The Objective of Practice

There are many, many ways to practice yoga. Obviously, the method of choice among millions of Americans is asana practice.  Yoga’s history and roots go deep into the past.  The theories and methods that support the practice have been experimented with and refined over the course of thousands of years.

The objective of all of this practice has been stated in many ways, and the significance of all of these narratives could be a whole entry unto itself.  For our purposes here, let’s say that the practices really are about freedom.  I don’t mean freedom in the patriotic sense, but rather, freedom from our self imposed limitations and sense of finite self.  The traditions assert that we are much more than our individualized mind can conceive of.  The pursuit and realization of awakened freedom is the underlying goal of all yoga practice –at least, traditionally.

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Ways of Practice

Along this great path of Self discovery, many methods were devised.  A project of this magnitude requires on going investigation and revision.  The scope of yoga practice is very large and every modality within- the-entire-creation has the potential to unlock our deepest identity.  If it uplifts the spirit in a sustainable way, it’s fair game.

The early sages explored the use of asana, diet, pranayama, meditation, ritual, scriptural study and interestingly enough symbolic art as a means of Self exploration.  While many of these techniques are commonly recognized and even practiced in our western community, some may be quite foreign.

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The Scope of Practice

It is our stated intention here at Axis Yoga Trainings, to give the most thorough and in depth presentation of yoga possible.  In practice, we present the many facets of yoga in a complete and unified way.  Every technique tells a unique story about the evolution and significance of yoga practice. Gradually, through the process of the training, a full and vivid understanding of yoga begins to emerge.

Probable one of the most unique examples of our full spectrum curriculum, is yantra painting.  Taught in the latter end of the training, this class offers a unique synthesis of all the prior practices, integrating form, aesthetics, devotion and meditation into one singular modality.  For many of the students this is an unexpected highlight that greatly expands and reaffirms the richness and depth of the yoga tradition.

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Yantra Workshop.1

Yantra’s are unique and rarely recognized aspect of yoga practice.  You might find one hanging on the wall of a studio but, you certainly won’t work up a sweat while making one or complete it within 90 minutes either.  They are exceptional because they offer an intimate synthesis between meditation and sensory engagement.

For those of you not familiar with the term, the word yantra has many translations including, “Power Diagram” “Revelatory Chart” and “Emblems of Psychic Power.”  In practice, they are specific geometrical designs (said to have been revealed in deep states of meditation), that are highly symbolic and can be used as a tool for meditation.

The images themselves are said to depict universal forces (deities) found in subtle plains of existence.  The process of creating, blessing and finally gazing/meditating upon the images reveal latent psychic forces within the practitioner.  As such, yantras like all other forms of yoga including asana, are a means of personal transformation and evolution.

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Yantra Workshop.2

Yantras share a lot of similarities with art in that they are symbolic and open to some interpretation.  The primary distinction between these images and other forms of artistic expression lies in their function. While visually stunning in their own right, yantras are specifically designed to bring about spiritual insight.

Spiritual development is a cornerstone of yoga practice and the common reference point that unites the wide variety of techniques we collectively call yoga. In the training we make every attempt to maintain the integrity of the central tenants of yoga and its myriad of techniques.

The practice of yantra painting is a visceral and unique way to illustrate some of the deeper teachings of yoga.  Our day long yantra painting workshop also provides the opportunity to learn about yoga using creative, as opposed to purely somatic, intelligence.  I should also mention that designing and painting the beautiful images, in the company of your peers,  is a lot of  fun!

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Yantra Workshop.3

Lunch Break with Espiring Yantra Painting Students

Lunch Break with Espiring Yantra Painting Students

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Saturday Class.1

I want to extend a spirited appreciate to all of those who attended out once a month, donation only, Saturday class.  It was a real blessing to see so many of our graduates rally for the event and offer their love and support to one another and the practice of yoga.   I also want to acknowledge those who are new to our community, and gave their dedicated effort as well.

It was a special treat to join many of you in a post-practice lunch party.  Among the many laughs the idea of a summer time mountain retreat was passed around.  It is an idea I am keenly in support of and will do my best to secure a location, probable for late July.

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Saturday Class.2

You all have come so far in your practice and you really showed grace and poise as you navigated your way through a difficult series of standing, back bending and twisting postures.

I was thrill to hear how many of you are out in the field teaching.  Yoga is such an amazing blessing that brings brings many benefits -for most among them all, Peace.  I am so happy that you are able to share in that peace.

I am still in the process of securing a location for our next monthly session as the consulate center is currently occupied. Most likely, we will be at the church on 6th and Adams on the 19th of July, Saturday from 10-12.  Once again, I’d invite and encourage you and your friends to come and experience some of the most dynamic yoga teaching happening in Denver.  Please join us in our Donation Based Yoga Extravaganza!

Blessings,
Derik

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Donation Practice May 15th

Dear Yoga Students,

This is Derik from Axis Yoga Trainings. I want to once again announce and invite you to our  ongoing, donation only, classes.  These classes are held once a month and are an ideal opportunity to deepen your practice and view yoga from a totally new perspective!

Our next session is scheduled for this Sat, May 15th and will feature Postures for the Spring Season.  Yoga practices can be constructed to suite any constitution, season or phase of life.  Come and experience a spring time session.  Derik will be teaching.

Saturday, May 15th 9:00-11:00am

Consulate Healing Center.

750 E. 9th Ave –Cross St. is 9th and Clarkson.
Convenient Capitol Hill Location.

Donation Only!
Look forward to seeing you there!

Peace,
Derik

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Workshop Presentation

In Mid April 2010 I had the opportunity to teach a yoga workshop at the Canebrake, located just outside of Tulsa Oklahoma.  The workshop was part of a final project I had been putting together for one of my Teachers, Tias Little.  The project marked the completion of his 200-hr yoga teacher training program, and more than fulfilled the 20 hr. requirement.

What follows is a detailed account of my experience preparing for and delivering a three day yoga retreat.  With the exception of a few minor edits, it is the exact paper that I finally submitted to Tias.  I’ve broken the paper down into manageable segments (1-9).  I hope you find the entries insightful.  I know it was an enriching experience for myself.

Best,
Derik

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