My David Williams Experience, by Rusty Nelson

Renowned Ashtangi David Williams is coming to town - November 13-16. There is plenty of information on his workshop here and on David Williams here. What I want to do is share a couple of stories from times that I have been privileged to practice with him.

I first saw David about two years ago at workshop he was giving in Houston. I drove down from Austin on a Sunday morning to catch one of the sessions. My first surprise was to see two beautiful yoginis warming up before the session-it was Eriko and Selena from Yoga Yoga!

For two and a half hours David talked, answered questions, and led us through a modified Second Series. He spoke of how Ashtanga was being misrepresented. There was too much emphasis on the physical components of the practice. Too many people were either getting discouraged or injured. He spoke from the heart about patience, and treating the practice as something to be enjoyed over a lifetime. He emphasized the importance of breathing and mulabandha, and assured us that the body will open up in time. At the end of the session, I went to thank him. He was very encouraging to me about my practice and expressed some hope that he could get to Austin some day.

A year later, a friend and I drove to San Antonio for another session with David Williams. We got there a little early, and placed our mats next to his. In this session, he led us through the Primary Series. One thing I should mention - David Williams leads a class while practicing with the class. We finished our five Navasanas, and were preparing to jump our feet to the outside of our hands for Bhujapidasana. David Williams looked at my friend, and in a matter of fact voice said, "Don't let your feet touch the ground." For the first time in her life, she entered the posture just that way. After class, he spoke of a special energy that she had, and seemed to be just as excited as we were about her breakthrough.

But don't go to this workshop expecting a miracle. Go if you want to be inspired by a guy that has been doing this practice six days a week for over 35 years. You will hear some great stories, you will get some fantastic perspective, and you will leave energized and motivated to continuing to build your practice. As you are making plans, please remember that this event will attract people from around the country, and will quickly sell out. If you think you'd like to go, I encourage you to register now .

Click here for more information.