It was fantastic to have almost 70 Bowspring teachers attending our first 5-Day international gathering last week at Vital in Denver, Colorado from all over the globe: Japan, Austria, Sweden, Canada, Spain, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Croatia, and Caribbean (Trinidad and Barbados) were represented plus American Bowspring teachers hailing from various States: OK, OR, CA, TX, NM, FL, LA, IL….

The 5-Day Spring-Load Training was an in-depth examination of the ABCs of the 10 key areas of the Bowspring algorithm. All of the teachers learned how to apply subtle, yet powerful refinements of the Bowspring formula to everyday postures and normal life situations for a new higher level of vitality. These accessible alignment instructions will now go be shared throughout cities in the Far East, Europe, Scandinavia, and the Caribbean as the Bowspring method is growing globally.

This Bowspring summit was a wonderful bonding time for our teachers who have each committed to this path of mind-body practice for the long-run, despite all of the challenges that they have each experienced introducing this radical new paradigm of alignment into their local yoga communities. None of the teachers choose to move away from their old alignment systems because Bowspring was more popular or because they could make more money! They are committed to the method because they know the Bowspring works from their own transformative experiences. Instead of staying with the safe path of the status quo, every one of our global Bowspring teachers are courageous rebels, pioneers, and revolutionaries of a new emerging postural alignment. These teachers represent the small percentage of early adopters to a new alignment technology, which will replace the linear, static, musculo-skeletal model in the not-too-distant future.

Read on for insights from Bowspring teachers and Vital staff attending the Spring-Load Training:

‘We all share a familiar yet radical desire to know truth, Self & To evolve the conversation of what it means to be embodied. Bowspring is the sum of its parts and we each represent an integral piece of this puzzle, we all add our unique color to the fabric of this tensegral tapestry. There’s an overwhelming sense of leaning in to our source, to learn and grow together collectively radiating outward to our next evolved iteration. We’re all driven by an internal spark, something which resonates so fully it overrides the challenges and triggers we face as we stand up to advocate for this emerging paradigm of expanding thought. Bowspring has given me an entirely new boundary in life.’

– Susan Schroeder, Bowspring Denver teacher

‘I was really impressed to see how refined people’s practices were after limited time with John and Desi, it really showed how dedicated they are to the practice. We did a lot of katas and elemental forms really slowly, highlighting the importance of the smallest pieces. I learned how a simple adjustment in the tip of my finger affects the whole heart and realised how each part affects the whole.

I learned and felt how the physical connectedness of the body echoes its energetic connectedness.’

– Maria Leotta, Vital Director

‘When we are full, we have no need to be unkind’: Radiant Heart is key to the practice. The bigger the heart is physically, the more well-rounded and centred, not only in movement, but in our daily lives.

‘Softness first’: as a society, we have a tendency to overwork, the algorithm of the Bowspring is most successful by softening first. Like Yin/Yang – they happen together and in this order.

‘Keep it simple’: Teaching the Elemental forms of the Bowspring with all 10 keys at the same time and interjecting a philosophical theme is too much for the beginners mind. In order for the first experiences to be enjoyable, simplify. I’m learning to create pauses and allow cues and experiences to be fully felt and absorbed during my classes.

– Megan Panchinin, Bowspring Denver teacher

‘It a great opportunity to seal what I thought I knew, grow what I needed to know and stay ever present to being a student first and a teacher always second.

Only way to “go up” is to go wide through the chest – if chest not filled than there will likely be discomfort in the lower back. It’s the relationships we create that give harmony and balance.’ – Amy Ito, Bowspring Denver teacher

‘I’d just love to say how grateful I am to be apart of such a bold, expansive, courageous, and tight knit global community. It was really wonderful to connect with all the vibrant teachers from around the world in what felt like a teachers summit. I am honored to be apart of such a courageous and brave group of individuals who dare to question the norm. Trail blazers… The teachers summit left me feeling supported and inspired. Taking classes in the studio on top of the training was a real treat- it was so nice to take classes and find new waves of creativity through the Vital teachers. They hold the studio up in shining colors. I wish I could have taken Alison home with me. Her fire emulates my own- I was grateful for her offerings. Learning from my teachers, Desi and John, always leaves me feeling stimulated and curious. I can’t wait to further my studies and take Bowspring around the world as well as continue to build the beautiful community that seems to be growing every day in Victoria, BC. We rise by lifting others- I can’t wait to see all of us thrive with this amazingly magical algorithm of health.’ – Elisha Jane, Bowspring Canada Teacher