Seatavern

DOUBLE WORKSHOP DAY RETREAT: BALANCING STHIRA AND SUKHA WITH JIM HARRINGTON

“sthira-sukham-asanam” - asana is firm, but relaxed

Join the extremely experienced Jim Harrington and his long time student Tammy Burton-Moore at Valley Shala in Hout Bay as they explore how this ancient sutra about meditation can apply to our asana practice. Can we balance these two seemingly opposite approaches and create a practice that is as steady and firm as it is free and easy?

Using backward bending and handstands to epitomise the two ends of the spectrum, Jim and Tammy will guide you through two separate but related workshops. Backbends represent freedom and openness of body, mind and heart. Handstands typify firm, fearless steadinesses. The two workshops will compliment each other, but can also stand alone. Both are open to practitioners of all levels! It is possible to attend just the morning or the afternoon session if you prefer. Joining for the full day means enjoying a catered light lunch and an optional short nature walk and dam swim between workshops.

What to expect:

Workshop 1. 9am to 11.30amBackbends: fearless freedom through front openingVenture into the heart with deep front-body stretches. Do we do enough to counter-balance the dominance of forward bending in our lifestyle? We are constantly sitting, driving, looking down at a desk/computer/device. These everyday positions (and a lot of modern exercises for ‘core strength’ as well) are putting us into a default defensive posture and are not keeping our spines young and free. In this workshop you will experience the empowering and exhilarating effects of deeper backbends, learn how to practice them safely, and learn how they can help and heal the spine by developing more flexibility and openness.

11.30am to 1pm: light lunch, optional nature walk and dam swim (only for full day ticket holders)

Workshop 2. 1pm to 3.30pmHandstands: fearless stability in the balance Reclaim your stability and stand firm (even upside down). Whether you love handstands or feel you need to conquer some fear around them, this workshop will have something to offer everyone at any point of their hand balancing journey. You will learn preparatory drills and alignment principles that will help you progress towards a steady handstand. Expect to have a lot of fun, help each other and gain confidence and stability playing with this and other balancing shapes.

We look forward to seeing you there! Don’t forget swimwear if you book the full day ticket.

Individual workshops R350 each

Full day ticket R620 (includes light lunch)