2017 Northwest Yoga Conference

This class is designed to introduce the student new to yoga and/or new to Ashtanga to the basic principles of Ashtanga yoga. Ashtanga is a traditional practice with three parts: the drishti, or gazing point; asanas, or the physical postures, and breath, "free breathing with sound", which we coordinate very deliberately with our movement (i.e. vinyasa). The sum of all of these parts result in a detoxifying moving meditation! This class will introduce you to free breathing with sound (often referred to as "ujjayi breath"), how to coordinate that breath with movement, and how to begin to access your bandhas, or deep muscular locks. We'll do the traditional Ashtanga, sun salutations, standing postures, some Primary Series postures, backbends, and finishing postures with the option to try sarvangasana (shoulderstand) and/or sirsasana (headstand). Ashtanga is a wonderful and rewarding practice and Holly works hard to make it accessible and FUN! As they say in India, no fearing, yes you come!

Recommended props: 2 blocks

This workshop provides two Yoga Alliance continuing education contact hours.