Our hatha yoga courses are designed to educate the body and mind through basic movement principles while developing the vital breath in preparation for the deeper methods of yoga practice.
Emphasis is placed on the groundwork and preparation necessary before entering the practices of Asana (postures), Bandhas (locks), Mudras (seals) and Pranayama (control of the vital wind). These tools are then used as means of getting the body prepared for the even more advanced stages of Pratyahara (non-distraction of the senses), Dharana (concentration) and Dhyana (meditation) in order to achieve Laya (absorption).
All courses require pre-registration. Space is limited.
Course content is adapted to those participating.
Programs are offered in weekly course format or as workshops or intensives and are presented in a progressive manner to guide the student safely and intelligently.
Intensives are powerful methods of learning where students can immerse themselves in a daily practice for a period of time. This heightens the focus and allows the content covered to sink in on deeper levels helping to cultivate permanent impressions.
Workshops explore a variety of yogic, ayurvedic and healing subjects. To view some workshops frequently offered click here.
Abhyasa Krama is our 3 year program for practitioners.
Stages of Sadhana
Intro – The shadow yoga warm up sequence and stances introduce the student to the prelude forms.
Pre-requisite : None
Preludes – Shadow yoga’s preludes are taught as introduction or in full practice formats.
Pre-requisite for 1st and 2nd prelude : Intro or some yoga experience
Pre-requisite for 3rd prelude : Knowledge of first two preludes
Self Practice – Students practice on their own without being led. Personal assistance is offered.
Pre-requisite : Knowledge of at least one practice sequence
Nṛtta Sādhanā – Dance of Shiva, 8 Palms, Karanas and Angaharas are introduced.
Pre-requisite : Knowledge of all three preludes
Shadanga Yoga (six-limbed yoga) – Hatha Yoga of Goraknath
Pre-requisite : All of the above
Mantra Sadhana – initiation into sound
Pre-requisite : All of the above
Intro to Shadow Yoga
Principles of shadow style hatha yoga are introduced through dynamic preparatory movements known as ‘Dasa Charana’ (ten churnings/roamings) and Jhiva Chala, along with basic stances. This simple yet challenging practice helps free up the joints in the body, releases muscular tension and encourages the proper flow of vital energy. The work has the specific purpose of correcting imbalances in the feet, legs and hips while reducing what is in excess in the body and mind. Students will be taught how to source their power in the feet, trigger it in the legs, control it through the waist, channel it through the spine and express it out the hands.
This course acts as the introduction to and the first stage of entering shadow yoga forms (preludes). A must for all those new to this unique style of hatha yoga, regardless of prior experience, as it forms the basis for the next levels.
Shadow Yoga’s Preludes
Balakrama (stepping into strength)
Shadow Yoga’s first prelude is a demanding fixed sequence that directly works on the body’s skeletal and muscular systems. It builds internal heat, physical strength and proper bone alignment. It develops power and endurance in both body and mind while regulating the breath to develop unobstructed rhythm and form. The results are the cultivation of courage, self-confidence, lightness, strength, flexibility, and integration, all of which are prerequisite to asana practice.
Chaya Yoddha Sancalanam (churning of the shadow warrior)
Shadow Yoga’s second prelude works on coordinating the lower limbs to their core through intricate hand and footwork. It develops skills in forward bending using fluid spiralling movements to help gain power in the legs and move it through the waist and inner organs. Narrow, tight stances and deep squats help free the pelvis and access the shins and feet while developing proper balance. It brings the practitioner inward with exhalation emphasis, cooling and soothing the body and mind. It builds self-acceptance and mental stability cultivating states of trust and surrender.
Karttikeya Mandala (garland of light)
Shadow Yoga’s third prelude works on integrating the upper limbs to their core. Wide stances teach positioning and centering. Deep twists and spiral actions in the waist train the practitioner how to source their power in the feet, trigger it in the legs, control it through the waist, channel it through the spine and express it out the hands. It cultivates skills in twisting, coiling, sinking, rising, inverting and balancing. It strengthens mental stability while developing physical coordination, self-awareness, intuition and sharpness.
Nṛtta Sādhanā
The eighth sutra of the Pashupata Sutras lists Nrtta as a method of worship and this is achieved by combining a number of short movements termed karanas. 108 of these are described in the traditional scriptures but only a few of those most suitable for internal cultivation are required in this sadhana.