Yoga Workshops & Learning

This past weekend I had the opportunity to take some workshops with a wonderfully experienced yogi, Pedro Franco.
Pedro had a wonderful way at making me feel at ease and one with my practice even at the moments it was exhausting, his gentle demeanor and matter of fact authority with his ability to lead you through simple and complex movements and ideas.
It was the first time I sat in a Kirtan and I am increased by the experience and strongly desire to take part in more of them. Chanting certainly has an affect spirtually as well as physically.
Was also the first time I did Pranayamas and Mudras for 2 hours straight, most of the mudras he covered were the internal mudras; Ashwini(Horse Gesture), Vajroli(men)/Sahajoli(woman)(Thunderbold/spontaneous psychic attitude), Shanmukhi(Closing the Seven Gates), Khechari Mudra (tongue lock), Hridaya Mudra (Heart Gesture). I will have to get into the Pranayamas when I have figured out the names to the ones we practiced.
There were inversions and arm balances of all sorts. He is definitely a master teacher and I look forward to learning more.
At the least He has increased my desire to learn the pranayamas and mudras more thoroughly and do at least a full hour every week and train some everyday.

Namaste.

My First Yoga Retreat

Today, Remembrance Day in Canada, I taught at my first yoga retreat.
The energy was truly astounding and I got to mingle with 18 other individuals that were really amazing.
1 session of Gentle Vinyasa, 1 session of a restorative and yin style class and a session of Yoga Nidra.

There was also a drumming circle and that was really energizing and encouraging in the development of rhythm and community bonding.

We had a breathing workshop in the Eiriu Eolas tradition.

Beautiful harp music was played while we had a short mixer.

My major realization is that 1 day just is not long enough for a retreat, I would like a full weekend.

I love teaching, but even more I love to learn from practicing with others.

Namaste