David Garrigues

Weekend Workshop Series
MARCH 28-30, 2025

These workshops are suitable for anyone interested in Ashtanga Yoga with motivation to learn. David is skillful in providing explanations of elusive, often unspoken aspects of the practice.

The central focus of this weekend workshop series will be on learning 5 essential asana principles that you can use to develop or troubleshoot any pose. Understanding these principles will help you postulateanswers to such questions as “What is the point or goal of doing this pose?” or “What constitutes improvement and how can I take safe, logical, and manageable steps to ensure that I’m optimally directing my efforts?” or Am I able to identify the physical, energetic, as well as the spiritual context for whatever I am doing?”

We’ll also explore how doing the routine tasks of daily practice can lead you into yoga philosophy and give you a direct means of absorbing the profound, mystical wisdom of yoga.

-All Levels Welcome-

SCHEDULE

March 28
6:00-8:00pm – Asana Theory: Hip openers

March 29
9 – 11:30am — Asana Theory: Arm Balances and Inversions
Break
12:30-2:00pm - The 3 Sublime Aspects of Pranayama

March 30
9 - 11am – Asana Theory: Backbends
Break
12pm-1:15pm - Connections Between Breath, Prana, Karma, and Dharma

Asana Theory: Hip openers

This workshop will include asana theory, pranayama, and philosophy classes.

Hip Openers, Arm Balances & Inversions, and Backbends

The asana theory classes will be centered around using foundational asanas to learn the
intermediate asanas of 2nd Series. You'll learn the logical steps that begin with the basic poses
(Surya Namaskara, standing, and finishing) and progress to more challenging poses, such as
those in the second and third Series.

You'll learn about analyzing a complex asana from the viewpoint of its more basic
foundation. Starting from the foundation allows you to identify a set of logical steps that make
available different options for working the pose, ranging from more accessible to more
challenging. You'll learn safe modifications for each pose and exercises/drills that build
strength and flexibility efficiently. This emphasis on safety and efficiency will reassure you and
boost your confidence in your practice. Working with a stepwise approach to intermediate and
advanced asanas also allows you to find suitable ways of playing with more complex poses.

The philosophy talks will focus on the meaning and application of Nadi Shodana (2nd Series)—
cleansing of the energy (pranic) channels.

Sample of poses to be studied:

BACKBENDS
2nd series: Shalabhasana, Dhanurasana, Ustrasana, Laghu Varjrasana, and Kapotasana

ARM BALANCES
2nd series: Bakasana, Tittibhasana, Pincha Mayurasana, Karandvasana, Mayurasana, Nakrasana,
7 Sirsasana variations

HIP OPENERS
2nd series: Eka Pada Sirsasana, Dwi Pada Sirsasana, Yoga Nidrasana, Vatayanasana,
Gomukhasana

The 3 Sublime Aspects of Pranayama

This pranayama class will feature the art of exhaling, the art of inhaling, and the art of retention.
Further playful explorations of the Ashtanga yoga pranayama sequence—including work with
Bhastrika, Surya and Chandra Bhedana, and Sitali techniques. Applying “Sthira Sukham” to your
pranayama seat (both supine and upright options.) Working with some helpful layers of
breathing techniques that up lead up to Kumbhaka—the central focus of pranayama.

Connections Between Breath, Prana, Karma, and Dharma

This philosophy talk will center around interpreting passages from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, the
Bhagavad Gita, Hatha Pradipika, and other texts—highlighting such themes as summoning
courage to maintain a daily practice, walking your own unique chosen path, developing skill in
risk taking, and exploring the role of breath in helping you to act skillfully and awaken the life
force within.

refund POLICY

*Please note, there are no refunds or cancellations for these workshops.