Foundations first with Jill manning
Insight into the Traditional Ashtanga Yoga Method

The workshop will run 25-26 October 2008

1-5pm Saturday and 12-4pm Sunday

Cost $90 if payment received before 15 October. $108 if payment made after 15 October. 

The intention in providing this workshop is to bring a clear understanding and awareness towards the Ashtanga methodology as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. Through the guidance of teacher, David Keil, who has been authorized by Guruji, and Jill's two pilgrimages to Mysore (2006, 2007) the hope is to lay a proper and strong foundation on which the practitioner can confidently build a self-practice and continue their studies. Over the course of this weekend students will explore in depth, the foundations of the practice. The class will explore and study the external postures, and begin to develop awareness of the more subtle aspects, the breath (prana), bandha (energy), and dristi (focus.) The culmination of this transformative weekend will be a led (traditionally counted) practice of the asana's we have covered. Jill hopes to cover the opening and closing mantra's, some history on the origin of the practice, debunk some commonly held mythology, share loads of stories, and her own personal tips and tricks.

This workshop is suitable for all levels. It may be just the beginning of your exploration of this system, or a space for the more experienced to clear up any confusion, and fall in love with the divine details.

Jill Manning has devoted herself to the study, practice and teaching of yoga since 2000. She received her initial certification from Integral Yoga Institute in New York City, but has gone on to study with many of the world's most revered living yoga masters, including Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, with whom she has spent eight weeks at his yoga shala during her 2006 and 2007 trips to Mysore, India. Jill's other notable teachers and mentors include David Keil, Joan White and Rodney Yee. A graduate of New York University, Jill has studied the intellectual aspects of yoga as well as the physical and spiritual ones. Her scholarly understanding of the Bhagavad-Gita and the Yoga Sutra's, along with other Shastras, brings an important dimension to her own practice as well as her teaching style. During her weeks traveling throughout India, Jill immersed herself in the country's culture (and the Great Ganga). She has studied Sanskrit with Manorama and with Sri Lakshmish Bhat of Mysore, India, to further round her understanding of the yoga tradition and to place an asana practice in a larger context for herself and her students.

Some Comments

"Hey Jill, Your workshop was a real gift. You have a great grasp of the information and a real gift at explaining complex theories in a very clear, understandable way. I enjoyed the way that you broke the practice down both from the theoretical standpoint, spiritual elements and the physical dimension. But most importantly for me was the notion that you (I) have to do something every day in terms of evolving your yoga practice. Even if it's not a full Ashtanga practice or a full hour, do something. That resonated with me and inspired me."

Sara Lomax Reese

"Hey Jill! I wanted to thank you for another wonderful experience! It was such a great weekend. I do have to say that I was extremely sore this morning when I got up, but I still went and practiced and it felt great. It was not a very smooth practice, but I made it through. It is a beautiful and intense practice and I feel very privledged to have learned the basics from you. You have such a respect for the practice and those that have taught you, and it really shines through in your teaching. Thank you!"

Kadie Cassidy DeVito