The Breathing Body: A Weekend Intensive
with Donna Farhi
May 16^th - May 18^th, 2008 at Yoga Yoga Westgate

"Without intention, all these postures, these breathing practices, meditations, and the like can become little more than ineffectual gestures. When animated by intention, however, the simplest movement, the briefest meditation, and the contents of one breath cycle are made potent."

The practice of pranayama can be viewed from a new perspective when we look at its root words, pra (consistency) in the (na) life force, and yama (harnessing). Thus pranayama can mean learning to create a consistency in the way the life force moves though the body and harnessing this vital energy to serve our purpose. In this weekend intensive we will explore the conditions that need to be present for a liberated experience of breathing, not only when we are practicing asanas, but in our everyday life. We will explore how the relationship between the body, earth and gravity is intimately tied to the freedom of the breath and the free flow of prana throughout the body. We will also look at the crucial relationship between the fluid systems of the body and the ability for prana to circulate throughout the body delivering its nourishment to each and every cell.

The Breathing Body Course Schedule • Friday May 16     6:30-8:30PM • Saturday May 17     9:30-4:00 (Lunch 12:30-2:00) • Sunday May 18     9:30-4:00 (Lunch 12:30-2:00)

When we make it our task to liberate the movement of breath throughout the body, we find that this leads us to an experience of impeccable structural alignment. When we are supported by the intelligence of the breath, we learn to adapt postures to our particular body structure and to respect our unique structure and limitations. As we relinquish forceful effort and striving, we discover that the larger movement of the breath can support us in all aspects of our life.

This is not a classical pranayama workshop where we will do practices such nadi-shodhana, rather, it is a deeper exploration of how we can tap into breathing as the natural experience of our birthright. The morning class will begin with guided movement inquiry followed by a slow vinyasana practice. The afternoon session will include seated asana work, restorative practices and simple breathing inquiries designed to harmonize the breath. This intensive is suitable for students with at least 1 year of consistent yoga experience up to teacher level.
Cost: $285
To register, click here or call (512)358-1200

Donna Farhi is a Yoga teacher who has been practicing for 30 years and teaching since 1982. She leads intensives and teacher training programs internationally. Donna is best known for her unique ability to help students and teachers alike access a deeper connection with the body as a vehicle for the regeneration of the spirit. Her work focuses on the refinement of natural and universal movement principles that underlie all yoga practice. This concentration on fundamental principles allows student of all levels of experience and from all traditions to build their own authentic yoga practice. Donna has been the asana columnist for both Yoga Journal and Yoga International, and is the author of four books: The Breathing Book, Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit: A Return to Wholeness, Bringing Yoga to Life: The Everyday Practice of Enlightened Living, and Teaching Yoga: Exploring the Teacher-Student Relationship. American born, Donna now resides in North Canterbury, New Zealand.