Ashtanga Workshop with Richard Freeman in Berlin

Richard Freeman does not need much of an introduction in the Aṣṭāṅga scene.

His teaching transforms your practice and the way you think about the Aṣṭāṅga Vinyāsa Yoga method and Yoga in general. It is like turning on a light in your practice where everything starts making sense except many things you have been striving for until then.

Richard's vast philosophical background is an ocean where all practice experience becomes nourishing and meaningful.

Begin weaving in the experience of thousands of years of mind research because practice can only be correct if it is based on a deep understanding on what Yoga truly is about.

Awaken your inner teacher!

We have invited Richard Freeman to Berlin so practitioners can study with this extraordinary teacher without having to travel long distances.

Workshop Contents

Mornings will be asana classes in which we explore details of the traditional series, finding power in the transitions and new alignment depth in old poses. We will bring the brilliant core of the central axis out through the forms of the postures, turning them into mudras of feeling and expression so that our practice is ever deepening, steady and safe, a source for inspiration.

In the afternoons we will practice chanting, meditation and pranayama as well as dive into the philosophy of the Yoga Sutra as it reveals the secrets of complete awakening to the world of interdependence between people, cultures and deep contemplative experience.

THE RADIANT GROUND

This immersion is a step-by-step exploration of the basic thread of form, breathing, and movement upon which the classical series of postures in the Ashtanga Vinyasa system is strung. We will explore effective and natural patterns of alignment that open core breathing patterns and integrated movements. Using a rich context of form, pranayama, and meditative insight, this course will allow participants to bring a new degree of freedom, technical skill and compassion to their every day practice and life.

SECRETS OF ASHTANGA YOGA

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga means so much more than whether or not you can put your leg behind your head or catch your heals in backbending, though those can be fun and tangible landmarks within our asana practice. But there’s always so much more to a balanced practice! The healthiest approach to yoga is to incorporate and integrate into our practice all eight limbs of the traditional ashtanga system as described in the Yoga Sutra. It is through this integrated approach that meditation, freedom, and lasting happiness spontaneously arise.

IMAGINARY ANATOMY AND INTERNAL FORMS

The power of imagination is profound. Through visualizing deity forms we automatically embody exquisite alignment. By envisioning “Kidney Wings” or “Cobra Hoods” as we breathe and move, subtle levels of awareness within body and mind naturally emerge.

In this immersion we will work with this traditional form of practice—using the imagination to understand the inexplicable—allowing us to link complimentary patterns of internal breath, movement and awareness. Together we will practice asana, study philosophy, Sanskrit chanting, pranayama and meditation. From this deep, internal perspective we will gradually develop strength, flexibility and openness of body and mind that can be embodied within the context of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga.

ART OF VINYASA

Yoga is the unfolding of relationship; the joining together of complimentary opposites and the ability to soften into the intelligence within any given context to allow the awakening of body and mind. This workshop will be an intricate exploration of this process through the lens of the Ashtanga Vinyasa system of practice. Following on an empty thread of awareness through and between postures, we will focus on the intentional sequence of form, thought, movement and breath that frees the mind, awakens the central channel and allows a meditative, flowing practice to naturally arise.

This course will be a step-by-step exploration of yoga postures experienced as a continuous joining and separating of masculine and feminine movements. Students will learn to pay close attention to the meditative quality of form and movement as a means of bringing refinement to their practice. Fine, detailed attention to subtle technique will prove to be the way of avoiding injury and integrating obstacles.

== 4 days Workshop Schedule - ==

We kindly ask all participants to join the Climate Justice Yoga Community meeting on Sep 28 after the Workshop!

Yoga practice should never make us ignore our responsibility for the whole planet.

9:00 - 12:30	The Art of Internal Alignment - Detailed Led Class
12:30 - 14:00	Lunch break
14:00 - 16:30	Ashtanga Alignment, Philosophy and Sanskrit (incl. short break)
17:00 - 20:30	Yoga and Climate Justice (Saturday) Open for everyone. Bring all your friends!!!

== Pricing ==

Practicing with Richard can be a bit overwhelming at first. The depth of his internal alignment principles is just amazing and keeps deepening with pratice.

Therefore take the opportunity and join Grischa's urban alignment intensive right after Richards Workshop in Berlin.

Grischa has been applying Richard's alignment principle for almost 15 years and will help you translate them into your daily practice (and teaching).

Grischa's Urban Alignment Intensive Retreat 3^rd-6^th October.