David Swenson in Arkansas

David Swenson made his first trip to Mysore in 1977 and learned the full Ashtanga system as it was originally taught by K. Pattabhi Jois. David is recognized today as one of the world's foremost practitioners and instructors of Ashtanga Yoga. We are beyond honored to bring have him in Arkansas and hope you all can join us.

ALL ABOARD THE ASHTANGA TRAIN

Yoga Chikitsa: A Fully Conducted Primary Series Class

This class is designed for those already familiar with the First Series of Ashtanga Yoga. It will be conducted like a train ride that will continue flowing along all of the way from the opening sun salutations to the closing sequence. There will be time at the end of the flow to enjoy a deep relaxation.

Saturday 1:00 – 3:30pm

One of the greatest challenges of the Ashtanga flow is the vinyasa. In this class David will break the vinyasa down into its components. He likes to refer to this as: “The Physics of Flight”. 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.

Saturday 4 – 5:30pm

In Sanskrit, Man means Mind and Tra means to Free or Deliver. Therefore the word Mantra means to Free the Mind. There are many mantras in yoga such as Om, Hare Krishna, Om Namo Shivaya and a plethora of others. In Ashtanga Yoga the mantra is the sound of our breath: Ujjayi. There is no other sound more universal than breath. It is not tied to language or culture and is “chanted” from the first moment of birth. This class will focus on the mantra of ujjayi within asana practice as well as during pranayama. In addition to breath work the class will also explore the invisible world of Bandhas. We well attempt to gain greater understanding of these subtle yet powerful tools through interactive discussion as well as a series of practical exercises.

Sunday 9 - 11am

NADI SHODANA / A GUIDED TOUR

Students should have a regular practice of the First Series in order to attend this class. There will be an introductory discussion of the dynamics inherent to the Second Series. David will then lead the class through a portion of First Series acting as a springboard into as much of the Second Series as seems appropriate. There will be a variety of options given for each posture in order to allow multiple approaches.

Sunday 1:00 – 3:30pm

INVERSIONS, BACKBENDS AND SITTING WITH YOUR BREATH

Finding Stability When the World is Inverted and Returning Home to Breath

This class will turn your world upside/down in order to explore the dynamics of inverting the body through building a solid foundation from which to grow while also looking at the opposing forces at play in Inversions. Backbends will be redefined as front openings and sitting quietly will be explored as an active participation in self-exploration through developing a relationship with our lifelong companion, breath.

Sunday 4 – 5:30pm

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. This class will discuss the Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga and explore their applications within our day-to-day life. What is the use of Philosophy without real application? We may memorize quotations or stanzas from great writings but unless we can apply them within our life they are merely words spoken rather than knowledge realized.

SOME HOTELS IN THE DOWTOWN LITTLE ROCK AREA INCLUDE:

Hampton Inn
320 Commerce St.
501.244.0600

Capitol Hotel

111 West Markham

501.374.7474

Doubletree by Hilton
424 W. Markham St.
501.372.4371

Courtyard by Marriott
521 President Clintone Ave.
501.975.9800

Residence Inn
219 River Market Ave.
501.376.9200