STUDENT TRAINING PROGRAM IS COMING!
Deepen your practice with a locally trained teacher who is dedicated to your development during and beyond the program.
How it works:
The Student Training Program is a four part workshop offering. The sessions are progressive yet stand alone--take all, some, or one and your practice will benefit. Each session will focus on a different aspect of the practice, providing an historical/mythological foundation, an opportunity to dissect poses so that you can find what works for you as an individual, and breathing and meditation exercises. Students are encouraged to bring and ask questions—this is an opportunity for you to grow YOUR practice. And yes, there will be homework.
In addition to the workshops, I will provide access to numerous FREE resources which supplement the program and provide the opportunity to explore the subjects more deeply, should you choose. There are no books to buy. All you need to bring to the sessions are: a mat (the studio does have community mats), something to write with and write on, and an open mind.
This course is designed to complement the practice of all levels: from very beginners through advanced practitioners. You don’t need to be flexible, strong, or know your asana from your bandha. All you need is the ability to say maybe.
Program Objective:
To provide students with the opportunity to grow and connect more deeply with their practice in a safe, non-competitive, and supportive environment.
Program Overview:
Session 1: Yoga From Then to Now: A Living History Saturday August 20th 1:30-3:30
Knowledge Practice: This session will provide an historical context for why we do what we do in our physical based yoga classes. We will introduce some of the mythological figures who are frequently mentioned in classes (why is there a dancing elephant on the wall?), introduce some Sanskrit, and answer the question: What is this Vinyasa thing?
Physical Practice: We will break down the Sun Salutations and a few standing poses, providing several variations (with and without props) so that you can create a short, complete practice which you can take home. Following the physical practice, the art of conscious breathing and sitting still will be introduced.
Session 2: I Don’t Know My Asana from my Bandha September 17th 1:30-3:30
Knowledge Practice: An introduction to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the centuries old handbook which serves as the basis for every Hatha Yoga class (any class based on postures and breathing is Hatha Yoga regardless of brand name). Hatha Yogic practices are designed to move energy within the body. We will discuss how and why this is done before practicing some of the techniques.
Physical Practice: We will create a series out of several of the specific poses mentioned in this text, providing several variations for each so that everyone can find a place in the postures to practice. The practice of bandha and mudra will be introduced. Following the physical practice, we will practice a specific breathing technique and sit for meditation.
Session 3: The Yoga Sutras: 8 Limbs and then Some October15th 1:30-3:30
Knowledge Practice: The goal of Hatha Yoga is Raja Yoga, and Raja Yoga is spelled out by Patanjali in The Yoga Sutras. Who was this Patanjali, what are the 8 limbs, and how are they represented in our physical practice? We will discuss these questions and how the 8 limbs (representing only a very small fraction of the work) relate to the Yoga Sutras as a whole.
Physical Practice: Seeing things from a different angle: an inversion primer. Previously we have learned to move with the breath, bend forward, backwards, and side to side. Now it is time to turn our world upside down. We will work into shoulder stand, head stand, hand stand, and forearm balance—gradually, logically, and safely. I will show you that you can practice these poses without a wall. Why are these poses so vital to physical practice? Come and see. Inversions are a powerful primer for breath control and meditation. Breathing practice will incorporate retention before sitting for meditation.
Session 4: Stories from The Ramayana and The Mahabharata November 12 1:30-3:30
Knowledge Practice: Humanity’s oldest (The Ramayana) and longest (The Mahabharata, which contains The Bhagavad Gita) Epics present all of the most ancient teachings in the form of stories which are accessible to everyone and transcend cultures. A great number of poses which we practice regularly are based on characters who appear in these works. A basic outline of both works will be presented, and specific tales will be told during the physical practice.
Physical Practice: Every pose has a story, and is a direct link to history. We will use the stories to explain and dissect the poses, "going deeper" with understanding. Many poses will be arm balances and inversions, however, all will be broken into segments so that every student can gain enjoyment and benefit from their practice.
Your Instructor:
Ron Hayes is thankful for the opportunity and volition to practice. Ron is a Certified Yoga Instructor, who completed his 200 hr training at Satya Yoga Center in Rhinebeck, NY, and has taught locally since 2007. The seed of practice was planted within Ron in his early teen years when his aunt took him to see a psychic. The palm reader said: “You need to learn to stand on your head.” Some fifteen years later, Ron was the only student to attend a yoga class in the middle of a blizzard. The instructor asked: “Do you know headstand?” From that one question a casual exercise blossomed into a consistent spiritual practice. Ron practices the Ashtanga Vinyasa System 6 days per week and continually studies The Ramayana, The Bhagavad Gita, The Yoga Sutras, and the writings of Swami Sivananda. Ron offers his practice to his students to demonstrate that by saying "maybe," things that once seemed impossible can be come a reality. And yes, he really can do his job standing on his head.
“Do your practice and all is coming.” ~Sri K. Pattabhi Jois
Please CONTACT ME for more information.
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