Yoga, at its core, is simply a practice of paying attention. And in that deliberate quest to pay attention to what is arising from moment to moment, one’s capacities to see more clearly, hear more compassionately, speak more kindly, and love more fiercely, are expanded. That expansion of consciousness, when practiced with discipline, self-study, and surrender, is said to ultimately lead to a greater understanding of Ultimate Reality, and our place in it.

If this description of Yoga brings up come cognitive dissonance when you picture the typical drop-in yoga class, you are not alone. And if you’ve been practicing for even a little while in those types of classes, you’re also likely to recognize that there’s something going on that transcends mere exercise, even if you haven’t quite been able to put a finger on it.

In this workshop, we will explore two of the most prominent philosophical systems that put Yoga practices in their proper context. One is Tantra, which is based on engaging fully with the senses as means of directly encountering the origins and flows of energy, and how those energies manifest as mind and matter. The other is Classical yoga, or Sankhya, which asks us to disengage from our senses in a skilful way in order to see a clear separation between the Seer and the Seen. Both are useful perspectives, and understanding them enriches our Yoga practice appreciably both on and off the mat. It also allows us to tune in with sensitivity to our own nature, both visible and subtle, so that we may place ourselves skilfully on one of the many paths of yoga that have evolved over hundreds and even thousands of years. 

In this complex modern world where both mind and body are being asked to take on more and more activity and information, these practices are ever more useful, particularly when we are able to find the blend of practices that are best suited to our tendencies and goals.

1:00 - Introduction to Yoga History and Philosophy
1:45 - Hatha Practice
2:45 - Q&A
3:00 - Patanjali’s Classical Yoga System
3:45 - A Classical Yoga Practice Based on Patanjali, including snacks!
4:45 - Q&A
5:00 - End of Session

To join, simply RSVP below with your email address, and we'll send you address/details as we get closer. Please plan to bring a yoga mat if you have one. If you don’t, please let us know in the RSVP so we can provide you with one. A blanket is also useful.

More about the facilitator: Fabrizio Alberico has studied Advanced Yoga Therapy at the College level, and in-depth asana alignment with Darren Rhodes. He now teaches Yoga History and Philosophy, offers Yoga Therapy one-on-one, and teaches many styles of classes and workshops, all rooted in unfolding the blessings of being truly present and fully alive.