Donna Farhi Yoga Intensive:
“Centreing Down”
August 31 – September 3

Yoga Sutra III:29: “Concentrated attention on the primordial navel centre brings understanding of all bodily systems.”

Workshop Outline:
Don't miss Donna's first Sydney workshop for 2 years!
In both Western and Eastern traditions the centre of gravity within the pelvis is considered the calibrating keystone for organizing the entire body.  Sometimes referred to as the hara, dantien or the deep navel centre, refining the position of the navel centre gives us the ability to both release and contain the energy that moves through the pelvis.  Having a strong yet mobile core not only has a powerful physical effect, it also affects us energetically, emotionally and spiritually.

In this intensive we will explore the principle of core support through the lens of the koshas, investigating what it means to establish both physical, mental and emotional stability. The intensive will begin by establishing a deep connection with the energetic support of the breath.  Building upon this work we will then investigate the way in which energetic support from the hara is reinforced through our physical structure. 

A key feature of this intensive will be learning to fluidly release and then activate the support of the “primary” inner core muscles, the psoas, a complex stabilizing muscle that lies parallel to the lower spine and acts as a functional bridge between the vertebral column and the pelvis and legs.  We will then learn how to engage the “secondary” inner core muscles; the subtle yet powerful pelvic diaphragm, the deeper girding layers of the abdominal muscles and the stabilizing muscles of the lower back.  These all serve to protect and support the sacroiliac joint, lower back and spine.

To support a fuller understanding of the complex relationship between inner core muscles Donna will present two new anatomical Powerpoint presentations. Participants will also receive detailed digital hand-outs which they can print at home and read prior to attending the workshop.

A particular emphasis of this workshop will be using the practice of yama or “restraint” as a way of bringing our fullest attention to stability within both the body and mind.  Stability is then used as the prerequisite condition from which to expand and a stable reference point to which we can return.  The mindful practice of yama serves to develop a sense of calmness in the nervous system and steadiness of the mind and heart. 

Each day will be divided into two sessions.  Morning and afternoon classes will include some lecture, guided movement inquiry and a diverse range of both active and restorative asana practice, including sitting meditation and the practice of Yoga Nidra.

Participants should have a sound working knowledge of the basic asanas and have had a consistent Yoga practice for at least one year.  No partial attendance will be allowed for this intensive.

About Donna Farhi

Donna Farhi is a Yoga teacher who has been practicing for 35 years and teaching since 1982. She is one of the most sought after guest teachers in the world, leading intensives and teacher training programs internationally.

Donna is best known for her unique ability to help students and teachers embody their spiritual practice. Her work focuses on the refinement of natural and universal movement principles that underlie all Yoga practice.

This concentration on fundamental principles allows student of all levels of experience and from all traditions to build their own authentic Yoga practice.  Considered the “teacher of teachers” students return to Donna’s intensives again and again to be a part of the inspiring evolution of Donna’s own practice and teaching.

Donna has been the asana columnist for both Yoga Journal and Yoga International Magazine (U.S.A.), and has been profiled in four separate publications on exceptional contemporary teachers of our time, including Yogini: The Power of Women in Yoga.  Donna is the author of the contemporary classics, The Breathing Book, Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit: A Return to Wholeness and Bringing Yoga to Life: The Everyday Practice of Enlightened Living. Her fourth book Teaching Yoga: Exploring the Teacher-Student Relationship is a curricular text for teaching trainings worldwide. She is featured in YogaWoman, a recently released film by Australian director Kate Clere McIntyre.   American born, Donna now resides in Christchurch, New Zealand on a 30- acre farm with her horses, Numen, Liberty and Ambrosia.

Dates/Times:
Friday August 31: 6.00 - 8.30pm
Saturday September 1:  9:30-12:30 and 2:00-4:30 pm
Sunday September 2: 9:30-12:30 and 2:00-4:30 pm
Monday September 3: 9:30-12:30 and 2:00-4:30 pm
Tuesday September 4: 9:30-12:30 and 2:00-4:30 pm

Pricing:
Early Bird: $520 for bookings and full payment before July 15
Full price: $575
Booking deposit of $200 required to secure a place.
Balance due no later than July 31
No partial enrollment possible.

On-Line Bookings/Payments HERE

Location/Venue:
North Sydney Leagues Club,
12 Abbott Street, Cammeray

See location map HERE

Free parking : available in North's Car Park
Public transport times and routes: www.131500.com.au

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellation before July 31, 2012 will be refunded minus a $50.00 administrative fee.
Cancellations after July 31 2012 will only be refunded if your place can be filled from the waitlist.

What to bring

• Yoga mat, belt, yoga block, 3 x yoga blankets, 1 bolster
• 1 x bath towel, (approximate dimensions of 710 x 1340cm ideally soft and luxuriously thick)
• 1 x hand towel, (approximate dimensions of 440 x 580cm ideally thin)
• 1 x face cloth (any size will do!)
• 1 x Gertie ball
• Limited bolsters, blankets, mats and straps will be available at the venue
• A packed lunch each day (optional)
• You may leave any personal props securely at the venue each day
  

More Information:  for help with accommodation or anything else: call Mark on 9976 6880 or email