The Spiral of the Inner Life : An Exploration Through Ashtanga Yoga and Gestalt Therapy
Welcome to the Journey
The spiral of the inner life is the very journey of life itself. In this transformative intensive we will delve into the spirals of the inner life by weaving together the powerful practices of Ashtanga Yoga and Gestalt Therapy.
Through the lenses of movement and self-awareness, we will immerse ourselves in the here and now, discovering new depths within our practice and ourselves.
Session Overview
1. Here and Now: The Experiment of Practice
In this Intensive, Ashtanga Yoga becomes more than a sequence of postures—it becomes a living experiment. Together, we will:
- Explore how the body guides us inward when we allow it to open and let us in.
- Learn to feel deeply, connecting to the essence of experience itself.
- Use feeling as the foundation of practice, transforming our awareness and allowing the body
to reveal its truths.
By moving with consciousness, we transform practice into an exploration of the inner mind, psyche, and spirit.2. Going Inward: The Art of Practice
The true power of practice lies in the delicate balance between going inward and coming outward.
- Deep introspection and self-reflection form the cornerstone of our inner work.
- We will cultivate the sensitivity needed for honest self-observation, recognising how our
personal experiences guide us deeper into the spiral of life.
- By “going in to come out,” we unlock a profound understanding of how inner exploration
leads to outward empowerment and growth.
3. The Body: A Sacred Vessel
The body and mind are deeply interdependent—each relies on the other for harmony and balance. We will contemplate questions such as:
- Why do we hurt ourselves?
- Why do we sacrifice the body for ideas or ideals?
Through mindful movement and dialogue, we will explore ways to honour the body as a pure, untouched vessel, cultivating a deeper connection between the body and mind. This approach helps us identify and transform unconscious patterns that may lead to self-sabotage.
Underpinnings
Through the Pillars of Gestalt: Field Theory, Phenomenology, and Dialogue
We embark on a journey of introspection—learning to “go inside.” “Going Inside” as a Path to Awareness and Creativity
To “go inside” is to engage deeply with one’s inner world—a fertile space where self-understanding emerges and creativity is born. This process invites us to attune to the subtle nuances of our internal experience, often overlooked in the rush of daily life. By slowing down and cultivating awareness, we begin to notice the body’s quiet signals: the sensations, emotions, and thoughts that arise and evolve in the moment.
Grounded in Field Theory, we recognise that our inner experiences are not isolated but are influenced by the dynamic interplay of our relationships, environments, and histories. This interconnectedness reminds us that self-awareness emerges within a broader context, constantly shaped by our interactions and surroundings.
Rooted in Phenomenology, we honor the richness of our direct experience, suspending judgment and preconceived notions to explore what is truly present. By paying attention to “what is” rather than “what should be,” we embrace the immediacy of our sensations and perceptions, discovering their transformative potential.
Through Dialogue, we create space for authentic connection—with ourselves, others, and the world. Dialogue encourages us to remain open, curious, and responsive to the flow of experience, fostering insight and mutual understanding.
Together, these pillars of Gestalt provide a map for navigating the inner terrain. They invite us to explore our inner worlds with curiosity and compassion, illuminating a path to deeper awareness and the creative forces that reside within.
What Awaits You
- A journey into the profound architecture of Ashtanga Yoga, where movement becomes a language of the soul.
- Glimpses of Gestalt Therapy as a mirror for the self, inviting awareness and the alchemy of healing.
- A space to dwell in introspection, where questions flow like rivers, guiding us deeper into the mysteries of self-inquiry and reflection.
- A weaving of the threads of body, mind, and spirit into a tapestry of unity and understanding.
• An invitation to honor the sacred vessel of the body, nurturing its purity as a gateway to the unseen.
Here, we do not seek to gain—we surrender, we explore, we dissolve into the spiral of the inner life, discovering what has always been.
This workshop is for anyone who:
Wants to deepen their connection to yoga, beyond the poses.
Is curious about the relationship between their body, mind, and inner world. Seeks practical tools for self-awareness and personal healing.
Craves a space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with themselves.
Whether you’re just starting your yoga journey or have years of practice behind you, this intensive is an invitation to step closer to your true self and discover what lies within.
Join Us
Come with an open heart, a curious mind, and a willingness to explore. Together, we will move, feel, and reflect as we journey through the spirals of our inner lives.
This is more than a workshop—it is a gateway to transformation. Let’s go inward to come out.
About Santina Giardina-Chard
„I believe there are many pathways into and towards healing and inner transformation. After years of anorexia, bulimia, heroin and other substance abuse, I came to understand that these compulsive behavioral patterns were just a means to escape the boxed-up feeling of terror, rage, shame, despair, grief and unworthiness deep within my psyche and physicality.
Paradoxically, the Ashtanga Yoga and Gestalt methods help me to realise that whenever I wanted to escape myself through compulsive behaviour, what I was really hungry for was a deep and abiding connection with myself that brings forth the joy of being comfortable in my own skin.
Life has taught me so far that there is no salvation other than love. Life has taught me to accept my own foolishness and the inescapable contradictions in my own character. To accept that it was not destiny to be the sort of person I would have liked to be. Life’s taught me to be gentler, because not everyone is the same. Life is a process of unfurling, so it has taught me to give reverence to a person, not a position. Because the instant I feel you are sincere; and that you care and you really believe in what you are doing, you have my heart. Life has taught me that we are all only guests on this planet. Therefore, I have learned to see myself as being on a pilgrimage, to travel light, contact other pilgrims, be simple, look around and realise that God is in everything.“ https://insanyoga.com/