May 17, 2007
The Theory of Evolution
Evolution, Asia's first ever large-scale yoga conference will be flexing its way into Hong Kong June 1-4. Whether you’re one of our city’s most decadent partiers, most sedentary couch potatoes or most over-indulgent eaters, get ready to see the light. Read on to find out more about the ups, downward dogs, and sideways twists of this inspiring practice.
Collaborate with fellow health goddesses in the making.
Say omm to welcome 40 of the most renowned and influential yoga masters from around the globe. East meets west in 160 classes covering a variety of disciplines, uniting a mix of yoga traditions and cultures.
Learn your eagle pose from your downward dog.
Breathe in and bend over for an extensive range of classes and lectures, suitable for anyone from experienced yogis to those whose can barely hail a cab without bringing on an asthma attack. Beginners can look at classes such as “How The Yoga Asana Practice Really Works” taught by Sharon Gannon, one of the founders of the popular Jivamukti style, or “Wild Beginners” instructed by local legend Patrick Creelman, for those who can’t be tamed.
Let go of your over-worked, sleep deprived, highly strung disposition and embrace your inner warrior.
If the idea of your derriere in the air makes you giggle, you may be able to work with that. Try “Laughter Yoga for Instant Stress Relief” taught by Dr. Madan Kataria. Think child’s pose is too tame for your high-energy lifestyle? Well, pick it up a notch and let out your true wild child in a special “Trance Dance” session with Shiva Rea, known to drive even the most timid participants into a body-pulsing frenzy.
Connect with your newly taut and toned torso.
Longing for a trip to the fountain of youth? Re-unite with nature’s elements in “Earth, Wind and Fire,” an all day yoga class taught by renowned instructors Desiree Rumbaugh, David Life and Imtre Morisette, which encompasses a grounding practice in the morning, breath work in the afternoon and heats things up with chanting in the evening hours. Or just go with the flow in a “Hot Flow” class taught by Hong Kong model and yoga buff Almen Wong.
Listen to your inner voice (not the one that’s telling you to buy that new little dress in Lane Crawford!).
Say namaste as you leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind and enter an “An Experience of Silence” led by Swami Veda Bharati. Or hear more about yoga’s origins from the guru himself—Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, the 92-year-old founder of Ashtanga Yoga, credited with igniting the western yoga boom.
Give and Take, it’s not always about me, me, me (well not all the time!).
Work on your good karma at a Charity Auction to benefit UNICEF on June 3, where Evolution faculty members’ autographed books, DVDs, mats and photos will be up for bidding. Or buy your own yoga clothing and lifestyle products at the conference’s Yoga Bazaar.
No matter how wary you may be, it’s time to let go of your pre-conceived notions about yoga and begin your personal evolution. You can’t deny the theory, it’s “survival of the fittest.”
Evolution Asia Yoga Conference
Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre
June 1-4, 2007
www.asiayogaconference.com
All Conference Pass, HK$4,888
One Day Pass, HK$1,888
Classes, HK$488 per two-hour class
All Conference Lecture Pass, HK$300
Lectures, HK$200 per lecture
