Ashtangis Elizabeth Srail and Jessica Aiken share their experience with Eddie Stern’s recent workshop Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 at Yoga Now.
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Having the opportunity to practice with Eddie always makes me feel nervous, grateful and motivated.
I am not motivated to get into pose or advance further in a particular Ashtanga series, I am motivated to learn more and be a better person.
Eddie is a person you meet and realize that he is Da Man. It seems to be that when he chooses to learn something, he is going to master it and understand it from every angle. He is then willing to teach that to anyone who has the desire to learn.
This was Eddie’s first workshop in Chicago and I think many who had just met him for the first time picked up quickly that his teaching style is exact, gentle and firm. He doesn’t say much, but when he chooses to speak, listen because you will learn something.
I very much enjoyed the entire weekend and hope he will grace us with his presence sometime soon.
Elizabeth Srail is a devoted Ashtangi. She has been practicing yoga for 14 years and Ashtanga for eight years.
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It was a pleasure to be able to attend one of Eddie Stern’s Mysore classes and one of his workshop sessions, both at Yoga Now this past Halloween.
I would’ve liked to attend all of the sessions but I had a family wedding so could unfortunately only be there the one day. My only previous experiences with Eddie have been reading Namarupa magazine and hearing a talk by him when he hosted Sharath in NYC. So since I had never taken a class with him I was very excited to do so!
In my very short time with Eddie I will humbly share some of my first impressions. First off he struck me as extremely kind and personable.
As any longtime Ashtanga practitioner can attest, every teacher does things a little different in the Mysore room. His Mysore room had a calm but serious vibe. He didn’t overadjust. I was given help exactly where needed. His adjustments were gentle yet direct. Along with the physical adjustments, he was extremely generous with verbal instructions.
In the evening workshop, Eddie gave an intro talk where he was happily recalling on times when he and Yoga Now owner and teacher Amy Beth were both studying in Mysore with Guruji. He then lead us through a lovely half primary practice, followed by his beautiful chanting.
Two things specifically stuck out in my mind from the night. One: Eddie speaks impeccable Sanskrit and has a extremely vast knowledge of Yogic Philosophy. He gracefully translates that knowledge in very clear and fun to listen to manner. Two: he took extra care to make sure everyone in the room understood whatever concept he was teaching us before moving on. He is precise!
I will look forward to his next visit to Yoga Now so I can learn more from this very gifted instructor! Thank you for coming to Chicago, Eddie!
Jessica Aiken teaches Ashtanga lead and Mysore classes at Yoga Now. Visit her at www.smileyogachicago.com.
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