Asana- Unlocked! Solved! Backbending Workshop with Phil Douglas

Saturday 25th January 2025 2:15pm-4:45pm

£35 / £30 early bird (before 18th January)

In the beginning stages of practice, all asana are “advanced” in that they pose a significant physical blockage to the student. Taking the approximate shape of the posture may not be possible, let alone maintaining the breath and experiencing the mind in its natural state.

As practice develops, and the student becomes comfortable and stable in these postures they may realise that “advanced” just means postures they have not learned to become comfortable in- yet. Once these posture have been integrated, they are no longer “advanced”- they are simply part of the individual’s movement repertoire.

As there are only a certain number of major joints in the body- with certain degrees of mobility at each joint- there is a limited number of joint positions and expressions of these in the number of asana forms available. “Advanced” postures are often just deeper expressions of these basic joint positions.

If you do NOT have the fundamental openings of the basic positions you will have a hard time enjoying postural practice. Once you understand these basic openings required- it is then easier to develop them more fully (if desired) into the “Advanced” ranges.

This workshop will highlight WHAT these fundamental openings are and HOW to work towards them. Strength in the positions will also be highlighted- not only to facilitate these openings but also to prevent instability. As flexibility without strength in the range is instability!

Back bending will be covered in this session. Time will be available at the end for Q&A for specific postural requests.