Welcome to Ride the Breath

Site Additions and Announcements:

Updated Items as of : 3-6-2010

1) New Beginner's Class Starting Monday March 15th :

We are making a slight modification to our class schedule. Starting on Monday, March 15th, we will be offering a beginner's class for ashtanga yoga. The class will be from 6:15PM to 7:30PM (1 hour and 15 minutes) and will be taught by Fran.

Class format will be a combination of: discussion topics on yoga philospophy and principles, teaching on correct breathing and alignment within postures, and a beginning ashtanga flow sequence composed of sun salutations, and standing, seated, and finishing postures.

This class is for complete beginners as well as those that are relatively new to ashtanga yoga and would like to get some detailed instruction on the "fundamentals" of breath, bandhas, vinyasa and postures.

2) New Shala Location, Class Schedule, and Pricing

3) Pricing and Curriculum Details for Matthew Sweeney 1-Month Program (Aug 8th - Sep 3rd 2010). See below for details.

4) Currently Scheduled Workshops (Details below)

a) David Swenson, Ashtanga Yoga, April 2nd-4th

b) Matthew Sweeney, Ashtanga and Vinyasa Krama Yoga, Aug 8th - Sep 3rd

c) Steven Forrest, Introduction to Evolutionary Astrology, Nov 6th -8th

A) Our new Shala is now open! We are located 1/2 block behind Duke's East Campus at:

814 Lancaster Street

Durham, NC, 27701

919-475-3848

We're happy to announce that our new shala (www.ridethebreath.com) is now open for business. The class schedule is shown below and posted on the classes page, along with class descriptions and pricing.

We're very excited about the new space. It has brand new hardwood floors, lots of natural light, a fireplace, and views of our new garden. It can accommodate 14-16 students. You'll see the entrance path to the studio on the left side of the house.We look forward to seeing you in class!

Day	Class	Time	Location	Teacher
Sunday	Mysore-style	9:00 am-10:45 am	Ride the breath	Fran
	Foundations of Ashtanga	11:00 am-12:15 pm	Ride the breath	Kathy
Monday	Restorative Yoga	10:30 am-12:00 pm	Ride the breath	Peggy
	Ashtanga for Beginners	6:15 pm-7:30 pm	Ride the breath	Fran
Tuesday	Guided Moon Sequence	10:30 am-12:00pm	Bluepoint yoga	Kathy
	Mysore-style	6:00 pm-8:00 pm	Ride the breath	Fran or Kathy
	Foundations of Ashtanga	6:30 pm-7:30 pm	Duke University Wilson Gym	Fran or Kathy
Wednesday	Guided Moon Sequence	6:00 pm-7:30 pm	Ride the breath	Kathy
Thursday	Mysore-style	6:00 pm-8:00 pm	Ride the breath	Kathy
Friday	Mysore-style	6:00 am - 7:45 am	Ride the breath	Fran
	Guided Primary Series	11:30 am-1:00 pm	Ride the breath	Stacy
Saturday	Guided Moon Sequence	9:00 am - 10:30 am	Ride the breath	Kathy
	Guided Primary Series	11:00 am-12:30 pm	Ride the breath	Vera

B) NEW CLASS PRICE SCHEDULE:

**Students with a valid student ID receive a 20% discount to the below listed prices**

1) Single class drop-in = $15

2) 5-class pass card = $65

3) 10 class pass card = $120

4) Monthly Unlimited = $140

C) NEW TEACHER ADDITIONS

We are pleased to announce and welcome three new teachers to Ride The Breath; Peggy Manring, Stacy Ingham, and Vera Luck! Peggy will be teaching restorative yoga, and Stacy and Vera will teach ashtanga classes. Please see their teacher bios and class schedule for more information.

D) WORKSHOP OFFERINGS FOR 2010

1) Weekend Workshop with David Swenson, (www.ashtanga.net)

When: Friday, April 2nd – Sunday, April 4th 2010

Where: 3700 Hillsborough Rd, Durham NC 27715 (SafeSkills Movement Arts)

Contact: kathy@ridethebreath.com, 919-475-3848

Cost: $225 for entire workshop or $45 per session (3 session minimum)

NOTE: Students with a valid ID will receive a 15% discount

Day	Time	Session	Description
Friday	6-8 PM	AN INTRODUCTION: Exploring the Fundamentals of Ashtanga Yoga	This class is an introduction to the building blocks of Ashtanga Yoga; Breath, Bandhas and Vinyasa. It is open to all levels of experience, including complete beginners.
Saturday	9-11 AM	ALL ABOARD THE ASHTANGA TRAIN A Fully Conducted Primary Series Class	This class is designed for those already familiar with the First Series of Ashtanga Yoga. It will be conducted like a train ride that will continue from the opening sun salutations to the closing sequence; followed by a deep relaxation.
Saturday	12:30 – 3PM	FLYING, FLOATING, HANDSTANDING: A Fun-filled exploration of Vinyasa and Arm balances	David likes to refer to this class as: “The Physics of Flight”. There is always plenty of laughter and fun. All levels may attend even if you have never done a handstand before, as alternatives are provided.
Saturday	3:30 – 5 PM	BREATH, BANDHAS AND PRANAYAMA: Exploring the Mantra of Ujjayi and the Mysteries of Energy Locks	There is no other sound more universal than breath. It is not tied to language or culture and is “chanted” from the first moment of birth. This class will focus on the mantra of ujjayi breathing within asana practice, as well as during pranayama. In addition to breath work, the class will also explore the invisible world of energy locks -- Bandhas.
Sunday	8:30 -10:30 AM	NADI SHODANA, A GUIDED TOUR: An Introduction to the Intermediate Series of Ashtanga Yoga	Students should have a regular practice of the First Series in order to attend this class. There will be an introductory discussion of the dynamics inherent to the Second Series. David will then lead the class through a portion of First Series acting as a springboard into as much of the Second Series as seems appropriate.
Sunday	12:00 – 2:15 PM	INVERSIONS, BACKBENDS, AND SITTING WITH BREATH Finding Stability When the World is Inverted and Returning to Breath	This class will explore the opposing forces and dynamics of inverting the body by building a solid foundation from which to grow. Backbends will be redefined as front body openings; and sitting quietly will be explored as an active participation in self-exploration through developing a relationship with our breath.
Sunday	2:30-4 PM	EIGHT LIMBS AND DAILY LIFE How does yoga practice apply within the context of daily living?	Underlying the mysterious and complex philosophy of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras is a truly profound simplicity that may be applied within the context of our daily lives. This class will discuss the Eight Limbs of Ashtanga Yoga and explore their applications within day-to-day life.

Don’t miss your opportunity to study with this world famous teacher and practitioner. David Swenson makes Ashtanga Yoga accessible and fun for all!

2) Matthew Sweeney, 1 Month Intensive, Ashtanga Yoga and Vinyasa Krama (www.yogatemple.com)

“ Consistency and Creativity”August 8th -- September 3rd, 2010:

Where: Ride The Breath Yoga Shala (www.ridethebreath.com)

814 Lancaster Street, Durham, NC 27701

Contact:kathy@ridethebreath.com (919) 475-3848

We are extremely grateful to host our teacher, Matthew Sweeney, for a month-long intensive focused on both traditional Ashtanga Yoga and Matthew's Vinyasa Krama sequences. The intensive will consist of 2, two-week sessions; and registration will be limited to provide for an in-depth and personal experience with this outstanding teacher. Curriculum and Pricing details are described below, and other logistical details, e.g., local housing options to be provided soon. Don't miss this amazing opportunity to study with Matthew for an extended period in an intimate setting.

1) The intention for the 1 Month Program is to provide consistent self-practice for students to learn the traditional aspects of Ashtanga Yoga and the inclusion of alternative sequencing displayed in Matthew’s book Vinyasa Krama. Students can pursue one or the other of these methods or a combination of the two. This course will be a unique experiment in self-practice where the main goal is individual guidance rather than adhering to rigid set formats.

2) It is preferable for students to commit for a complete month, although two weeks is also an option. If a student can only attend for two weeks, then they must sign up for the first two weeks. Individual exceptions can be granted on a case-by-case basis for students that have studied with Matthew previously and are already practicing the Moon and/or Lion sequences.

3) Each of the Sunday sessions are designed to be stand alone workshops; thus, students that cannot commit to the 2 or 4 week program can attend these casually, either by individual session or for the whole day. The pranayama classes can also be attended casually, but students must commit for all 4 classes, i.e., it is not allowed to sign up for less than all four classes.

4) The teacher training aspect is through individual application to Matthew only. Please keep in mind that although the basic structure of the course is certain, many of the smaller details, such as class times, may be subject to change.

Program Pricing:

Entire Program (4 weeks all inclusive) = $900

First 2 Weeks Only = $500

Ala Carte Pricing:

All 4 Sunday Workshops = $300

Individual Sunday Workshop (morning and afternoon sessions) = $80

Individual Workshop sessions (morning or afternoon) = $50

Monday afternoon Pranayama Classes (all four classes) = $160

GENERALIZED TIMETABLE

Sunday Morning Workshops: 9.30am -12am, Led Vinyasa Class (Level 1 to Level IV)
Sunday Afternoon Workshops: 2pm-5pm, Technique Class (Foundation, Strength, Flexibility, Balance)
Monday through Thursday: Morning mysore-style classes, max 15 per session.
Monday Afternoons: 2pm-5pm, Pranayama, Meditation, and Yoga discussion.
Fridays: Morning self-practice session (adjustment free day).

CURRICULUM DESCRIPTION

Week 1: The Moon Sequence: Developing your foundation and incorporating alternatives into your practice.

During the first week of the course the main focus will be on integrating the Moon Sequence into a weekly practice, or demonstrating your understanding of it if you have already learned it from an authorised teacher. Students can practice the Primary series during the latter half of the week.

Chandra Krama : The Moon Sequence
9.30am. The first session will commence with an introduction about Vinyasa Yoga and the practice of Chandra Krama. The Moon Sequence is a gentle flowing vinyasa form accessible for all levels. Although this sequence was originally intended for practice on the full moon, the new moon, and during the menstrual cycle, it is appropriate at any time for women or men. This sequence emphasizes the hips, groin, lower spine and abdominals, which will feel awake and alive after moving through the postures. It takes pressure off the neck, shoulders and wrists (common from the standard jumps in the Ashtanga series) and is useful as a regular alternative to the intense heat of the traditional Ashtanga. Whether old or young this sequence is great for any age. Some Yoga experience is recommended.

Sunday Workshop (I)

Foundation: Developing technique for Standing Postures

2-5pm.The first technique class will begin with a basic warm up and progress through many if not all of the Moon sequence and Primary sequence standing postures. Simple techniques will be explored, with an approach towards the polarity of different forms and concepts of alignment. Hands on instruction will be given so the class will be practical rather than simply technical or intellectual. Guidance on how to improve your adjusting skills will also be explored for those students who are teachers or teachers-to-be.

Monday Afternoon: Pranayama and Meditation (I)

2-5pm. The first pranayama class will cover essential details on applying ujjayi pranayama (breathing with sound). A few different postures will be explored to offer guidance for improving the breath in each asana, and a simple counting method for applying this pranayama in a comfortable manner. An examination of the therapeutic aspects of pranayama and meditation will be covered. Metta bhavana, or the practice of loving kindness, a simple and beautiful Buddhist meditation will conclude the session. Students are expected to implement each of the pranayama and meditation techniques into their daily practice for the week following.

Week 2: The Primary Sequence : Developing Strength and Flexibility
During the second week of the course the main focus will be on integrating the traditional Primary and Intermediate Series, or as much of these as the student is capable. This will include increasing competency and consistency with the standard vinyasa and encouraging the development of the back bending process in these series.

Sunday Workshop (II)

Yoga Chikitsa : Half Primary Sequence

9.30am. The second led session will begin with instruction on Uddiyana Bandha and Nauli Kriya. Following this, Matthew will guide the students through the first half of the Primary Series. Students will be encouraged to attempt the postures to their own particular level of ability to avoid pain and injury and to maximize the sense of joy and ease that is possible in the traditional sequence. An examination of some of the anatomical and physiological outlines of the Primary seated postures will conclude the session. Some Ashtanga Yoga experience is necessary for this class, though students will be encouraged to omit any postures that are particularly problematic.

Jumping Through and Jumping Back
2-5 pm. This class will explore the methods and techniques necessary to implement greater ease and ability with jumping through and jumping back. It will begin with a warm up for the wrists and then explore the jumps in Suryanamaskara in a step by step manner. Using these techniques as a platform, the progressive application of the jumps in and out of the sitting postures will be developed - both cross-legged and straight-legged. These useful techniques have been comprehensively developed over many years and are applicable for students of any level.

Monday Afternoon: Pranayama and Meditation (II)

2-5pm. The second pranayama class will explore viloma pranayama and anuloma pranayama, or breathing with pauses. These techniques are particularly helpful for improvement of ujjayi paranayama and kumbhaka, or breath retention. The meditation covered will be on the development of awareness of each chakra (energy wheel) and the possible blockage/release in each.

Week 3: Primary, Intermediate and Beyond
Exploration and Expansion

The third week of the course will focus on adding to your Ashtanga practice, and for those students who have attended a previous course the exploration of the Lion sequence and other alternative sequences. Some students will be encouraged to do more of the Moon Sequence and Primary Sequence to improve stability in the foundation of vinyasa practice.

Sunday Workshop (III)

Yoga Chikitsa : Full Primary Sequence

9.30am. Taught in a flowing and informative manner, this class will take the students through the entire Primary Series from start to finish. Students will be encouraged to attempt the postures to their own particular level of ability to avoid pain and injury and to maximize the sense of joy and ease that is possible in the traditional sequence. A discussion and answer session will conclude this class, with examination of some of the anatomical and physiological outlines of the Primary seated postures and individual body types. Any aspect of the Primary postures not covered in the previous Sunday class will be covered in this one.

Back Bending and Mula Bandha
2-5pm. This class will begin with a short vinyasa warm up. This will be followed by exploring variations of back bending and drop backs. Simple hands on exercises will be provided to increase awareness of the articulation of the lower spine, pelvic floor and psoas muscles. This session will also include some practical advice for understanding and applying the mula bandha, or root lock and will conclude with a group discussion.

Monday Afternoon: Pranayama and Meditation (III)

2-5pm. The third pranayama class will cover nadi shodana, or alternate nostril breathing, considered to be the king of all pranayama. The meditation to explore will be on kevala kumbhaka and raja kevala kumbhaka – or observation of breath and mind.

Week 4: Developing Intermediate and Advanced Practices - individual guidance.

The main focus in the final week will be on individual guidance – students can focus more on the traditional practice or on the alternative sequencing depending on the need. Select students can attempt the Vinyasa Krama Bound and Flying Sequences.

Sunday Workshop (IV)

Simha Krama: The Lion Sequence

9.30am. This sequence is the second series that Matthew has designed. The Lion Sequence flows from the Moon Sequence, introducing postures that expand upon concepts begun in the latter series. It involves exploration of different standing postures, therapeutic back bends, a shoulder opening sequence and a playful approach to various inversion postures. This sequence can be a useful alternative to the traditional Intermediate Series where you may find certain postures problematic or simply inappropriate for you.

Shoulder Sequence and Inversions

2-5pm. This class will begin by revisiting the shoulder sequence taught in Simha Krama, followed by an exploration of headstand the fore-arm balance and handstand. A combination of easy to follow techniques and a fun atmosphere of learning will infuse this session. This class will finish with a summary of the course and a group discussion to end.

Monday Evening: Pranayama and Meditation (III)

2-5pm. The fourth pranayama class will revisit some of the work already done and add kumbhaka, or breath retention, to each of the breathing techniques - ujjayi, viloma, anuloma and nadi shodana. A group discussion and exploration of the spiritual dimension will conclude the session.

November 6-8, 2010 ==> Steven Forrest, Introduction to Evolutionary Astrology,

Last, but certainly not least, world renown evolutionary astrologer Steven Forrest (http://www.stevenforrest.com/) has agreed to teach a 3-day workshop to introduce evolutionary astrology to interested beginning students. This is a fantatstic opportunity to be introduced to this insightful and profound method for understanding our indvidual life's purpose via one of the world's foremost experts. Steven has had a powerful and extremely positive effect on our lives and we hope to share his gifts with the Durham community. The only pre-requisite for the course is to read Steven's introductory book, "The Inner Sky", prior to the workshop. Details will follow soon!

TO REGISTER FOR ANY OF THE ABOVE WORKSHOPS, OR REQUEST ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: kathy@ridethebreath.com or call 919-475-3848.

AN INTRODUCTION:

Exploring the Fundamentals of Ashtanga Yoga

FLYING, FLOATING, HANDSTANDING:

A Fun-filled exploration of Vinyasa and Arm balances

BREATH, BANDHAS AND PRANAYAMA:

Exploring the Mantra of Ujjayi and the Mysteries of Energy Locks

An Introduction to the Intermediate Series of Ashtanga Yoga

EIGHT LIMBS AND DAILY LIFE

How does yoga practice apply within the context of daily living?