Ashtanga Yoga Intensive with Leigha Nicole:

June 2-28, 2013

Berkeley Yoga Center welcomes Leigha Nicole who is joining us for the month of June and is hosting a mysore intensive with 3 weekend workshops. This is a rare opportunity to study with Leigha in an intimate mysore environment as well as a chance to deepen one's practice in workshops of the Intermediate series, the traditional pranayama sequence and the complete back-bending sequence as taught by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. Leigha brings warmth, humor and accessibility to her nearly 3 decades of teaching as well as a deep love of the Ashtanga practice.

INTRODUCTION TO NADI SHODANA (Intermediate Series)

Saturday, June 8 & Sunday, June 9, 1-4 pm; Cost $90

An in-depth exploration of the second series of Ashtanga Yoga. The first day will explain back-bending alignment basics and the anatomy involved in the postures through Kapotasana. Partner work and modifications will be included. The second day will include a review of the backbending portion of the series and move to hip opening "researching" poses to prepare students for Eka Pada Sirsasana. Students should be already familiar with the primary series, but no second series experience is necessary.

INTRODUCTION TO THE TRADITIONAL PRANAYAMA SEQUENCE

Friday, June 14, 6-8 pm; Cost $30

This workshop will provide students with an opportunity to experience various pranayama techniques at the conclusion of a short asana practice. In addition to Ujjayi breathing, other pranayamas include: Rechaka and Puraka Kumbhaka, Nadi Shodana, Bhastrika and Sitali. All levels welcome.

THE ASHTANGA BACK BENDING SEQUENCE

Saturday, June 22 & Sunday, June 23, 1-4 pm; Cost $90

Participants will be introduced to the full series of back-bending postures practiced in addition to Urdhva Dhanurasana. Preparation postures and partner work will be inserted to create a stepping stone program for students to work toward Adho Mukha Vrksasana (handstand balance), Vipirita Chakrasana (reverse wheel), and Vrschikasana (scorpion). Comfort with the primary series and Urdhva Dhanurasana is a prerequisite.

LEIGHA NICOLE has been teaching yoga for 29 years and taught at Yoga Works in Santa Monica, CA from its inception in 1987. Her love of Ashtanga Yoga brought her to Inida 21 years ago to study extensively with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and was authorized to teach by him in 1996. Leigha has a gentle approach and encourages students to embrace the contemplative aspect of the practice with attention to alignment and the cultivation of awarness. She has an intimate knowledge of anatomy that stems from a 25 year bodywork practice which enables her to address the specific therapeutic needs of her students. Leigha moved from Point Reyes, CA to the spiritual town of Crestone, CO in 2005, where she built a straw bale solar home and yoga studio. She regularly returns to the Bay Area for group classes and workshops.