Arm Balances, Bandhas, and Finding Lightness in the Practice: Level II with Jessica Walden

Sunday, August 10
12:30-2:30pm • South End

Often many Ashtanga practitioners like to do handstands because they can help build strength needed for difficult arm balances in intermediate and advanced series.

Handstands and arm balances are also very fun and keep us young!!!

This workshop will tie everything together by exploring how we can use the bandhas and find our center and balance while we are upside down and/or balancing solely on our hands.

We will explore more advanced arm balances, preparation techniques for handstands, and handstands themselves. This will be a challenging, invigorating, and fun workshop. 

All levels welcome. 

Cost: $45

Yoga mats are available to rent in studio for $3

About Jessica Walden: Jessica started a daily Ashtanga Yoga practice in 1994. From 2001 to 2011 she made several trips to Mysore, India, to study with Patthabi Jois, Sharath and Saraswati and was granted a Teaching Authorization Certificate (Level 2) from the KPJAYI in Mysore in 2009. Jessica has taught at at a variety of studios in the USA and Australia, including Tim Miller’s Shala and the Jois Yoga, and has assisted Sharath at KPJAYI Mysore. More than anything, Jessica sees herself as a life-long student of this practice. 

10 years ago, Jessica suffered a major spinal injury that was diagnosed as a grade 3 spondylolisthesis at L5/S1 and the loss of the disk between those two vertebras. This not only meant that she could no longer do intense backbends, but the condition often requires invasive surgery to stabilize the spine and alleviate pain. While initially this injury caused a lot of fear and pain, Jessica did not get back surgery and instead used the injury to inform how she would practice from that day forward. With an awareness of what is happening on the inside and an observance of how she can access the subtle energies deep within to find control, she has cultivated a gentle strength, grace and flexibility. Jessica’s approach to her teaching is to provide methods for students that help them to find their own control, grace, and effortlessness in the practice.