MASTER CLASS
Hatha Yoga: Principles of Freedom and Expansion in Practice

Friday, February 25, 2011, 9:30am - 12:30pm

This master class will center around an introduction to the principles of centering and of movement found at the heart of the Swatantrya School of Yoga. We will build upon our foundation for understanding the practice and the benefits of yoga. Doug will present this class in user-friendly terms that are rooted in the bio-mechanical realities of the ‘sutras’ described in his two-volume book ‘Yoga As Therapy.’

This class will provide you with a straightforward, practical approach to your practice (and teaching) of yoga, as well as shedding new light upon the concepts such as the bandhas’ that have always been fundamental to the practice of hatha yoga.

This master class will include asana practice, so that you can experience these principles and Doug's approach to expressing them. And will be extraordinarily helpful for anyone who wants to grasp the fundamentals of the Swatantrya approach, counting as credit towards the Swatantrya therapeutics certification.

WEEKEND WORKSHOP
Exploration of Hatha Yoga Principles

Friday, February 25, 2011 – Sunday February 27, 2011

Workshop Itinerary:

Friday evening, February 25, 2011 6:30pm - 8:30pm
The Sacrum and its support system: The Lower Back

This asana practice will focus on the sacrum and low back — and the basic actions in all poses that provide for the mobility and stability of this all-important joint system. Special emphasis will be placed upon the actions that reduce strain to the lower back during forward bending and back-bending including an explanation of the pain that comes from injury to the sacral ligaments. We will learn how to identify and heal these injuries through yoga -- as well as prevent them! This is an all-levels asana practice, with a clear and accessible approach to sacral health woven into a full series of poses with insights into opening the hips.

Saturday Morning, February 26, 2011 9:00am - 12:00 pm
The Psoas in Yoga: Channeling the flow

The deepest muscle found in the body is the psoas, which lies at the very center of our torso and participates in every pose. It allows for gracefulness and freedom in asana and its expression manifests as energetic beauty.

The psoas tightens under stress and can greatly affect our health. In this all-level asana session we will explore the ways in which yoga postures can strengthen this vital muscle and release tension both physical and mental. We will focus upon safe back bending, including proper warm-ups and cool-downs, and the actions, which release freedom and the flow of prana from our very center.

Saturday Afternoon, February 26, 2011 2:00pm - 4:30pm
The Inward Journey of Pranayama and Meditation in Philosophy and Practice

Exploration of the meaning of yoga historically can help us illuminate our overall understanding of yoga and its relevance in our own lives. This session will involve pranayama and meditation drawing upon their traditions and their power to move us forward into a greater understanding of the spiritual heart of yoga.

Sunday Morning, February 27, 2011 9:00am - 12:00pm
The Upside of Upside-down: Exploring the Shoulders through Inversions

In this wide-ranging and varied intermediate practice we'll turn our attention to the shoulders and the role they play in every class of poses -- including, of course, some arm balances and inversions. Weight bearing is the key to healthy shoulders, and we'll be exploring just how to do that, in a way that builds core strength and alignment, as well as even opening the hips. This will be a fun and freeing practice, and something to look forward to as the finale to the weekend!