Please forgive me as I take a moment to explain something you may already know.
“Asana” is the physical practice of yoga – the poses or postures that usually come to mind when we hear the word “yoga.” Although asana is only one of the eight limbs of yoga, it’s the one we’re most familiar with, and it’s where most of us begin our yoga journey.
Asana is a powerful tool for cultivating and circulating energy within the physical structure of the body. A consistent asana practice creates a balance of strength and flexibility while releasing muscular tension. More than just exercise, a well-rounded asana practice leaves us feeling calm, centered, and rejuvenated with enhanced awareness.
Over the next few months, I’ll be offering several asana workshops – some in conjunction with our basic yoga teacher training and some in conjunction with our advanced yoga teacher training. I’m writing today to explain the differences between these workshops so that you can make an informed decision about which to attend, if you choose to do so.
The first set of workshops are simple titled “Asana Workshop.” These two-hour workshops will focus on the mechanics of the traditional forms of the asanas or sequences while offering suggestions for modifications and variations. You’ll want to attend these sessions if you’re new to yoga, if you’re interested in refining your practice and learning more about the postures, or if you’re a new yoga teacher who would like to ensure that your students are practicing safely while getting the full benefits of each pose.
Click the graphic to register!
The second set of workshops begin with the word “accessible.” More than simply learning to modify a more traditional practice, these workshops are designed to help change your perspective on asana!
These in-depth workshops are intended to challenge our limited understanding of who can practice yoga asana and start exploring its true purpose. By shifting our understanding of yoga away from form (a pose or posture to imitate) and toward function (a purpose to work toward), we can expand our perception of asana and how it can serve real people with diverse bodies that have a variety of shapes, sizes, limitations, and abilities.
The first of these “accessible” workshops focuses on sun salutations. Sun salutations are an effective part of an asana practice that boasts some appealing benefits including:
warming the entire body
linking breath and movement
creating a ritual
connecting to nature
In this workshop, we'll get creative and explore sun salutations in four different ways: lying on our mat, seated in a chair, replacing the floor with a wall, and standing on our mat in the middle of the room using modifications and variations, with purposeful hands-on assists.
Click the graphic to register!
Although the “accessible” workshops are geared toward yoga teachers wishing to teach students of all abilities, anyone wishing to learn how to creatively adapt their practice is welcome to attend. RYTs can earn 5 contact CEUs. We will take a one-hour lunch break.
If you are someone who would like to practice yoga asana but feel you're limited right now due to an injury or particular condition, please contact me (mainstreetyogafmt@gmail.com) about how you might be able to attend this workshop free of charge.
As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I hope you’ll give these workshops a try. I promise you’ll learn something new and possibly transform your or your students’ practice.
See you soon!
Angela