Class Descriptions
Yoga 1: Attention to strength - making the easy poses hard
Yoga 2: Concentration on ease - making the hard poses easy
Yin Yoga: Focusing on quiet stillness
Workshop Descriptions
Yoga for Runners
Balance your compressive and fast-paced running practice with yoga. This workshop is designed to strengthen and stretch every muscle and decompress every joint from the hips down. Richard addresses common running injuries and how to avoid them. You'll receive a guide for a five-minute warm-up and cool-down plus a few simple tools to further your routine. The workshop is also ideal for cross-trainers, cyclists, or for any active individual. All levels welcome! No yoga experience required.
Lotus Workshop
Padmasana (Lotus position) is often used for meditation – the Buddha is often depicted in it. The Lotus leg position can also be developed in our asana practice. This workshop is designed for students familiar with Padmasana and wish to explore postures that incorporate it. Students will be guided through forward bends, back bends, twists and arm balances in Lotus. Sequences for developing these postures will be given. This workshop also addresses Lotus in inversions. Students should be in good physical condition, experienced, and able to sit comfortably in Padmasana for five minutes without pain in the knees.
Yoga for Men
This is an all-levels workshop focused on the strengths and weaknesses of the male body. It's full of advice from someone who began his yoga journey as a less–than–flexible 23 year old. The workshop encourages forthright inquiries into the similarities and differences between male and female bodies, while affirming the universality of yoga practice. All yoga teachers are welcome to this workshop to further explore the unique concerns of their students.
Guide to Bandha and Breathing
You may have heard your teacher mention the importance of the breath and bandhas in class. But really, what is a bandha? And why the emphasis on breathwork if you're using postures to stretch? Richard breaks down the anatomy and mechanics of breathing and bandhas. Discover how they interact with one another to transform your practice. Richard not only addresses the "how" but the "why" so students start applying these tools. You'll leave the workshop with a greater recognition and understanding of subtle energy. For yogis of all styles and experiences.
Nurturing the Neglected Body
For all yoga students who wish to further their practice through accessing all "nadis" or channels in the body. A typical yoga practice focuses on a few major areas of the body—the knees, the hamstrings, and the spine for example. This workshop includes "micro-asanas"—practices for the subtle parts of our selves. These practices are a boon for anyone with repetitive stress syndrome, and anyone who wishes to deepen their yoga experience.
Yin Yoga Primer
Yin Yoga is revolutionary in its quiet stillness. As opposed to most styles of yoga, which deal with muscle flexibility and activity, a Yin style focuses on
stimulating the “chi” in passive connective tissues like ligaments and
bones. In particular, a Yin yoga practice reverses the effects of aging on the
shoulders, spine and hips. Richard will present Yin Yoga theory as it relates to Yoga philosophy, the Chinese meridian system, meditation practice and our own anatomy. He will then guide you through a quiet Yin practice. The workshop will conclude with breathing practices to assist in harvesting our awareness.
Post-Holiday Yoga Series
Is it any wonder why the holidays are so stressful? Your schedule is interrupted; the holiday foods are rich (and we eat too much of it!). Travel disrupts the body, and the end of the year marks the passing of time. In this workshop, Richard takes cues from Ayurveda, yoga and myofascial work to create a practice that is in turns vigorous and restorative. Be prepared to energize the body, wring out toxins and restore serenity. For students in good physical condition, previous yoga experience required. Please refrain from eating before the class.
E-mail if you want more information or wish to host any of these workshops.