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Course description

Black Lotus Yoga is a new form of vinyasa designed to be practiced in the Mysore style. With six balanced sequences, Black Lotus Yoga is designed to open the inner channels of the body and encourage the creative sap to flow. If you are drawn to the sacred silence of the Mysore room but also appreciate the exploratory spirit of vinyasa, you will love Black Lotus Yoga.

In this intensive, we explore the Black Lotus system inside and out. We learn how the system works, how to practice it with intelligence, and how to advance higher into the curriculum as your practice evolves. We look closely at the energetic principles behind the sequencing and we study the subtle, traditional techniques of breath, bandha and mudra that bring the practice alive.

We also study the philosophy and mythology behind the practice, drawing from traditional sources but uncovering timeless teachings. We contemplate the symbolism of yoga to rediscover yoga practice as a symbolic act, one with the power to rattle us out of our limiting ideas, and to make space within our bodies for consciousness to breathe.

No prior experience with Black Lotus is necessary, but some familiarity with the Mysore style of practice is highly recommended. There is an abundance of passion and intelligence in the emergence of Black Lotus Yoga, and you are invited to be part of the new blossoming.

You can see a video of the First Series of the Black Lotus system here.

Course daily schedule

7:00AM – 10:00AM Mysore (or guided class)

10:30AM Brunch

12:00-2:00 Technique Workshop (Sun, Mon, Wed) Mythology (Thu)

5:30-6:30 Pranayama/Chanting (Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu)

6:30 Dinner

Workshops Description

All workshops will involve a balance of somatic exploration, practical technique and philosophy.  The themes for our afternoon technique workshops will include the following.

The Rise of Black Lotus – 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 – Here we study all the standing asanas of the Black Lotus system, in all three shades or variants. We learn to align the asanas from the inside, and how to use them intelligently to find deeper energetic balance.

The Supple Spine – 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.

Fluid Folds – Folds can be uplifting, but only when there is an undulating movement between the pelvis and the heart.  Here we learn to lift the support of the apana from the altar of the pelvis, and to bring that support up the spine, through the heart and through the crown into the emptiness.

Spiraling Up – This session explores the energetic dynamism of postures that involve spiraling movements through the spine.  It teaches how to make space in the pelvis and around the sacrum for the ascending current to rise.

Backbending Part I – This session reintroduces the art of backbending.  Here we focus on opening the front of the body, and finding more length through the psoas and spine. With these techniques, our backbends become more supported and also more easeful.

Forearm Balancing – This session explores the mechanics of forearm balancing and teaches the essential techniques for cultivating this formidable family of forms.  It teaches the balancing postures and vinyasa of the Second Series, in all shades or variants.

Mula Bandha – 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.

Deep Hip Opening – The Second Series introduces some rather deep hip opening, and invites exploration of Eka Pada Sirsasana, or placing the foot behind the head.  In this session, we learn to work intelligently with the hip opening sequence, to invite deeper openings.

Backbending Part II  – This session goes further into 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. This session looks toward the final postures of the Second Series, including Kapotasana and Viparita Dandasana.

Peak Moments – Here we play with some of the more dynamic and movements of the Black Lotus practice, including the inverted utanasanas of the standing sequence, jump throughs, drop-backs, handstands, inversions and whatever else. So much fun.

Opening the Flower – In this 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.

About the Teacher

Ty Landrum is a poet, philosopher, somatic explorer and apprentice to the body.  He learned yoga from pain and heartache, loss and confusion, old books and lost tapes, full moons, long bouts of silence, cold winds, simplicity, forgiveness, surrender, and the caring words of a few good friends.

Renowned for his profound explorations of traditional yogic ideas, Ty has a unique talent for bringing the philosophy of yoga alive, not only in words, but on the canvas of the breathing body.  His passion as a teacher is to share the brilliance of yoga with anyone who wants to learn.

Booking Information

Please read the Terms & Conditions before booking a retreat.

Accommodation Options

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