Course Descriptions

Module 1: The Energy Body: the Chakras, Bandhas & Meditation

with Jen McCarter and Brooke Allison – February 1st and 2nd

Course Description:

Over the weekend, we will take an in-depth look at what makes up the energy body. You will learn about the pathways that are not visible to our physical eyes but are significant aspects of the practice of yoga, as well as the experience of being human. You will gain an in-depth understanding of the chakra system, including how the koshas relate to it and how to find more balance in each of the chakras through pranayama, mudras, asanas, and meditation. The information is taught in a way that is practical and accessible to new and seasoned students alike.

We will explore meditation practice, and you will leave the weekend having found at least one technique that works for you and/or a technique to teach or share with others. Teacher-trainees will leave with enhanced confidence to share an array of techniques in their classes to address various student needs and preferences. You don’t have to be a teacher or have an interest in teaching to attend this course.

Course Objectives:

• Gain an understanding of Chakras and chakral alignment

• Experience awakening of chakras and feel the chakral energy

• Introduction to chakral healing

• Gain an understanding of the Bandhas – body locks and how to use them in yoga postures

• Experience Bandha engagements in yoga postures and how to teach them to support strong postures and inversions

• Introduction to meditation

• Techniques to promote relaxation response

• Practice/experience several different meditation practices

Recommended Reading:

• The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Traumaby Bessel van der Kolk M.D.

• Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System As a Path to the Selfby Anodea Judith

Module 2: Yoga History & Philosophy, and Pranayama Breath Work

With Sarah Grace, Jen McCarter & Brooke Allison – March 7th and 8th

Course Description:

We will take a brief exploration through the history of Yoga answering the questions – where did your yoga come from, and how was this practice, both physical and spiritual, passed down through time? We’ll explore the major yoga lineages as well as yoga philosophy, discussing the 8 Limb Path and taking time to focus especially on the first two limbs – the Yamas and Niyamas, also often described as the “moral code” of yoga. We will discuss and reflect on the why of yoga practice – what human problems this ancient philosophy was mean to address and how this philosophy can currently be applied to our lives. We will look also at Sanskrit words commonly used in today’s yoga world and discuss their meaning and pronunciation.

We will also explore Pranyama – Breath – how this autonomic behavior can be strengthened and focused through exercises (kriyas) and utilized to expand our yoga practice and our general physical and mental health. Through simple breath work and conscious breath-flow movement, we will learn the fundamentals of pranyama. We will continue our exploration of intermediate to advanced breath exercises to delve deeper into the layers of breath – refining our respiratory function, lung capacity, and improving overall health and resilience. Not only will you learn about the physical benefits of breath work, but you will also discover the mental strength and focus gained through breath awareness and control.

Objectives:

• Gain an understanding of yoga history and philosophy

• Gain an understanding of the 8 Limb Path of yoga and how your practice fits within the path, as well as identify any areas you want to explore further

• Discuss and find life application for the Yamas and Niyamas (moral code of yoga)

• Learn practical breath techniques and exercises for your practice

Recommended Reading:

• The Breathing Bookby Donna Farhi

• The Heart of YogabyDesikichar

• Light on Yogaby BKS Iyengar

Module 3: Yoga Anatomy + Posture Deep Dive

With Jen McCarter, Chelsea Young & Brooke Allison – March 22ndand 23rd

Course Description:

The physical expression of yoga practice – the asanas, are the beginning of our yoga journey. Developing a strong foundation in anatomy will serve you in in your yoga practice and in your teaching – giving you an understanding of how to safely practice and/or guide a student into a posture, to go deeper within a posture, and to maintain and build stability and strength to support the joints within the postures. We will cover the basics of anatomical language and movement and dive deeper into the anatomy of muscles and fascia. We will explore the supporting muscles in each posture as well as the limitations and anatomical differences to be aware of in each posture. You will gain a deeper understanding of the resilience of the human body and the benefits of yoga postures for the body. You will gain the ability to speak more confidently about anatomy as it relates to yoga practice.

We will also take a deeper look at the pelvic floor with specialist, Chelsea Young. Pelvic floor stability is interrelated to almost every other part of the body. The way we do everyday things – like standing, sitting, breathing – affect our pelvic floor, and therefore, the rest of our bodies. Whether you’re a woman healing from giving birth in the last 10 years or a guy who enjoys activity but is experiencing low back pain, pelvic floor awareness and stability is crucial for anyone who is interested in feeling balanced and pain-free in their body.

The weekend will include posture deep dive sessions in which we will explore this question as it relates to the most common postures: What is the essence of the posture? You know the How. Now it’s time to explore the Why of each posture. In the anatomy work, we study the form, alignment and benefits of the postures but have you ever contemplated the purpose of the posture in and outside the room? The intention, the core value, the reason for the posture? Additionally, we will explore and learn advanced modifications for physical limitations. How does Every Bodyexperience the benefits of the postures?

Course Objectives:

• Learn to speak the language of anatomy

• Develop a familiarity with major muscles, bones and joints of the body

• Deep dive into the most common yoga postures to learn the unique benefits and strengths of the posture, as well as the muscle engagements, body locks and other useful cues to perform the posture safely and beneficially

• Gain a deeper understanding of postural alignment and stability

• Build a solid foundation in muscular anatomy for your personal practice

• Understand the importance of fascia in shaping and transforming the body/mind

• Develop teaching and practice methods to modify postures for injuries or common structural challenges

• Learn about counterposes for common postures and when/how to sequence them in a class

Required Reading (required for 200-hour trainees):

• Your Body Your Yoga,by Bernie Clark

• Anatomy for Yoga(DVD) by Paul Grilley

“The training offered a perfect balance of instructors. The feedback from instructors was constructive and honest. Also, we were given the opportunity to teach which in the end was invaluable for my development as an instructor. ” – Claire Grecco