Ashtanga Yoga Weekend Workshop With David Swenson
Hopes, Dreams, Anticipations, and Reality of Practicing Ashtanga Yoga
Join David Swenson for a rich and honest weekend exploring the hopes, challenges, and realities of practicing Ashtanga Yoga. Through (compassionately led) Primary and Intermediate Series, practical exploration, and open discussion, this workshop supports practitioners in building a sustainable, independent, and deeply personal relationship with the practice—rooted in curiosity, clarity, and joy.
Dates:
2-3 May 2026
Schedule:
Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 | A Day in the Life of First Series
9 – 11 am – Compassionately Led Primary |
The day begins with a fully guided tour through the traditional flow of the Primary Series. As always there will be alternatives offered and compassionate attention provided so that all levels will feel comfortable to participate within their particular Levels.
12:30 – 3:00 pm – Practicum / Asanas, Alternatives and Attitude |
The asanas, sequence and inherent energetic expression of the Primary series will be explored through discussion and applications within a short flow. If there are specific requests for details about certain asanas, conditions and alternatives David will share his insights and practical advice for practicing of the Primary Series to manifest its inherent purpose as a therapeutic and healing experience.
3:30 – 5 pm Discussion/ Fear, Focus, Forgiveness and Fulfillment |
Open discussion, stories told and questions asked by the participants in regards to treading the path of practice whilst confronting the pitfalls, pratfalls and fearful encounters of the yogic journey.
Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 | Scorpions, Peacocks and Insects that fly. Oh My!
9 – 11 am Intermediate Series and the Creatures Within |
Compassionately Led IntermediateThe day begins with a compassionate and measured flow of the Intermediate Series. There are many practitioners that feel a bit intimidated by the second series. It is truly an elegant, beautiful and graceful arrangement of asanas that is much more accessible than one might think. David is incredibly intuitive, sensitive and expert in presenting the practice with care, clarity and joy! EVERY asana may be modified, amplified or demystified to suit the needs of every individual. Come and see for yourself!
12:30 – 3 pm Practicum / Entering the Jungle and Animal Encounters |
There is a wonderful ‘zoological’ component within the Intermediate Series as the animals come out to play in this dynamic and invigorating sequence. In this second session of the day David will present ways to approach these animals with care, wonder and joy! They will address any specific areas of interest expressed by the participants as well as providing wisdom gained from personal encounters with the wondrous creatures and the cleansing effects on the nervous system, mind and emotional releases from the power of practice.
3:30 – 5 pm Discussion Advantages of Age and the Myth of Eternal Youth |
Once again there will be open discussion, stories told and questions taken from the participants this time with the focus being on the inevitable reality of aging and the struggles of acceptance, uncertainty of the unknown and the peace found from embracing the journey.
Price:
Full Weekend: €300 YC members / €350 non-members
(members : please request your discount code via [email protected] prior to registration)
Location:
Amsterdam Center (exact location will be communicated asap)
Level:
All levels workshop, however some experience with ashtanga yoga is recommended
Cancellation:
You will get a full refund if you cancel up to 3 weeks prior to the start of the workshop. Within 3 weeks there will be no refund, but you can of course arrange to transfer your spot to someone else.
ABOUT THE TEACHER
DAVID SWENSON 
David Swenson began practicing yoga in 1969 with his brother Doug in Houston, Texas. In 1973, he was introduced to Ashtanga Yoga and later studied directly with the legendary teacher K. Pattabhi Jois in Mysore, India. As one of the first Westerners to learn the complete Ashtanga system, David has become a pioneer and global ambassador for yoga. For decades, he has led workshops, trainings, and retreats around the world, admired for his supportive, accessible, and lighthearted teaching style.
David is recognized as one of the world’s foremost practitioners and instructors of Ashtanga yoga. He has produced a wide selection of videos, posters and other yoga resources, including the highly popular book, “Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual”. His latest book “Only Dead Fish Go With The Flow” is a yoga memoir, his personal tales of a lifetime spent on a journey of self-discovery.
For more information about David please visit his website .
