The Art of Alignment

n this four module course, each workshop will teach you to integrate alignment into the core of your practice. When we do this it is possible to experience an amazing transformation in your body and practice.

In the beginning our body awareness tends to be very shallow and is often defined by patterns of movement that have been established in our activities, work & injuries. This means you will tend to emphasise use of certain joints and muscles while others are underutilised. Yoga postures are often performed within the limits of these patterns. In good alignment you dont let these patterns control your asana, rather you challenge your body to create ease, stability and self-awareness.

January 28th – Standing Poses

We will explore Standing poses this month which form the foundation of all the other poses. They build strength, stamina and flexibility in body, mind and spirit. Very important too is the base of the pose as everything begins with a stable foundation so you will be guided well in the positioning of the feet and legs, also the arms and head! We will become accustomed to various movements often unkown to the practioner and how to co-ordinate and link the movements of the joints of the body. These standing asana break the inertia and lazy nature of the body building stamina and yeilding enduring strength in the practioner whilst calling your mind to be in the present moment.

February 25th -Forward extensions

We will explore Forward bends this month (standing, seated and supine) focusing on the correct movement of torso, legs and hips to tilt the whole torso forward in one line at the junction of the hip joints. We will spend time on the intermediate stage, what we call ‘concave back’ to ensure safe expression of the spine throughout the practice, using props where necessary, before taking poses deeper. What we will discover is that flexibility can not be achieved by force….only with patient persistence. 

March 24th – Backward extensions

We will explore backward extensions this month focusing on the safe expression of the spine bringing it into an even arc. The previous two workshops will teach us the correct use of the legs to support the spine and the correct activation of the back muscles to to participate in safe elongation of the whole body. By opening your chest, heart space in backhanding we can become more conscious of our feelings and the emotional landscape of our environment.

April 28th – Restorative

We shall explore restorative postures this month which include backbends, forward bends, twists and inversions all supported so you use very little muscular effort. We let go and allow the circulation of breath and mind to be more integrated with the body. You will guided in the correct use of a number of props including bolster, belt, blocks and bricks, chair and wall to create a perfect balance of non-doing, just being in the subtle movement of your body and breath, the perfect finale to the regular more demanding asana practices of the last three workshops.