Yoga will help you build strength. Yoga will help you create flexibility. Yoga will even help you create more steadiness, ease and balance. But, for this to all come together, you will need a system and a skillful approach.
This weekend intensive is dedicated to the study and practice of the 5 major points of focus in developing a yoga practice that creates strength and stamina AND is sustainable.
1. Create a foundation with diaphragmatic breath training.
Without a firm foundation and understanding of diaphragmatic breathing we continue to move from a limited understanding of the link between the nervous system and the breath thereby creating rigidity and tension – not strength
2. Build a ‘container’ and elevate your energy level
It is essential to understand that as you create energy you also want to be able to harness it and eventually direct it. Without this 'container' we may unconsciously be draining the collection vessel in the process. If there is a ‘hole’ does it matter how much energy, strength and power you generate?
3. Move the energy
We must move to be productive, but we also must be skillful in our movements so we don’t waste energy. We will learn to move in beautiful coordination with the breath so then it is the prana that ‘moves us’. We will stay present and build power, manipulate the muscles and bones all the while staying within a safe level of practice so that we first and foremost - Do no harm.
4. Stamina is the result of putting it all together
Begin to gain a mastery of the perfect balance of strength and relaxation; steadiness and ease.
5. Learn to assess the state of mind for long term success
There are skills and techniques that will help make a continual assessment of the state of mind. Through practice you will become aware and open to what is happening - now.
It is precisely in the awareness of the present state in combination with a firm foundation, a suitable container, an ability to move energy and an understanding of the dynamic of steadiness and ease that we truly access strength and stamina.
Recent Testimonials from this Retreat:
Luke’s workshop pulled together an incredible array of materials / knowledge / practice of yogic philosophy, asana, pranayama, and meditation to provide a clear and practical experience in building strength and stamina as well as relaxation. Luke’s synthesis of a broad array of yogic thought and practice, combined with his down-to-earth teaching style made the practice accessible and enjoyable, and most important provided a template to take home. My key take-away is to balance what strengthens me with backing off when I meet resistance.
~Carol, July 2017
I recently attended the Himalayan Institute for the strength and stamina weekend seminar given by Luke Ketterhagen. I cannot say enough about this fantastic experience. Luke was an excellent teacher who combined theory, balance, and practice into this most rewarding experience. I left feeling charged and refreshed! Thank you Luke! ~Claire D. July 2017