Workshops
Introduction to Yoga Philosophy Discussion :
The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali Wednesdays, May 10, 17, 24, 31, 2017 The Birds Nest at Balanced Hot Yoga 6:00-7:30pm $60 Patanjali's Yoga Sutra is one of the oldest examples of a comprehensive manual outlining a detailed practice of yoga. Deepen your yoga practicing by learning history and philosophy of yoga. How will The Yoga Sutra change the way you practice, on and off the mat? Let's talk. (Note to those who've taken this course before. While some information will be a review, we will talk in a totally different path through the text, so you'll learn anew!) “Patanjali, the author of the Yoga Sutras, described the eight aspects of yoga as limbs of a tree. Patanjali’s analogy is the perfect image. Wisdom and spirituality unfold in the same manner as a tree grows. Nature is steady and gradual. The world of yoga, with its myriad styles and approaches, may be likened to a forest filled with variety and color. Every tree in a forest has the same goal: to reach toward the light. One tree’s method is not better than another’s. Each species has individual characteristics that enable it to grow to its greatest potential. The various yogic systems are unique yet all have the same purpose: to grow toward enlightenment.” --David Swenson |
As Above, Psoas Below a muscular key to our compassionate humanity 2-4:30pm Saturday, May 20 $30 The psoas muscles connects the lower back to the thigh bones, and literally the muscles that keep us standing upright as a human species. Working with this muscle through yogic practice can help heal dysfunctional movement patterns in the hips and lower back. And, unlocking the potential of the psoas teaches stability in many more layers than the physiologic. Bring your inner anatomy geek: This workshop includes anatomy discussion, and a non-heated hatha flow practice. www.libbyyoga.com www.hotyogaeugenebalanced.com |
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Practice & Discussion
on Injury in Yoga Posture Practice Series Tuesdays, June 14, 21 & 27, 2016 Balanced Hot Yoga Eugene 6:00pm-7:15pm $30 Nearly every public class I teach, I begin by saying two things, "May you practice in a way that helps you to embody your heart's desires;" And, to quote David Swenson, "May you practice in a way that makes you want to do it again tomorrow." After years of study and teaching, I, like many of my role model teachers, have observed the fact that injuries in yoga are common. And avoidable. This series will look at three of the most common injuries in the bodies of regular yoga practitioners and I'll talk you through theory and practice on how to prevent and to treat them. Yoga Sutra 2.16 Heyam Dukham Anagatam Heyam- To be avoided, to be rejected, to be prevented Duhkham- Sorrow, agony Anagatam- Not yet come, future, unknown The pains which are yet to come can be and are to be avoided. -- BKS Iyengar |
Yoga and the HeArt of Re-Cognition: Re-thinking the Purpose of Practice
A Yoga and Philosophy Workshop
What brings you to the yoga mat? In this 2 ½ hour workshop, we will explore a yoga practice informed by yogic philosophy. We will create a dialogue, not only together, but within ourselves, that will help us re-cognize, re-think the heart of yoga practice. Many yoga philosophies tell of a teacher within whose essential nature is filled with wisdom, clarity and peace; who is nothing but who we are at heart. Yoga practice offers the opportunity to listen to that inner teacher and to connect to that wisdom regardless of external circumstances. We will utilize our philosophical dialogue to inform an engaging Hatha Yoga practice designed to skillfully engage the body, to keep the mind in conversation with the wisdom at heart, and to transform the purpose of yoga practice into the art of recognition.
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Heart above Head, Mind over Matter: Yoga of Inversions
2 1/2 hours
Inverted postures of yoga are some of the most beneficial yet intimidating of the asanas. This workshop will change your perception and help you practice placing the heart above the head, both literally and metaphorically. Whether you're new to yoga or whether you would like to view your practice with new eyes, you will learn how to create a safe inversion practice suitable for you by working with props, proper alignment, and asana variations. Libby will review the energetic and physical theories behind the high regard yogis place on inversions in asana practice. While this workshop will include classic inversions like viparita karani (legs-up-the-wall), salamba sarvangasana (shoulderstand) and sirsasana (headstand), we will also make time to look at alignment principles in and variations of your favorite inversions.
[Suitable for those new to yoga and those who wish to renew their yoga.
(Appropriate for all levels--beginner-friendly, yet great for continuing practitioners)]
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A Story of Balance: Hatha Yoga and Philosophy for Balancing Body, Mind and Heart
2 1/2 hours
Life pulls us in so many different directions as we strive to strike a balance between honoring personal desires and fulfilling obligations to society. Using the stories of Shakta Tantra, or Goddess Philosophy, we will explore stories of the Goddesses Lakshmi (goddess of wealth and prosperity), Saraswati (goddess of creativity and intellect) and Kali (goddess of time and change) in order to bring into the body the experience of balancing these forces, and by proxy come to find steadiness and freedom in balancing poses. Class will begin with a short lecture to introduce the stories then move through an asana practice focusing on standing and arm-balancing postures infused with Tantric philosophy. Class will end with a meditation on the felt experience of balancing nature and culture, left and right, passion and peace.
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Yoga at 30,000 Feet: Tips for Travel
2 1/2 hours
Travel can be taxing on the body; it can cause cricks in the neck, discomfort in the hips and low back and swollen ankles. It can deplete the immune system and aggravate the mind. In this workshop, we will explore yoga sequences that can help to prepare the body for travel, but also to keep body and mind happy, clear and calm mid travel. We will use simple techniques that will help boost immune support to help us arrive at our destination healthy and energized. Ever seen anyone doing legs-up-the-wall in the airport or sitting quietly in meditation on the floor in the corner of the gate? This can be you! Did you remember to pack your yoga practice? Appropriate for all levels (including beginners).
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