Courses

All courses require pre-registration. Early registration is greatly appreciated and guarantees a place.

Our Hatha Yoga Courses are designed to educate the body and mind through basic movement principles while developing the vital breath in preparation for the deeper methods of Yoga practice. Asana (postures), Bandhas (locks), Mudras (seals) and Pranayama (breath work) are used as means of getting the body prepared for the more advanced stages of Pratyahara (non-distraction of the senses), Dharana (concentration), and Dhyana (meditation).

The course content is delivered progressively, in stages that lay the foundation for the next. To rush or skip stages out of impatience or misunderstanding creates difficulties and setbacks in the student's development. Therefore, patience, persistence, faith and steady practice are required on the part of the student.

The Introduction to Shadow Yoga Course covers essential preparatory work, which needs to be understood before traditional asana is taught. The complete Shadow Yoga forms can take anywhere from 3 - 7 years to master depending on the student's capabilities.
The material presented is intended for daily practice, twice daily if so inspired. Rest is taken one day a week. Students are expected to practice their course material at home. Without this level of commitment the benefits spoken of in Hatha Yoga will be superficial and temporary.

INTRODUCTION TO SHADOW YOGA and BALAKRAMA

(7 Week Course in June Only)

This preliminary Course emphasizes primal and essential movements to free up the joints in the body in order to release muscular tension and encourage the proper flow of energy. It builds knowledge of the physical structure and prepares the ground for proper movement into Asana. This work is based on preparatory exercises (vyayamas), which have the specific purpose of correcting imbalances in the feet and legs and reducing what is in excess in the body and mind, while strengthening the muscular skeletal structure and breathing mechanism.

The first prelude of Shadow Yoga, Balakrama - Stepping into Strength, will be introduced. It's demanding sequence works on the bones and muscles to build power and endurance. The results are the development of lightness, strength, flexibility, and integration, all of which are prerequisite to asana practice. This course works on regulating the breath to develop unobstructed rhythm and form by teaching the student how to source their power in the feet, trigger it in the legs, control it through the waist and express it out the hands. Uddiyana bandha is introduced.

Suitable for: all students new to Shadow Yoga and for the casual student.

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INTRODUCTION TO SHADOW YOGA

This preliminary Course emphasizes primal and essential movements to free up the joints in the body in order to release muscular tension and encourage the proper flow of energy. It builds knowledge of the physical structure and prepares the ground for the practitioner to learn the various Shadow Yoga Forms. This work is based on preparatory exercises (vyayamas), which have the specific purpose of correcting imbalances in the feet and legs and reducing what is in excess in the body and mind, while strengthening the muscular skeletal structure and breathing mechanism. Uddiyana bandha is introduced in the supine position.

Suitable for: mandatory for beginners to Yoga and highly suggested for students coming from other disciplines of Yoga regardless of previous experience, as it forms the basis for the next levels.

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BALAKRAMA – STEPPING INTO STRENGTH

The newly revised version of the first prelude of Shadow Yoga is introduced. It's demanding sequence works on the bones and muscles to build power and endurance. Inherent movement patterns are rediscovered and applied. The results are the development of lightness, strength, flexibility, and integration, all of which are prerequisite to asana practice. This course works on regulating the breath to develop unobstructed rhythm and form by teaching the student how to source their power in the feet, trigger it in the legs, control it through the waist and express it out the hands. Uddiyana bandha is developed and jatharagni (digestive fire) is strengthened. Surya Namaskar, Simhasana, Padmasana, Mandukasana, Mayurasana and Pascimottanasana are introduced.

Suitable for: those who have completed an Introduction Course and students with a minimum of 1 year Yoga experience coming from other disciplines.

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CHAYA YODDHA SANCALANAM – CHURNING OF THE SHADOW WARRIOR

Shadow Yoga's second prelude is introduced. It works on coordinating the limbs to their core through intricate hand and foot work using fluid, spiraling movements which help gain power in the legs and move it through the waist and inner organs. Narrow stances and deep squats help free the pelvis and access the shins and feet while developing proper balance and integration. The results are the development of lightness, strength and flexibility, all of which are prerequisite to asana practice. This course works on regulating the breath to develop unobstructed rhythm and form by teaching the student how to source their power in the feet, trigger it in the legs, control it through the waist and express it out the hands.

Uddiyana bandha is further refined and Nauli introduced. Surya Namaskar, Padmasana, Mayurasana and Pascimottanasana are practiced and Halasana, Matsyasana, and Kapalabhati are introduced.

Suitable for: students who have completed a Balakrama Course and have a good understanding of uddiyana bandha and appropriate breathing.

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