BLACK LOTUS YOGA | An introduction to the First Series by Rowena Johnson

BLACK LOTUS YOGA | An introduction to the First Series

Black Lotus Yoga is the latest blossom of the modern vinyasa tradition, working with the natural movements of the breath, to open the heart and invite creativity and curiosity to flow. This practice is not about extreme discipline, or forcing the body into a mould, rather it encourages making space within the body for the spirit to rise, and spread its lotus petals upward toward the light.

For those who already practice Jivamukti or Ashtanga Yoga, you will find Black Lotus to be a harmonious and enchanting extension. For those with experience in other forms of Vinyasa, you will develop a nuanced perspective that can be integrated into your current practice.

Whether you’re curious and experimental, dedicated or currently disengaged, Black Lotus will breathe new life into your understanding of what it is to practice yoga.

WEEKEND PROGRAM

This workshop is an introduction to the Black Lotus Yoga system and its first series. You will learn how the system works, how to use it, how to improvise with it, and how to integrate into any other methods of yoga that you currently practice. Mornings begin with a guided Black Lotus practice before shifting into workshop mode, where we explore the patterns of breath and movement that bring the postures alive.

DAY 1

SATURDAY 08:00 – 10:00  First Series Guided Black Lotus Practice

Rowena will guide you through the first series. You can expect an energising standing sequence which paves the way towards the dynamic yet soothing heart of the first series.

10:00 – 11:00  What is Black Lotus?

In this talk you will learn about the ethos that underpins this system. There will be a discussion on the five prana vayus and more specifically how to locate and enhance our awareness of prana, apana and udana vayu, to bring depth and potency to our practice. Engagement with these movements quickens the flow of the vital force throughout the body, and supports the process of deep emotional release. Through these explorations, you’ll learn how to naturally engage with bandha and mudra, and will renew your understanding of what somatic yoga is all about.

11:30-13:30 Opening & Standing Sequence

Here we will embody the philosophy, as we explore the interplay of prana and apana as it manifest in a wavelike movement throughout the sun salutations and standing asanas. This intrinsic pattern draws from the root of the pelvis and reaches out through the heart and the crown of the head. And when we attend to that movement, the spine begins to undulate rather naturally. With an understanding of how this looks we’ll learn how to integrate it into our vinyasa practice.

DAY 2

SUNDAY 8:00 – 10:00  First Series Guided Black Lotus Practice

Rowena will again guide you through the first series, allowing for the integration of the insights from the previous days.

10:00 – 11:00  The Heart of the First Series | Part 1

In part 1 we will explore, asana by asana, the apanic current which leads the way in the first segment of the first series and how the prana current is represented to balance the dominance of apana.

11:30 - 13:00 The Heart of the First Series & Closing | Part 2

In part 2 we will explore the pranic current which leads the way in the second segment of the first series and how the roots of the apanic current allow for prana to expand. We will then see how the practice is closed.

13:00-13:30 Pranayama

We’ll end the workshop with a gentle guided pranayama practice, distilling our efforts into the sweet and potent nectar within.

LOCATION: Three Boons Yoga Berlin Mitte - Brunnenstr. 29
DATE & TIME: Saturday & Sunday, September 12 & 13, 2026 · 08:00-13:30
LANGUAGE: English

YOUR CONTRIBUTION:
108 EUR Regular Contribution
90 EUR Special Contribution for Three Boons Yoga Flat Rate members or 2 Checkins wit your Fitness App*

*USC, Classpass, Hansefit, Wellhub, Well-pass - you need to pay for the workshop AND reserve and checkin for the 10:15 yoga at 3B Mitte for Saturday and Sunday.

OR BOOK WITH MINDBODY ONLINE ON THE SCHEDULE BELOW:

Rowena Johnson

Rowena has been practicing yoga asana since 2008. What began as physical pursuit, soon developed into a deeper awareness of body, mind and spirit. She became curious about the history and physiology of this practice and decided to explore this curiosity through various workshops, retreats, and the completion of her first 200hr training in India in 2016. Since then she has gone on to teach in the UK, Central and South America, and as a main teacher on a 200hr TTC in India.

Rowena believes in the importance of being a student first and foremost, which has led her to study Ashtanga yoga under the guidance of Sharath Jois at KPJAYI in Mysore and Jivamukti under the guidance of David Life, Anja Kühnel & Rima Rani Rabbath in Costa Rica. She is now pursuing her 800hr certification with her beloved mentor Anjaji.

Rowena is grateful to all of the special teachers who have influenced her path, Netta Imber, Corrie Ananda Preece, Cat Alip Douglas & Harmony Slater.

Asato mā sadgamaya