David Swenson July 20-29, 2012

Two great programs

July 20-22: Weekend Workshop

July 23-29: Teacher Training

We are so excited to have this great Yogi come and share his experience and wisdom with us.

July 20-22: David Swenson Weekend Workshop

David has been practicing Ashtanga for over three decades. His expertise as a practitioner is matched by his ability to share a wealth of knowledge in a very personable, fun and down-to-earth manner.

There are always practical tips offered such as his "Physics of Flight" class in which he breaks down the dynamics of vinyasa into minute details.

Whether new to Ashtanga or a seasoned practitioner all are sure to gain benefit from attending the classes. Don't miss the opportunity to study with David. You are sure to return home with greater insights into your practice and a smile on your face.

Friday July 20

6:00pm – 8:00pm

ASHTANGA YOGA: AN INTRODUCTION - Exploring the Fundamentals

This class is an introduction to Ashtanga Yoga. It is open to all levels of experience or lack there of. The building blocks of Ashtanga Yoga will be explored through the basic elements of Breath, Bandhas and Vinyasa. There will be a short discussion followed by an introductory flow through an abbreviated sequence from the First Series. The class will end with a guided deep relaxation.

Saturday July 21

9:00am - 11:00am

ALL ABOARD THE ASHTANGA TRAIN!

Yoga Chikitsa: A Fully Conducted Primary Series Class

This class is designed for those already familiar with the First Series of Ashtanga Yoga. It will be conducted like a train ride that will continue flowing along all of the way from the opening sun salutations to the closing sequence. There will be time at the end of the flow to enjoy a deep relaxation.

1:00pm – 3:30pm

FLYING FLOATING AND HANDSTANDING

A Fun-filled exploration of Vinyasa and Arm-balances!

One of the greatest challenges of the Ashtanga flow is the vinyasa. In this class David will break the vinyasa down into its components. He likes to refer to this as: “The Physics of Flight”. The class will also explore the elements of handstands and arm-balances.This will all be done through the avenue of partner work. There is always plenty of laughter and fun as well as a depth of information in this class. All levels may attend even if you have never done a handstand before. Alternatives are always given.

4:00pm – 5:30pm

BREATH, BANDHAS AND PRANAYAMA

Exploring the Mantra of Ujjayi and the Mysteries of Energy Locks

In Sanskrit, "Man" means Mind and "Tra" means to Free or Deliver. Therefore the word Mantra means to Free the Mind. There are many mantras in yoga such as Om, Hare Krishna, Om Namo Shivaya and a plethora of others. In Ashtanga Yoga the mantra is the sound of our breath: Ujjayi. There is no other sound more universal than breath. It is not tied to language or culture and is “chanted” from the first moment of birth. This class will focus on the mantra of ujjayi within asana practice as well as during pranayama. In addition to breath work the class will also explore the invisible world of Bandhas. We well attempt to gain greater understanding of these subtle yet powerful tools through interactive discussion as well as a series of practical exercises.

Sunday July 22

9:00am - 11:00am

ASHTANGA’S GREATEST HITS!

David will take the group on a special guided tour of select asanas from the Primary, Intermediate and even from the Advanced Series.

If you are not familiar with the more challenging asanas there is no need to be scared of this class because David has designed it for students of all levels to attend. David will offer various alternatives to each of the asanas so that the student may find the one most comfortable for their level. By breaking the asanas down into their basic components the most challenging asanas can become more accessible and less frightening. There will be partner work as well as individual flowing through sequences. David’s classes are always full of valuable information as well as plenty of laughter and joy.

1:00pm – 3:30pm

INVERSIONS, BACKBENDS AND SITTING WITH YOUR BREATH

Finding Stability When the World is Inverted and Returning Home to Breath

This class will turn your world upside/down in order to explore the dynamics of inverting the body through building a solid foundation from which to grow while also looking at the opposing forces at play in Inversions. Backbends will be redefined as front openings and sitting quietly will be explored as an active participation in self-exploration through developing a relationship with our lifelong companion, breath.

4:00pm – 5:30pm

EIGHT LIMBS AND DAILY LIFE

How does this practice apply within the context of daily living?Underlying the mysterious and complex philosophy of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras there is a truly profound simplicity that may be applied within the context of our daily lives. This class will discuss the Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga and explore their applications within our day-to-day life. What is the use of Philosophy without real application? We may memorize quotations or stanzas from great writings but unless we can apply them within our life they are merely words spoken rather than knowledge realized.

July 23-29: David Swenson Teacher Training

This course is designed as an intensive immersion into the teaching techniques of the Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga. It is NOT a certification course.

Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the course but NOT a Teaching Certification.

Participants will gain great insights and depth of knowledge as to how to share the practice of Ashtanga Yoga with all levels of students.

The information contained in this course is invaluable and will be beneficial to those already teaching as well as to students wishing only to attend to deepen their personal practice. This course will cover the teaching techniques of the Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga.

The participants will learn safe and effective hands-on adjustment techniques through partner work for all of the asanas, practicalities of conducting a class and yoga theory.

This is a deep immersion into the details underlying the practice and teaching of Ashtanga Yoga.

One need not be a teacher to attend or even desire to be a teacher. Many students have attended this course to merely enhance their personal practice. Those that do wish to teach however will find a wealth of invaluable tools to share with their students.

It is necessary for participants to have a consistent personal practice of Ashtanga Yoga and an understanding of the flow and sequencing of the asanas. The course is not designed as an avenue to learn the sequence but rather to learn to teach Ashtanga Yoga or to deepen an existing practice.

As in all courses run by David Swenson there is sure to be plenty of laughter and fun as well as an incredible depth of knowledge shared.

Participants are certain to learn more than they ever imagined possible in a weeklong course and have a great time in the process. Don’t miss this opportunity!

Teacher Training Schedule

July 23 - 27
9:00am – 12:00pm & 2:00pm – 5:00pm

July 28
9:00am – 1:00pm & 3:00pm – 5:00pm

July 29
9:00am – 1:00pm - Finish!

David Swenson - Tuition Fees

Two great programs

July 20-22: Weekend Workshop: $250.00 (HST Not Included)
Single Sessions Available: $55.00/Session

July 23-29: Teacher Training: $995.00 (HST Not Included)

Due to the popularity of David's Teacher Training there will be a
$100.00 non-refundable deposit in addition to the course fee.

Registration for David's Teacher Training

David Swenson Teacher Training & Weekend Workshop

David Swenson Teacher Training Registration $112.00 CAD Full Weekend Workshop $280.00 CAD Single Sessions Weekend Workshop $61.60 CAD