Michael Stewart (USA)
Master-classes:
1. Bio-Mechanics of Asana.
In this class we’ll explore the fine details of Asana. Included will be anatomy, physiology, and specific instruction on finding clear access points to a variety of Asana. There are numerous ways to get inside any Asana, here we will use repetitive movement, partial movement, and poses held from a short period to long held poses, to find ways in that will be best suited to each practitioners specific body type, and needs.
2. «Opening the Gates of Revelation». Asana as Preparation for Pranayama.
In this Hatha Yoga class, we’ll explore a variety of access points through Asana for the practice of Pranayama. Pranayama in Sanskrit is the combination of two words Prana, meaning “life force, and Ayama, meaning “control” or “mastering of”. In order to recognize Prana and its subtle movements, one requires the physical body to be open and receptive to these movements. Once the physical body is prepared we then can delve deeper into the practice of Pranayama.
In «Opening the Gates of Revelation» we’ll look at specific Asana for accessing Prana. In the course of this workshop we’ll build a sequence of Asana to open the physical body to its’ maximum receptivity for the subtle practice of Pranayama. This sequence will include hip openers, twists, shoulder openers, back bends, and some inversions.
Once this preparation is complete we will begin the journey of Pranayama. This will include specific Kriyas to prepare the nadis of reception; included will be Agni Sara, Nauli, and Kaplabhati. Next a variety of Pranayama will be explored, included will be Ujjai, Bhastrika, Samavritti and Nadi Shodana. In order for this practice to be complete we will also delve deeply into the location and practice of Bandas.
This class is best suited for those practitioners that have some understanding of Asana, and are looking for a way to deepen their experience of Pranayama and Yoga. Come with an open mind and we’ll all learn something together!
3. Tantric Hatha Flow.
Tantra and Hatha yoga are deeply connected to each other by their roots. Ha-Tha are powerful practices that allows us to bring together two opposite energies into a symbiotic relationship for clarity and transformation. The word Tantra comes from Sanskrit, its root tan means to expand, and the word tantra means to weave, or loom together.
There are several important aspects to a Tantric practice. These include Deva, Mantra, Mudra, Prana, and Nyasa. As we are connecting all the elements of a Tantric Hatha practice, we’ll also include a dynamic alignment based Asana sequence that will allow us to flow from one practice to the next.
Initially, we’ll look at the above mentioned practices on their own, and as the workshop evolves we’ll begin to incorporate these practices into one flowing practice. In this incorporative practice, we’ll have the opportunity to experience the profound connection between Hatha and Tantra. Come with an open mind and we’ll all experience the depth of Tantric Hatha Yoga!
Jai Shri Ma
Michael J. Stewart is a Hatha Yoga teacher with a varied background. Michael’s Yoga journey has taken him from the Jivamukti studio in New York City to study with Iyengar teachers Sharat Arora and Rajiv Chenchani in India. He has also studied with Sri Dharma Mittra,and is currently studying Rajanaka Yoga with Dr. Douglas Brooks. Michael is also deeply moved by the the practice of mantras and kirtan. This allows him the opportunity to combine his love for African music and his connection to traditional Sanskrit mantras.
His teaching is inspired by the spirituality of Swami Sivananda and the deep insight of Patanjali. He is also known internationally as a Movement facilitator, African Drumming teacher, Choreographer and Theatre director.
Website www.lokavidu.com