Many styles of Modern Yoga tend to emphasise one auxiliary (anga) of practice. Some focus on asanas, others, meditation. This workshop aims to demonstrate that one can combine cleansing practices, asanas, pranayama and meditation to enjoy a broad range of benefits and to gain a greater ability to vary and adapt the practice according to one's needs. By practising a broad range of techniques in a particular sequence, students will see how all the auxiliaries fit together and how each one is essential for the others.

This workshop is based on the fact that no particular sequence or method of Yoga can be proclaimed as the best way for all practitioners. Thus, two sequences will be taught: the first may be easier for those who struggle with meditation, while the second may be more rewarding for students who seek to tap the full healing potential of asanas. The trick is to know the advantages and disadvantages of these different approaches and this will be discussed during the workshop.

Workshop space Limited. Confirmation by advanced booking only.

Module 1: The More Traditional Way

October 2nd 08:00-10:30

The Saturday class will follow the more traditional sequence of kriyas, asanas, shavasana, pranayama, and meditation. Students will be shown how kriyas and asanas can be used to create lightness, warmth and vigour in the body, in order to make the seated position and breathing of pranayama, comfortable and steady. Having made the breath subtle and smooth in pranayama, meditation should proceed effortlessly.

Module 2: Another Way

October 3rd 08:00-10:30

The Sunday class will start with meditation, followed by kriyas, pranayama, asanas, to finish with shavasana. After settling the breath in meditation, kriyas and heating pranayamas will be used as a preparation for asanas. When the body is warm and the breath full and steady, asanas become a powerful means to heal, strengthen and invigorate body and mind. The final shavasana should feel like paradise.