Doug Swenson Workshops

This weekend I went to two great workshops at Sanctuary Yoga in Redmond led by Doug Swenson. The first was "Mastering the Secrets of Flow Yoga." So, a long vinyasa class comparing soft vinyasas to hard vinyasas. It was so cool just to watch him demonstrate--he's short and 100% muscle from decades of yoga and martial arts, and he just moves so fluidly, making very demanding poses and transitions look so easy! He also has a very peaceful presence, doesn't talk very loudly or what you would think of as charismatically but draws everyone's attention and had very interesting things to say. And he has a good sense of humor and fun, something you don't necessarily expect when you go to work with a serious yogi or yogini, but I think it's really important. He gave wonderful adjustments. My friend who doesn't practice yoga much came with me and had a great experience, too--so you know his workshops are perfect for beginners or intermediate students!

He mentioned in the first workshop how doing yoga in the morning can help you be more efficient and relaxed throughout the day. Seems obvious, but if I've noticed that if I skip my morning yoga in the name of "getting more done" I don't really get more done than if I hadn't gone to class.

Sunday's workshop was pure fun--"Partner Yoga and Adjustments." Going from Chaturanga to Down Dog with someone pulling your hips up FOR you as you do it is awesome--whee!!! There were things like Triangle, Revolved Triangle, and Revolved Warrior II with a partner, twisting in between the poses; it really felt like dancing. We did Balancing Airplane balanced on someone's feet (they're on their back holding you up with their feet--like you'd do with a baby!) He alternated partner yoga poses with your partner giving you adjustments in a pose. There were many moments which caused one to say: "ooooh...that feels so good!" They filmed this workshop so hopefully there will be a DVD out sometime soon. I recently got a book called Partner Yoga but I haven't cracked it yet...more on that soon!