GeoY0GA.ca
Develolpmental movement patterns and Yoga
Breathe, slither, crawl, and stand on your own two feet
Your individual movement history is echoed in the evolutionary movement history of the human species. Movement Patterns, such as oscillation, radiation from the centre, mouthing, cellular respiration, for example, are templates of learning and maintaining new movement. We learn as we develop. Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny is a fancy way of saying you are your species, and you can learn from each other. Lean into yourself! These patterns will be explored in the context of doing yoga asana and vinyasa, like you have never done them before!
Don’t Back Down!
The Psoas, the Bhandas, and a healthy back
There is so much available in Yoga intelligence to help us with our epidemic of chronic lower back pain. However, there is also much misinformation, or practices applied at the wrong time that can actually make things worse. This practical workshop will take the time to explore the underlying connective anatomy of the pelvis, abdomen and lower back, and provide specific series of movements for your body. Learn simple sequences to activate Mula Bandha, the body’s root stabilizing force, and explorations of movement to increase range of motion and incorporate the dynamically stable spine in Yoga poses and daily actions. Thanks, Tom Petty.
Om for the Holidays
A day of Mantra, Mudra, and Meditation
Sound vibration is the basic energy of matter. This workshop will begin with a warm-up and exploration of the body’s sound resonators. Yum Hum. We will then learn the Gaiatri Mantra and an accompanying ‘hand dance’ of mudras (energetic hand postures). We will also learn two Mudra series, one from the Buddhist tradition, and one from the Advaita tradition, to support meditation. Particularly useful for those who say “I just can’t stay still long enough to meditate”. Guaranteed feel good fun and ‘quality time’ with your body.
Relax, Restore and Renew
New Year, New You
Restorative Yoga practice has become a mainstay for many students and teachers. The extended time in supported postures allows for a ‘re-set’ of the nervous system and a deep release into a natural state of relaxed well being. This workshop begins with a restorative series of supported heart openers, twists and forward bends. We will then practice a gentle joint opening series (Pavanmuktasana), and follow up with a session of Yoga Nidra to round out this relaxing, restorative and renewing Yoga Day.
Salutation to the Other
An inspiring day of interactive Yoga
Explore doing yoga with others in this invigorating and playful workshop. Work with ‘the Other’ and your Self by observing, following, sharing touch and weight as you move through postures and salutations. Participants will be guided safely and at their own pace through basic warmup partner exercises that will lead to extended mutual Yoga Flow. The most fun you can have with your clothes on. Happy Velentine's Day!