MOVING FROM THE CORE:
A YOGA INTENSIVE WITH DONNA FARHI
Yoga Sutra III:29: “Concentrated attention on the primordial navel centre brings understanding of all bodily systems.”
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 activation of the human developmental movement pattern of navel radiation: a biological template in which the navel acts as a central reference point for the organization of all the other limbs of the body. As we activate these inner pathways we develop an instinctual ability to align our body within the practice of Yoga asanas as well as in our everyday activities. We will also learn how to engage the “inner core” muscles that protect and support the sacroiliac joint, lower back and spine. We will apply these principles in the practice of the Sun Salutation, standing postures, and in forward bends, back bends, twists and during the practice of inversions.
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 the body. Stability is then used as the prerequisite condition from which to extend our flexibility and movement. 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 passive asana practice, including sitting meditation. To support a fuller understanding of the body Donna will also offer several anatomical Powerpoint presentations.
Participants should have a sound working knowledge of the basic asanas and have had a consistent Yoga practice for at least one year.
This intensive will be translated from English into the Finnish language.
About Donna Farhi
Yoga teacher Donna Farhi 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 theTeacher-Student Relationship” is a curricular text for teaching trainings worldwide.
American born, Donna now resides in Christchurch, New Zealand, on a 30-acre farm with her horses, Numen, Liberty and Ambrosia.
For further information, please visit: www.donnafarhi.co.nz
Timetable for Donna's intensive
• Fri 6 pm - 8.30 pm
• Sat-Tue 9.30 am - 12.30 pm & 2 pm – 4.30 pm
Price and payment instructions
• Price EUR 450
Payment to Tmi Leena Karmakallio, account number FI77 1745 3000 0475 57.
BIC NDEAFIHH,
Bank: Nordea, Helsinki-Senaatintori, address: Aleksanterinkatu 30, 00020 Nordea.
Please quote reference number 15846.
BIC NDEAFIHH,
Bank: Nordea, Helsinki-Senaatintori, address: Aleksanterinkatu 30, 00020 Nordea.
Please quote reference number 15846.
For cancellations prior to 1 July, participants will receive full refund of their course fee, less EUR 30 of administrative costs. For cancellations after 1 July, full refund (less EUR 30) is made only if another participant enrols instead.
Enquiries and registrations
• leena.karmakallio(at)gmail.com or +358 44 010 2460
• eija(at)eternel.fi or + 358 40 575 2996 (Eija Tervonen)
Please note that
• no partial attendance will be allowed for this intensive
• early registration is recommended to ensure your place
• your place is confirmed upon receipt of full course fee
• depending on the number of participants, Donna will have at least one assistant to help her share her teachings.
Please bring with you
• your own yoga mat
• bolster
• 3 firm yoga blankets
• 1 yoga block
• 1 yoga belt
• a terrycloth towel.
Details about the venue
The Conference and Cultural Centre Sofia, run by the Foundation of the Finnish Orthodox Cultural Centre, is located by the seaside in the eastern part of Helsinki known as Vuosaari. All details of the venue, including details on how to get there, can be found at http://kulttuurikeskussofia.fi/en.
We can arrange shared transportation by bus from the Helsinki Railway Station to the venue on Friday, the first day of the intensive. Please let us know upon enrolment if you wish to take part in this.
The Conference and Cultural Centre Sofia offers lunch on full course days for those staying off site and convenient accommodation with full board on site.
Lunch cost is EUR 60 per person during 3 – 6 September. Please let us know upon registration if you wish to have lunch on site. You can pay your lunch in cash to Leena on site.
The following accommodation options are available:
1. EUR 276.00 per person: twin room with double occupancy
2. EUR 236.00 per person in shared accommodation for 3–5 people
Twin rooms have en suite toilet and bathroom.
Shared accommodation consists of two joined rooms. One room has a single bed and a sofa bed that can be opened out for two. The second room has two single beds. These two rooms share a toilet and a bathroom.
All rooms have free Wi-Fi connection.
If you need accommodation, please let us know your preferred option. If you wish to share accommodation with a friend, please also let us know their name.
Please pay your accommodation to Tmi Leena Karmakallio, account number FI77 1745 3000 0475 57, BIC NDEAFIHH, Bank: Nordea, Helsinki-Senaatintori, address: Aleksanterinkatu 30, 00020 Nordea.
Please quote reference number 15846.
Please quote reference number 15846.
