Written by Sally Collins, Dorset Trainee Teacher
On Saturday 9th November, DHIY members and friends were treated to a wonderful workshop led by Marios Argiros at Mudeford Wood Community Centre in Christchurch.
As always, us students arrived at the venue with much excitement and enthusiasm, and an eagerness to learn from Marios’ wisdom. At the beginning of the class, Marios made it clear that he wanted us to answer his questions, and for us to ask him questions in return, to ensure that we completely understood the points he was teaching us.
Marios led us on a journey of discovery, introducing several kriyas throughout the day. We were taught to utilise Svadhisthana kriya, the second chakra, which is associated with fluidity, adaptability, creativity, and the outward transmission of our energy into the world. By using a sharp exhalation, we were able to achieve more action in the various asanas.
We also spent some time focussing on Manipura kriya, the third or solar plexus chakra, which is located between the navel and the base of the sternum, a couple of fingers above the belly button. A journey through asanas, while concentrating on this kriya, was incredibly interesting and stimulating for me personally, as it was the first time I had encountered this element of yoga. The morning session overran slightly as we were so focussed on what we were learning, we were all eager to keep going!
In the afternoon, Marios led us in an exploration of Udiyana kriya. In Supta Badakonasana, at the end of an exhalation (bahir Kumbaka) we softly, effortlessly, during the pause with no breath, lifted the diaphragm before inhaling, to open the chest before the inhalation. Using a brick on several chakra locations on our body, we were told to imagine a weight coming straight down onto the brick while we practiced this method.
Marios supporting a student with a back bend
Marios is an incredibly caring and interactive teacher, who introduced hints of humour throughout the day, which I always admire and enjoy. His energy and passion are contagious. His demonstrations were incredibly clear and precise, and he was very keen to ensure that we understood exactly what he was teaching us, and why we were doing it. Several of us students with injuries were given extra attention, by way of offering us alternative poses (for example, I learned to perform Parsvakonasana from a prone position, and discovered that I was able to get the same twist as if I was standing). Marios demonstrated to the whole class some methods of relieving injuries that some of us were afflicted by on the day, which was extremely useful and interesting to everybody.
Marios was genuinely considerate and sympathetic about the foot issues I was experiencing during the workshop, and after the class even offered to advise me and offer support following my imminent surgery, which was so incredibly kind and sincere of him.
Marios gave us plenty to consider whilst moving forward with our own practice. The feedback that was received from the students following the workshop was incredibly positive, including several requests to invite him back for another workshop soon! We hope Marios will take us up on that offer!