Inversion Workshops with Hannah Berlin

Part 1: Finding Strength in Shirshasana (headstand)

Sunday, April 16th, 2023 • 2-4:30 pm

Part 2: Finding Serenity in Sarvangasana (shoulder stand)

Sunday, May 21st, 2023 • 2-4:30 pm

Join us IN-STUDIO for one or both of these special workshops!

12 in-studio spaces available

$60 each session ($54 for PY828 Members)

Join us for one or both of these special sessions to learn about the King and Queen of poses!

In Part 1:

• Learn how Shirshasana (headstand) can build strength literally and metaphorically,
• Learn openings to make headstands easier
• Learn how muscles of the upper torso contribute to the ease of Shirshasana
• Learn how to come into the pose at the wall safely

In Part 2:

• Learn how Sarvangasana (shoulder stand) cultivates serenity – physiologically and psychologically
• Learn openings for neck and chest
• Learn variations of shoulder stand to get the most benefit for your body

Join us in-studio (space is limited). Please note that we will be practicing inversions which might be contraindicated for certain conditions – more on that below.

Shirshasana (headstand) and Sarvangasana (shoulder stand) are the King and Queen of the asana world. They are two halves of the whole. While Shirshasana develops strength, power, and focus, allowing you to perform daily tasks, Sarvangasana cultivates flexibility and openness, enabling you to step back from life and simply be.

The King and the Queen must be practiced together to have a complete practice of inversions. These postures provide many benefits, such as strengthening and balancing the five major systems in the body – immune, circulatory, endocrine, digestive, and respiratory. They also allow the practitioner to see a new perspective.

But going upside down can be scary! You may feel uncomfortable in class asking questions or feel general apprehension. On the other hand, you may feel excited to practice these poses but need help figuring out where to start. These workshops will give you the time and space to explore your body. The great news is that you can be partially inverted to experience the benefits!

Part One: Finding Strength in Shirshasana (headstand)
Sunday, April 16, 2023 • 2-4:30 pm

Shirshasana (headstand) is the King of the asana (poses). Somatically it allows the practitioner to create strength and focus. If you feel overwhelmed with responsibilities and feel like you need an extra dose of power, this workshop can help you feel empowered to do the things you love or give you the strength to let some things go.

• Learn how Shirshasana (headstand) can build strength literally and metaphorically
• Learn openings to make headstands easier
• Learn how muscles of the upper torso contribute to the ease of Shirshasana
• Learn how to come into the pose at the wall safely

Part Two: Finding Serenity in Sarvangasana (shoulder stand)
Sunday, May 21, 2023 • 2-4:30 pm

Sarvangasana (shoulder stand) is the Queen of Asana. This posture cultivates a sense of serenity and calmness. If you feel burnt out with life, this workshop will allow you to nurture yourself. It will increase your sensitivity, allowing you to focus on what serves you.

• Learn how Sarvangasana (shoulder stand) cultivates serenity – physiologically and psychologically
• Learn openings for neck and chest
• Learn variations of shoulder stand to get the most benefit for your body

These workshops are not for you if you experience:

• epilepsy
• had a recent stroke
• glaucoma
• eye problems (any condition relating to pressure in the head or eyes)
• specific neck problems
• high blood pressure (even if medicated)
• certain heart conditions
• acid reflux
• hiatal hernia

In-person attendees are capped at 12 to allow adequate space for all. Masks are optional but encouraged in the studio. 

Hi! My name is Hannah Berlin, and I am so excited to share this knowledge with you. I have been practicing yoga for the past ten years. My training has been exclusively within the Purna Yoga system. I have studied with Letitia Walker, Purna Yoga 828 studio owner, Catharine Eberhart, Purna Yoga East studio owner, and spent the last four years studying with Yoga Master Aadil Palkhivala, the co-founder of Purna Yoga.

In the last couple of years, I developed a love for inversions. I would joke that “I have an aversion to inversions.” Though I knew the practice of inversions was very important, I didn’t take the time to do them. Then I had an epiphany. All this time, I was working on them! For some reason, there was a disconnect – I thought I had to be practicing full headstand and shoulder stand to be “practicing inversions.” I realized that whenever I was in a shoulder opener or Supta Padangusthasana, I set the stage for my future inversion practice. Now that my body is more open and robust, I can move deeper into these postures.

That is something I want to impart to you. Give yourself the freedom to work where you are. My goal for this workshop is to teach you how to practice these postures confidently. Whether that looks like focusing on strength or flexibility, I want you to feel empowered to tune in to your body and feel what is right for you.

Register for one or both of these special workshops below or call Purna Yoga 828

Purchase

Purchase