Do you remember a moment of revelation in your yoga journey—perhaps an Aha moment that shaped your practice? For me, one such illuminating experience was guided by David Swenson. I vividly recall his seamless guidance into Kapotasana, a feat achieved with grace and humility. Embark on a transformative journey with the revered senior yoga teacher, David Swenson, whose influence has left an indelible mark on my own practice and teaching. 

David's distinguished seniority, vast knowledge, and impressive physical practice are not eclipsed by a hint of self-importance or showmanship. Instead, he leads you through your yoga expedition with a rare blend of humility and humor, creating an atmosphere that encourages you to delve further and reach greater depths. A true gift to the entire yoga community, David Swenson's presence at Second Side Yoga is an honor that fills my heart with gratitude.

Join us as we host David Swenson from Feb 23-25, 2024, in Dallas—a unique opportunity to bask in the wisdom and expertise of this extraordinary teacher. His guidance and adjustments stand unparalleled, elevating your practice to new heights. Beyond the physical realm, David generously shares his profound insights into yoga philosophy and theory, making the experience not only enriching but also accessible to all. Prepare to be inspired, guided, and transformed by the unparalleled teachings of David Swenson, a luminary in the world of yoga.

Workshop Hours:

Friday 2/23 6 PM -8 PM

Saturday 2/24 9 AM- 6 PM

Sunday 2/25 9 AM- 12 PM

What you will experience:

Friday 2/23, 6-8 PM Really hip openings for the hipsL: A Pleasant Exploration of Gentle Methods To Open the Hips

Tight hips can cause problems in other areas such as the knees and back. David has devised an approach of exploring the hips through slow and gentle movements, stable holding of postures and deep breathing which all combine to bring greater openness to the hips without forcing or pushing. To create stability David will share methods of activating one area in order to relax another. This balanced approach is both safe and effective and can be applied to other regions of the body as well. As always, David will manage to make this enjoyable experience. Bring Those Tight Hips In For a Tune-Up!

Saturday 2/24, 9-5 PM Ashtanga Yoga - Inside and out: A Full Day Immersion Into the Joy of Ashtanga Yoga

This class is an in-depth immersion and fun-filled exploration of the dynamic system of Ashtanga Yoga covering as much ground as is possible in one full day. 

This immersion is arranged in 2 sessions, morning and afternoon. 

In the morning there will be an overview of the First Series with David offering user-friendly alternatives to many of the more complex asanas as well as an array of options for the vinyasas. This will then be followed by a talk-through of the Full First Series with David leading every breath of the way. David is well known for his compassionate approach and encouraging presentation to all students. There will then be a break for lunch.

In the afternoon session David will give further details about individual asanas and answer questions the students may have about aspects of their own personal yogic journey or unique interests. There will be time spent partnering during an in-depth exploration of the realms of vinyasa. David refers to this as the Physics of Flight. It is a fun-filled section of the day and full of energy. Things will begin to wind down with a discussion about the wonder of breath and it’s applications in daily life as well as yoga. The day will end with David leading the group through some gentle and soothing pranayama techniques as well as a guided deep relaxation.

It is going to be a spectacular event. You are sure to go home with a smile on your face and a feeling of knowledge gained, laughter shared and new friends made! Don’t Miss It!

Saturday 2/24, 5-6 PM Breath, Bandhas and Pranayama: Exploring the Subtle yet Powerful Internal Realms of Energy

Our first act of life as we enter this world is to inhale and our last act before departing is to exhale. Breath is our most elemental form of life and unites all of humanity yet we think little about it. The ancient yogis gave it great thought and in so doing developed intricate methods of harnessing breath to gain control of the mind and to see the world with greater clarity. 

This class will delve into the realms of specialized Yogic Breathing as well as the subtle and highly misunderstood internal energy valves known as Bandhas. There is much confusion surrounding these mystical tools and the part they play in the regulation and control of pranic flow. David will share information he gained directly from K. Pattabhi Jois as well as a series of practical exercises he has developed himself to assist the practitioner in gaining a greater understanding of these subtle yet powerful energy gateways of yoga. David has an amazing ability to convey complex ideas in simple terms. All are sure to leave with new insights and useful tools for personal practice regardless of their system. Come and Feel the Prana!

Sunday 2/25, 9AM -10:30 AM Ashtanga’s greatest Hits: Playing the Edge and Enjoying the Ride

Curious about some of the more intricate or advanced asanas but have felt intimidated by them or uncertain about how to approach them in your practice? 

Then this class is for you!

David will take the group on a special guided tour of select asanas from the Primary, Intermediate and even from the Advanced Series of asanas. If you are not familiar with the more challenging postures there is no need to be scared of them! David has an amazing ability to break down the essence and energetic foundation of any asana to allow practitioners of all levels to feel comfortable and confident when exploring realms of the practice that they find most challenging. There are always plenty of safe and sensible alternatives offered so that the student may utilize the most comfortable approach for their particular level. David’s classes are always full of valuable information as well as plenty of laughter and joy.

Sunday 2/25, 10:30 AM-12 PM Flying Floating and Handstanding: A Fun-filled exploration of Vinyasa and Arm-balances
One of the greatest challenges of the Ashtanga flow is the vinyasa. In this class David will break the vinyasa down into its components. He likes to refer to this as: “The Physics of Flight”. The class will also explore the elements of handstands and arm-balances.

Investment: ***4 spots available - first come, first serve ***

Pricing:

General Students: $425

Second Side Recurring Monthly Members: $400

Active Yoga Teachers: $400

Second Side Teachers: $ 375

*All payments are non-refundable, but transferable to your designated person.