Let´s take a look at yoga in the light of evolution; we evolve physically through movement and interaction with our surrounding, passing through the stages of sliding and crawling into an upright human being. Within the Ashtanga practice we revisit these four-legged movement patterns in upward and downward dog before we balance on our two feet. From there we proceed into more and more advanced postures. Thus, we embody the logic of a dog, a bird and a tortoise as we advance through our asana practice - before we end upside down on our head having taken a full evolutionary circle!

In this workshop we will explore specific movement patterns and see how they evolve within the Ashtanga series into more complex asanas: from simple coordination into balancing on arms and legs. We will also look at how the yoga tradition philosophically evolves from a practice of external ritual into an internal ritual that uses the body as a micro cosmos with the inner forces of sun, moon and winds. These forces are then mastered through practices known as hatha yoga.

Join us for this exiting journey through the physical and spiritual dimensions of yoga - you can join us for a part of the week, the weekend or the entire week. The retreat is suitable for those who have a regular Ashtanga practice, both students and teachers!

Ellen Johannesen

Your instructor on this course is Ellen Johannesen; level 2 authorized by KPJAYI and one of Norway´s most experienced Ashtanga Yoga teachers. With more than 25 years of experience, Ellen teaches yoga based on her extensive background in movement, first as contemporary dancer and later as an advanced level Ashtanga practitioner. Ellen is deeply engaged in Eastern philosophy, holding an MA degree in Buddhist studies and Himalayan languages. She is well versed in the practices of the Himalayan yogis, speaks fluent Tibetan and works as both an oral interpreter and textual translator of Buddhism. She is a practitioner of the Vajrayana path of Buddhism and also pursues an interest in the scientific research into the benefits of contemplative practices. In this context she has undergone extensive courses in Sadhana tantric rituals, positive psychology and neuroscience and sustainable compassion. Ellen is a much -loved teacher of asana as well as philosophy and meditation. She runs Mysore classes, pilgrimages and retreats in Nepal and teaches regularly throughout Norway and internationally.