Today I attended David Swenson’s “Introduction to the Second Series” Ashtanga yoga workshop. What a fantastic class. This isn’t the first time I’ve been to one of his workshops- a couple of years ago, I did his immersion/ teacher training course, and his breath, bandhas and pranayama workshop. What I like about him, apart from his extensive knowledge and his sense of humour, is that he makes everything so accessible, and is completely unpretentious. And I have to say, there are a lot of pretentious Ashtangis out there, a number of them in Soho today… Including the one who managed to kick me in the head when doing her backwards roll. (First rule of backwards rolls: always check behind you.)
I’ve been practicing the primary series for nearly ten years now. Sounds like a long time, but during that period I’ve had months of yoga drought, as well as a pregnancy. I’ve been introduced to a few postures from the second series, but always felt I was a long, long way from being in a position to seriously practice it, since there’s much still to challenge me in the primary series. But it’s amazing what you can do when you push yourself. I did the peacock! (Sort of like a handstand on your forearms.) Albeit with help. I got both legs behind my head! (No crude jokes, ‘kay, this here is serious yoga talk.) I think I’m going to suffer for it tomorrow but it’s really inspired me to explore some of these challenging postures a bit more in my self practice.
I’m so thankful to have been introduced to yoga (by my wonderful mother) and to have been able to practice with David Swenson today.
PS – did I mention… only 4,100 words to go in NaNoWriMo! Whoop, whoop!
