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Master Classes &
Full-Week Intensives
Please
scroll down for A.M. Master Class Descriptions
6-DAY
AFTERNOON INTENSIVES
(Choose 1 Teacher For The Entire Week)
BERYL
BENDER BIRCH
Beyond
Power Yoga: The classical 8-limbed methodology for the practice and
teaching of the yoga
experience
The
experience of yoga is the
experience of samadhi.
It cannot be explained or described in words.
The experience is "unspeakable."
A teacher cannot give a student "yoga."
A person must have the experience
of yoga for herself or himself. A
teacher can only be a guide. In
the same way, no one can really teach anyone else how to "teach"
yoga. Yes, we can acquire '"information".
We can study anatomy, asana sequencing, therapeutics, hands on
work, and so forth (which we will do).
But truly, the skill and art of teaching yoga develops as a result
of a teacher's personal practice. To be an outstanding teacher
requires being an outstanding practitioner, and this requires earnest,
uninterrupted commitment to abhayasa,
or "practice" over a long period of time, as we are told by the
Yoga Sutras.
Classically,
"practice" is defined as "effort towards steadiness of
mind." If we are doing
asana and busy comparing our form to those around us in class, it's not
"practice" - it's just exercise, which can be fine.
But if we are interested in "practice" - whether it is
sutra practice, mantra practice, pranayama practice, asana practice, or
chopping carrot practice, then we need to be making a constant effort to
pay attention to what is going on.
It
is our job as teachers, to direct students' minds as well as their bodies.
We may begin with the physical plane, and there is indeed much work
to be done on this plane, but our ability to help students learn to focus
and relax into being present, is precisely what will help them to move
forward in yoga. Our work is
not so much to help people get their feet behind their heads, but to help
them learn to be awake to the present moment.
In order to do this, we must first ourselves, burn the impurities
and remove the obstacles that prevent us from "seeing" clearly.
This happens only with true practice - not wishful thinking or
psychic fantasy. This
is hard work. The hard work of disciplining the mind.
In the Sutras it is called kriya
yoga. This week's focus
will be about doing the work: burning obstacles through asana, pranayama,
dharana, and dhyana, studying self through active Sutra and scripture
study and self-observation, and throughout it all, keeping our minds on
God.
This
workshop will include the classic astanga vinyasa asana sequence, with
focus on the balance between sthira (hard) and sukka (soft) and the
techniques of the practice that develop attention: ujjayi breathing,
bandhas, and drishti. Some experience with astanga or power yoga practice
is helpful, but all are welcome. The work is presented in a safe and
accessible style, with modifications available for all level students.
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DOUG
KELLER
Anusara Yoga:
Embodying the Practice and Spirit of Yoga
The
clear principles, teachings and intention behind Anusara is to uproot the
boundaries we let spring up like weeds between our practice and our lives
and fulfill our true and original nature as spiritual beings. Yoga does
not so much dissolve and eradicate our limitations, but rather helps us to
see and work through them to experience our true freedom and divinity.
This
teacher training intensive will:
-
offer
a clear and comprehensive set of principles for practicing, teaching and
assisting asana that have equal (if not even greater) importance for
living a self-aware and non-injurious everyday life. These connections
between practice and life, the inherent therapeutic value of the
principles, and how to communicate these to your students will be part
and parcel of the training.
-
give
vital attention to the spiritual intention, self-awareness and heart
qualities by which we return to a state of inner freedom in our practice
and our lives. The philosophical background of this approach will be
covered, as well as how to communicate this simply, clearly and
powerfully through your teaching without offending or disrespecting
students’ personal religious beliefs.
Technique
will include significant practice of pranayama as well as the practice of
the bandhas and breathing in asana, in the context of Anusara Principles.
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JUDITH
LASATER
Living
Your Yoga: Fundamentals of the Relationship Between Student and
Teacher
We
will spend the week focusing on the dynamics of the student-teacher
relationship. We will explore such questions as: “How do we answer
students’ questions? What words do we use to deal with a “difficult”
student? What can we say when a student expresses strong emotion in
class?”
While
we focus on the powerful and dramatic nature of the student-teacher
relationship we will also explore the goals of that relationship. What do
we expect to give to our students and what do we expect them to give back?
Part of our discussion will center on the key philosophical elements to
keep in mind when teaching. For this part of the intensive we will draw on
Pantanjali's Yoga Sutras. We will discuss how to bring the
philosophy of Patanjali into the teaching of asana and into our daily
lives as well. Interwoven
in our discussion will be a focus on language. We will learn and
hone language skills that will help us express clarity and compassion
while we teach. (The language skills you learn here are also applicable to
your family life.)
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DAVID
LIFE
"The Yogi As Cultural Hero" - Teaching Yoga As a Spiritual Path:
How to Inspire While They Perspire
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Set
and setting.
What is the right physical and psychological backdrop for yoga
practice? Practical tools for getting the mood right.
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Inspiration.
Where to look for the right inspiration and modeling for our yoga
lifestyles. How to re-invent the liberated life in this time through
the study of the past lives of saints and sages.
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Getting
the point across. What
is the difference between teaching and preaching. Where do we start in
our effort to teach the techniques of Self realization and Liberation?
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Harmony
and Flow. Ksana
krama is the sequence of events that unfold moment by moment. With the
proper attention to sequencing and intention, a yoga class can be a
revolution in daily living.
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God
is Always Watching.
We all know the potency of thought, and yet we believe that we can
perform actions with any thought on our mind and the outcome will be
the same. Our thoughts determine the quality of our actions so let's
purify our thoughts first.
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Give
up and Get Going. Giving
students permission to surrender the smallness; the fear, judgment,
anxiety, and hatred, so that they can become larger. Create situations
which reveal the inner Self by peeling away the layers of resistance
in the form of habit, unconsciousness, and misknowing.
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SHIVA
REA
Rasa Vinyasa:
The Art of Teaching and Living Yoga
Rasa
has many beautiful meanings: in the arts, rasa is the transforming
"taste" that brings inner satisfaction to the beauty of dance,
music or painting. Within Yoga and Ayurveda, rasa is our ³inner juice²
associated with longevity, joy, devotion, and flexibility. Without rasa,
it is said, our experience of yoga and life, becomes "dry, rigid,
routine". Rasa as the rejuvenative juice restores our essence and as
teacher¹s feeds our creativity, inspiration and love of offering yoga.
In
this teacher¹s intensive based upon the art of vinyasa flow yoga, we will
explore the cultivation of rasa within three areas: 1) the ritual of a
class and 2) the art of balanced and creative sequencing and 3) teacher
self-care.
In
vinyasa flow, the art of sequencing can be directed towards cultivating
various states of being that awaken, cultivate and balance our vital
essence. During the week, we will focus on the rasas: virya, shanti and
sringara rasas and look at the underlying actions, properties and
relationship of asanas and pranayamas that form creative and effective
sequences for self-transformation. Virya vinyasa (inner and outer
strength, potency and courage) will engage challenging combinations of
arm-balances, standing poses and hip openers.. Shanti vinyasa (living
peace) focuses on the poses of inner equilibrium: forward bends, hip
openers and inversions. Sringara (divine love cultivated through masculine
and feminine energy) explores the communion of the heart experienced
through the opening in backbends, pranayama, chanting and meditation. The
use of music, samkalpa (dedication), inspiring hands-on adjustments,
metaphor and rhythm will be explored within the ritual arc of the class.
From the first day of the intensive , we will initiate basic dinacharya (Ayurvedic
self-care routine) and meditation practice to embody a daily rhythm of
caring for our ³inner juice² as teachers. A list of basic materials to
bring will be provided upon registration.
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ROD
STRYKER
Celebrating the Science of Spirit
Teaching
the Spirit of Yoga means knowing how to reach a student’s body, mind,
and soul. It means being able to connect and take them to infinite seen
and unseen treasures. In practical terms, it is the skill of using body
and breath in combination with the principles of Yogic science to unfold
the magic and sublime nature of all that it means to be human.
The
expertise of conveying Spirit in Yoga requires that a teacher possess a
rich and meaningful field of both knowledge and experience. Through this
six-day intensive, we focus on both. Our study revolves around Karma and
undoing its specific effects on the body. Thus, we examine the impact of
sequencing on body and mind, the energetics of Asana, the subtle impact of
particular Asanas on mind, and the energetic principles of practice that
systematically lead to the deeper experiences of Yoga.
To
ensure that we know where the ultimate terrain of spirit is sourced, and
so that we (intensive participants) share a common language and vision,
the intensive will include daily Pranayama and meditation practices.
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A.M.
MASTER CLASSES
(Choose 1 Track For The Entire Week)
| TRACK
1 (Gentle Focus) |
|
Beryl
Bender Birch |
Yoga
Chikitsa - The Therapeutic Side of Abhyasah (Practice)
We often think of our practice, particularly,
asana, but really any other "practice" as well, in terms of
doing our best. If that "practice" can't be this strong,
flexible, still, balanced, non-painful, magical-ride perfect
experience, well then, maybe we are doing something wrong or, better
yet, maybe we just shouldn't practice that day due to our infirmity.
Oh Woe. Learning to use your asana, pranayama, and/or meditation
practice to come back from injury, illness, or any other of life's
many ordeals, takes truth, reverence for life, relativity of thinking,
surrender, and wisdom. "Coming back" is one of life's great
gurus. This is a class in both asana and discussion - with relatively
slow paced asana and analysis and practice of modifications for
various injuries, weaknesses, distresses, imbalances, and/or dis-eases
and disabilities.
Drop-In Registration |
|
Doug
Keller |
Anugraha:
Principles of Grace
Hatha Yoga invites and invokes the experience of grace as one of inner
confidence and strength, ease, freedom, inspired compassion and the
awareness of Divine Presence and support. The principles of Anusara
Yoga invoke and protect the experience of grace within the body,
guiding us through a steady flow of postures that awaken and express
the yearning of the spiritual heart to know itself. Clear instruction,
explanation and demonstration of the principles in action will take
you through a satisfying series of postures that will refresh, inspire
and prepare you for a full day of yoga. .Drop-In
Registration
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Judith
Lasater |
Finding
Renewal Through Asana & Meditation
Experience a quiet practice featuring restoring and renewing asanas,
as well as pranayama and meditation.Drop-In
Registration
|
|
David
Life |
A
Little Bit Goes a Long Way
A basic Jivamukti Yoga class. Enjoy all the benefits of a deep yoga
practice through a very simply structured class containing breath
awareness, asana practice, meditation, and a theme of making each
action count - Kriya Yoga as the perfection of action.Drop-In
Registration |
|
Shiva
Rea |
Shanti
Vinyasa: Living Peace
Experience a meditative vinyasa flow practice with shanti bhava or ³living
peace² as a state of being that can be cultivated through an
integration of specific pranayamas, asana, drishti (gaze), chanting,
transformative music and meditation. Learn ways to open, close, and
sustain your yoga practice in the flow of shanti by attuning to the
rhythmic wave of inner equilibrium. Drop-In
Registration
|
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Rod
Stryker |
Ease
through Yoga into Soul
The
goals of practice – clear mind, a profound sense of well being,
inspiration, and stillness – can be realized without straining
physically. In this class, we emphasize the ease and effortless
connection to Spirit that we naturally possess and expand upon it via
the use of breath and accessible postures, in both fluid and static
combinations. By linking breath with gentle movement and Pranayama
naturally evolves. Finally, we explore the role of rest to soak in the
inner wealth of healing and strength that are the most vital allies in
the journey of life and aspiration. Drop-In
Registration
|
| TRACK
2 (Challenging) |
|
Beryl
Bender Birch |
Abhyasah
& Vairagya (Practice and Non Attachment) I: The
Powerful Methodology of the Classical Astanga Yoga Path
Putting
Kriya Yoga (tapas, svadhaya, and Ishvara Pranidana) into action here
and now. Developing your own personal practice from this time
honored methodology for the realization of the Self. Finding
stillness in a hot and sweaty, challenging asana class (Primary
Series) with emphasis on pranayama and mindful attention! This class
is not about achieving the perfect posture, but it is about
developing stillness with correct alignment and awareness. Injury or
limitation in asana does not preclude your participation. Not for
the fidgety. Not about body building (to help dispel the common
illusion that just because a yoga practice has a strong physical
component, it must therefore be, somehow, less spiritual). Come
practice with your tribe of the moment and set up your day in the
company of like- minded individuals. Drop-In
Registration |
|
Doug
Keller |
Tapas:
The Fire of Grace
How do you step up the challenge (and enjoyment) of your
practice without losing your focus and having it become an ego trip
– or, conversely, an exercise in frustration and futility? Clear
principles of practice keep you safe, centered and at ease in the
midst of greater challenge while beginning to erase false boundaries
between your practice and your life. Anusara principles provide the
key to unlocking more daunting postures, while greater emphasis is
placed on the power and use of the breath as well as invoking
subtler qualities of love and strength that keep the mind
one-pointed and the heart triumphant in the fire of outward
challenges. Drop-In
Registration |
|
Judith
Lasater |
Standing
Poses, The Foundation of Practice
Focus
on the technique of standing poses and then enjoy the fun of linking
them together in a simple flow, which can be taught to established
beginners. Drop-In
Registration |
|
David
Life |
You
Look Like You're Moving, But You're Holding Still
Enjoy a challenging Jivamukti Yoga Class incorporating breath
awareness, asana practice, with extra time for meditation.
Discovering the age-old techniques to nurture inner stillness while
witnessing outer changes with equanimity and poise. Drop-In
Registration |
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Shiva
Rea |
Rasa
Vinyasa: Savoring the "Essence" of Yoga
Rasa has many beautiful meanings: In the arts,
rasa is the transforming "taste" that brings inner
satisfaction to the beauty of dance, music or painting. Within yoga
and Ayurveda, rasa is our "inner juice" associated with
joy, devotion, flexibility, and longevity. Through a transformative
vinyasa practice focused on heart opening backbends enhanced by rasa-inducing
music, we will learn to cultivate the flow of rasa in yoga and life.
Drop-In
Registration |
|
Rod
Stryker |
Tantric
Hatha Yoga: Body and Breath - Catalysts to Boundlessnes
The
ancients taught that there was a precise energetic alchemy that
could dissolve the covering to man’s infinite nature. The promise
that the teachings hold is that through the right combinations and
sequences we can be a Deva – a bight, shining being. In this
class, we use posture and breath as tools to melt physical,
energetic, and mental blocks. With an eye on the principles of
alignment, class emphasizes the energetics and science of
transformation through the use of: vigorous Asana, Vinyasa,
holdings, and internal concentration techniques. We play at the edge
of the body to deliver us to the gateway of the Infinite. Drop-In
Registration
|
| TRACK
3 (Most Challenging) |
|
Beryl
Bender Birch |
Abhyasah
& Vairagya (Practice and Non Attachment) II: The Powerful
Methodology of the Classical Astanga Yoga Path
Bending
over backwards is not easy. It involves looking at the world upside
down and backwards, which requires practice and non-attachment. Get
ready your mind and body ready for backbends through the sequencing
of postures in the Nadi Shodana (or nerve purification) series of
the astanga vinyasa asana system. This full practice class will help
to give you a way to safely enter the fear-conquering world of
bending over backwards. Lots of warm up and plenty of heat with
therapeutic assists. Emphasis on ujjayi breathing and bandhas. Not
recommended for beginners. Drop-In
Registration |
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Doug
Keller |
Atma
Vishvasa: The Grace of Trusting in Your Self
We are not physical beings seeking a spiritual experience: we are
spiritual beings having a physical experience – embodying the
freedom of spirit even as we explore – and feel – our
limitations. We explore and play the “edge” in asana to better
know ourselves – both the positive qualities of the heart by which
we prevail, and the inner knots by which we limit ourselves, stumble
and become disheartened. Physical accomplishment is never really the
point in practice; dissolving these inner knots is, all for
the sake of knowing and being who we really are. A challenging
practice calling forth one-pointedness, enthusiasm, steadfastness
and enlightened compassion towards oneself. To fully enjoy,
understand and appreciate the experience, please leave your ego with
your shoes! Drop-In
Registration |
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Judith
Lasater |
Asana
Flows for Experienced Practitioners
Enjoy
linking traditional poses in challenging, unique and dance-like
ways. Prepare to work and have fun. Drop-In
Registration
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David
Life |
"This
Is the First Day of the Rest of Your Life
Don't wait for the world around you to change before you can be
happy. YOU are the one who can make a difference today. See if you
can pass the ultimate challenge of difficult actions devoid of
selfish intentions. Enjoy a challenging Jivamukti Yoga Class for
mixed levels including meditation, asana, and breath awareness.
Drop-In
Registration |
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Shiva
Rea |
Virya
Vinyasa: Cultivating Inner and Outer Strength
Experience a dynamic vinyasa flow practice
focused on embodying "virya" vigour, courage,
potency , inner and outer strength essential qualities Patanjali
encourages on the yogic path. Through an integration of bandhas,
specific pranayama, and empowering and creative sequencing centered
around arm balances, standing poses and core power, we will open to
the diamond body of virya shining and vibrant.
Drop-In
Registration
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Rod
Stryker |
Asana,
Bandha & Mudra: Stoking the Fire of Spirit
Mudra
is the culmination of the physical practices of Hatha Yoga. A Mudra
may simultaneously combine Asana, Pranayama, and Bandha practices.
These practices are more accessible, but much more internally
challenging than even very physically advanced Asanas. Practice of
Mudras is a unique boon to the practitioner because they loosen our
ties to the deepest roots of unconsciousness. Thus, perfection of
Mudra serves to open the doorway to otherwise dormant powers,
liberation, and the majestic terrain of the sublime. Class will be a
steady build, integrating Vinyasa, Asana, Pranayama, and Bandhas.
Culmination in Mudra and breath retention leads us to exalt body,
mind, and soul. Class will include some introductory theory, as well
as, meditation. Minimum two years Pranayama practice
recommended Drop-In
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