Black Lotus Yoga is the latest blossom of the modern vinyasa tradition. It arose unexpectedly, on a sudden wave of breath, to inspire bold new explorations of the body and mind. Though rooted in old principles, the system gives tradition new life, by welcoming improvisation within an overarching structure. With six balanced and exhilarating sequences, Black Lotus Yoga reaches deep into the body, rousing our energy, and inviting the creative sap to flow.

This workshop is an introduction to the Black Lotus system. We learn how the system works, how to use it, how to improvise with it, and how to advance through the sequences over time. We learn the First and Second Series breath by breath, covering all the postures and movement patterns of each, while also exploring the internal forms of breath, bandha and mudra that bring the practice alive.

All workshops will involve a balance of somatic exploration, practical technique and philosophy. Each workshop will focus upon some unique part of the First Series, and sometimes delve into the Second Series as well.

The Rise of Black Lotus – (Monday) This session gives an overview of the Black Lotus system, and explains the fundamental energetic principles upon which the practice is based. Most importantly, this session explains how Black Lotus Yoga works with prana and apana, the two most crucial movement patterns of organic life.

Standing Asanas – (Tuesday) Here we study all the standing asanas of the Black Lotus system. We learn to align the asanas from the inside, and how to use them intelligently to find deeper energetic balance.

The Supple Spine – (Wednesday) In this session, we learn how our spinal movements impact the energetic balance of the body and mind, and we learn to move the spine more naturally as we breathe. We then apply these ideas to some of the more dynamic vinyasas of the Black Lotus practice, as well as folds and twists.

Mula Bandha – (Thursday) The bandhas or internal “binds” are among the most crucial elements of asana practice. In this session, we learn what bandhas are, why they matter, and how to work with them intelligently to bring more depth and vibrance to any asana.

Backbending – (Friday) – This session explores the art of backbending. Here we learn to orchestrate the movements of the spine and the diaphragm, while connecting to our internal ground of support. Through these techniques, our backbends become deep and exhilarating.

Opening the Flower (Friday Afternoon) In our final session, we reflect on the process of opening the heart through yoga. We contemplate some ideas and images from Indian mythology that illuminate the connection between the inner and outer dimensions of practice, and we learn some powerful techniques for engaging our physical and emotional obstacles, and for finding our balance between darkness and light.