STYLE

Vinyasa Yoga will be the theme of the asana program - we will follow the intelligent posture sequencing of Asthanga Yoga and bridge it with creative Vinyasa Flow sequencing. Our knowledge and guidance is based on authentic Ashtanga Yoga, Iyengar Yoga and traditional Hatha Yoga, as well as on modern Yin Yoga and Power Yoga.

With this richness of insight, GaiaTreeYoga TT will give you a clear understanding of how to practice and teach Vinyasa Yoga in a creative way, with the respect for traditional approach. We will go into details through the practice, with emphasis on proper alignment, adjustment, intention of practice and the development of teaching skills. You will study the sequence and realize the intelligence behind every pose.

You will understand how Yoga poses (asanas), breath (pranayama), gazing (dristhi) and yogi attitude (yama & niyama) create a synergy that has transformational power on physical, as well as mental and spiritual levels.

CONTENTS

Living Philosophy

To reach the underlying processes that are the foundation of Yoga practice, we will study different philosophies of Yoga to understand  how body-mind alchemy works, and how transformative processes take place. We will see how to apply Yogic experiential philosophy into daily life, moving away from the habitual mind toward the wisdom(full) mind.

Our philosophy lectures will be centered around classical texts such as Patanjali Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita and Hatha Yoga Pradipika, but you will also have an insight into the radical Kashmir Shaivism and Shaman’s philosophy.
Living philosophy classes will give you a clear idea how our basic thinking (dualistic, or monistic) and attitudes underpins our relation to the world, ourself, our students, as well as our Yoga practice and how it’s reflecting (consciously or unconsciously) in our teachings.

Meditation, Pranayama and Subtle Body understanding

The process of meditation is a spontaneous one. We will teach you how to use some ancient Yoga techniques to induce that state with regular practice. You will also learn simple techniques that you can teach to others, and you will gain a clear understanding of how Yoga meditation works according to scriptures, as well as a contemporary understanding.

Pranayama practice is to focus on the flow of prana, or vital life force, through breathing techniques. You will practice certain selected pranayamas and understand how they relate to subtle body anatomy.

Physical Anatomy / Energetic Anatomy / Ayurveda

Our anatomy classes embrace Western and traditional Eastern approaches. Emphasis on subtle Yoga anatomy – energy body, chakras, nadis, vayus, koshas, as well as Ayur Veda will be experienced and understood in relation to the process of Yoga. We will emphasize Yoga movement, discover the principles of yoga therapy and discuss medical conditions where Yoga poses are beneficial or not.

To understand how our constitution, food, behaviour and actions all impact our mental state is beneficial for teachers who are assisting students in their process of self-discovery. Such a holistic approach to anatomy will equip you with enough understanding of human functioning to help you improve your practice and your confidence in teaching.

The Art of Teaching

When you gain spiritual, or any other knowledge, you are “obligated” to give it away. Our bodies and minds are instruments of graceful spiritual flow, and the more we surrender to it, the more we are able to be aligned to our true self and to the purpose of our lives.

To be a Yoga teacher, you do not need to be perfect in all aspects of Yoga, although you have to keep your intention of giving, your enthusiasm of sharing, and keep trying to improve at every level. How is it possible to remember that we are instruments for Yoga tradition to continue? How can we put aside ego and pride? How to approach students without preconceived ideas, judgment or expectations? How to embrace life as it is and serve Yoga without hesitation, even when obstacles arise? How to grow as a Yoga teacher toward more spiritual development? How to know when it’s time to search for more knowledge and experience and where to find them? How to follow inner signs?

The art of teaching is the constant wisdom pouring from within.