Yin Yoga Program Components

Practice


Practice the 20 main Yin-Yoga poses and familiarize yourself with their variations.
Learn the 17 transition poses; create a session moving from Yin to a Yang
practice.
Discover and share the practice of Assisted Yin; a practice for the very stiff body
or for those with injuries.
Cultivation of the breath-body connection, leading towards a tranquil mind.
Practice the Meridian Series related to the 5 Elements (using Asanas & Chinese
meridians theory to revitalize the body/organs).
Familiarize yourself with Meridian Tracing.
Learn the 5 Elements Qigong & Wuji Standing Meditation (the Taoist spiritual
approach of well-being).
Build and intensify your ability to concentrate, merging Asanas, Pranayama and
Dharana.
Progress towards Absorption of the Mind, developing Shamatha or the practice
of meditative quiescence.
Traditional Chinese Medicine, approach the 12 Main meridians & their relation to
the organs.
A Look at the 5 Elements Theory (generative & controlling cycles).
Understand the Flow & Formation of Qi (movement & different types).
Study Water-Wood-Earth-Fire-Metal elements (the relationship & function of
Zhang & Fu organs to each of the elements).
Identify the 3 treasures of TCM (Jing/Physical, Qi/Energetic, Shen/Spiritual).



Anatomy


A Look at the 14 skeletal segments of the body, understanding the uniqueness of
the human body.
Use the Leg/Torso Myofascial mandalas, developing a functional approach of
Yoga.
Understand Tension vs Compression & Skeletal Variation (limitation of all Asanas).
Study the benefits of the Yin-Yoga Practice (anatomical & energetic benefits and
how it can improve your health).
Appreciate the role of the connective tissues in relation to the Yoga practice
(theory of exercise and the modern meridian theory).





Teaching Methodology


Knowledge and understanding of the Yin-Yoga approach (learn the difference
between a Yin Passive and Yang Dynamic style of Yoga).
How to communicate effectively the value of Yin-Yoga (teaching methodology /
Function vs Aesthetic).
Acquire the Skills of Sequencing Yin-Yoga (design a class from an anatomical
point of view).
Use the 9 Levels of Awareness to influence your practice and to plan & guide
your teaching.
Acquire the Skills of Sequencing Yin-Yoga (design a class from a meridian point
of view).
Define Eka Grata or One-Pointedness of Mind and lead your practice & teaching
with one intention.



Philosophy


The learning prescription (Shravana, Manana, Nididhyasa or Yoga Citta Vritti
Nirodha).
Explore the Taoist Philosophy: Origin, Symbolism, Co-existence, No-absolute,
Impermanence.
The Tattvas of the Yin Practice (the principles and qualities of the practice).
Clarify and define the path of Yoga, as a Psycho-Spiritual system. How to
encourage a more spiritual life-style?
Exploring the 8 Limbs of Raja-Yoga, the spiritual path of Yoga.
Patajali Analysis of Yoga (Yoga Citta Vritti Nirodha exposed).
A Study of the 5 Hindrances to Meditation, the obstacles to meditation and how
to overcome them.
Investigate the Shamatha Path, lecture on the Jhanas or 8 levels of absorption.



Ashtanga vinyasa program components



Practice

The Ashtanga Vinyasa Primary Series Sequence, its structure and layers.
Analysis of traditional Ashtanga Vinyasas warm up; Surya A & Bs, including
transitions.
Traditional Standing Series of Ashtanga Vinyasa. An understanding of the
sequence, how these postures link and share purpose.
Families of Poses methodology to understand the Function and Target Area of
each asanas.
The Seated Series of Ashtanga Vinyasa. The Families of Poses formula for the
forward bends and hip openers. We will refer regularly to David Swensons,
Ashtanga Manual for these discussions.
The Closing Series of Ashtanga Vinyasa. Analysis of each pose and how they
conclude the practice. A discussion of the technique and methodology that this
segment has on the body systems.
Ashtanga Vinyasa Foundation Tools of the Practice. Discussions with
corresponding exercises of the physical and energetic techniques of these tools.
Mantras, a study of Ashtangas Opening and Closing Prayer and related student/
teacher mantras will be reviewed.
Traditional Alignment of Postures. We will construct each pose with traditional
alignment guidelines and compare and contrast these with Skeletal Variation
considerations. The Target Areas of the postures will be systemized as well as a
Range of Motion comparison with participating students in key postures.
Key techniques of adjusting will be covered and how they relate to each family of
poses.
Coordination of Kriyas, Practice, Pranayama and Meditation. Attention on each of
these components and how they fit together in the Vinyasa practice.
We will review the movement of Prana (energy) in the practice as it pertains to its
expression in poses and the vinyasa flow itself. Related discussions and
workshops will be on Counter Weight Theory & Body Positioning for
challenging asanas, arm balances and their transitions.




Anatomy

An extensive Online Anatomy course featuring the Muscular and Skeletal Systems
as the categories of focus.
Traditional alignment including major sections of the body in relation to the
spine.
Skeletal Variation alignment as it relates to bone differences and proportions of
bodies.
Energetic anatomy of the Chakra System and how these centers are balanced and
activated with the postures of the practice.


Teaching Methodology


The method of Yoga Chikitsa. knowledge and understanding of the Ashtanga
Vinyasa Practice. How the Primary Series sits in context with the other more
advanced Ashtanga Vinyasa Series and what the key elements of the sequence
represent and how they work..
The methodology of how to teach The Primary Series, incorporating tempo,
transitions, breath techniques, sequencing, approach, as well as the physical &
energetic tools.
Learn how to apply Ashtangas First Series to all levels of students from
beginners to advanced, as well as all abilities and age groups. Learn how to work
with injuries in the practice, how to prevent them and what props & techniques
can assist or relieve them.
Students will learn the methodology of how to adjust from a safe and moderate
perspective to ensure intuitive learning and self-correction responses.
Students will learn how to prepare and teach a class, using proven methodology,
technique and theory.
Students will incorporate a teach what they practice approach with techniques
of mind-body journaling, regular partner work, workshop analysis and teaching
repetition.



Philosophy, Ethics & Self Knowledge


Philosophy: A contextual look at the origins of the Yogic School of Hinduism and
how its lineage traces from the philosophical roots of Patanjali to the influences
of Krishnamacharya & Pattabhi Jois.
A close analysis of the 8 Limb System of Patanjali will be dissected, with ethical
discussions based on the Yamas and Niyamas as detailed in texts such as the
Yoga Sutras and Hatha Yoga Pradipika.
Ethics, Teaching and Behavior: discipline, preparation and organization needed to
teach a well executed class. Further discussion on group dynamics, student
management and teacher boundaries.
Self Knowledge: The following subjects will be covered in detailed discussions on
Chakra Theory and Anatomy. The Chakra analysis will cover the first 3 energy
centers, outlining their colour, element, sense, yoga path, gland, body location,
disorders & traumas, imbalances, archetypes and cures.
Discussions will encompass aspects of Transpersonal Therapy, Elemental
Personality Modelling and Jung Psychology. All subjects will be framed inline with
the essence of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.