Events

Ashtanga Yoga: Putting The Joy into Practice

Ashtanga Yoga can be shrouded in mystery, but a closer look reveals it is based on some simple tools that are accessible to everyone. In this workshop we will explore building blocks that can be used for everyone regardless of ability. Make your practice work for you – not the other way around. Put the joy back into your yoga, when we feel we can use the method instead of colouring inside the lines.

Without a doubt, you’ll leave this workshop with a fresh perspective, feeling invigorated and ready to either get back to or dive deeper into your practice.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 3

07.00 – 9.00: Ashtanga Led & Self Practice Combined

Adam will lead the class through the first part of primary and standing asana, after which you will move on to self-practice following the Ashtanga sequence at whatever level you are at. All physical levels are welcome, and you are free to follow from printed sheets. It’s a fun way into self-led practice.

9.30 – 11.00: Finding Bandha in the Standing Postures

Using the standing postures, we will examine how we can use the legs to take the force of gravity up through the spine rather than down allowing for a most energizing experience and beneficial effect. We will also consider the relationship of the ‘sacred’ sacrum to the rest of the body; how and why this bone came to be known as such, and why it is essential to discover it here in these early positions. 

11.00 – 11.30: Break

11.30 – 13.00: The Art of The Breath

The diaphragm, when connected to most effectively through a certain application of bandha, is what makes the breath in yoga unique. The result is not only a liberating effect on the deep muscles of the back, but, most importantly, the ability to put oneself into the sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system at will. This is not the technique of ujjayi which tends to encourage a mistaken breathing in the throat. Yoga clothes not required but dress comfortably.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 4

07.00 – 9.00: Ashtanga Self-Practice 

This practice is based on individual exploration, kindness, and fun. Adam gives yoga assistance in a safe and non-intrusive way. He does not believe in forcing people into postures, rather, he uses verbal and light physical touch to open new directions for you to follow if you wish. All are welcome to the Mysore class. Adam is happy if you need practice sheets, but you should have memorised at least the sun salutations A and B and some of the standing sequence.

9.30 – 11.00: Insights into the Fundamentals 

Paschimottanasana the ‘forward fold’ is known as is literally translated as ‘westward faced back-stretch’. With yoga traditionally practiced facing east, meaning this is a way to stretch the backwards. This changes everything about our approach to the Primary Series. Now the series can be used to help unlock the deep muscles of the back, while avoiding the common problems encountered in these series to do with stretching forward – overstretched hamstrings and a sore lower back. 

11.00 – 11.30: Break

11.30 – 13.00: Modern Yoga Development in the 20th Century.

Whether we like it or not, modern yoga practice is, indeed, modern. On the other hand, it does have deep roots. They’re just not literally traceable from what we do now back 2000 years. But this doesn’t mean they aren’t still the foundational principles of what we’re doing now. Find out how key yoga teachers of the early 20th century; Krishnamacharya, Yogendra, Yogananada, Vivekananda to name a few, interpreted the ancient practice of yoga to fit into the modern context. 

About Adam

Adam has been a yoga practitioner since 1999 and has taught Ashtanga yoga internationally for over twenty years. His style is open, non-dogmatic and eclectic while remaining rooted in an appreciation of the benefits of the method of ashtanga as he learnt it in Mysore, India. 

In 2012 he completed the Advanced A sequence with Sharath who granted him authorization to teach. Adam meets all students where they are, hopefully, with humour, kindness and inspiration, holding a safe and supportive space for personal enquiry. Equally at home teaching all levels, he gives all students attention and interest. He is democratic in his approach and kind and believes that the practice should not feel like a test. 

Coming from an academic background in philosophy and a professional one as a chef, he is knowledgeable, practical, and relatable in his approach. Many consider him humorous too.

Adam and his wife Theresa run the online yoga platform Keen on Yoga and he hosts the Keen on Yoga Podcast interviewing many of the world’s most renowned Ashtanga teachers and philosophical academics.

Instagram: @adam_keen_ashtanga & @keen_on_yoga

Wichtige Daten

Zeiten

Samstag: 07:00 – 13:00
Sonntag: 07:00 – 13:00

Preis

249€

Ort

YOMA am Ziegenmarkt, Römerstr. 1; 28209 Bremen