Standing forms and the joy of Asana with Stephen Thomas

Saturday, June 8, 2024 from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm: A new way to experience the Standing Forms

The Standing Asanas form the foundation for all Asana. It is here that we gather building blocks and experience to take the practice further. Standing Asanas generate a cleansing heat, release tension in the pelvis and hips and connect us to the three base chakras. They also help correct imbalances in the asymmetrical patterns in our feet, hips, spine and mind.

By using various methods from the Iyengar system, (propping techniques, interesting modifications to alignment and ways of finding support), you can have a more clear and deep experience in these forms. These Asanas lift energy and create immense stability in body and mind.

If you want to find correct alignment, find pain-free depth, or discover a deeper experience, this workshop is for you.

Space is limited to 24 students.

Sunday, June 9, 2024 from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm: The Joy of Asana

Asana practice can work on many levels to induce and create feelings of joy in the body and mind. There is a playful element to some forms. They can be physically challenging or difficult due to the fear or perceptions of our mind or simply a missing insight that creates an opening.

There are beautiful ways in Iyengar’s method, using props and innovative modifications that allow us to experience a form that is usually limited or not possible for us. To experience what we didn’t think was possible in a safe, manageable and intelligent way.

Stephen Thomas is an experienced Yoga teacher and practitioner. He leads classes, Teacher Trainings, Workshops and Immersions. His teaching is rooted in the traditional Yoga practices. His philosophical background is influenced by studies in Yoga as well as Buddhism.

Stephen is a long term student of O.P. Tiwari of Kaivalyadham, India – a master in the science of Pranayama and Ayurveda. He combines that foundation with over 20 years of study and exploration in the fields of Alignment based Asana. He has spent these decades refining an evolution of practice that has spanned many years in Ashtanga Vinyasa, Anusara and his love of Iyengar’s approach. He teaches in a way that understands the value of transformation through effort and dedication without imposing Dogma. 

Stephen teaches at his own studio, SVARUPA in Bern and as a senior teacher at AIRYOGA in Zurich. He is a father and dedicates his time to family life, writing, documenting and researching Yoga. He also works one-on-one with many students and helps to mentor teachers in the community.

For more information please also check out his website.