Body-smart sequencing is an intuitive, progressive process of linking postures that relate to and build off each other in order to achieve a desired objective. It is a combination of mini sequences that carefully prepare the necessary muscles and joints required to target areas of the body where common injuries lie.

Body-smart sequencing can be used therapeutically, through identifying an individual's movement patterns and ascertaining where there is weakness or limited range of motion. The body is a map, and movement patterns are the road to that mapping. When there is injury or pain on a physical level, it is most commonly attributed to a movement pattern. Body-smart sequencing re-educates one's muscles and movements to form better-integrated movement patterns, often addressing the cause of stress and injury. 

The Art of Adaptation for Therapeutic Needs

Learn how adaptations create different objectives and results

Learn the art of adaptions for therapeutic needs

Learn specific sequences for neck and shoulders, mid and lower back, hips and knees

Working with energy lines and pressure point therapy

Working one-on-one to address an individual’s physical, mental and emotional needs

Composing short practices, or sequences, to achieve maximum recovery

Seeing yoga as a preventive method rather than a fitness activity. Learn how to deepen a desired effect and facilitate change using hands-on assists and therapeutic props

Modifying poses so they calm the nervous system and allow students to relax

Working with the breath to slow down and deepen the practice

Building an advanced class that unfolds towards a peak yoga posture

Understanding “families” of asanas that gradually take a student deeper

Creating circular Mandala sequences that flow organically, break down preconceived ideas and stimulate prana

Using hands-on assists to deepen the desired effect

Isolating and building a sequence to target very specific muscles, both in stretching and strengthening

Yoga is a tool for transformation and at the heart of the practice is the breath. It is through the breath that we connect with and learn to influence our prana, or life power. Using pranayama techniques, you can learn how to balance and harness this greater power within to prevent illnesses, regain confidence and clarity and find emotional and mental stability.

This series covers both pranayama techniques and how to practice and teach breath adaptation in asana. You will learn: cleansing breaths (kriyas), energizing breath techniques, how to increase lung capacity; as well as modalities to ease anxiety, balance the nervous system, promote digestion, cool an overheated body and more. As a bonus, you will learn about adding sacred sound (mantra) to breathwork as a means to deepen focus and intention.

This course will give you tools for both your personal understanding and growth within this powerful practice, as well as how to integrate it into your yoga classes, workshops and retreats. The course is perfect for yoga teachers, therapists, energy workers, or anyone interested in practicing and learning in depth about the power of the breath for physical well-being and spiritual progress.

This training will cover:

Anatomy of Subtle Body (pranas, nadīs, koshas, chakras)

Anatomy of Breathing for improvement of breathing patterns

Subtle Anatomy of Pranayama ( ancient model as taught by Sri Krishnamacharya)

Anatomy of Bandhas

Pranayama techniques for physical benefits

Pranayama techniques for personal growth

Breath Adaptation in asana

Pranayama in a philosophical context

Pranayama in a historical context

Delve into the transformative world of trauma-informed yoga with our comprehensive training program. Designed for individuals who have personally experienced trauma or those working with trauma survivors, this training explores the profound mind-body connection and equips you with powerful yoga and mindfulness techniques. Led by renowned experts, Gopi and Dr. Angela Cerkevich, both extensively trained in trauma-sensitive yoga, this educational and healing weekend will deepen your understanding of developmental trauma, its impact on relationships and behavior patterns, and the manifestations in the physical body. Explore topics such as single incident trauma, PTSD symptoms, ancestral and intergenerational trauma, and gain valuable insights into mindfulness and trauma. Discover the art of creating trauma-sensitive classes, harness the power of healing language, and explore the therapeutic benefits of chair yoga. Enhance your teaching skills with an emphasis on safe room setup, teacher positioning, and the effective use of breathwork in trauma. Join us on this transformative journey as we empower you to create a compassionate and healing space for yourself and others through the integration of trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness practices.

Module 1 : Ayurveda Fundamentals and Practices

Discover the transformative world of Ayurveda training modules. In the Ayurveda Fundamentals and Practices Immersion, learn the foundational theories and principles of Ayurveda, and explore the profound connection between Yoga and Ayurveda for holistic well-being. Join us for the Teaching Yoga Through an Ayurvedic Lens module, where you'll gain insights into teaching yoga through an Ayurvedic perspective, understanding the elements, doshas, and how to create balance through specific postures and sequences. Immerse yourself in these enriching modules and deepen your knowledge of Ayurveda for personal growth and professional development.

The weekend will include constitutional assessments guided by Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist and ERYT Kirsten Ahern, personalized Ayurvedic nutrition and introduction to daily routine (dinacharya) and sensory therapies, including chromotherapy, aromatherapy, sound therapy and self-massage (abhyanga). Asana, pranayama and meditation practices will be offered daily to help you immerse in the mandala of self healing. Those participating in the module for YA CE Credit or for YTT purposes will complete short extra-curricular reading and reflection assignments in order to complete their 25 hours.

Deep understanding of Ayurvedic theories, concepts, and principles

Practical knowledge of how to apply Ayurveda for personal constitution and lifestyle

Insights into the spiritual connection between Yoga and Ayurveda for holistic wellbeing

Personalized Ayurvedic nutrition and introduction to daily routines and sensory therapies

Asana, pranayama, and meditation practices to support self-healing

Teaching skills to integrate Ayurvedic principles into yoga instruction

Understanding of the elements and doshas in the physical and subtle bodies

Techniques to balance doshic imbalances through specific postures and sequences

Instructional modules on Ayurvedic theory, anatomy, physiology, and yoga classes

Opportunities for teaching practice and small group lab work

Completion of 25 hours of training for Yoga Alliance Continuing Education credit

Module 2

Teaching Yoga Through an Ayurvedic Lens (25 hours)

Learn to teach yoga through an Ayurvedic lens with Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist and ERYT Kirsten Ahern. Understand the actions of the elements and the seat of the Ayurvedic “doshas” in the physical and subtle bodies. Learn specific postures and sequences that help to activate specific elements and pacify doshic imbalances. Gain an understanding of the doshic sub-classifications in the body and learn to balance the doshas through movement and engagement of specific organs and body parts in asana, pranayama and meditation.

Explore the rich history of Yin Yoga

Dive into the core principles that distinguish Yin from other forms of practice

Study the anatomy and biomechanics of the spine, pelvis, and shoulder girdle in relation to Yin practice

Gain insights into the principles of tension and compression in Yin poses

Learn a variety of Yin poses and their counterparts

Discover the art of sequencing Yin practices, with modifications and adjustments

Receive a comprehensive manual with detailed illustrations of poses, counter-poses, and adaptations

Upon completion, you will receive a certificate of training, allowing you to earn 50 Continuing Education Credits with Yoga Alliance.