Japanese Yoga
according to the Seasons
This annual course consists of 12 classes: theory and a video and/or a live studio workshop. All classes are based on the simple idea that we are Nature and that we become more happy and healthy when we move along the natural cycles.
The classes are structured according to Jaap Voigt's Taoist calendar. He studied the influence of the seasons on humans for 10 years and, based on the ancient Taoist calendar, designed a model for living in the rhythm of Nature.
Online Course
Hundreds of years ago, people in Asia developed Taoism and Zen Buddhism by closely observing and worshiping nature. These philosophies are the base of the Japanese yoga form that we will practice in 12 months, called Dō-in 導引. This is the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese Tao Yin; physical exercises to promote health. I aim to make this as accessible and practical as possible in everyday modern life.
Every month you will receive an email with theory and a yoga instruction video, in which we work with one of the 12 essential meridians and a complementary Japanese philosophical theme to connect us to nature.
I want this course to be available for everybody, so all live and online classes are donation-based.
Workshops Amsterdam
During the live workshops, we will work with the same philosophy, meridians, and practice as in the online course. Samana Yoga Center is a cozy and serene studio, which means a lot of personal attention. Also, it's a convenient 10-minute walk from Amsterdam Central Station.
In 2024 the workshops at Samana are on Fridays from 19.30 - 21.00:
February 2
March 1
April 5
May 10
June 7
July 12
I want this course to be available for everybody, so all live and online classes are donation-based.
Class 1 - January
Emptiness 空 (kuu)
Water 水 (mizu)
Kidney Meridian
From January 4 to February 4 winter is slowly descending. The most static (Yin) time of the year has passed. Even though it may feel like it's the right time to start new things after New Year’s Eve; keep this month as empty and free as possible. February is the perfect month to develop ideas. That's why it's important you rest often in January, enjoy the emptiness and silence; because the best ideas come to you when you become silent...
CLASS 2 - February
Shape 色 (shiki)
Wood 木 (ki)
Liver Meridian
February 4 to March 4 is all about preparing ourselves for spring. We focus on the growing process of the seeds in the soil. Everything we put our focus on ensures a firm rooting of the seeds. We think that structure is created from the outside, but it is already there on the inside: like a rolled-up fresh fern leaf and the flower buds on the trees. "Grass does not grow faster when you pull it": take enough time to give space to the structure and growth of your plans...
Class 3 - March
Balance 調和 (Chōwa)
Balance in nutrition 和食 (Washoku)
The Gallbladder meridian
March 4 to April 5 is the peak of spring, with March 21 being the ultimate spring day of the year when nature is in full bloom and growth. Last month we worked on strong roots for stable growth. From this month everything in nature renews itself; the time to explore our talents and possibilities.
This month the quest for Balance - Chōwa 調和 in Japanese - is extremely important: trust your talents and authenticity, without losing sight of your limits.
Class 4 - April
Kokoro-gamae 心構え
Nen 念
The Heart Meridian
From April 5 to May 5, spring slowly transforms into the initial phase of summer (even though in The Netherlands it sometimes still snows in April). The yang energy in nature builds up. It's time to seize every opportunity and make your dreams come true. In the midst of all the excitement of the new, you need confidence and patience. Past two months we worked on rooting; this foundation is important in this exciting month in which anything is possible.
Class 5 - May
Kuki wo yomu 空気を読む
Fire 火
Small Intestine Meridian
From May 5 to June 6, Nature is preparing for Summer; everything in Nature shows itself. That is why it is important you also show yourself; make good use of fresh inspiration and energy! Enjoy the stable foundation you've built over the past few months. Nurturing good relationships and filtering negative ones is important to strengthen your network. In this 'filtering', Kūki wo yomu 空気を読む (Reading the air) and a healthy Small Intestine energy flow will help us this month.
Class 6 - June
Ichi-go ichi-e 一期一会
The Pericardium Meridian
June 6 to July 7 is the most 'yang' time of the year according to the Taoist calendar: there is an abundance of energy throughout nature. All energy you gathered in the past 5 months is now being released. In this time of abundance, it is essential you continue to appreciate the small things and practice being present in the moment. As Akemi Tanaka teaches us: “We never stop practicing Chōwa - finding balance is always a balancing act”.
Class 7 - July
Wabi Sabi 詫び寂び
Triple Heater Meridian
According to the Taoist calendar, July 7 to August 7 is the last month of summer: time to connect everything you've worked on and collect the rewards. Because from now on the yang energy decreases every month and the yin energy builds up, it is good to investigate which insights you have gained in the past six months and which priorities you want to work on step by step in autumn.
Class 8 - August
Wu Wei 無為
Earth 土
Stomach Meridian
According to the Taoist calendar, from August 7 to September 7, we move from Summer to Indian Summer. From the Fire element to the Earth element. During our Dō-In practice, we do Earth element exercises, which have a ‘grounding’ effect on the body and mind. The priorities you set last month will help you bring order and structure to your private and work life in the coming month.
Class 9 - September
Mushin 無心
Hara 腹
Spleen Meridian
From September 7 to October 6 we move from late Summer to Autumn. The time of external growth is slowly coming to an end; time to slow down. Last month we worked with Wu Wei 無為 (Mu-i in Japanese), and we're going to put that into practice even more by adding the 無心 Mushin philosophy this month.
Class 10 - October
Yin & Yang 陰陽
Mono no aware 物の哀れ
Lung Meridian
October 6 to November 6 is the peak of Autumn. Nature gives us the last fruits of the year. A good time to reflect on what we have harvested after Spring and Summer, and to organize the 'yield'.
Class 11 - November
Shogyō mujō 諸行無常
Large Intestine Meridian
From November 6 to December 5, we move from Autumn to Winter. The most important word at this time is a well-known concept in yoga and Buddhism: Letting go. As the trees drop their last leaves, it’s good for us to let go of what we no longer need. You can now clean up what you took stock and organized last month to start the new year fresh.
Class 12 - December
Shizen 自然
Bladder Meridian
December 5 to January 4 is the peak of winter, with December 21 being the most "yin" day of the year: the shortest day and longest night. Last month you let go of things you no longer needed; as the trees dropped their last leaves. It is important not to start new things now, make big decisions, or give direction to things. Priority is rest.