Weekend Workshop Driving Directions and Final Details -- Click here.    

 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.

     "What's the main message I want to give people about Ashtanga yoga? Just have fun!  I don't want people to be uptight about their practice. I'd like them to lighten up and not worry about doing it all perfectly. Find the pleasure in it, and be happy." -- David Swenson

COST

$185 for the entire weekend; $195 if you register after September 5.

Individual sessions are available after July 15 (if any spaces are left). Cost for individual sessions will be $40 for Friday, $60 for Saturday morning, $50 for Saturday afternoon, and $50 for Sunday.

REGISTRATION

     You may register by phone (407-644-3288) with a credit card (MC or Visa), or you may submit a registration form with payment in person or via mail.   For a registration form to print out, click here.  Registration forms can also be picked up at the Full Circle Studio 20 minutes before or after a class (for directions click here), or can be mailed or emailed to you if you call or email. 

SCHEDULE

     FRIDAY -- (6:30-8:30 p.m.) DEMONSTRATION, LECTURE, PRACTICE. An Ashtanga demonstration by David, a talk on the fundamentals of Ashtanga, and an introductory energizing practice.

     SATURDAY -- (9:00-Noon) BUILDING THE FOUNDATION AND LEARNING TO FLY.  In this class David will take the students step-by-step through the Primary Series, taking time to analyze the minute details of the practice. Time will be spent exploring the realms of vinyasa. This section David refers to as “The Physics of Flight” because the details of the vinyasa are broken down. There is a lot of partner work in this fun-filled and energetic class as well as plenty of laughter. Though there is no guarantee that you will be able to jump through or enter all of the postures of the Primary Series after completing the class there is a guarantee that you will gain a wealth of knowledge that you may apply within all realms of your practice. Alternatives will be given to allow students of all levels to attend.

     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

• Full payment due upon registration.

• A registration fee of $40 will be deducted from the refund if a student cancels the full weekend, or $10 per individual session.  There are no exceptions to this policy.

• No refunds after September 15, unless you can arrange a replacement student.

• We will send an email confirmation upon receipt of your registration.

HOTEL

     The Mount Vernon Inn in Winter Park (Best Western, 1-800-992-3379, say you are attending the Full Circle Yoga David Swenson workshop) is offering a special $67 rate for participants and is a 5 minute drive away from the workshop. Other nearby places to stay include the Ramada Inn, 901 N. Orlando Avenue, Winter Park, 32789, 407-644-8000, and Park Plaza Hotel, 307 Park Avenue South, Winter Park, 32789, 407-647-1072.

     If you have any questions, please email (ashtangaguy@aol.com ) or call (407-644-3288). Our website is www.fullcircleyoga.com .