About Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga:
Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga is a set sequence of poses done coordinating one breath with one movement. The three focal points are ujjayyi breathing (breathing with sound), bandhas (internal energetic locks), and dristi (gazing point). The sequence is progressive in nature and each pose builds upon the previous one, becoming more challenging as one advances in the practice over time. The practice of Ashtanga yoga is a gift that we can give ourselves as it allows the practitioner to memorize and internalize the sequence and take it with us wherever we go. It cultivates a sense of independence and discipline and helps us to find the balance between strength and flexibility in our practice and then apply that to our lives, which is where the “real yoga” happens. Ashtanga yoga will leave you feeling energized and clear, ready to embrace the day and all its wonderful surprises.
I have a liberal, non-dogmatic approach to asana and believe in using the body in the most intelligent way possible.
While non-traditional in some ways, I adhere to the general principles of the Ashtanga Vinyasa method.
About Pranayama:
Prana = Life Force or Breath, all autonomic reflexes that preserve life, specifically respiration
Ayama = To extend, expand, pause
Pranayama =
"The techniques of pranayama provide the method whereby life force can be activated and regulated, in order to go beyond your normal boundaries or limitations and attain a higher state of vibratory energy."
-Paul Dallaghan
It requires a firm foundation and good posture in the body through the practice of asana. Pranayama and asana complement each other. I am trained in the Classical Pranayama Practices of the Kuvalayananda-Tiwariji Tradition of the Kaivalyadhama Institute.
Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga is a set sequence of poses done coordinating one breath with one movement. The three focal points are ujjayyi breathing (breathing with sound), bandhas (internal energetic locks), and dristi (gazing point). The sequence is progressive in nature and each pose builds upon the previous one, becoming more challenging as one advances in the practice over time. The practice of Ashtanga yoga is a gift that we can give ourselves as it allows the practitioner to memorize and internalize the sequence and take it with us wherever we go. It cultivates a sense of independence and discipline and helps us to find the balance between strength and flexibility in our practice and then apply that to our lives, which is where the “real yoga” happens. Ashtanga yoga will leave you feeling energized and clear, ready to embrace the day and all its wonderful surprises.
I have a liberal, non-dogmatic approach to asana and believe in using the body in the most intelligent way possible.
While non-traditional in some ways, I adhere to the general principles of the Ashtanga Vinyasa method.
About Pranayama:
Prana = Life Force or Breath, all autonomic reflexes that preserve life, specifically respiration
Ayama = To extend, expand, pause
Pranayama =
- A pause in the breath, i.e., various retentions performed
- An extension or expansion of dimension of prana
- Although very therapeutic, its real purpose is spiritual development
"The techniques of pranayama provide the method whereby life force can be activated and regulated, in order to go beyond your normal boundaries or limitations and attain a higher state of vibratory energy."
-Paul Dallaghan
It requires a firm foundation and good posture in the body through the practice of asana. Pranayama and asana complement each other. I am trained in the Classical Pranayama Practices of the Kuvalayananda-Tiwariji Tradition of the Kaivalyadhama Institute.
About Vipassana Meditation:
Vipassana means to see things as they really are. Vipassana meditation is a technique that was rediscovered by Goutama Buddha in India over 2500 years ago. It is non-sectarian and anyone can practice it.
By practicing this technique, one develops more self-awareness of the body and mind and through that awareness comes transformation and liberation. Vipassana is a wonderful practice that also complements the Ashtanga Vinyasa self-practice, because you attend a ten day course, learn the technique and then go and practice it on your own.
Vipassana meditation is a rational method for relieving the mind from the mental factors that cause distress and pain. It is concerned with the present moment.
Vipassana means to see things as they really are. Vipassana meditation is a technique that was rediscovered by Goutama Buddha in India over 2500 years ago. It is non-sectarian and anyone can practice it.
By practicing this technique, one develops more self-awareness of the body and mind and through that awareness comes transformation and liberation. Vipassana is a wonderful practice that also complements the Ashtanga Vinyasa self-practice, because you attend a ten day course, learn the technique and then go and practice it on your own.
Vipassana meditation is a rational method for relieving the mind from the mental factors that cause distress and pain. It is concerned with the present moment.
Samahita Retreat Teaching Team with Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor, March 2015. I love my yoga family!
Testimonial
I have attended the retreat of Summer Dien at Samahita Retreat. I have appreciated a lot both the program and the approach and style. The program was a complete one, with contemplation, kriya, pranayama, asanas and meditation. Summer’s approach is the best I have experienced so far with a yoga teacher. Summer explains all practices, what they are useful for and what the benefits are for the mind, spirit and body. Then, she is calm and inspiring calmness. She can manage groups with very different levels of practice, following the needs of everybody and providing corrections and explanations to all. She listens to the concerns of everybody and supports and encourages all. I would like to have her as a teacher in Brussels!
-Anna, Italy
I have attended the retreat of Summer Dien at Samahita Retreat. I have appreciated a lot both the program and the approach and style. The program was a complete one, with contemplation, kriya, pranayama, asanas and meditation. Summer’s approach is the best I have experienced so far with a yoga teacher. Summer explains all practices, what they are useful for and what the benefits are for the mind, spirit and body. Then, she is calm and inspiring calmness. She can manage groups with very different levels of practice, following the needs of everybody and providing corrections and explanations to all. She listens to the concerns of everybody and supports and encourages all. I would like to have her as a teacher in Brussels!
-Anna, Italy
