David Swenson began practicing yoga at the age of 13. He was introduced to Ashtanga yoga in 1973 and traveled to India in 1977 to further his studies with K. Pattabhi Jois. At that time he learned the entire system in its original form. This level of achievement has been realized only by a handful of Western practioners. David is recognized today as one of the worlds foremost instructors of Ashtanga Yoga. His Ashtanga,The Practice book, videos and DVDs are indispensable to anyone's Ashtanga library. David's expertise, humor, and gracious manner are sure to send you home with a smile on your face.

COST

     $195 for the entire weekend. Individual sessions may be taken. Cost is $45 for Friday, $65 for Saturday morning, $55 for Saturday afternoon, and $55 for Sunday.

REGISTRATION

     You may register by phone (407-644-3288) with a credit card (MC or Visa), or you will need to submit a registration form with a check or credit card information at the studio or via mail.   For a registration form to print out, click here .  The Full Circle Yoga mailing address for this workshop is Full Circle Yoga, David Swenson Workshop, 1521 Lyndale Boulevard, Maitland, FL 32751.

SCHEDULE

SATURDAY -- (2:30-5:00 p.m.) BALANCE, LENGTH, AND OPPOSITION OF FORCES. What goes up must also go down. This class is an exploration of the opposing forces at play within the practice of Ashtanga Yoga as well as the world we live in. Everything around us is comprised of opposing forces. If we inhale we must also exhale. To go up we must also move down. Balance means much more than not falling over. We will look at methods of creating a balance between these opposing forces as well as the benefit of facilitating length with the spine during practice. The class will also explore the elements of handstands and arm-balances. This will all be done through the avenue of partner work. There is always plenty of laughter and fun as well as a depth of information in this class. All levels may attend even if you have never done a handstand before. Alternatives are always given.

SUNDAY -- (1:00-3:30 p.m.) LED PRIMARY SERIES, PRANAYAMA, 8 LIMBS, AND OPEN DISCUSSION. David will talk through the full Primary Series like a train ride that begins with Surya Namaskara and continues to flow all of the way through to Savasana. (Students should be basically familiar with the Primary Series to attend this session.) Next, sitting quietly will be explored actively through developing a relationship with our lifelong companion, the breath, as David introduces the basics of pranayama (yogic breathing exercises). Finally, underlying the mysterious and complex philosophy of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras there is a truly profound simplicity that may be applied within the context of our daily lives — the Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga. David will discuss these and explore their applications within our day to day lives, and he will also field questions on any aspect of yoga.

POLICIES

HOTEL

The Mount Vernon Inn in Winter Park (407-647-1166, say you are attending the Full Circle Yoga David Swenson workshop) is offering a special $89 Standard/$99 Deluxe rate for participants. Another nearby hotel is the Park Plaza Hotel, 307 Park Avenue South, Winter Park, 32789, 407-647-1072.