What distinguishes the practice of asana from traditional western forms of exercise is its ability to penetrate an individual beyond the level of the physical. The yogic tradition speaks of five bodies, or sheaths, which are known as the Pancha Koshas. The common metaphors used for the Pancha Koshas are the Russian dolls that fit within each other. The physical body is just the outer layer, or doll. As we penetrate more deeply inward we encounter the energy body, the emotional body, the intuitive body, and finally the spiritual body.
In this workshop we will explore first the physics of asana—how asana can be used to heal, open, and strengthen the physical body when applied intelligently and with proper biomechanics. With the introduction of the conscious use of breath, asana can begin to penetrate into the subtle, or energy body. As we begin to unravel the knots of the energy body we begin to encounter certain habits of conditioned thought and feeling that keep us stuck in dysfunctional patterns. We will explore how we can use asana to help us face unpleasant emotions like fear, anger, and sadness so we can break through to the layer of the intuitive, or knowing body—which is characterized by its intelligence, expansiveness, compassion, and non-attachment. Then final kosha is reached when we cease to identify with the form we animate and begin to identify with the force of animation itself—the Atman, or “Shining Self”.
Tim Miller has been practicing yoga for 35 years and teaching for more than 30. He brings a wealth of knowledge regarding many aspects of yoga and has always been fascinated by yoga’s ability to penetrate and heal.
All income from the workshop will go to benefit the Sean O’Shea Foundation.
Saturday July 21st from 2-5pm at the Ashtanga Yoga Center—Donation $60
Click on link below for more information and to register.
http://www.stayclassy.org/carlsbad/events/the-physics-metaphysics-asana-tim-miller-at-ayc/e18030
