This weekend marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey for us at the 300-hour yoga teacher training, embarking on the 70-hour Advanced Philosophy and Methodology module. As a yoga teacher deeply passionate about this transformative experience, I feel compelled to share the essence of this journey, one that goes far beyond the physicality of yoga into the very heart of its philosophical and methodological richness.
Each day, we commence with a sacred 30-minute ceremony, setting the tone for introspection and connection. This is followed by a 90-minute yoga practice that not only challenges the body but also prepares the mind for the deep dive into the study of yoga asana. Our focus is not just on the surface-level anatomy and proper alignment but on exploring the energetics of the muscles and the profound implications of each pose.
It's easy to think of yoga in terms of poses and alignment. Yet, the truth unfolds beautifully when you begin to see the multitude of perspectives from which each asana can be approached. Suddenly, the realization dawns that every single pose harbors endless possibilities, waiting to be explored and understood.
My journey into the depths of yoga transformed when I encountered "Myths of the Asanas: The Stories at the Heart of the Yoga Tradition." This book peeled back the layers, revealing the magical narratives behind each pose. However, the magic did not stop there. The introduction to the "Body Encyclopedia: A Guide to the Psychological Functions of the Muscular System" was a revelation. Every pose, I discovered, tells a story through the muscles that are stretched and strengthened—a narrative of transformation and enlightenment.
During our training, we delve into the art of building a yoga sequence. This process involves:
- Choosing a peak pose and theme, such as a hip opener.
- Identifying the essential actions within the peak pose, focusing on the muscles involved.
- Finding poses with similar actions across different positions: seated, supine, prone, and standing.
- Selecting an intent that resonates with the psychological functions of the muscles engaged.
- Crafting an intelligent, mind-body connected, dharma-centered sequence that speaks to the soul.
But our exploration does not stop at the mat's edge. The advanced philosophy course encourages us to live yoga in every moment, off the mat. We explore personal daily ceremonies, actionable steps for achieving goals through the lens of yama and niyama, and delve into the profound messages of the Bhagavad Gita and Yoga Sutras. Mind mastery, a cornerstone of yoga, is approached through the unique framework that yoga offers, providing tools for navigating life's complexities with grace and wisdom.
This training is not merely about acquiring knowledge; it's about an invitation to integrate and experiment with these teachings in our daily lives. It's a call to journey inward, to discover the infinite depths of yoga and its transformative power.
To my fellow yoga teachers, I urge you not to miss out on this incredible opportunity. The journey through advanced philosophy and methodology is not just an enhancement of your teaching repertoire; it is a profound deepening of your own practice and understanding. It is an invitation to explore the endless possibilities that each asana offers, to connect deeply with the stories and energies that animate our practice, and to bring these insights into
every aspect of your life and teaching.
In embracing this journey, we not only enrich our own lives but also bring a deeper, more authentic experience to those we teach. Let us venture beyond the asanas together, exploring the vast horizons of yoga with curiosity, openness, and a deep commitment to our personal and collective growth.
Comments