Southwest Yoga Conference

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Friday 8:00am - 10:00am 10:30am - 12:30pm 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Saturday 8:00am - 10:00am 10:30am - 12:30pm 2:30pm - 4:30pm
Sunday 8:00am - 10:00am 10:30am - 12:30pm 2:30pm - 4:30pm

Friday October 24, 2008 | 8:00am – 10:00am

Conference Presenter

Lilias Folan
Yoga is for Every B-O-D-Y
CODE: 11LF

Explore key postures, breathing practices and inner smile relaxation, as well as the three R’s of stretching from her highly acclaimed book Lilias! Yoga Gets Better with Age. Enjoyably paced classes that will improve your health, inspire your heart, create and restore flexibility and strength. All sizes and shapes welcome!

Conference Presenter

Sharon Gannon
Women Of Yoga
CODE: 11SG

Traditionally Yoga was a form of Goddess worship; a means to discover the “god- in- us” by allowing nature to be the teacher. As a culture we have forgotten those lessons. We need a new paradigm. This class will be an experiential exploration of what it might mean to be a yogini, allowing the divine feminine to come forth at this time of global crisis, rampant violence, environmental breakdown and consciousness shift. This is a call to all women of yoga to become, in your own unique way, a leader, able to contribute to the healing of our disconnection with nature, the Divine and ourselves. Please bring a blanket. Mostly asana. All Levels. Women Only

Conference Presenter

Chris Kilham
Methods of Power
CODE: 11CK

While all yoga methods impart benefits, some methods possess a special tang, an extra potency. In Methods of Power, we’ll work with Tibetan Kundalini Yoga, some Chi Kung, and other yogic practices that greatly enhance energy and awareness. We’ll practice the legendary Five Tibetans, and we’ll open our energetic channels wide. Open to all who want a deep dive into the yogic pool.

Conference Presenter

David Life
Jivamukti Yoga- Twist all Night
CODE: 11DL

The basis for life on earth is DNA and when we harmonize with the internal spiral code a new level of understanding is reached about how life is reborn in each moment. Twists can help detoxify the internal organs and lymphatic system. By compressing and decompressing the body held in a twist, the normal cleansing processes are supported. All levels

 

Conference Presenter

Vinnie Marino
Arm Balances
CODE: 11VM

Balancing on your hands is exhilarating and liberating, and incorporating these postures into your flow practice can keep it playful and joyous. With your arms as your foundation learn to use your core tolift up and take off and get ready to fly!

Conference Presenter

Steve Ross
Vinyasa Flow: Sweatfest
CODE: 11SR

Legendary yoga instructor, Steve Ross, brings his playful and fun "Happy Yoga" vinyasa flow class to Austin. Steve uses contemporary music (Hip Hop, R&B, Pop and Reggae) to produce a challenging and celebratory, unique class.

Conference Presenter

Matthew Sanford
Asana Backwards
CODE: 11MS

Learn how practicing from an energetic level can change your practice. The study of asana usually travels from the physical performance of poses toward their energetic depth. Matthew draws upon his unique practice with yoga and paralysis to give students a deeply focused experience in the opposite direction - from the asana's inward energetic experience toward its physical action.

Conference Presenter

Priyanka Shanbag
Awaken The Healer Within
CODE: 11PS

Life is full of challenges physical and emotional, this is a fact of life. Inside us lies great strength, endurance and the natural hormones to help fight and deal with these concerns. In this class we pay emphasis on our breath and asanas, we tap into these resources, our residual energy to awaken the healing vibrations and ignite the fire inside us and thus help rediscover our full potential to strengthen and heal our body and mind and enable us to lead a healthier lifestyle.

Friday, October 24, 2008 | 10:30am – 12:30pm

Conference Presenter

Alan Finger
Shiva/ Shakti, Male/Female and the Power of Tantra
CODE: 12AF

The word tantra comes from the Sanskrit words for expansion and liberation. Explore the polarities of male and female and their divine play in the physical, energetic and metaphysical realms and their union, or Yoga, into non-duality and true unbound intelligence, oneness and unconditional love. Suitable for couples or singles, aspects of maithuna practice will be explored in the greater context of shiva/shakti and tantric philosophy, meditation and energetic practice.

Conference Presenter

Sharon Gannon
Back to the Future
CODE: 12SG

On a psychokinetic level back bending moves one into the future. (Forward bending takes us into our past). We will explore how to apply yogic principles to back bending so as to allow us to safely, fearlessly and confidently move into the future with a sense of adventure. The class will include a vigorous vinyasa warm-up preparing us to focus on several back-bending asanas, progressing from simple to more advanced. Please bring a blanket. Mostly asana. All Levels

Conference Presenter

Jonny Kest
Vinyasa Uprising
CODE: 12JK

There is a secret growing underground movement of living a more healthy and happy life filled with gratitude. Where the flow of ujayii pranayama breath and asana becomes a radical expression of what is beautiful inside and out. Come and discover a new edge where you learn to be true to yourself, even if it means disappointing someone else. In this two hour Vinyasa Workshop you will experience backbends to open your heart and build strength, forward bends to open your hips and surrender to grace, twists to wring out the old and open up to what’s new, and breath to ignite the spirit of gratitude within. Open to all levels.

Conference Presenter

Chris Kilham
Yoga, Sex and the Big Bang
CODE: 12CK

This perennial favorite workshop is back! Sexual ecstasy and spiritual illumination are companion aspects of the same sublime bliss, which is attainable through Yoga practice. Physical yoga is an intrinsically erotic pursuit. Consider that many yoga asanas are in fact lovemaking positions, and you discover a lot of crossover between yoga and sex. Dive deeply into your energy, your skin, and your ecstatic self. We are all gods and animals. Find the place where orgasm and enlightenment meet. All levels welcome.

Conference Presenter

Misha Laird
Yoga Gently
CODE: 12ML

This is a great practice for students of all ages and experience who wish to practice gently and relax deeply.  We'll start standing with mindful movement and gradually work our way down to the floor, luxuriously taking time to let our breath into the nooks and crannies of our being.

Conference Presenter

Mika
Gentle Yoga & Good Didgeridoo Vibrations
CODE: 12MM

The didgeridoo has a mythical, low frequency primal sound that heals and takes away the thinking. Vinyasa-style poses will flow gently in conjunction with the breath. From the beginner to seasoned practitioner, all efforts are celebrated.

Conference Presenter

Eddie Modestini & Nicki Doane
Intro to Vinyasa Fusion
CODE: 12EM

This class will be an introduction to Vinyasa Fusion, suitable for all levels, focusing on opening the front body and strengthening the back. Using Suryanamaskar (Sun Salutations) to slowly build up heat and standing poses to reconnect you with the earth, we will move through a Vinyasa style practice that will leave you feeling recharged and stress free! We will cover in detail all the lunge work that Maya Yoga is famous for. Special attention will be paid to cultivating awareness in our hands and feet in order to ground us more deeply to the earth. Class will conclude with backbends and inversions. Learn to create safety and strength by applying basic alignment principles to a Vinyasa style practice.

Friday, October 24, 2008 | 2:30pm – 4:30pm

Conference Presenter

Alan Finger
Kriya and Laya Yoga Techniques: A Tantric Approach
CODE: 13AF

Kriyas are cleansing actions taken to purify the mind and body of those patterns of thought, emotion and experience that remain held within our bodies and condition and limit us. Laya techniques dissolve karmic conditioning to take us even further into a state of spiritual freedom. Using visualization, pranayama (breathing), mantra and meditation to unblock the energy meridians (nadis) of the body, we detoxify the pathways of our consciousness, opening us to deep meditation and joyous living, divine inspiration and endless possibilities.

Conference Presenter

Lilias Folan
The Joy is in the Journey
CODE: 13LF

In the great tradition of yoga, mid-age is an ideal time to restore health and vitality, soften the aging process, and brings renewed joy and inspiration to your spiritual journey. An enjoyably paced, multilayered practice to awaken your witnessing self through key asanas, breathing, and guided inner smile relaxation. Leave refreshed and heart-centered. All levels. Teachers welcome to take notes.

Conference Presenter

Gary Kraftsow
Meditation
CODE: 13GK

Joy – purpose – connection: uncover and activate what’s inside you through meditation. It is possible for you to experience deep self-awareness and realize your highest potential in spite of the stress and fast pace of modern life. Join Gary Kraftsow and be guided through an integrated meditation practice to discover elegance and grace in daily living.

Conference Presenter

David Life
Jivamukti Yoga Hot, Hip, and Holy
CODE: 13DL

Visionaries, poets and artists have always been better at communicating with the people than politicians. Fun sequencing distinct to the Jivamukti Yoga method will warm you up and keep you cookin’. Come prepared for an upbeat session with great music and sequences. This is classic Jivamukti: original, sequential, inspired with spirit, and a little wild. A vigorous Jivamukti Yoga class for all levels of practitioner.

Conference Presenter

Vinnie Marino
Backbends  
CODE: 13VM

As we age we tend to round our backs, collapsing our shoulders and chest and compressing our breathing andour world view. Let's change that around…through a sequence of progressively deeper backbends. This heart opening class will energize and uplift you!

Conference Presenter

Mika
Breath & Movement in Sync
CODE: 13MM

Synchronize the breath and the movement to find a peace of mind. Experience the sounds: "AAaa..." the sound of the stomach; "OOoo…" the sound of the diaphragm; and "MMmm…" the sound of the throat. Mika will offer the diaphonic sounds, and you will make your body sing & stretch. All Welcome. Sun salutations at your own ability & energy levels

Conference Presenter

Matthew Sanford
Gravity and Inward Freedom
CODE: 13MS

The effect of gravity often deepens and expands a student's inward energetic experience in an asana and thereby helps reveal its inner workings. Matthew uses his unique experience with yoga and paralysis to explore both the subtle influence of gravity and how it teaches in a variety of asanas. Mastery of inversions is NOT required.

Conference Presenter

Christina Sell
The Shrine of the Heart
CODE: 13CS

By utilizing the Anusara Yoga® Universal Principles of Alignment™ in standing poses and backbends, this dynamic class will help students build a temple of the body and establish a place of sanctuary and worship within.  This class is not appropriate for raw beginners or for those recovering from illness or injury.

Saturday October 25, 2008 | 8:00am – 10:00am

Conference Presenter

Sharon Gannon
Chakra Purification Through Asana and Mantra
CODE: 21SG

Each asana corresponds to a chakra and a mantra. We’ll practice an asana series that activates the chakras from the root to the crown, while chanting bija mantras and focusing on the specific karmic cause that might be contributing to pain and stress in the body. Informative Introduction followed by asana. Bring a Blanket mostly asana All Levels welcome.

Conference Presenter

Jonny Kest
Beautiful Mind, Beautiful Body~Vinyasa Rasayana Experience
CODE: 21JK

Happiness and vitality appear in life only when our juices are abundant and free flowing. We are all in danger of becoming stuck, rigid, and dried up, both physically and emotionally, due to the choices we make. Rasayana is the path of rejuvenation. Vinyasa is the path of fluidity. Come experience a juicy beautiful practice of growth and transformation where you will uncover your inner beauty and enhance the sweetness and flow of your life...

Conference Presenter

Gary Kraftsow
Yoga for Emotional Health: Anxiety and Depression 
CODE: 21GK

Modern science now confirms what the ancient yogis have known for thousands of years: troubling emotional states are directly related to disease in the body. Today, two of the most common and troubling emotional difficulties are anxiety and depression.  In this class, you will explore the complex interaction between thought, emotion and physiology and learn yoga practices to nourish the system and restore equilibrium through asana, pranayama, chanting and meditation.

Conference Presenter

David Life
Jivamukti Yoga - An Upside Down World
CODE: 21DL

Turning our view of the world upside down allows us to feel our potential for overcoming fear and depression. The class will include a vigorous vinyasa warm up and arm balances preparing us to focus on several of the most potent inversions providing the necessary chemistry to internally alter our state of consciousness to abide in the infinite NOW. All levels

Conference Presenter

Mark Uridel
Yoga for a Healthy Neck: Asana, Bandha, Pranayama and Mantra
CODE: 21MU

The latest Medical Research reports that most people with neck pain respond positively to specifically designed exercises. A Yoga practice designed for the health of your neck. 5 ways Yoga helps to keep your neck healthy:

  1. Relaxes your muscle tension.
  2. Improves your posture and body awareness.
  3. Strengthens the muscles that support your neck.
  4. Reduces stress and mental tension.
  5. Engages your whole body, mind and breath.
Conference Presenter

Rusty Wells
Bhakti Flow BASICS
CODE: 21RW

Discover the harmony between strength, determination, and playfulness offered in a safe and nurturing environment. A Bhakti Flow experience sets the stage for spontaneous meditation to occur. It is a prayer-filled dance to the Beloved. Modifications and variations will be offered so that each student can find their own appropriate edge. Come prepared to sing, sweat and flow!

Conference Presenter

Mark Whitwell
The Deep Dimensions of Yoga
CODE: 21MW

"Truth" is not something you have to search for; it is present in you as you, the life that is you. Yoga arose in ancient wisdom cultures as the non-dual understanding that all ordinary conditions are not and cannot be separate from Source. Mark will take you deep into yoga’s roots to the shamanic past of the Upanishads, when yoga was practiced as a means of acknowledging and celebrating the very source of life. With this tantric understanding, your yoga can begin. There is a right Yoga for you. It is your direct intimacy with nurturing Source. Asana is tantra, hatha yoga, strength that is receiving, the union of all opposites, left with right, above to below, inhalation with exhalation, male with female within, without, spirit with form, source and seen. No more, no less, practice as whole body prayer to Life, the easy surrender to the life current for everyone. (Lecture and practice)

Saturday October 25, 2008 | 10:30am – 12:30pm

Conference Presenter

Alan Finger
Chakra Yoga
CODE: 22AF

Based on his recent book Chakra Yoga, this workshop topic is one of Alan Finger's specialties and will leave you feeling rebalanced, invigorated and perhaps even amazed! The world of the chakras brings together the physical, emotional, mental and energetic bodies into a comprehensive system of the self. Using asana, meditation, visualization, mantra, yantra and philosophy, discover your strengths and weaknesses, open your "closed doors" and experience true balance and expanded consciousness. Travel through the energetic body to transcend your blocks and arrive at bliss consciousness.

Conference Presenter

Lilias Folan
Reawaken Yoga in Midlife
CODE: 22LF

Hatha yoga is more than freeing the body—it is opening the heart, mind, and spirit. Moving at an enjoyable pace, we’ll explore new ways to move, energy breathing and inner smile relaxation. Much of the content of this class if from her book Lilias! Yoga Gets Better with Age. Enhance balance and confidence in your body. Return home refreshed and energized with new tools for your personal practice. All levels. Teachers welcome to take notes.

Conference Presenter

Sharon Gannon
The Diet of Enlightenment (Lecture)
CODE: 22SG

An insightful, optimistic and non-judgmental exploration into Patanjali’s five Yamas and how they relate to the food we eat, and how that in turn affects personal issues: of violence, self-esteem, wealth/poverty, and physical health as well as identity issues arising from our perception of our past, present and future or who we were, who we are and who we will become. Drawn from the book Yoga and Vegetarianism. Please bring something to sit on. Feel free to tape record or take notes. All levels. Everyone who eats food is welcome: carnivores, vegetarians and vegans!

Conference Presenter

Rich Goldstein
The Yogic Edge
CODE: 22RG

Skillfully Integrating Yoga into Your Professional Life This class will provide a solid foundation of support for all yoga practitioners and yoga teachers who have an intention to bring a more joyful balance into their work lives. Through information, discussion, meditation and reflection, participants will leave with a new awareness and a set of tools for integrating their yoga into their professional lives.

Conference Presenter

Eddie Modestini & Nicki Doane
Standing Poses: From the Ground Up!
CODE: 22EM

Get your feet on this earth! When Eddie was teaching in Italy years ago they nicknamed him Eddie Piedi, which means Eddie Feet! This class will include detailed work on transforming the feet and using your legs in standing poses, something that all Vinyasa yogis need to know! This will be a fun and strong class as we learn to build heat without sun salutations.

Conference Presenter

Matthew Sanford
Effortless Integration
CODE: 22MS

Alignment and precision integrate mind and body without muscular action – this yogic insight is made clearly tangible by Matthew’s experience with yoga and paralysis. Explore the energetic connections between alignment, precision, and prana through basic asanas and simple adjustments. Mostly asana.

Conference Presenter

Rusty Wells
How to Build a Boat
CODE: 22RW

Build the strongest foundation possible. Here is a really challenging vinyasa class designed to build strength in your legs and the entire core(intermediate to advanced track.) From the ankles to  the ribs, we will tone and stretch it all! From lunges to crunches, you can learn tools that can be used at  home in order to safely and effectively build the strongest power  yoga practice imaginable. These techniques will nourish your forward  bends, deepen your backbends, strengthen the muscles around your  spine and tone your entire midsection. Come prepared to sweat... a lot.

Conference Presenter

Craig Williams
Agni Yoga: Returning to the Cave of the Heart
CODE: 22CW

The concept of Agni or the sacred Vedic fire is perhaps the most powerful and transformative symbol in all Yogic philosophy. Agni is the inextinguishable Flame hidden within the cave of our spiritual hearts and all yogic practices focus on directing our attention to this sacred fire and its healing light. In this workshop we will explore Ayurvedic, Tantric and Yogic methods to cultivate our awareness of this sacred Fire and explore the numerous ways Agni functions within our bodies and the Cosmos. We will also explore Mantra Therapy and its crucial role in guiding us on our journey to our true home: the Hridaya or Spiritual Heart.

Saturday October 25, 2008 | 2:30pm – 4:30pm

Conference Presenter

Alan Finger
Chakra Yoga
CODE: 23AF

Based on his recent book "Chakra Yoga", this workshop topic is one of Alan Finger's specialties and will leave you feeling rebalanced, invigorated and perhaps even amazed! The world of the chakras brings together the physical, emotional, mental and energetic bodies into a comprehensive system of the self. Using asana, meditation, visualization, mantra, yantra and philosophy, discover your strengths and weaknesses, open your "closed doors" and experience true balance and expanded consciousness. Travel through the energetic body to transcend your blocks and arrive at bliss consciousness.

Conference Presenter

David Life
Jivamukti Yoga - Get Up, Standup, Don’t give Up the Fight!
CODE: 23DL

Walking upright is a challenge. Most human beings suffer from low self-esteem and that is reflected in standing postures that appear to collapse. This class will celebrate the connection to the earth from the toes to the top of the head and set free a lightness and magical effect on others. When we stand up for others, especially the defenseless, we stand straight and tall. A vigorous Jivamukti Yoga class for all levels of practitioner.

Conference Presenter

Vinnie Marino
Hip Openers
CODE: 23VM

Hip openers allow us to penetrate deep into the physical and emotional body. In this strong asana practice we will move through a standing flow and seated postures to break through layers of resistance. Open your hips to experience a greater freedom in the rest of the body

Conference Presenter

Mika
Agni Yoga – The Fire at the Foundation of All Yogas
CODE: 23MM

Awaken the life force through meditation in movement. A more physical class, you’ll feel the heartbeat and the fire within. Also includes relaxation with the didgeridoo for mythical sounds of the earth that takes away the thinking.

Conference Presenter

Eddie Modestini & Nicki Doane
Hip Openers
CODE: 23EM

Cultivate your seat of awareness and learn to sit comfortably for the rest of your life. Since yoga is all about creating and sustaining balance in our lives, this class is the perfect complement to a strong vinyasa yoga practice. This class will be more reflective in nature as we find our way into various postures; usually on the floor, but not limited to, and stay there to see what happens. In order to explore the more advanced poses that yoga has to offer, you have to open your hips. Come prepared to dive deep as we provide you with valuable information for your yoga practice to carry into the rest of your life.

Conference Presenter

Priyanka Shanbag
Move The Spine And Calm Your Mind
CODE: 23PS

It is said that you are only as young as your spine is flexible. This class emphasizes the importance of the spine, which has central and autonomic nervous systems and an attached muscular-skeletal system that makes up our emotional, spiritual and physical body. Stress and tension is part of our daily lives and is expressed thru the spine and its components. A slow flow yoga class combines coordinated breathing and innovative flow of spine movements that unravel and ease tension and stress in the joints and muscles, gradually leading to a calm, blissful mind and body. It helps develop greater range of motion and increase bone density and increase physical and mental core strength.

Conference Presenter

Mark Whitwell
Advanced Yoga for ‘Perfect’ Beginners
CODE: 23MW

the Four Secret Principles of Successful Yoga and Life. Yoga must be adapted to individual needs. "Adapt Yoga to the individual, not the individual to the yoga. There is a perfect yoga for every person. If you can breathe you can do yoga," says Whitwell. An introduction to asana, bandha, pranayama, meditation and life as a seamless process. Learn how to precisely adapt yoga to individual needs and health issues, yours, your family your students. Open to all levels. Practice and discussion.

Sunday October 26, 2008 | 8:00am – 10:00am

Conference Presenter

Sharon Gannon
The Diet of Enlightenment (Lecture)
CODE: 31SG

An insightful, optimistic and non-judgmental exploration into Patanjali’s five Yamas and how they relate to the food we eat, and how that in turn affects personal issues: of violence, self-esteem, wealth/poverty, and physical health as well as identity issues arising from our perception of our past, present and future or who we were, who we are and who we will become. Drawn from the book Yoga and Vegetarianism. Please bring something to sit on. Feel free to tape record or take notes. All levels. Everyone who eats food is welcome: carnivores, vegetarians and vegans!

Conference Presenter

Jonny Kest
Sweat & Tears~Detox Flow
CODE: 31JK

Come melt away a lifetime of holding as you move through a true vinyasa experience. Leave your sweat and tears on your mat ... and with each passing moment feel lighter and more alive. This detox flow will include backbends, inversions, twists and long holding yin yoga postures.

Conference Presenter

David Life
Jivamukti Yoga Hot, Hip, and Holy
CODE: 31DL

Visionaries, poets and artists have always been better at communicating with the people than politicians. Fun sequencing distinct to the Jivamukti Yoga method will warm you up and keep you cookin'. Come prepared for an upbeat session with great music and sequences. This is classic Jivamukti: original, sequential, inspired with spirit, and a little wild. A vigorous Jivamukti Yoga class for all levels of practitioner.

Conference Presenter

Vinnie Marino
Vinyasa Flow
CODE: 31VM

Vinyasa means "to place in a special way" linking our breath to our movements we will build heat, strength, and flexibility, in this strong vinyasa sequence set to great music. Be prepared to breathe, move, and sweat. Don't forget to bring a towel

Conference Presenter

Eddie Modestini & Nicki Doane
Suryanamaskar C
CODE: 31EM

This dynamic flowing sequence of standing postures, originally created by Tim Miller of Encinitas, CA, is the root of all "flow yoga" classes taught in America today.  The beauty of the class lies in its spontaneity - it is always different! Depending on students' needs and backgrounds, the postures are linked together using a vinyasa sequence and conscious breathing.  Dynamic backbends will complete the flow. This is an extremely fun class and can go very deep! 

Conference Presenter

Steve Ross
Vinyasa Flow: Sweatfest
CODE: 31SR

Legendary yoga instructor, Steve Ross, brings his playful and fun "Happy Yoga" vinyasa flow class to Austin. Steve uses contemporary music (Hip Hop, R&B, Pop and Reggae) to produce a challenging and celebratory, unique class.

Conference Presenter

Mark Whitwell
Meditation Arising
CODE: 31MW

The peace and power of meditation comes naturally and certainly when conditions are right through your own appropriate Yoga. Asana, pranayama, meditation and Life are a seamless process. Stop fighting yourself to meditate, to eliminate thought or attain anything at all. Give up your yearnings for "higher" consciousness. Dive deep into Life, the Given, and awaken your heart as the doorway to experience all Life’s polarities in union. (Lecture and practice)

Sunday October 26, 2008 | 10:30am – 12:30pm

Conference Presenter

Alan Finger
Principles of ISHTA Yoga
CODE: 32AF

ISHTA Yoga is the Integrated Science of Hatha, Tantra and Ayurveda, as well as the Sanskrit term for an individualized or personalized practice. Founded by Alan Finger and his father Mani, the ISHTA system incorporates ancient Ayurvedic principles; tantric, kriya and laya yoga techniques; the knowledge of Yogananda and Iyengar; and a uniquely modern understanding of anatomy, energy and human nature into a path for self-knowledge and liberation. Explore with ISHTA founder Alan Finger how to blend asana, meditation, breath work, philosophy and the ancient Indian science of life into a seamless practice to uncover your unique self and your optimum path for self-awareness, expansion, growth and healing.

Conference Presenter

Vinnie Marino
Twists
CODE: 32VM

Wring out the old and breathe in the new! Twists are a great way to detoxify the body, massage the internal organs and release the lower back. This series of progressively deeper twists will help you understand the benefits and mechanics of these potent postures in ways that will enrich your entire practice.

Conference Presenter

Mehtab
Gong Yoga: Healing Through Sound
CODE: 32MM

The sound of the gong is used in yoga classes to create spontaneous meditation, deep relaxation and healing through the chakras. In this Gong Yoga class, we will practice ancient yoga kriyas to open the flow of energy and end with a Yoga Nida (yogi sleep) session that culminates in a 31-minute concert of multiple gongs played by master teachers!

Conference Presenter

Sharon Moon
Approaching Ashtanga through the Heart
CODE: 32SM

A led primary series with the focus on the heart opening with each breath. Practicing Ashtanga from the heart is liberating. There is no clinging, no resistance, and no attachment. We are able to be present with each breath in each moment. We can discover the rhythm of our Soul running through our being and our life. As we live that rhythm there are no limitations, only possibilities.

Conference Presenter

Steve Ross
Deep Yin
CODE: 32SR

Yin Yoga consists of deep slow opening floor poses designed to bring about maximum flexibility and enhanced health. Yin Yoga is an ideal companion to a vinyasa flow practice and produces a meditative state of mind.

Conference Presenter

Priyanka Shanbag
Balancing the Scales Within
CODE: 32PS

Maintaining the homeostasis in the body is essential for good health. Concentrating on breath and asanas help in keeping the natural balance in our body. This is homeostasis or in yoga parlance it is called Stithi Prajyna. A daily practice is necessary to realize the true meaning of yoga which is yoking of the body and mind. This class will help you to find that it is possible to find a balance in life.

Conference Presenter

Rusty Wells
Crumble
CODE: 32RW

This freestyle vinyasa class is not for the faint at heart. Intermediate to Advanced students only. Strong focus will be placed on backbends, splits and headstands. A Bhakti Flow experience sets the stage for spontaneous meditation to occur. It is a prayer-filled dance to the Beloved. Come prepared to sing, sweat, sweat some more,  and flow!

Sunday October 26, 2008 | 2:30pm – 4:30pm

Conference Presenter

Robert Boustany
Developing maximum strength     
CODE: 33RB

This class will take you through an exploration of arms, shoulders, upper back and chest to show how to maximize strength by focus, alignment, intense challenge suitable for you level, freeing emotions and the breath.  All levels will be challenged, and practical information learned for any style or practice.  Therapeutics will also be covered in this development.

Conference Presenter

Mika
Finding a State of Grace
CODE: 33MM

Feel the perineum, feel the diaphragm, and lock the throat. Learn how to isolate these parts of the body, keeping control while your body maintains a state of meditation. Also includes relaxation with the didgeridoo for mythical sounds of the earth that take a way the thinking.

Conference Presenter

Christina Sell
Inside Out and Upside Down
CODE: 33CS

Practice a variety of challenging hand balances, inversions and standing poses to turn your preconceived notions inside out and upside down. Come ready to work and to play! This class is not appropriate for those recovering from injury or illness.

Conference Presenter

Priyanka Shanbag
Awaken The Healer Within
CODE: 33PS

Life is full of challenges physical and emotional, this is a fact of life. Inside us lies great strength, endurance and the natural hormones to help fight and deal with these concerns. In this class we pay emphasis on our breath and asanas, we tap into these resources, our residual energy to awaken the healing vibrations and ignite the fire inside us and thus help rediscover our full potential to strengthen and heal our body and mind and enable us to lead a healthier lifestyle.

Conference Presenter

Rusty Wells
Resolve to Evolve
CODE: 33RW

Practice yoga philosophy in motion. Explore the first two limbs of yoga (the yamas and niyamas) carefully woven into a flow experience. Witness how the application of these precious yoga gems can be relevant and inspiring on the mat and in your daily life.  A Bhakti Flow experience sets the stage for spontaneous meditation to occur. It is a prayer-filled dance to the Beloved. Come prepared to sing, sweat and flow!

Conference Presenter

Mark Whitwell
Advanced Practice
CODE: 33MW

Breath, asana and bandha (in that order) integrate as a seamless process. Apply asana and bandha efficiently to produce a powerful practice that is right for you. Breath and bandha is the central feature of your asana. Open to everyone advanced and beginners. Mark will always adapt practices to individual needs. "Yoga is the means for ordinary folk to absorb the nurturing and healing force of Life," says Whitwell. Asana is hatha yoga "ha tha," "Strength receiving" which has profound implication to our Life, health and experience. How do we make sure our asana is actually tantric union, hatha yoga? Practice and discussion.

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