Syllabus

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Shala begins September 9th 2012 Now Accepting Applications

Syllabus

The following is an overview of what will be covered in Shala. A complete syllabus will be supplied with the course materials.

Asana Theory and Practice

Study over 50 postures and the technique of teaching the postures, the benefits of each posture, modifications, contraindications, and the use of props.

  • Sun salutations.
  • Standing poses.
  • Sitting poses, forward bends and hip openers.
  • Sitting/supine twists.
  • Backbends.
  • Inversions.
  • Arm balances.
  • Restorative postures.

Creating a class/Sequencing/General teaching points

  • Elements of great teaching.
  • Classroom organization and set up.
  • Creating a class plan.
  • Teaching progressively focusing on alignment principles.
  • The basic principles of sequencing.

Meditation and Breath Work

  • Benefits of meditation/different meditation techniques.
  • The creation of meditation journals.
  • Creating a personal meditation practice.
  • Pranayama-the art and science of the breath.
  • Various breathing techniques.
  • How to incorporate breathing into postures and into your classes.
  • How breath work assists the body.
  • Bandha’ – How they regulate the flow of energy and assists the practitioner in Asana
  • Mudra`s – Explore how they stimulate different parts of the body involved with breathing and affect the flow of prana.
  • Chanting – Study the art, energy, and breath works of chanting.

Teaching Methodology

  • Teaching to special populations/the therapeutic properties of yoga.
  • Prenatal yoga, healthy backs, and restorative postures.
  • Ayurveda the sister science of yoga: the practical application of the science of ayurveda and yoga for your dosha.
  • Assisting and adjusting in the yoga practice. Learning the art of safe adjustments of postures/assisting students in class.

Yoga Anatomy and Physiology

  • The study of the skeletal, muscular, respiratory, and nervous system in the anatomy of yoga.
  • Examining how bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments work in the asana practice.
  • Chakras for Yoga Teachers.
  • Subtle Body Anatomy of the chakras, nadis and the application of chakras energy in the practice of Yoga.

Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle, and Ethics

  • History of Yoga.
  • The study and discussion of Raja, Bhakti, Jnana, Hatha, karma and Tantric Yoga.
  • Yoga Philosophy/ Yoga and Spirituality.
  • The study and discussion of the Yoga Sutras of Pantanjali, The Bhagadava Gita, and other classical texts-including assignments and projects.

Yoga Lifestyle and Ethics

  • Studying yoga lifestyle and the ethics of a yoga teacher.
  • Studying the attitude and presence of the teacher.
  • The seat of yoga teacher/teaching as service/why we teach/creating a sacred space
  • Ethical guidelines for the student teacher relationship; Classical Ethical Guidelines (assignment/ project.)

Yoga Teaching Practicum

  • Group discussions.
  • Practicing teaching with RYT/ERYT.
  • Karma yoga.
  • Receiving/giving feedback.
  • Group teaching during class hours.
  • Teaching under the supervision of the program director.