The Essence of Sadhana—A Weekend with Tim Miller

The practice of Ashtanga Yoga is an ancient and powerful discipline for cultivating physical, mental and spiritual health. Progressive techniques of breath, posture and movement, cleanse, stretch and strengthen the body as well as focus and calm the mind. A deeper experience of the self becomes possible through consistent practice.

Tim Miller has been studying and teaching Ashtanga Yoga for over thirty years and was the first American certified to teach by Pattabhi Jois at the Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute in Mysore, India. Tim has a thorough knowledge of this ancient system, which he imparts in a dynamic, yet compassionate and playful manner. “My goal as a teacher is to inspire a passion for practice. The practice itself, done consistently and accurately, is the real teacher.” 

Friday Morning, 7am - 9am:  Mysore with Tim Miller

This class will be limited to 30 students.  Prior Mysore experience with an established Ashtanga Yoga practice is required to attend this session.   

Friday Evening, 5:30pm - 8:00pm:  Taming the Mind (SESSION FULL)

“Roots and Wings—The Mysterious and Elusive Bandhas”

Foundational to the practice of Ashtanga Yoga is the application of Mula Bandha and Uddhiyana Bandha to bring steadiness and lightness to the body, length and smoothness to the breath, and concentration to the mind.  Through an exploration of different asanas and pranayamas we will discover how the proper application of the bandhas can take our practice to the next level of “Mindfulness” by tempering the excessive Rajasic quality of our minds. (Light practice, suitable for anyone—2.5 hours)                                            

Saturday Morning, 9am - 11:30am:   Enlightening the Body

“The Primary Series of Asanas—An Archetype of Sadhana”

A brief synopsis of Sadhana Pada (Chapter Two of the Yoga Sutras) followed by Yoga Chikitsa (Primary Series), a systematic and profound methodology for reducing Tamas by detoxifying the body, removing excess Apana from the system, and quite literally, bringing us to our senses.  The class will conclude with the Hanuman Chalisa—40 verses in praise of the embodiment of perfect Sadhana (Hanuman). (Strong practice—2.5 hours)

Saturday Afternoon, 1:30pm - 4:00pm:  “Consulting the Jungle Physician”

Good teachers and practitioners recognize that the practice of yoga involves work on the physical, psychological, and spiritual levels of the human being.  Tim brings 35 years of practical experience as a yoga teacher, extensive study of anatomy, pranayama, yoga philosophy, Indian mythology, Jyotisha (Vedic astrology), mantra, and kirtan to better assist his students in their Sadhana.  This will be an open forum to ask yoga related questions—on therapeutics, biomechanics, evolution of practice with age, history of ashtanga yoga, pranayama, yoga philosophy, etc. (No practice, some asana—2.5 hours)

Sunday Morning, 9:00am - 11:30am:  Enlightening the Body Even More   

“Nadi Shodana—An Introduction to the Intermediate Series of Asanas”        

An explanation of the purpose of the second series and its relationship to the Pranamaya Kosha (Energy Body), the Chakras, and the Kundalini Shakti, plus an introduction to Nadi Shodana that includes an in depth preparation for some of the more challenging poses, like bhekasana, kapotasana, and eka pada sirsasana (strong practice—2.5 hours)

Sunday Afternoon, 1:30pm - 4:00pm:  Unveiling the Spirit

“Polishing the Mirror—Pranayama, Mantra and Kirtan”

An exploration of the practice of Pranayama and Mantra to cultivate the Sattvic quality and awaken the Buddhi (the awakened mind), and a grand finale of Kirtan to take us Nirguna (beyond the Gunas) and into the Anandamaya Kosha (the abode of bliss) (No asana—2.5 hours)   

***Students are encouraged to register for the entire weekend, with or without Mysore Class depending on your Ashtanga Yoga experience.  As such, registration for individual sessions will open later.***

***Please note this is NOT a teacher training.  No credit hours or certificates are issued as a result of your attendance.  Attending this workshop does NOT qualify you to teach Ashtanga Yoga.  This workshop series is designed to deepen your yoga practice, whatever that may entail for you.  Please enjoy this rich opportunity to study with one of the lineage's true gurus!***

Registration is open!

Investment:

Mysore:  $35

All Other Session:  $70 EACH

Only a few spots left in each session!

***Refund policy:  Refund cannot be issued without 72 hour cancellation notice, in writing to info@theshalapittsburgh.com.  Workshop is non-transferable.***