About Karl Erb  ~ 20 Years Experience.
Classical Hatha Yoga in the Ashtanga Tradition - Iyengar Yoga Vinyasa Classes in San Francisco, updated May 2004.

* Level 2-3 - The Next Step:
Great for dedicated students, teachers, explorers, dreamers looking for that next step.

Saturdays
4:30 -6:00 pm Yoga Tree Hayes

Please Read:

This class will build upon a foundation of understanding of key actions in standing poses, backbends and forward bends to move beyond the anatomical layer to an understanding of working organically, working beyond muscular energy to working through the bone to access an understanding of Prana, or life's vital energy as understood by the science of yoga and ayurveda. What does this mean? It is to be understood and experienced. Learn a practice that cultivates an experiential understanding of the Koshas, or sheaths/layers/spheres of the body/mind/sense/emotion complex that is our vessel. How does this Ayurvedic/yogic model manifest in the practice, in each breath. Move beyond theory and naming to experience of the energetic body.

Week to week we will build on previous weeks, starting with a training in experiencing breath through touch and principles of Pratyahara, reigning in the senses. This understanding of breath becomes the bridge between mind and body, thought and action, emotion and thought. Every action in the pose is then sustained by this understanding. From there we will prepare the body structurally and organically for mula bandha, an energetic lock supported by anatomical action. The preparation of the legs, pelvis and organs will be explored in standing poses, backbends, inversions and forward bends over the following weeks.

With this understanding we will then pursue organic work, and Pranic work - accessing the energetic sheath or layer - in more advanced poses and challenging sequences... Experiencing the balance of energies in our bodies, minds and emotions to understand the 3 gunas, or energetic qualities as defined by Yoga and Ayurveda: Rajas, Tamas and Satva. A rigorous and playful approach will keep us on the edge of growth at all times while being refreshed, renewed, and in touch with the nature of our contentment.

Headstand and shoulder stand will be practiced most very class. Classes will include vinyasa (or flow), restorative yoga, deep actions to unlock obstacles and guided relaxation/awareness practice. The ability to keep moving will depend on the consistency of students' attendance and personal practice.

Attendance Requirements:
Students must have at least one year experience in either Iyengar Yoga or its derivative Anusara Yoga. In some cases, experience in Pathabi Jois vinyasa series or some other flow method, may also be acceptable.Great for dedicated students and teachers. All students are strongly encouraged to have a home practice. If in doubt, come and try! I will let you know if the class may not be best for you. Come with thoughts on what you want to learn, inspirations form your practice...