Shamanism, Freedom, Evolution & Ashtanga
Danny Paradise – a man who is very hard to put into words. Ageless, free-spirited, multifaceted, colorful - a dazzling personality and cosmopolite. More than 40 years ago the Canadian native started studying Yoga with David Williams and Nancy Gilgoff, two of the first western yoga teachers. Besides Yoga he learned Kung Fu, Tai Chi and Karate. These technics clearly influence his style of teaching, which is quite unusual for an Ashtanga Yoga teacher, but absolutely rewarding for everyone who wants to get deeper into the practice and discover new perspectives. Untamed, humorous, adventurous, but still profound and sympathetic - this is how I experienced him. Even though he is full of profound knowledge and life experience, he surely kept his inner child.
Ashtanga, Kung Fu and Hieroglyphics
On all three days of the workshop, which took place from the 13th to the 15th of October 2017, Danny started with a talk followed by Ashtanga Pranayama - special breathing exercises which represent one of the 8 limbs of Ashtanga Yoga. Afterwards Danny brought us to our limits with his exhausting and creative asana classes. Next to traditional Ashtanga we also practiced asanas influenced by martial arts and (not joking) hieroglyphics. The “old” hand of the yoga scene demonstrated in a very distinct way, how flexible the limits of Ashtanga can be. He also emphasized the meaning of yoga as a self-healing method - on the physical and the mental level. Moreover, he drew parallels to healing practices of indigenous peoples and shamanism. He also pointed out the possibility of Yoga expanding one’s consciousness and getting in touch with the higher self (Atman).
„You are the creator of your own reality.“
- a message, which Danny emphasized in his workshop. This was not new to me, but I have to remind myself over and over again. We create our own reality. Making our (un)happiness dependent on outer circumstances will never get us where we want to be. To take responsibility for our own lives and not hiding in being the victim is a very important part on our way to happiness and inner peace.
The workshop was organized by Feelgood Studio and Yogazentrum Ganesha. I hope Danny will visit Vienna again on one of his travels through space and time.
To read the german version visit The Yoga Affair Blog.