At first a series of yoga workshops can seem a little daunting…What is there to do for a whole 2-hour session? Do I really need to come back again in the afternoon? Will I have enough energy for that length of time? Am I good enough??? Can I commit to this???

The benefits of attending a yoga workshop series are profound on all levels, mentally, physically, and spiritually. It is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the practice of yoga for an extended period and deepen your understanding, no matter what your level of experience.

The extended time for a workshop session provides space to explore aspects of the poses and the practice that is not always available in a regularly timetabled class. Teachers can use the extra time to direct students to pause, observe, reflect, and synthesise their learning. Students often experience ‘breakthroughs’ in their understanding of the practice. Teachers are experts at pacing the practice so that students can maintain focus and energy for the duration. As well as more time for active asanas, there is also more time available for the more cooling, restorative poses, often concluding with an extended Savasana.

The consecutive nature of a workshop series means students can build on learnings gained in earlier sessions. Knowing students are returning for the series allows teachers to plan sessions that progress students in a stepwise manner for the workshop duration. The same group of students returning for each workshop in the series builds a sense of community and cohesion as the students progress their learning together. Over the course of the workshop the teacher becomes more familiar with the needs of the group in attendance and can direct the learning to meet those needs.

Committing to a series of yoga workshops has a positive ripple effect. Yoga becomes a focus for the day and many students start to prioritise sleep and rest so they can optimise their yoga experience. They may eat more nourishing food and seek out peaceful time between the workshop sessions, perhaps walking in nature or taking a soothing bath or having a rejuvenating massage. Attending a workshop series may become an opportunity to give yourself a mini-retreat experience. It can be a time of going inwards and reconnecting with yourself, experiencing the true practice of yoga; union of mind, body and spirit.

Watch out for upcoming workshop series at Unfold Yoga + Wellbeing. There are great benefits to attending, whether you are a seasoned yoga practitioner and workshop attendee or this is all very new to you! If you have any questions about what you can expect at a workshop, then please speak with your teacher or contact the studio.

by Samantha Smith