THE WORKSHOP:
The asana practice itself demands that the practitioner come face to face with his/her limitations — physical, mental and emotional. These limitations manifest as tightness in the body, negative thoughts, and emotions such as anger, jealousy, and fear. By devoting every inhalation and exhalation to overcoming these negative tendencies, one steps forward on the mat motivated by a commitment to love. In time the student develops courage to move fearlessly through their own psychological and physical limitations. Spiritually elevating music (from Krishna Das to The Beatles) played in the classroom is a constant inspiration and reminder of the goal, which is Yoga, union with the Divine. Together these aspects work to break down ignorance, selfishness, pride, and low self-esteem, which ultimately hinder the realization of the higher Self. Openness comes to the body as the life force (prana) if allowed to flow freely. Stillness begins to wash over the mind allowing one to sit in meditation and listen deeply for the primal sound. OM, vibrating eternally at the core of all manifestation.

Jivamukti yoga is a spiritual practice that uses the body/mind in order to transcend the body/mind. The method effectively reintegrates the physical, psychological and spiritual aspects of yoga, which so often in the Western world are separated. Every Jivamukti Yoga class includes the five tenets of the method: Ahimsa (non-violence), Bhakti (devotion to God), Nadam (deep listening), Scripture (study of the ancient yogic texts, as well as Sanskrit chanting) and Meditation (connecting to the eternal unchanging reality within). The incorporation of these precepts into an asana practice ensures that yoga is being practiced for its original purpose — as a means to enlightenment — and not merely a physical exercise.

Saturday morning will open this wonderful weekend workshop with a class specifically designed for busy people, with all the essential ingredients of a great yoga class, including discussion. After a break we will resume for afternoon. Saturday afternoon’s focus will be a Balancing Class that will guide you through a great sequence of standing poses that build a strong body and mind.. A one hour book signing will follow. Living Yoga Dallas will offer Jivamukti Books, CD’s, DVD’s for purchase to have autographed at the book signing.

Sunday morning class titled "Asana as means to enlightenment" will close this spectacular weekend experience, leaving each participant with an experience of a lifetime.

The classes will accommodate every level. It is a rather demanding physical workout, but when leaving a Jivamukti Yoga class, "you should feel like you've been dipped into the well of being. Like you've reached back into that place where we all came from, which is inside each of us." (Life, Hong Kong, March 2001)