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Review the Lineup- February 2-14, 2023

 

A Somatic Approach to Healing Pain Patterns & Chronic Tension in the Neck & Shoulders 

With Liz Heffernan, M.A., C-IAYT Yoga Therapist, E-RYT 500

February 2 from 9:30-11:00am PST (California) /12:30pm-2:00pm (New York) / 5:30pm -7:00pm (London)

Somatic movements are gentle, neuromuscular release techniques designed to re-educate your brain and realign your body to help you move about your day free of tension, aches, and pains.  This session will include a discussion on frozen shoulder, rotator cuff injuries, and chronic neck tension. Expect 45 minutes of discussion and lecture followed by a 35-45 minute practice. The movement practice is accessible and gentle, you will need a place to lie down on the floor that is warm. It would be helpful to have either one blanket, a pillow, or a towel nearby.

At the age of 40, Liz suffered from a frozen shoulder that impacted her work as a yoga teacher significantly.  After consulting with medical professionals and being offered pain medications and/or surgery, Liz turned instead to somatics and yoga for healing.  Her journey back to wholeness through these modalities strengthened her belief in the body’s innate ability to heal. She has since shared these body-wisdom modalities with others with great success.

 

The Use of Hand Gestures, Mudras, in Yoga Therapy

With Joseph Le Page, M.A., Yoga Therapist

February 3 at 9:30am-11:00am PST  (California) /12:30pm-2:00pm (New York) / 5:30pm -7:00pm (London)

This workshop will present and practice mudras for a wide range of therapeutic applications including mudras for specific health conditions, mudras for directing the breath to specific areas of the body for healing, mudras for balancing the autonomic nervous system, mudras for cultivating healing qualities and mudras for spiritual healing. All participants will receive a ten-page handout with detailed information on the material presented.

Joseph Le Page is the founder of Integrative Yoga and Integrative Yoga Therapy, a pioneer in the field of Yoga therapy training programs since 1993. He is co-founder and director of the Enchanted Mountain Yoga Center in Santa Catarina, Brazil, one of the largest Yoga retreat centers in South America. He is the co-author of the book Yoga Toolbox for Teacher and Students, one of the most widely used materials in teacher training programs in the US and in Brazil, published by Integrative Yoga. He is also co-author of the book Mudras for Healing and Transformation, also published by Integrative Yoga. Joseph’s upcoming book, together with Karin Silberberg, is Pranayama for Healing and Transformation. Joseph is currently on the faculty of Inner Peace Yoga Therapy. 

 

What is Therapeutic Yoga? Is All Yoga Therapeutic? 

With Liz Heffernan, C-IAYT and the Soma Yoga Team

February 4 at 9:30am-11:00am PST  (California) /12:30pm-2:00pm (New York) / 5:30pm -7:00pm (London)

There are so many different styles of yoga out there, each with its own unique focus and approach. With class names ranging from Hatha, Vinyasa, Funky Flow, Iyengar, Ashtanga, Bikram, Kundalini among others, it can be hard to choose a yoga class or a yoga teacher training program that’s just right for you. Let's upack what research is showing yoga's benefits are and also discuss the differences between the many yoga styles. As we explore techniques and approaches used in therapeutic practices we will unpack the question "Is all yoga therapeutic?". You will take away the 7 key elements of a therapeutic practice that you can apply to any style, any class, at anytime. 

 

Liz Heffernan, MA, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT is a gifted international yoga teacher, a certified Yoga Therapist and long-term practitioner. She combines her in-depth knowledge of anatomy and bio-mechanically safe alignment principles with insights and practical wisdom gained from over 24 years of yoga teaching & immersive study. She is the Founder and Director of Soma Yoga Institute, a world-wide and ONLINE yoga teacher training school that embraces a therapeutically-oriented, heart-centered approach. These programs, heralded by many as truly inspirational, combine modern day biomechanics and research driven science with ancient teachings and serve to teach adaptive Yoga for all BODIES as a practice for vibrant health, self-transformation and personal empowerment.

Your New Core: Recruiting Your Anti- Gravity Muscles for Integrated Postural Alignment and Decreased Back Pain

With Laura Staton, OTR/L, C-IAYT

February 5 at 9:30am-11:00am PST (California) /12:30pm-2:00pm (New York) / 5:30pm -7:00pm (London)

There are six anti-gravity muscles which play an important role in maintaining upright posture. These muscles comprise much of the posterior body and are easily accessed in a well-rounded yoga practice. By understanding the function of the distinct muscle groups, you will learn to strengthen them and maintain upright posture, rehabilitate back injuries and establish integrated, flexible core support.

Laura works as a yoga therapist and Occupational Therapist and her recent book Yoga Bones- A Comprehensive Guide to Managing Pain and Orthopedic Injuries Through Yog, bridges these two disciplines. For the past two decades, Laura has been committed to utilizing yoga as a healing practice, and is passionate about the powerful effect yoga has on our physical and emotional well-being.

 

Age with Grace and Presence through Yoga’s Infinite Potential 

With Sundari Lucey, E-RYT 500

February 6 at 9:30am-11:00am PST  (California) /12:30pm-2:00pm (New York) / 5:30pm -7:00pm (London)

As we navigate through our wisdom years a plethora of possible mental and physical challenges await. Join us to uncover the latest research on yoga and aging.  Explore Yoga’s powerful potential to help navigate aging challenges with grace and ease. Expect several short chair yoga practices.  You will need a chair (without arms if possible).

Yoga experienced with Sundari connects you to the source of your own radiance, that vibration that reflects your own divinity. Sundari’s gift to this lifestyle of yoga is sensitivity, humor, and expertise. With 40 years of study and practice of yoga, Sundari’s instruction is open-hearted and deeply informative holding the highest intention for each student to reveal their own inner light, presence and essential Self.

 

Putting Ayurveda into Practice

With Serena Arora,  BEd, MHT, AHP, C-IAYT E-RYT500

February 7 at 9:30am-11:00am PST  (California) /12:30pm-2:00pm (New York) / 5:30pm -7:00pm (London)

When you begin to see life through an Ayurvedic lens, you’ll learn a new way to see energy. And being able to see the energy of the people…places…food…yoga poses…relationship…career choices…etc in your life, you’ll discover important information on whether these things are contributing to the fabric of your well-being, or depleting it. After this 90 minute informative, practical, personal discovery with Ayurvedic Health Practitioner & Yoga Therapist Serena Arora, you’ll walk away with a simple yet effective personal daily practice - one that’ll support the quality of your life energy (prana), vitality (tejas), and immunity (ojas).

Serena's teaching of over 22 years is supported by life-long practice and world-wide study including a Bachelor of Education and Masters in Holistic Therapy. As an Ayurvedic Health Practitioner, certified yoga therapist, former middle school teacher, and entrepreneur, Serena brings a unique depth of knowledge, creativity, and experience to her students. Currently based in Playa Negra, Costa Rica, Serena is co-founder for Swastha Yoga International and Peace Retreat Costa Rica.

 

Yoga for Mental Health

With Peggy Profant, C-IAYT Yoga Therapist, E-RYT 500

February 8 at 9:30am-11:00am PST (California) /12:30pm-2:00pm (New York) / 5:30pm -7:00pm (London)

In a world that has become increasingly challenging, the effects of yoga on mental health are more relevant than ever. We will explore the wisdom of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and see how this ancient knowledge is pertinent to humanity today. During this 90 minute session we will explore a few sutras focusing on mental wellbeing, practice some pranayama and  meditation to stabilize the mind and activities to take the journey back to your true self to reflect on your indwelling presence. 

 As a yoga practitioner and teacher for over 25 years, Peggy has always been intrigued by the aspects of mental well-being through yoga. In her studies to become a yoga therapist, she focused primarily on yoga psychology and the healing benefits of yoga for herself and her clients. Her therapeutic approach blends the ancient wisdom of yoga with western psychology to help clients become less obstructed by the disillusioned mind and more firmly anchored in their true, radiant self. 

 

Mindfulness & G.R.A.C.E  : distinguishing between empathetic distress and compassion, bringing compassion to life through mindful nurturing

With Samantha Akers, C-IAYT Yoga Therapist. E-RYT 500, CMT, MFRT

February 9 at 9:30am-11:00am PST (California) /12:30pm-2:00pm (New York) / 5:30pm -7:00pm (London)

In this lecture & mindfulness practice, Sam will share the differences between empathetic distress (what we mistakenly call compassion burnout) and compassion. Compassion must contain empathy but unlike empathy, compassion is ever-expanding. Sam will share a bit from her G.R.A.C.E. training, which is a set of tools we can use to remind ourselves how to ground ourselves, regulate our nervous systems and remind us of what really serves the greater good, in times of distress and heartache. This talk will include a mindfulness practice. 

Sam is the founder of TheraYoga Method and SitBeLove Meditation & Dharma. She opened the first fully therapeutic yoga studio in Los Angeles in 2010. As a myofascial release therapist, yoga therapist, certified mindfulness teacher and mentor and certified trauma resiliency coach, she has a passion for weaving these modalities together to help students become their best WHOLE selves. She has 25 years of experience in teaching and practice of yoga and Dharma. Sam is currently earning her Masters of Divinity in Buddhist Chaplaincy through Upaya Zen center and completed training for Socially Engaged Buddhism in 2022.

  

How Children Practicing Yoga Change the World 

With Christine McArdle, E-RYT 500, Author

February 10 at 9:30am-11:00am PST (California) /12:30pm-2:00pm (New York) / 5:30pm -7:00pm (London)

Come to this seminar to discuss how to promote a more holistic development for ALL. Learn the researched benefits and therapeutic effects of yoga for children. Explore the difference between a simple, traditional yoga class for kids versus an epic, therapeutic yoga class for kids and why they are both needed. Two million kids practice yoga in the USA, let's join forces to shift humanity radically and increase this number tenfold! 

Christine McArdle is an author and the founder of Om Shree Om, or Home Sweet Home, a school based in Granada, Spain that trains teachers to share yoga with children, adolescence, children with special needs, and adults. With over twenty years of experience in the field, this teacher and mother has hundreds of real-life transformative stories that will inspire you on your yogic path no matter where it leads you.

 

How to Deepen Your Practice and Evolve Your Yoga 

With Liz Heffernan, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT Yoga Therapist

February 11 at 9:30am-11:00am PST (California) /12:30pm-2:00pm (New York) / 5:30pm -7:00pm (London)

Two Part Presentation

Part One  - Obstacles on the Path

Yoga, as a life practice, requires great dedication and unwavering consistency. We all face periods when our motivation is high and showing up to our practice is easy.  However, if you are on the path long enough obstacles will arise. These will inevitably stall your progress; motivation wanes, injury arises, or doubts clouds our judgement. Let's unpack what the ancient source texts say about these obstacles and extract jewels of wisdom that we can drawn on in times of need.

Part Two - Immersive Yoga Study Opportunities

Immersions and teacher training programs are not just for those that wish to teach. 50% of students are there to deepen their own practice.  Taking the deep dive to learn the alignment, deepen your understanding of philosophy and evolve your practice in loving community has far reaching effects and life long benefit. Learn about the types, options and top considerations of programs available from online and weekend format to destination immersions programs.  Differentiating between programs can be time consuming and overwhelming.  Learn how to choose a program that is just right for you and get all your questions answered with Liz Heffernan, C-IAYT

Liz Heffernan, MA, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT is a gifted international yoga teacher, a certified Yoga Therapist and long-term practitioner. She combines her in-depth knowledge of anatomy and bio-mechanically safe alignment principles with insights and practical wisdom gained from over 24 years of yoga teaching & immersive study. She is the Founder and Director of Soma Yoga Institute, a world-wide and ONLINE yoga teacher training school that embraces a therapeutically-oriented, heart-centered approach. These programs, heralded by many as truly inspirational, combine modern day biomechanics and research driven science with ancient teachings and serve to teach adaptive Yoga for all BODIES as a practice for vibrant health, self-transformation and personal empowerment.

The 5 Layers of Self-Awareness, Finding Clarity, Contentment and Resilience in a Complicated World

With Beth Gibbs, C-IAYT Yoga Therapist, Author, M.A

February 12 from 9:30-11:00am PST  (California) /12:30pm-2:00pm (New York) / 5:30pm -7:00pm (London)

This workshop will present a contemporary view of self-awareness based on the 3,000-year old kosha model from the Taittiriya Upanishad, an East Indian Wisdom tradition. The five-layers of self-awareness provide a broader foundation for self-exploration than the more well-known Western mind/body model. After a description of each layer (kosha), we’ll experience a series of movements, focused breathing, visualization and meditation to take participants through all five layers.

Compassionate Action: Embracing the Intersectionality of Trauma, Wellness, and Social Justice 

With Marsha Banks-Harold, C-IAYT Yoga Therapist

February 13 at 9:30am-11:00am PST (California) /12:30pm-2:00pm (New York) / 5:30pm -7:00pm (London)

Embracing the intersectionality of trauma, wellness and social justice creates an opportunity to explore the compassionate action framework: implementing self-study, building relationships, amplifying resiliency, and fostering compassionate action.  Tapping into the tools and practices of yoga and yoga therapy prepares our community to create compassionate sharing experiences where all beings are honored and valued.  This authentic interactive session will propel each participant to continue the individual and collective work necessary to utilize tools, resources, education, and creativity to ensure that a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is standard operating procedures in the yoga, yoga therapy, mindfulness and SEL communities.

Marsha D. Banks-Harold, BSEE, Director of PIES Fitness Holistic Yoga Therapy and Yoga Teacher Training Programs, owner of PIES Fitness Yoga Studio, creator of My Body Don’t Bend That Way Yoga, executive engineering leader, and co-founder of Awakening Yoga Spaces, is a certified yoga therapist and member of the Board of Directors through the International Association of Yoga Therapists and a Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga Facilitator and Mentor through the Center for Trauma and Embodiment.  She is  published in Yoga Therapy Today:  1) Building the Business of Yoga Therapy and 2) Reclaiming Humanity & Community: Healing the Trauma, Pain, & Suffering of Prejudice and Disparity and is a contributing author in Yoga Therapy Foundations, Tools, and Practice: a Comprehensive Textbook.  Marsha blossoms in creating supportive, inclusive, diverse, adaptive and accessible yoga therapy and yoga experiences for all.  She is an experienced workshop leader and public speaker.

 

Yoga for Veterans: Supporting Post Traumatic Growth Through Mindful Resilience

With Brianna Renner, E-RYT 500 

February 14 at 9:30am-11:00am PST (California) /12:30pm-2:00pm (New York) / 5:30pm -7:00pm (London)

Mindful Resilience has been successfully integrated into mental health and addiction treatment programs for veterans and active duty military across the US and Canada. It is evidence-informed and the practices have been chosen and adapted based on clinical and neuro-scientific knowledge about post-traumatic stress and its treatment.  Clinical testing was based on feedback from hundreds of veterans and active duty service members receiving treatment at residential and outpatient treatment programs.

Brianna is a beautiful blend of her past, current surroundings and hopefulness for the future. Brianna has honorably served in the Marine Corps and is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the Veterans Yoga Project. She is a lead instructor for VYP's Mindful Resilience Training for Trauma Recovery as well as the 200 hour Mindful Resilience YogaTeacher Training.

 

Cultivating Internal Safety: How Yoga Supports Nervous System Regulation in Trauma Resolution Work 

With Alison Scola, LMT, C-IAYT, E-RYT 500 

February 15 at 9:30am-11:00am PST (California) /12:30pm-2:00pm (New York) / 5:30pm -7:00pm (London)

In this offering Alison will share the fundamentals of body based nervous system regulation and the practices that easily support coming into balance. You can expect lecture, Q&A, & a gentle movement/breath practice. 

Alison Scola is a yoga therapist & manual body worker with a focus on trauma sensitivity. It was her own recovery journey that guided her to study with: White Lotus Foundation, Integrative Yoga Therapy, YogAlign at Kauai Yoga School, Healing Hands school of Holistic Health, Novato Institute for Somatic Research &Training, Somatic Experiencing International, & The Embody Lab. Alison is currently working toward her certification as a Somatic Experiencing Practioner and Somatic Attachment Therapist. She enjoys working with private clients in San Diego & online as well as leading international teacher trainings & retreats. 

Purchase the How Yoga Heals Series with Lifetime Access for only $97 here.