & Pelvic Stability 15 May Sandra |
The pelvic floor is one of the most intimate parts of our body and yet it can be surprisingly foreign territory for many. The natural functioning of the pelvic floor is essential for stability of the pelvis (including the Sacro-Iliac joint) and lower back, proper functioning of the organs of the pelvis including the bladder and urine control. It plays an essential part in the ease of upright posture in sitting, walking, standing, in many movements and supports carrying. Many people can be locked in a pattern of use, such as a tucked under pelvis or tight anus, which inhibits a natural functioning of the pelvic floor. The way we use the feet and perception is nature’s way to engage the pelvic floor, this is like switching on our natural ‘core support’. In yoga we call this Mula Bandha although it is often misinterpreted and over contrived. Simply becoming more clear about this part of the body can have a far reaching influence on the body and psyche. |
Shoulders & Neck 19 June Leo |
Release tension and explore the connections that support a free shoulder girdle. We will look at how to gain a more integrated sense of support from the rest of the body: At how the shoulder girdle can influence our whole posture and visa versa. |
Suggestions for forthcoming Sunday themes are welcome. |
|
