with Lindsey Alexander
Eight Tuesdays, January 28–March 18, 6:30–7:45 p.m.
Many of us think of yoga as the physical practice we do when we get on our mats. But the poses—or asana—are only a fraction of what yoga offers as we strive to live more peaceful lives, with greater resiliency and compassion, and with better tools for navigating conflict, injustice, and uncertainty. In this eight-week series, led by instructor Lindsey Alexander, you're invited to learn more about all eight limbs of yoga, with a special focus on the ten core ethics (the yamas and niyamas) and an exploration of the kleshas, or causes of suffering. We'll also discuss a core text, the Yoga Sutras, and the history of yoga.
If you've never dipped your toes into yoga philosophy but are curious to understand how yoga can serve you in everyday life, this series is for you. Each session will consist of lecture, discussion, some movement and meditation, and time for journaling and self-study. The series begins on January 28.
Our primary text will be Nicolai Bachman's The Path of the Yoga Sutras. Recommended reading also includes The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, translated by Edwin Bryant; Skill in Action by Michelle Cassandra Johnson; and The Secret Power of Yoga by Nischala Joy Devi.
Trauma-sensitive training is essential for all yoga teachers, as it empowers them with the knowledge and skills needed to cultivate a safe and supportive environment that honors the diverse backgrounds and experiences of their students.
In this workshop, you will explore the fundamental principles of trauma-sensitive yoga, learning not only the essential dos and don'ts but also how to seamlessly integrate trauma awareness into all your classes. You'll gain practical insights on addressing common classroom concerns, including effective ways to introduce and cue your classes, as well as recognizing and responding to triggers, stressors, or any discomfort that may arise.
By the end of the workshop, you'll have a clear understanding
that trauma-sensitive yoga is really for everyone, promoting a more
inclusive and compassionate approach that deeply respects and
values each student’s unique journey.
This workshop includes pre-assignment
reading and videos to complete before we meet, so please budget at
least five hours to prepare your homework in the weeks before the
workshop.
This workshop will:
- Give you an understanding of trauma: its definition, its prevalence, and how it affects an individual's physical, emotional, and mental well-being
- Teach you how meditation, movement, and breathwork can help
- Cultivate your trauma-sensitive awareness and help you understand both the opportunities and cautions for yoga teachers
- Introduce you to a trauma-sensitive yoga framework—a foundational approach for all movement practitioners
- Aid you in designing trauma-sensitive yoga classes for all your students
- Give you strategies for deepening your trauma-sensitive yoga teaching beyond the basics
- Give you a warm, supportive environment in which to workshop what you learn
After we meet in person, you'll have some additional homework to complete, including a review by Joe-Paul of the transcript of a yoga class you've taught that incorporates the framework for trauma-sensitive yoga.
Joe-Paul leads this workshop, with Sage as his teaching assistant. You'll earn 18 CEUs for this workshop.
We meet Saturday, 10
a.m.–1 p.m. and 2–5 p.m., and again Sunday, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
(There is no Sunday afternoon session, freeing you to travel to us
for the workshop.)
This workshop, which is part of our
300/500-hour advanced studies yoga teacher training, is also open
to (and recommended for!) teachers from any movement
modality.
$449, $449 early bird before April 17