Embodied Philosophy: Exploring the Teachings of Yoga

Explore the ancient wisdom of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras to uncover the depth of the practice and to create a blueprint for both living and teaching. Though the Sutras are thousands of years old, their teachings remain vibrant and offer a path toward greater consciousness. Gain insight into Patanjali's intentions, discover the essence of his teachings, and learn how to apply the Sutras to everyday life.

This course examines each section of the Yoga Sutras and includes teachings and insights from Tias Little's “The Practice is the Path: Lessons and Reflections on the Transformative Power of Yoga.” Led by Amanda Wood and Shannon Stephens, you can expect to learn practical tools, reflect on your personal truths and values, explore class themes, incorporate philosophical content, and begin to embody the practice of yoga both on and off the mat.

MEETING DATES:

Thursday, January 9 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Saturday, January 11 | 8:00 am-6:00 pm

Sunday, January 12 | 8:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday, January 16 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Thursday, January 23 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Thursday, January 30 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Mindfulness & Meditation: Nurturing Awareness, Insight, and Compassion

In this module we’ll explore foundations of mindfulness and meditation while weaving together understandings from modern psychology with ancient, living philosophies of Yoga, Buddha dharma, and South Asian Tāntrik traditions. Explore various styles of practice through movement, stillness, and reflection. Nurture innate presence with awareness of: the senses, sensations of body and breath, thoughts and emotions, flow of attention, and awareness itself.

This 30-hour course will be led by Rashmi Bismark, MD, MPH with expansion upon material via virtual sessions facilitated by Shannon Stephens and Rashmi throughout the month. Expect to learn facets of practice and guiding meditation, reflect upon your own experiences of body:heart:mind:behavior, explore essential attitudes that support present awareness, incorporate philosophy in relevant ways, and enrich mindful ways of living in relationship with this life.

MEETING DATES:

Thursday, February 6 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Saturday, February 8 | 8:00 am-6:00 pm

Sunday, February 9 | 8:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday, February 13 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Thursday, February 20 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Thursday, February 27 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Gross Anatomy & Biomechanics of the Musculoskeletal System

In Module 3, participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of the musculoskeletal system and its application within the yoga context. This module encompasses a detailed examination of the body's intricate framework, including the various bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles that comprise the musculoskeletal system.

Through this exploration, participants will deepen their understanding of the body's structure and how it influences movement, alignment, and overall functionality in yoga practice. Additionally, we will delve into strategies for crafting thoughtfully sequenced and compelling yoga classes that are grounded in the principles of anatomy and biomechanics. This knowledge will empower participants to facilitate safe and effective practices for themselves and their students. This module will be expertly led by Shannon Stephens and Holly Bray.

MEETING DATES:

Thursday, March 6 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Saturday, March 8 | 8:00 am-6:00 pm

Sunday, March 9 | 8:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday, March 13 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Thursday, March 20 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Thursday, March 27 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Intro to the Fascia: Anatomy, Dysfunction, and Yoga Application

This module offers an in-depth exploration of fascia, delving into its unique properties and essential functions within the body. We will investigate the critical role that fascia plays in movement, communication, and overall body awareness. Our journey will begin at the cellular level, where we will analyze the intricate makeup of fascia, and then progressively zoom out to appreciate its vast interconnected network that weaves through the entire body.

We will closely examine the concepts of fascial health and dysfunction, shedding light on how the body naturally seeks to heal and repair itself when fascia becomes damaged. This understanding will provide valuable insights into the body's innate healing processes.

In the final section, we will translate our knowledge of fascia into practical applications within the context of yoga. We will explore various movement techniques, myofascial release practices, and targeted strength exercises designed to enhance fascial health and optimize physical performance. Through this comprehensive approach, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the significance of fascia and its impact on overall well-being.

This module is led by Shannon Stephens.

MEETING DATES:

Thursday, April 10 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Saturday, April 12 | 8:00 am-6:00 pm

Sunday, April 13 | 8:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday, April 17 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Thursday, April 24 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Thursday, May 1 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Exploring the Fascial Lines & Human Movement

Explore the makeup and function of the five major myofascial meridians. Building on the foundation of classical anatomy, we will expand our understanding of the body and human movement through its fluid, dynamic, and intelligent network of connective tissues. Enhance your understanding of functional movement and yoga asana, while considering ways to nurture a sustainable yoga practice. Breathe new life into your teaching through techniques such as somatic movement, deep core activation, body rolling, myofascial release, and sensory awareness practices that connect you to your internal guidance system. We will move beyond one-size-fits-all alignment cues and discover exploratory methods to enhance your body’s natural movement pathways. Additionally, we will incorporate yogic philosophies that inspire a heart-centered and intuitive experience. This module is led by Holly Bray.

MEETING DATES:

Thursday, May 15 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Saturday, May 17 | 8:00 am-6:00 pm

Sunday, May 18 | 8:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday, May 22 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Thursday, May 29 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Thursday, June 5 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Subtle Body Systems: Unveiling the Koshas and Mapping the Energy Points of the Body

In this module, we will confidently merge our understanding of anatomy with subtle body systems, unveiling the intricate complexity and mystery of our bodies. This section is designed to ignite your imagination, foster metaphorical thinking, enhance visualization, and sharpen sensory awareness, allowing you to fully awaken to the universe within.

We will embark on a transformative journey from the feet to the crown, mapping energetic points and exploring nerve pathways, the circulatory and lymphatic systems, the reproductive system, abdominal organs, the central nervous system, and the organs of the chest. Together, we will delve into the subtle body through a range of systems, including:

• Koshas

• Ayurvedic Elements

• 7 Chakras and Nadi systems

• Vayus

Join us as we unlock these profound insights under the guidance of Amanda Wood, Shannon Stephens, and Holly Bray.

Thursday, June 19 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Saturday, June 21 | 8:00 am-6:00 pm

Sunday, June 21 | 8:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday, June 26 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Thursday, July 3 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Thursday, July 10 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Neuroscience & Yoga: Meeting the Mind & Emotional Body

This module provides an in-depth introduction to the significant relationship between yoga and neuroscience. We will delve into the ways in which classical yoga philosophy intersects with contemporary neuroscientific research, uncovering how these two fields can complement and enhance one another.

Throughout our exploration, we will examine yoga from a holistic perspective that encompasses the entirety of human existence—mind, body, and spirit. We will also discuss the foundational or root intentions behind yoga practice, which aim to create a state of homeostasis not only in the mind but throughout the entire body. This balance can lead to improved mental health, emotional stability, and overall well-being.

By understanding these connections, participants will gain insight into how yoga can facilitate a deeper understanding of one’s true nature and foster personal growth. This module is thoughtfully led by Amanda Wood, who will guide us through these concepts with her expertise and experience in both yoga and neuroscience.

MEETING DATES:

Saturday, July 12 | 8:00 am-6:00 pm

Sunday, July 13 | 8:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday, July 17 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Thursday, July 24 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Thursday, July 31 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Thursday, August 7 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Learning from Stillness & Rest: An Exploration of Yin and Restorative Yoga

In module 8 we will study the effects of stillness and rest on the body and mind through the lens of yin and restorative yoga. These are two very distinct styles, and we’ll begin by understanding what sets them apart from other forms of yoga and from each other. You’ll learn the benefits of yin yoga and how it effects our fascia and connective tissues, and how restorative yoga influences the nervous system. At the completion of this module you will be able to effectively guide students through yin and restorative practices, create yin and restorative yoga sequences, and offer variations and adaptations of postures to meet students’ needs. This module is led by Shannon Stephens & Aubrey Gary.

MEETING DATES:

Saturday, August 9 | 8:00 am-6:00 pm

Sunday, August 10 | 8:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday, August 14 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Thursday, August 21 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Thursday, August 28 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Thursday, September 4 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Inclusivity: Adapting Asana to Meet Your Students

In this module we analyze the changing landscape of modern yoga, what it really means to make yoga inclusive and accessible, and how we show up as teachers. We’ll examine a multitude of ways that we can welcome more diversity into our yoga classes and spaces and take yoga out of the typical setting and into our communities. This module is led by Jillian Woods, Aubrey Gary, and Shannon Stephens.

MEETING DATES:

Thursday, September 11 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Saturday, September 13 | 8:00 am-6:00 pm

Sunday, September 14 | 8:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday, September 18 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Thursday, September 25 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Thursday, October 2 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Cultivating the Mindful Teacher: Intelligent Sequencing, Group & Private Yoga

In our very last module you’ll assess your teaching to determine areas of potential growth and development. Through self-reflection and one-on-one conversations with your mentor, you’ll identify goals, create new content for teaching, and write a mission statement. This module may challenge your ideas and beliefs. We’ll encourage you to proceed with an open mind and heart. This module is led by Amanda Wood, Holly Bray, and Shannon Stephens.

MEETING DATES:

Thursday, October 16 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Saturday, October 18 | 8:00 am-6:00 pm

Sunday, October 19 | 8:00 am-6:00 pm

Thursday, October 23 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Thursday, October 30 | 6:00-8:30 pm

Thursday, November 6 | 6:00-8:30 pm