What is the core reason why we do Yoga? Weekly thoughts for Jan 7, 2024.

One of the main differences between having your arms up or down is the difference in the position of the shoulder blade. The shoulder blade position is important because all the actions of the arm are based on the position of shoulder blade (Scapula). Your postures come alive when you begin to c...

You must learn to love Boat Posture-eek! Or at the very least develop a high tolerance and a taste for the challenges it presents. This one posture needs to be singled out as like no other, a heavy weight, a main contributor to core strength, and therefor worthy of your friendship. If you can...

Talk 7
Yoga Sutras Book 1, Samadhi Pada
Sutras 1.33-1.34

Recommended Reading
1- Yoga, Discipline of Freedom by Barbara Stoller Miller
Pages 38-39
Read Part One, “Tranquility of Thought”

2- Yoga Sutra Workbook, Certainty of Freedom by Vyaas Houston
Review Sutras 1.33-1.34

David gives a philosophy talk on Book 2: Sutra 1. Talk highlights:

*insightful explanations of the Sanskrit words that make up Yoga Sutra Ch 2 verse 1-Tapas, Svadhyaya, Isvara Pranidhana, and Kriya Yoga

*Exploration of Kriya Yoga as medicine that a yogi takes in order to realize samadhi (absor...

Talk 6
Yoga Sutras Book 1, Samadhi Pada
Sutras 1.29-1.32

Recommended Reading
1- Yoga, Discipline of Freedom by Barbara Stoller Miller
Pages 37-38
Read Part One, “Overcoming Obstacles and Distractions”

2- Yoga Sutra Workbook, Certainty of Freedom by Vyaas Houston
Review Sutras 1.29-1.32

Weekly Thoughts for March 10, 2024

Ex 1 - Parivrtta Ardha Chandrasana (Revolving Half Moon Posture)
Ex 2 - Jump in and out of Bakasana (Crow Posture)
Ex 3 - Pincha Mayurasana (Forearm Balance Posture)
Ex 4 - Mayurasana (Peacock Posture)

Day 8 begins with an exercise that shows you how to gain strength by creating a dynamic tr...

Day 2 summary of exercises

1) Samasthiti
2) Vrkshtasana plus variations
3) Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana (Half Bound Lotus Standing Forward Bend Posture)
4) Plank
5) Adho Mukha Svanasana plus variations
6) Sirsasana foundation
7) Sirsasana foundation focus on upper back
8) Crouch and Spri...

This challenging and fun day is devoted to the foundations of back bending. You’ll work with Purvotanasana (Eastern Stretching Pose), Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Bow Pose) as well some of the foundational back bends from second series including Shalabhasana (Locust Pose) Dhanurasana (Bow Pose) an...

This video helps you to find the important neutral position of the pelvis in Dandasana, Staff Posture. The upright pelvis and legs form the foundation of Dandasana, and creating a clear, stable base allows you to properly lift up the spine, open the chest, and optimally position the shoulders, ...

An energizing 15 minute class that focuses on strengthening and developing powerful legs. Yoga teacher, Tamsin, incorporates various exercises utilizing Shalabhasana, Vasisthasana, and Setu Bandhasana.

Practice with David and Joy in this Primary Series Jam. List of asana includes:
Surya A (4)
Surya B (3)
Padangusthasana
Pada Hastasana
Uttihta Trikonasana
Parivrtta Trikonasana
Uttihta Parsvakonasana
Prasarita Padottonasana A
Prasarita Padottonasana C
Uttitha Hasta Padangusthasana
Dandasana
Pasch...

In this talk David tells funny, tragic stories about Coyote the mythical Trickster figure and also about Yama the God of Death who is also known as Dharma Raj or King of Sacred Work. David uses these stories to highlight the plain fact that humans bring on much suffering because they resist get...

David instructs Surya Namaskara A and B of Ashtanga Yoga.

In this short video I address the challenge of beginning Intermediate Series. It is important that you recognize different stages of growth as you gain experience through practice. Once such stage is in continuing to try your best when you come up against large seemingly insurmountable physical ...

Full Led Primary filmed at David's Kovalam Mysore Intensive in 2023.

Exercise 1: Surya Namaskara Vinyasa Count
Exercise 2: Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana
Exercise 3: Supta Hasta Padangusthasana
Exercise 4:Headstand (1 chair and 2 blocks optional)
Exercise 5: Seated Meditation Padmasana Legs up wall (1 block, 1 blanket and 1 sandbag optional)

Uttitha Hasta Padangus...