NOK Yoga Shala, Saifi Village, Beirut
In association with Ashtanga Yoga Beirut
Total Cost: $175
Drop in: $50
Friday 6 Dec 2013, 6.30 – 8.30pm – Detailing the Primary Series
This class is suitable for all levels. Students will be led methodically through some or all of the primary series, with focus on alignment, and correct breath, vinyasa (synchronized movement) and dristi (gaze point). Implementing breath with vinyasa and dristi enables the practitioner to move into a state of ‘tristana’ – meditation in movement. Beginners will experience the flow and precision of the ashtanga sequence, whilst more seasoned practitioners will enrich their sense of alignment and directionality.
Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 Dec 2013, 10am – 1pm – Mysore Style Self-Practice
This class is suitable for beginners to advanced level. In Mysore Style Self-Practice, students of all levels practice together in the same room, practicing to their level and in their own time, whilst the teacher is available to assist students one-to-one as required. The format of the class, whereby students can arrive and leave at anytime, supports the differing levels and durations of different students’ practices. For e.g; a beginner should expect to practice for 30-40 minutes; whilst the more accustomed practitioners’ practice usually lasts between 1.30 – 2 hours.
Saturday 7 Dec 2013, 1 – 2pm – Q&A with Sarai
Bring your burning questions on any aspects of yoga, ashtanga, and practice.
Monday 9 Dec 2013, 8 – 10am – Mysore Style Self-Practice
Last chance to work through any challenges, hurdles or hoops in your practice, before I head back to London!
Sarai’s Bio
Sarai first discovered yoga as a teenager in Auckland, New Zealand, when her father taught her some Sivananda sun salutes, when she was about 12. Ashtanga hadn’t made it to NZ back then, so she attended Iyengar classes during her teens, and at home practiced along to a hatha yoga LP of her mother’s! After moving to London in 1997, she discovered Ashtanga and the magic of a daily Mysore practice. What followed, whilst studying for a BA in Humanities, was an immersion in yoga: she practiced daily with Hamish Hendry for 9 years, attending teacher trainings and workshops with many senior teachers, the whole time being compelled to study at the source. In 2003, she traveled to Myosre, India, to study with the late Shri K. Pattabhi Jois (Guruji) and R. Sharath Jois- a journey she has since made nine times. She is one of 18 people in the UK with Authorization Level 2 qualification from KPJAYI of Mysore, India. Having taught in London and abroad since 2002, Sarai is a senior teacher with Yoga Alliance, and teaches in London at Triyoga and Indaba. Her ongoing desire to deepen her practice and teaching has led her in recent years to study Iyengar yoga, which continues to enrich her understanding of biomechanics, alignment, and the subtle qualities of the body, breath and mind. She seamlessly weaves these principles into her practice and teaching.
“My main focus when teaching, is what is this student’s potential, and what do they want from the practice? For some, it will be to ameliorate anxiety or stress, and to learn to relax the body and mind. Others might need to improve their energy levels and sleep patterns, while others might need to mitigate physical complaints in the body. Some might simply want to push their bodies to peak performance, and for them that is the most exciting thing to do. I love it that each person is so different and that the practice can serve everybody’s needs, and from the springboard of these ‘needs’, through the practice, an unfolding of a deeper and more joyous connection with oneself and others, naturally arises”.
Ashtanga Yoga Beirut 