Class Descriptions

All classes and asana workshops at the Yoga Workshop ground students in the internal forms and alignment of Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga. Class structure is based on the Primary, Intermediate and Advanced series of postures taught in Mysore, India by K. Pattabhi Jois. The continuous linking of the postures with the movement of the breath balances structural and mental patterns resulting in strength, flexibility and radiant health. The practice then spontaneously awakens the central axis of the body bringing the mind into deep meditation.

Self Practice

Mysore Classes are the same format as those taught in Mysore, India. Students of different levels practice together, each working individually on the series or therapeutic loop of postures that is appropriate, with adjustments and input from the teacher. This form of “self practice” is at the root of the Ashtanga tradition.

Postures are practiced in a flowing sequence (vinyasa), with careful attention to the internal forms; the breathing, bandhas, mudra and dristi. With this internal focus, which is synchronized with the movement of the body, the practice can have a profoundly insightful and meditative effect.

Mysore class is appropriate for any level of student who wants to deepen his/her experience and establish an ongoing self practice. Students need to have a basic understanding of the Ashtanga system, but do not need to be long-time practitioners or to be able to do all of the poses of the Primary series. Students practice Mysore style up to six days a week, taking Saturday as a day to rest.

Please remember that, as is the tradition in India, full and new moon days are also “rest days.” Moon days are perfect time to slow down, to reflect, and to allow the body to recover after rigorous practice days. On moon days instead of asana practice we offer guided meditation sessions from 7:00 am - 8:15 am.

Guided Classes

Level 1 (L1) Classes are appropriate for students new to yoga, those new to the Yoga Workshop and for more experienced students wishing to deepen their understanding of the practice. Sun Salutations, standing postures, basic seated postures from the Primary Series, beginning back bends and appropriate variations are included.

Level 2 (L2) Classes are appropriate for students with a basic understanding of the Ashtanga Vinyasa system and those wishing to intensify the practice and their understanding of the internal and external forms of the practice. Headstand, Shoulder Stand and full Backbend may be included in these classes.

Mixed Levels Classes are appropriate for all students and offer a continuous stream of postures focusing on coordination of movement with the breath and the internal forms of the practice. Preparation for Headstand, Shoulder Stand and full Backbend may be included in these led Mixed Level classes.

Primary Series Class is the entire Primary Series of the Ashtanga Vinyasa system taught in a guided format with alternative and transitional postures provided when needed.

Circus Yoga Class magically combines the playfulness of circus with mindfulness of yoga. In Circus Yoga we learn skills to focus and find inner peace, build confidence and trust while having fun. Circus Yoga tools Juggling, Clowning, Flying Partner Yoga, Maha Savasana, Laughter, Big Smiles and more. Bring a friend and join the fun. Recommended for ages 7-97 or anyone wanting to express their inner child.

Progressive Sessions

Progressive Sessions of drop in classes are scheduled 4 times a week. These classes are 3-6 week sessions in which information is presented in sequential form, building from one week to the next. Students are encouraged, but not required, to come each week in order to follow the full thread of the teaching. All of Richard’s classes are taught as Progressive Sessions.

Three Threads of the Practice

Community Classes facilitate the deepening of one’s own practice. Mysore classes are an essential aspect of this part of the teaching. Daily drop-in guided classes provide a basic understanding of the Ashtanga system. Progressive Sessions of guided classes (taught over several weeks or as courses) develop a theme within the flow of the practice.

Master Classes are courses, workshops and intensives with Richard and other internationally acclaimed teachers within the fields of yoga, philosophy and Buddhist comparitive studies. This aspect of the teaching allows us to go deeper and puts the practice and philosophical underpinnings of yoga in context.

Yoga in the World courses and workshops are a reflection of the idea of self practice as a means of applying the insights of yoga to everyday life. This thread of the teaching includes courses on philosophy, detailed asana alignment and form, therapeutics, yoga's applications in phases of life such as pregnancy, illness, death and other transitions of life.

Paranyama and Chanting

The Ashtanga Vinyasa system makes extensive use of pranayama and traditional Sanskrit chanting to open both the complete internal forms of the postures and to draw the mind easily into meditation practice. We offer periodic progressive courses in the fundamentals of pranayama and its specific applications for asana and sitting practice. We also offer courses on the fundamentals of Sanskrit chanting with special attention to precise pronunciation and intonation in order to help students experience the clarifying and focusing power of the traditional chants. Experienced students are encouraged to go to the next level by learning these rarely understood aspects of the yoga tradition.

Meditation

Meditation arises spontaneously within an asana practice when the mind is teathered by the breath, the gazing and rhythmical movements of the postures to the internal landscape of the body. In classical yoga therefore, sitting and walking meditation practices are an obvious and important compliment to asana practice, alowing the opportunity for grounding, insight and an overall deepening of both the asana and meditation practices themselves.

Full Moon Sit are held on the Saturday evening closest to the full moon each month. During these sits we practice sitting and walking meditation, and share a cup of tea together at the end of the sit.

Sitting Courses are appropriate for students of all levels wishing to learn the basics of meditation, or who wish to have a regularly scheduled time to sit.