Essence of the Chakras (2 – 3 hrs)
The chakra system allows us to discover where we are holding on to false beliefs, and
explore our fullest potential as spiritual beings. By working through corresponding asanas
and mantras, you will tap into your energy centers and uncover the spirit that lies within.
Sacred Vibration: The Power of Nada Yoga (2 – 3 hrs)
According to science, and the philosophy of yoga, we are all vibration. Using Sanskrit
chanting, and call-and-response style kirtan, the student begins to feel the effect that
sound can have on the body. This workshop includes a vigorous physical practice in which
sight is taken away, so that only the ears and other senses are available to feel the effects.
Accompanied by live music.
Myths of the Asanas (2 – 3 hrs)
The myths of yoga’s spiritual tradition have the power to change old patterns of behavior,
providing us with enlightened insight that brings us closer to who we really are. All of
these myths and more will be explored in this Kaivalya Yoga Method workshop which will include
some lecture, lots of asana, a little chanting and a lot of insight.
Devotion in Motion (2 – 3 hrs)
Those who love music and yoga know how well the two fit together. This workshop will
illustrate why music and chanting can be an integral part of a yoga practice, and why the
art of devotion is so cool. The Beatles did it, why can’t we? In this class, we’ll be exploring
some Bhakti yoga through chanting as well as the art of devotion through a fun and
uplifting Kaivalya Yoga Method practice. Come ready to sweat your prayers.
Bending Backward, Moving Forward
(appropriate for intermediate/advanced students, 2-3 hrs)
Backbends seem to get all the glory in yoga practice. And for good reason! These are
challenging asanas that go right to the heart of the yogi’s intentions – to live a life filled
with love. Backbends create room for fearlessness, and that is a challenging quality to
practice and embody. But, through backbending, we become much more comfortable with
moving fearlessly in our lives. This exciting Kaivalya Yoga vinyasa class will allow us to open
our hearts and break free of what keeps us from joy. Please come ready for an intense
asana practice.
The Essential Yoga Sutras (typically offered to teacher trainings, 6+ hrs)
This workshop seeks to answer the question, “How do I live this path?” and “How can I make
a difference in the world?” By exploring the essential yoga sutras, students will understand
what it really means to live the life of a yogi. This workshop is primarily lecture, and is
appropriate for those who which to depen their understanding of the ancient text that is
the basis of yoga.
The Art of Physical Adjustments (typically offered to teacher trainings, 6+ hrs)
Yoga practitioners derive tremendous benefit from effective adjustments. This workshop
will explore the principles behind save and transformative hands-on assists. All types of
adjustments will be covered, and an understanding of how to “see” the body and optimize students’ freedom in asanas will be explored. This is a dynamic class and adjustments will be practiced to convey technique, subtlety and mastery.
Kirtan (evening music event, 2 hrs)
Music is an essential component of yoga practice, and kirtan is the beloved practice of
call-and-response chanting where the audience becomes part of the band. As an accomplished
musician and recording artist, Alanna leads a jubilant kirtan including sacred sanskrit
mantras as well as uplifting english chants that help to integrate the audience, and offer
an experience of down-home bliss.
Gods & Goddesses Workshops
Kali & Durga: Winning the War: Kali and Durga are goddesses that help us to wage the internal battle and overcome our ego and fear. This is very helpful in the process of yoga as we try and deconstruct who we think we are in favor of loving what is. Through chanting and live music, yoga philosophy and yoga sutra, we work through a vigorous vinyasa practice to embody what these teachings offer us – freedom and happiness.
Saraswati: Mastering the Music and Myth: This class highlights the goddess Saraswati and how we invoke the energy she embodies during our practice through our focused breath and intention. Saraswati is the goddess of arts, learning and music. She allows us to learn, understand and teach others what we know. Teaching is the embodiment of understanding, and it is understanding that allows us to fully experience yoga’s greatest gifts. Through intelligently sequenced vinyasa, yoga mythology and some chanting, we learn to teach just by being who we are.
Ganesh: Overcoming Obstacles: Ganesh is often thought of as the remover of obstacles, but we might prefer to think of him as the revealer of possibilities. This class highlight’s Ganesh’s story and talks about how shifting our perspective literally makes problems go away. Through intelligently sequenced vinyasa, yoga mythology and some chanting, we find out where problems really come from and why they are integral to our personal transformation within a yoga practice.
Myth & Mantra Workshop: Kirtan with Storytelling
This workshop explores the mysticism of yoga mythology found within the music of kirtan. Kirtan literally means “to cut” and is a yogic practice that allows us to cut through the veil of impermanence to reveal the light. Music has been a part of every culture throughout history, and the culture of music within yoga allows us to continue our yoga practice long after the bending of asana stops and it also brings to life some of our favorite tales from yoga mythology. This workshop contains chanting and lecture. Be prepared to sit comfortably.
Yoga Sutra: Bending our Bodies and Minds
The Yoga Sutra are the integral text of yoga, and yet so many practitioners focus on the asana. As a spiritual practice, asana is one of the ways we can deepen our understanding of the other elements of yoga. In this workshop, we will learn some key sutras as well as gain some insight into the core components of yoga philosophy. This class will feature intelligently sequenced vinyasa, some lecture and a bit of sanskrit chanting.
Intelligent Sequencing
This workshop is designed specifically for teachers looking for ways to intelligently sequence safe and interesting classes that appeal to a wide variety of students from different backgrounds. Grounded in the wisdom of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, this class will explore how to creatively and safely put together a variety of sequences from standing poses to backbends to hip openers to inversions. This workshop will allow for practice in creating a sequence as well as for sharing it among fellow teachers. Be prepared for some lecture, partner work and practice teaching.
Intro to The Kaivalya Yoga Method
The Kaivalya Yoga Method seeks to unite all aspects of one’s being through specific yogic techniques including skilled hands-on adjustments, intelligently sequenced vinyasa, sanskrit chanting and mantra, meditation and a continuous focus on the highest aim of yoga – freedom and happiness. This Master Class explores the highlights of this revolutionary method.
Aligning the Energetic Body
This workshop teaches a basic system of alignment that you can apply in all your postures, and that can help you understand the mechanics of your body no matter what shape it’s in. Trying to memorize details of the physical body can be overwhelming. The energetic aspect of the body is simple and elegant, easy to understand and creates fundamental underlying principles that can be expressed in every asana. Learn this valuable foundation of The Kaivalya Yoga Method and let your asana practice reach new heights, and new depths with this understanding!