Introversion: Our Inner Life
Introversion: Our Inner Life. May 4, 5, 2019. 11:00 AM-6:00 PM. Cost $252.00. 14 hours credit towards 500 YTT. So much of our modern lives are externally oriented and focused. This weekend will offer an antidote to the busy-ness of life. We will explore asana that naturally draw us inside; practice ‘mauna’ this retreat, with periods of silence. Meditation and pranayama practice all draw us inward (pratyahara, dharana, and dhyana).
We will get to know the powerful tool of ‘Witness Consciousness’ in more depth. The state of choiceless awareness is to live in that still balance-point. Though action is always present, these moments of presence allow us to make different choices from a place of Sattva, or balance.
Postures are enhanced by pranayama, bandha, and kumbhaka experiences, where we play with the breath to allow the energy to build. Along with other intermediate postures, there are some wonderful inversion postures we will embody, learning how to move into them safely. We will experiment with ‘posture flow’, internally generated movements that come from our pranic yearnings (the natural movements as our energy is expressed).
This will be a very fun and interesting weekend.
With each new pose, information on modifications and variations, and how to integrate them into your teach will be discussed. As part of enhancing your teaching skills, hands-on assisting with partners will be explored so you become proficient in this particular art of teaching.
This weekend session will include aspects of:
-Yogic philosophy, including Gunas, Witness Consciousness, Patanjali, the 3 stages of Hatha practice. What do we cultivate and practice to ground us more fully to a life of integrity, energy and bliss?
-8-10 intermediate-level yoga asana. We will work in partners as well as group practice experiences.
-Assists, benefits and contraindications, how to enter and release safely will be covered in detail.
-Core strengthening; safety and alignment techniques for more fully embodying the asana; how to move from tension into holding with engagement and ease.
A short practice teaching experience (for those who are currently teachers, looking for 500 hour certification with Yoga Alliance) to integrate the weekend’s course materials.
Discussions, time to practice and explore, new friendships and connections.
There will be handouts to enhance your learning. Included are posture sheets and handouts on all of the techniques, and space for you to take notes on what you are learning and is lighting you up! Instructors: Naresh and Shirley.