Begin the journey! A mix of asana practice, lecture and discussion, we explore the history of yoga and the Krishnamacharya lineage, the father of vinyasa. Learn to teach the foundations of a vinyasa practice, the elements of surya namaskara A and B. Explore standing poses and become aware of the bandhas, energetic locks to create stability in the pose.

Become familiar with how to put together a sadhana practice, (a groove to oneself, or home practice} based on the rhythms of the solar and lunar calendar, starting where you are. Find your breath thru basic pranayama, or breath work techniques. Vinyasa is created as we move through our practice, linking one pose to the next, guided by the breath. Explore rhythmnic surya namaskara A and B. Learn to create the bhava, or feeling state of consciousness as we begin to learn to move from the inside out and teach from the heart. Chanting and mantra included.

A strong core will help you stay up, so we also incorporate basic core yoga poses that enhance your yoga practice. Next, find your center with balance poses that enhance focus and concentration. You will leave empowered to not only be able to move into the- se poses with ease, but also able to offer new found knowledge to assist others. We will combine the science of musculoskeletal anatomy, physiology and kinesiology with the art of yoga is beneficial to advance your personal practice. We will focus on a basic understanding of the skeletal system, key muscle groups, muscle structure and function and the biomechanics and physiology of stretching.

Sadhaka is a seeker on a spiritual path, and sÄdhana (or practice) is how the seeker goes straight to the point, straight toward the goal. Join us for a rich weekend of basic yoga philosophy, sanskrit, pronunciation, chanting and marinating in this ancient practice of sitting with your teacher. We will chant traditional mantras and tying in sutras and Vedic philosophy which elaborate the meanings of these mantras.

This weekend offers a wonderful retreat to explore forward bends, back bends and seated poses to create balance in your practice. Learn to find a place where you can sit with ease and steadiness.

Ah, our eternal quest to find peace and end suffering. Through out this quiet weekend, explore the foundations of a meditation practice; finding your seat, quieting the mind and becoming comfortable with stillness. We will create seated, walking, silent and reclining meditation practices including the practice of yoga nidra and yoga mudras . Mantras will be chanted to allow you to feel the healing practice of vibration within the body. You will create a beautiful custom malas (prayer beads) to take home.

Lets go upside down! This weekend we delve joyfully into inversions, arm balances and twists.

Yes, we are this physical body of skin, bones, tissue and internal organs, and yet we are so much more! Come and explore the subtle body anatomy - the chakras, wheels of energy aligned with our spine through which we process our world. Through asana, chanting, dancing, lecture, discussion, writing, meditation and partner work we will begin to understand this vital and amazing part of us. Day 2 will find us back in the physical body in the study of anatomy and physiology.

Ayurveda is an ancient Vedic system of health maintenance that has been used for over 5,000 years. In this mod- ule, you will learn the basic philosophical components of ayurvedic science and how this science is applicable and tailored to each individual. You will then learn how apply ayurvedic techniques and principles to daily life, in your yoga practice, your diet, even your daily schedule. You will learn both every day techniques and techniques design for healing disorders and imbalance. We will include an in-depth look at marmas, yoga postures, and marma massage. We will discuss more about cooking and diet, vastu and directional science Participants will be served an entirely ayurvedic meal.

Day 2 we use vinyasa krama, the intelligent sequencing technique to carefully prepare the body for the peak pose of our practice.

Finding a specialty in yoga is a great thing. This weekend, learn how to safely include pregnant women into your classes. Bring out the inner child in a joyful session on teaching kids and family yoga. Finish the weekend with an introduction to chair yoga and restorative yoga.

Join successful studio owner and teacher Liz Conner in a day of learning to make what you love to do what you do! Find your voice to teach, inspire and motivate others to move into a deeply satisfying place. You can be a bril- liant technician, but if you want your students to keep coming back, you want to move and teach from the heart. Liz shares with you her take on life- hakuna matata-no worries, and how to relay that to your students. The day begins with opening meditations and shavasanas-creating a bhavana, or feeling state of consciousness in your class, or your life. We weave imagery and words. We explore a toolbox for mapping your business, with plenty of concrete ideas, and creating a vision with lots of feedback.

Students present their projects and enjoy graduation!