Former Brighton teacher, Julie Martin returns to Brighton for a workshop on 12/13 July at Yogahaven. Contact Yogahaven for details.

Yesterday I attended Anthony “Prem” Carlisi’s workshop: Living Principles of Ashtanga Yoga, Ayurveda and Tantra in Tunbridge wells.

There must have been about 35 people attending, most of whom were Scott’s students. Scott was hosting the event and it sounds like he was a great host to Prem and Heather. I’ll link to Scott as soon as I get details of his blog.

Prem has a commanding presence, tall, tanned with intense eyes and a rather huge beard. I was struck by the ease and authority with which he spoke and his knowledge, energy and humour were great. I’d say the workshop was a taster for Prem’s book The only way out is in.

The workshop started off with a talk by Prem about the concepts from the book. I’m not going to go into detail here as I don’t really know enough about this stuff to be able to do it any justice. There were four concepts outlined:

1. Inside-out
2. Ground up
3. Gross to subtle
4. Everything moves in a vortex

These 4 headings present a clear distillation of ideas that can be applied to life/practice. Prem explained and gave examples of each which helped to contextualise the concepts. I’ve not read the book yet but Prem’s talk interested me enough to buy a copy, so I’ll be doing a book review on it when I’m done.

After a couple of hours of listening I’m sure we were all itching to get onto the mat, well after going to the toilet that is. The practice consisted of the sun salutations and the standing sequence before the primary series. Here are a couple of gems I got from the practice:

• While in Samasthitihi Heather gave me a little adjustment that changed the angle of my hips - wow!
• Ground up - Ensuring a stable base for the asana is established before moving the upper body into position. This gave a reassuring quality to the asana
• Prem’s vortex - circular motion (rather than moving in straight lines) had a great impact in exploring Trikonasana
• Raising up onto the ball of the back foot when going into parivrtta Parsvakonasana really helped me to get deeper into the asana

After lunch we got down to an introduction to Ayurveda. Prem presented practical ways of using Ayurveda to change your life and practice. Again this is not something I know much about and is a rather vast topic, although Prem emphasized a practical approach. There was a brief wrap up on Tantra and a short meditation.

For me the workshop broadened my horizons generally but due to time constraints there wasn’t time to explore any of the topics in depth, but it did serve as a great introduction. Prem clearly has amassed a huge amount of knowledge over the last 30 years or so and is keen to share his insights.

I thoroughly enjoyed the day out and getting a chance to meet more of the Ashtanga community. Hopefully Prem and Heather will be back soon. I’m grateful to have had the experience to have met them both. Namaste.

Guy

Just wanted to say a big welcome to Shari Berman, Brighton is fortunate to have her visit & assist at the bnhc for the summer.

Originally from the States, she has lived in Mysore for some time & has worked with Nancy Gilgoff as well as many other renowned teachers…. I’m just so pleased she is here & doing such a great job!

Thank you Shari… x

Morning all,

Please check out the dates for Rusty and Sally’s visit. They will be taking early morning class at the BNHC  the week leading up to xmas and a workshop beginning of Jan. Dates are in the BNHC book and I have put posters up in both BNHC and yogahaven.

Try and come along to the workshop we need to support the visiting teachers if we want them to continue to come to Brighton.

Louise’s workshop was great, so if you attended you will be keen for your next workshop and if you missed it give yourself a late xmas present and come to the Jan workshop.

Enjoy your moonday.

Thank you so much for your most gracious hospitality. It was an honor, a privilege and a joyous experience working with all of you.
I am forever in your debt.

I always try to keep my focus on the “we are all teachers/we are all students” perspective in yoga and life. I will cherish the lessons, the love and some beautifully, blossoming backbends and headstands.

You are blessed to have Sarah as your primary teacher. One can tell the quality of the teacher by the quality of the practitioners. She is obviously a very fine teacher.

Don’t miss a moment with the lovelies Louise and Maria.

I hope to meet you all again somewhere down the Ashtanga Trail. Feel free to contact me at any time.
If you are ever coming to Mysore I will do my best to make you feel most welcome.

May all your dreams come true.

Namaste,

Joseph