As our practice matures so does our appreciation for its many layers and subtleties.

In this intensive, Kia will share insights and universal principles for a deeper understanding of how to cultivate a practice for our entire being – body, breath and mind. She will guide us through traditional Pranayama practices and take us on a playful and explorative journey of the primary and intermediate series of Ashtanga yoga. We will journey through these dynamic sequences with an explorative mindset, looking at common energetic principles, actions, alignment details & adjustments. Drawing from these learnings, we are able to develop a transformational yet sustainable practice in accordance with yogic principles.

This workshop designed inform and inspire your practice regardless of your current level and is open for all interested practitioners with an appreciation for the subtleties of the practice…

Workshop Program

Friday eve: 17:30 – 20:00

Elements of Surya Namaskar and the Primary Series Master Class (2h30) – practice, principles, philosophy & adjustments.

Pattabhi Jois used to say that the entire practice is comprised in the surya namaskar and that yoga chikitsa (or the primary series) is the foundation for all other series of Ashtanga yoga. This truth will be the starting point for our exploration of the practice as a whole. We will journey through key elements of surya namaskar and the primary series with an explorative mindset, looking at common energetic principles, actions, alignment details & adjustments.

Saturday morning: 09:00 – 11:30 

An exploration of Nadi Shodhana, the Intermediate Series Master Class (2h30) – practice, principles, philosophy & adjustments.

Nadi Shodhana means purification of the nadis. This transformational sequence combines deep back-bending, twisting, hip-opening and balancing postures. It is designed to awaken and strengthen our entire body, spine, nervous and energy system – ultimately allowing prana to flow continuously and uninterruptedly. We will approach this sequence with intelligence and awareness of both physical and energetic alignment principles, enabling you to inform and inspire your practice regardless of which series you are currently practicing.

Please note that you do not need to be an intermediate series practitioner to join, this workshop is open for all interested practitioners with an established Ashtanga practice.

Saturday afternoon: 13:00 – 14:30

Pranayama & Kriyas – practice, techniques & philosophy (see below).

Sunday morning: 09:00 – 12:30

Traditionally Sanskrit Counted Primary Series (1h45)

We close the circle of this intensive by coming together as One in body, breath and mind through the beauty and flow of a traditionally Sanskrit counted Primary Series. When we focus on counting the mala of the postures, the practice becomes the object of meditation for the student and the teacher -creating one single intention.

Saturday afternoon + Sunday morning (before counted class):

Pranayama & Kriyas – practice, techniques & philosophy. (both sessions 1h30)

The division between the body and mind is first healed with the breath. Hence Pranayama is considered the central aspect of any authentic Hatha yoga practice. Pranyamas & Kriyas are the most important tools for purifying the energy channels and balancing the pairs of opposites in body, breath and mind. Gaining experiential and theoretical knowledge of these aspects will deepen our appreciation of the subtleties of breath, and its significance in yogic practices and philosophy.

New students will be introduced to traditional teachings of Pranayama & Kriyas, whilst those with more experience will refine and deepen their practice and understanding.