Schedule and Topics

February 4 & 5 »

  • Focus asanas :  Surya A,B,C,  Chandra Namaskar (moon salutation) and core strengthening.  (Learn the benefits, contraindications as well as guiding  students in the Surya Namaskar, Chandra Namaskar -  use of props, modifications, adjustments. ) Core strength emphasized.  Bandhas, Pranayama, mantra and meditation
  • Anatomy: Overview of body structure, vertebral column, core muscles, connective tissue, planes of movement
  • Philosophy:  Discussion of the first two limbs: Yamas and Niyamas,  overview of the history of Yoga, introduction to Patanjali's Yoga Sutras

February 18 & 19 »

  • Focus  asanas: standing asanas and pranayama: (Learn the benefits, contraindications as well as guiding students.  Use of props, modifications, adjustments.) Pranayama, mantra and meditation
  • Anatomy:  anatomy of the breath, the five Vayus, knee joint, ankle joint, and foot
  • Philosophy:  Discussion of the 3rd & 4th Limbs: Asana  and Pranayama, Yoga Sutras, discussion of Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hahn.  Mindfulness in practice and daily living,  yoga as moving meditation.

February 24 & 25 »

Workshop and training with Yoga Shelter instructors

March 3 & 4 »

  • This weekend session will be led by Heidi Dietrich
  • Focus asanas:  backbending : (Learn the benefits, contraindications of backbending asanas as well as guiding students . Use of props, modifications, adjustments).  Pranayama, mantra and meditation
  • Anatomy: shoulder girdle, elbow joint, forearm, back musculature
  • Philosophy: Bhagavad Gita

March 17 & 18 »

  • Focus asanas:  forward folds:(Learn the benefits and contraindications as well as guiding students.  Use of props, modifications, adjustments.)   Pranayama, mantra and meditation
  • Anatomy: hip joint, pelvis, musculature of the arms, legs, spine,  sacrum, lumbar, thoracic spine
  • Philosophy:Discussion of the 5th & 6th limbs: Pratayhara and Dharana, Yoga Sutras, Miracle of Mindfulness, Yoga and Buddhism

April 14 & 15 »

  • This weekend session will be led by Heidi Dietrich
  • Focus asanas: inversions:  (Learn the benefits and contraindications of inversions, as well as guiding students.  Use of props, modifications and adjustments.)  Pranayama, mantra and meditation
  • Anatomy: physiology of inverting, lymphatic system, cervical spine
  • Philosophy: The Bhagavad Gita

April 21 & 22 »

  • Focus asanas: twisting asanas: (benefits and contraindications as well as guiding the students.  Use of props, modifications, adjustments.)  Pranayama, mantra and meditation
  • Anatomy: Physiology of the relaxation response.  Cardiovascular health, blood pressure, heart disease
  • Philosophy: Discussion of the 6th and 7th limb: dhyana and samadhi.   The Yoga Sutras, yoga philosophy: Sankhya - Prakriti & Purusha, the three Gunas, the Koshas, the five Kleshas

May 5 & 6 »

  • Focus asanas: hip opening: (benefits and contraindications of hip openers as well as guiding students.  Use o f props, modifications and adjustments.)  Pranayama, mantra and meditation
  • Anatomy:  Physiology of chakra energy centers, 1-3.  Sciatic nerve, external rotators, abductors, hip/leg musculature, lumbar spine
  • Philosophy:  Yoga Sutras, Tantric philosphy, discussion of Anodea Judith's Wheels of Life, -  chakras 1-3

May 19 & 20 »

  • Focus asanas: Balancing postures, practice incorporating chakras 1-7 (benefits and contraindications Use of props, modifications and adjustments).  Pranayama, mantra and meditation.
  • Anatomy: Physiology of chakra energy centers, 4 -7
  • Philosophy: Yoga Sutras, Anodea Judith's Wheels of Life, chakras 4-7

June 2 & 3 »

  • Focus asanas:   The Art of Vinyasa, pranayama, mantra and meditation
  • Anatomy:  Avoiding common yoga injuries.  Anatomical structures most at risk for injury
  • Philosophy:  Yoga Sutras, Discussion of Eckhart Tolle's, The Power of Now

June 16 & 17- Graduation! »

  • Focus asanas:  yin and restorative yoga
  • Anatomy:  the power of Mantra, Review - putting it all together
  • Philosophy:  Yoga Sutras, Eckhart Tolle's  The Power of Now

EXAMPLE SCHEDULE

Saturday and Sunday

8-10 a.m. - Asana Practice (Posture, Pranayama, Meditation, Mantra)

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - Review of Practice, Anatomy of Focused Postures Presented in Practice

12:30-1:15 p.m. - Lunch

1:15-3:15 p.m. - Philosophy: Sutras, Buddhist Philosophy, Bhagavad Gita, Yamas, Niyamas, Tantra

3:15-4:45 p.m. - Adjustments/Practice Teaching 4:45-5 p.m. - Short Meditation/Closing Circle