Warsaw

I've been on numerous planes this year. I always have to take an obligatory shot once ascended above the clouds. It's my routine. I have a deep love for travel. I actually enjoy hanging out in airports. There is something about being in a space where people are headed somewhere or returning home, including myself. Airports are great places to catch up on reading and people watching. I find so much enjoyment in it, ok, call me crazy, but it's true!

Warsaw! My first time in Poland. I taught an extended weekend workshop at Yoga Republic a beautiful space in the heart of the city. I highly recommend it. Going in, I had a vision in my mind on what Warsaw was like, and let me tell you, it was nothing I expected. Warsaw is a vibrant city with an abundance of culture a buzz with creative energy. I've been told its the new Berlin.

It really comes down to the resiliency of the people, as well, with Warsaw being leveled to the point of utter destruction, during the Second World War, you can imagine what the rebuild must have been like. Also, with the downfall of communism there has been a multitude of change and transition happening. Just a few years ago they lost their prime minister in a plane crash along with many of their top government officials. In light of that, Warsaw has been on an upswing and it's exciting to see. Truly, when a city carries on through tragedy and strife a new strength and energy emerges. I enjoyed the Polish people and found them to be warm and open, and at the same time, a sturdy steadiness seemed to be part of their innate nature. A good balance.

Pawiak Prison - Warsaw, Poland

When in a new place I always love seeing the sites, getting a feeling for what a city offers in terms of energy, culture, social structure and architecture. One thing I appreciated about Warsaw were all the trees and park areas available. I love a city with it's green space and Warsaw definitely had it's fair share. There are many new builds in the process, however at the same time, the maintenance of their green space in regards to city planning seems to be an important factor they take into consideration.

I'm looking forward to my next visit. Already a plan to comeback in October of 2013 is in the works! 

Workshops and Events - Remainder of 2012

Four Day Ashtanga Yoga Workshop - Warsaw, Poland 

Dates: 5-8 October 2012

Location: Yoga Republic

Phone: +48 22 790 805 853

Email: yogarepublicpl@gmail.com

Website: www.yogarepublic.pl

Ashtanga Yoga Weekend Workshop - Athens, Greece 

Dates: 12-14 October 2012

Location: House of Yoga

Phone: +30 69 741 90910

Email: sgiantsis@hotmail.com

Website: www.houseofyoga.gr

Ashtanga Yoga Weekend Workshop and One Day Primary Series Workshop - Toronto, Canada

Dates: 19-22 October 2012

Location: Ashtanga Yoga Centre of Toronto

Phone: +1 647 342 6550

Email: info@ashtangatoronto.com

Website: www.ashtangatoronto.com

Ashtanga Yoga Workshop for Ongoing Students - Stockholm, Sweden 

Dates: 27-28 October 2012

Location: Yogayama

Phone: +46 73 663 63 35

Email: info@yogayama.se

Website: www.yogayama.se

Stockholm Yoga and Dance Festival - Stockholm, Sweden

Dates: 2-4 November 2012

Location: Academy of Ballet

Website: www.yodafestival.se

Ashtanga Weekend Workshop - Cologne, Germany

Dates: 16-18 November 2012

Location: Ashtanga-Yoga in Köln Mitte

Phone: +49 160 90 308 506

Email: ashtangayogamitte-koeln@hotmail.com

Website: www.ashtangayogamitte-koeln.de

Ängsbacka Yoga & Dance Festival

Over the Easter Day weekend I'm honored to be serving as one of the workshop leaders at the annual Yoga and Dance Festival at Ängsbacka! April 5th - 9th. Followed by a 3-day Ashtanga Yoga Intensive, April 9th - April 11th, just preceding the five day festival. The opportunity came unexpectedly at the last minute, so I am announcing it last minute!!! For more information please visit: www.angsbacka.com

Beyond the Edge and Powerful Surrender Workshops

I'll be hosting two workshops in the coming weeks at Yogayama! I challenge those who can make it to join in. On Sunday, November 20th, Beyond the Edge, will be an informative workshop on the fundamentals of Arm Balancing. On Sunday, December 4th, Powerful Surrender, will be an intensive on the dynamics of backbending. The times for both workshops will be from 13:00 - 15:00 (1-3pm).

Beyond the Edge: Exploring the Art of Arm Balancing

Sunday, November 20, 13:00 - 15:00

Yogayama, Stockholm

When delving into arm balances there often come feelings of uncertainty as well as the fear of stepping into the unknown. These feelings are natural, however; we may never realize the inherent strength within if never exploring our edges.

Experience the exhilaration arm balances bring, in a playful and explorative way, while learning the basic elements and foundational techniques to successfully build an arm balance practice. Proper alignment, strength building, as well as, energizing the subtle body will be addressed in this inspiring and informative workshop.

Journey beyond the edge and feel that anything is possible!

Powerful Surrender: Backbending with Strength

Sunday, December 4, 13:00 - 15:00

Yogayama, Stockholm

The paradox with backbending is we must be strong and soft at the same time, uniting the energy of strength and surrender. Learn the basic components of backbending with integrity to the natural flow of the body. In addition, understand and experience the concept of active release. When actively releasing, we use grounding mechanisms to deepen, while fully utilizing the breath. Learn the fundamental techniques that allow the body to find its depth and strength while at the same time letting go. 

David Robson, ONE Day Workshop, Saturday, Oct. 22!!!!

We are so happy to have David Robson back in Stockholm for a one day, jam packed, exhilarating workshop! He brings with him an amazing passion and insight for the practice of Ashtanga yoga. This is not to be missed! Personally, I feel he is one of the most talented and committed teachers of his generation in the world. To have built what he has in the Toronto yoga community is something that is never easy, and is a testament to his sincere vision and energy. However, don't take my word for it, experience for yourself. There will be something to be learned no matter what level in the practice you find yourself in. All levels welcome. 

Saturday, October 22, 2011 at Yogayama

Led Primary 9:00 - 11:00AM
Join David Robson for the Led Primary Series of Ashtanga Yoga following the traditional Sanskrit count. All levels of practitioner are welcome to attend.

The Practice and Philosophy of Vinyasa
12:00 - 2:00PM
In Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, vinyasa means moving/breathing system. More specifically, it also refers to counted movements that are done in our practices. The vinyasa system, when followed correctly, makes the Astanga practice a moving meditations. This workshop will explore the philosophy and practice of vinyasa as it is traditionally taught in Ashtanga Yoga. It's open to all levels.

Arm-Balancing 3:00 - 5:00PM
In the Astanga practice there are many movements that require us to put all of our weight into our hands. Jump-backs, jump-throughs, and the particular vinyasa from certain poses are all moments of arm-balancing. This workshop will teach you the principles of alignment and technique that are common to all arm-balances, and will help you find more ease in the air. This workshop is open to practitioners of all levels.

Bio
David Robson lives in Toronto, Canada, with his wife, Stan, his daughter Mercedes, and son Holden. He is the co-owner and director of the Astanga Yoga Centre of Toronto, where he leads one of the world's largest Mysore programs. In 1998, while completing a degree in Comparative Religion, David began a daily yoga practice. He made his first trip to India in 2002, where he initiated studies with his teacher Sharath Jois. Since then, David has returned annually to deepen and enrich his practice and teaching. He is Level-2 Authorized by the Sri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute.

Website 
Blog

Ashtanga Yoga Workshop with David Robson at Yogayama

Saturday, Sept. 11th 

Session 1: 10:00-12:30 

Learn to Float 

When breath and movement are in perfect unison, we achieve floating vinyasa. This workshop will look at ways to bring "floatiness" into your Sun Salutations, with a special emphasis on lifting and landing the jump-backs and jump-forwards. 

Session 2: 14.00-16.00 

Floating in the Primary Series 

The Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa) detoxifies and aligns the body. David will lead you through the traditional Sanskrit count for the Primary Series with a special emphasis on floating in the vinyasa.

Sunday, Sept. 12 

Session 3: 10.00-12.00 

Pain-free Backbending 

Backbends don't have to hurt! Learn techniques and exercises that will help you safely deepen your backbends. 

Session 4: 14.00-16.00 

Intro to Intermediate 

Ashtanga's Intermediate Series is known as Nadi Shodana, or "nerve cleansing." In this workshop we will take a close look at the first half of the asanas and vinyasas from Intermediate series.

350 SEK per session

1100 SEK for the entire workshop

David Robson, is a phenomenal, highly devoted student/teacher in the practice of Ashtanga yoga, and one of the few who have built a Mysore program with over 80 students daily. Talk about dedication! Deepening his study of the practice, David has taken annual trips to the KPJ Ashtanga Yoga Institute, in Mysore, India, since 2002, and is Authorized to teach Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga from the source. David lives in Toronto, Canada with his family where he is director of the Ashtanga Yoga Centre of Toronto. Stockholm is extremely lucky to host a teacher of his caliber and sincerity. This is a workshop you won't want to miss.

For more information and for registration, visit www.yogayama.se

5 Day Ashtanga Yoga Intensive at Yogayama with Laruga

August 16th - August 20th 

Yogayama - Stockholm, Sweden

18:00 - 20:00 (6pm-8pm)

Join me, for a deepening journey through the soul of Ashtanga yoga. Practical knowledge of internal alignment, focusing on the fundamental principles of vinyasa, joining movement and breath, balancing strength and flexibility, will be integral to the intensive. A perfect way to jump start your practice or simply delve deeper into an existing practice, extending a week that will challenge, inspire, and stretch not only the body, but your preconceived potential.

950 SEK

Bless, Bless {Goodbye Iceland}

"Bless, bless." How Icelanders say goodbye.

Time moved by so quickly my last week in Iceland I didn't even get a chance to write all that I wanted to. Ahhh. It's crazy. The Midnight Sun! The financial crises! The recent election in Reykjavik! Pool etiquette. Baby carriages parked outside coffee shops with babies in them! Too much to write, too little time ... and most importantly, the wonderful students at Yoga Shala Reykjavik.

What a blur. Already back in Stockholm, I felt the past week pass at lightening speed. Lots to do. Getting settled. Cooking again. When the plane touched down in Arlanda International it honestly felt like coming home. A welcome surprise, for it's still a new place for me in many instances. Everything completely green and fresh. All the trees!!! It was like I had seen them for the first time in my life. Trees are the one thing Iceland does not have very much of. I was in sensory overload I tell you. Sensory overlooooad. The trees and greenery of Sweden during this time of year truly make it special.

I'll tell ya though, Iceland did a number on me in a good way. I don't even know how to explain it. Even my boyfriend has told me over and over again how it feels as if I've changed or shifted. It was a combination of many things. This is my sense. There's a current of energy that courses through Iceland like no other place I've been. I felt it then. I feel it now. One must step out of the environment to feel the affect. I know I'll go back. I'd love to see more of the country. Mystical. Mysterious. Alive with energy. There isn't quite anything like it. I know. I know. I've said this many times, but it's true! My experience there will continue to live in my heart for a long time to come.

The next day back in Stockholm I attended the very last day of the Peter Sanson Workshop at Yoga Shala, Stockholm. What a treat. Peter Sanson, certified by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, and relatively unknown is many circles, and very known in others, is yoga teaching at it's very best. He doesn't seem to partake in marketing when it comes to teaching, and does it all in a sincere, quiet manner balanced with utmost attention and intensity. What a lovely human being. Truly humble, low-key, unassuming, and totally devoted. This is the energy I crave in a teacher.

Starting day one of his Ashtanga Yoga practice with Guruji, he has steadily continued keeping it real, by living it in his heart. You can't help but feel it. There's no sense of showiness. Nothing. I felt myself wishing I had more time to spend practicing under his guidance, however I was grateful to have the little bit of time I had. If you ever by chance hear his name, and he is hosted by a yoga studio nearby, run, don't walk, and register. This is authenticity at it's best. Nothing added. Nothing fancy. Real. Unprocessed. Totally pure. Absolutely lovely.

Somehow I've been inspired by the power and energy of Iceland. Subtle yet strong. Back home there is much to take in. Setting wheels into motion. Challenges are a foot, but it's all good. I am thankful for the offerings to learn and grow in every instance. It feels good to be in this place. It feels good to be back home with DF.

Bless, Bless.

Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga @ Yogayama

Introduction to the dynamic and transformational practice of Ashtanga Yoga in the tradition of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, hosted by Yogayama!

What: Introduction to Ashtanga Yoga
Where: Yogayama - Stockholm, Sweden
When: March 20th - 21st, from 10am - 12pm
For: Beginners and Newbies

Benefits: Unlock the inner potential residing inside all of us! Including improved physical, mental, and emotional health.

Ashtanga Yoga Deepening Workshop Stockholm, Sweden

I'm excited to be conducting my first workshop in Stockholm, Sweden hosted by Yogayama in the heart of the city!

When: Saturday, January 23rd - Sunday, January 24th
Time: 10 am - 12:30 pm
Price: 750 sek

Saturday: focused attention on internal connection, alignment and meditation in movement. This will be an opportunity for Ashtanga practitioners to deepen their existing practice by breaking down the parts of sun salutations, standing poses, and seated postures, as well as, the importance of vinyasa, while flowing within the practice. We'll end class with discussion and questions.


Sunday: Full, lead Primary Series. After practice, further discussion, and open dialogue pertaining to Ashtanga yoga philosophy and practice.

All levels welcome!

Steady Strength

Here I am pictured with Ana Forrest...after doing two 3 hour intensives...and all I can say is wow! It is always inspiring when one sees an example of pure strength...mentally, physically, and spiritually. To observe all three aspects of strength so vibrantly in someone can really transform you...and to whole heartedly begin to face your fears or at the very least be aware of what they are is just the beginning. Having a commitment to being...even if it is uncomfortable can teach you invaluable information about yourself...and to be with that uncomfortable side of yourself...at the other side of it comes grace...comes empowerment...pretty cool stuff. I walked away from Ana really feeling that I gained useful tools for not only my yoga practice but for my life in general. What an amazing women...and inspiration. I am very grateful to have met her and learn from her. It is always useful to seek out others who raise your vibration...bringing you in alignment with who you really are. Peace.