Three Great Yoga Videos
1. Yoga With Richard Freeman: Introduction To Ashtanga.
If you’re new to Yoga practice, or a more advanced practitioner who would like to re-visit the “basics” (exploring more deeply their subtleties), this is the perfect video for you. In it, Richard Freeman ~ one of the world’s most accomplished practitioners of the Ashtanga Vinyasa form of Hatha Yoga ~ offers a balanced hour-long practice based upon the traditional Primary Series. With each pose Mr. Freeman offers ~ in language which is, in turns, anatomically precise and beautifully metaphoric ~ a clear verbal explanation. For the more challenging asanas (poses) or vinyasas (flowing movements linking the asanas), Richard presents ~ for those not yet able to access the traditional pose/movement ~ work-able and pleasant alternatives. The practice begins with a series of Sun Salutations, flows into short standing & seated pose sequences, and ends with several finishing poses. Practiced correctly, it will leave you feeling calmly energized and centered in the truth of your Divinity.
2. Yoga With Richard Freeman: The Primary Series
For beginners already in good physical condition, as well as for intermediate or advanced Yoga practitioners, this video offers a challenging (and stunningly-beautiful!) two-hour practice of the Ashtanga Vinayasa Primary Series. To witness Richard Freeman performing this series is indeed a treat: he flows through the nearly 70 asanas (poses) of the series with a grace, precision and elegant strength reminiscent of the greatest of dancers (think: Mikhail Baryshnikov or Diego Pinon). As in the “Introduction To Ashtanga” video, he narrates the movements and poses clearly, including an explanation of Ujayii Pranayama: the gentle aspirant breathing technique upon which the poses ~ like pearls on a thread ~ are strung. This Series, which serves the function of purifying apana (the downward-flowing energy of the body), has the power to ignite your inner “fire,” to awaken the nervous system to its natural vital state: ~ one of great freedom, joy and clarity.
3. Yoga With Richard Freeman: The Intermediate Series
For intermediate and advanced Yoga practitioners, this video presents the 70 asanas of the Ashtanga Intermediate Series, whose function is to open the heart (via an intense backbending sequence) and purify the nadis (channels of energy/awareness, equivalent to the “meridians” used in Chinese Medicine & Taoist practice). Along with the backbends, the series includes some deep hip-opening asanas (think: swinging your leg behind your head, again & again). Richard once again demonstrates his Mastery of this form of Hatha Yoga, as he moves with precision, ease and fluidity through these challenging poses and vinyasas. The verbal explanations ~ infused with deep wisdom & a gentle sense of humor ~ are clear. To work deeply into these poses is to enter a terrain ~ a level of communion with the human body ~ foreign to most. Though not for the faint of heart, it is a challenge well worth the effort!
All three of these wonderful yoga videos are available online at http://www.yogaworkshop.com Enjoy!
