TIAS LITTLE
The Fluid Body: Yoga Anatomy Intensive & Teacher Training

In Level I attention was given primarily to the legs and lower trunk; in Level II we study in depth the upper trunk, arms, and hands. We provide an in-depth exploration of the ribs, diaphragm, shoulder girdle, brachial plexus, heart/lung and throat. In the asana training we detail ways to open the hands and forearms in order to properly support the shoulders in weight bearing. Asana sequences include poses that open the chest and back, back bends, inversions and arm balances. We look at active and passive ways to open the ribs, sternum and diaphragm. Much time is devoted to the shoulder girdle and practicing poses that serve to align the shoulders and reduce strain in the rotator cuff area. This week we practice pranayama while introducing ways to sensitize the diaphragm, ribs and lung tissue. We detail the practice of jalandhara bandha and its effects on the throat chakra, and the thyroid gland.
The primary theme for this week is the fluid system. We look at the fluid pulse (spanda) that animates the cosmic cycles of creation/destruction, particularly through the powerful metaphors of ocean and river. As we explore the cosmic themes of water and life, we detail the circulation of blood, lymph and cerebral-spinal fluid through the body.

In the Wisdom Training we investigate the power of myth and in particular the teachings on maya, or the Illusory nature of the visible world. We continue to detail the teachings on loving kindness and metta established in Session I, with emphasis on the heart chakra. We look at the way emotional holding may become buried in the chest and upper back.

The continuation of Diet for a Yoga Practice includes a study of the Ayurvedic principles related to body type, metabolic function and digestive fire. The Yoga Nutrition study includes designing a diet that is most appropriate for the student’s individual body type.

In this Session II training Tias continues to teach from "the ground up" with emphasis on the feet, the inner seams of the legs and the core support up the front of the spine. There is a continued exploration into the body's primary diaphragms of the feet, the pelvic floor, the respiratory diaphragm and the palate. Attention will also be given in this course to sequencing for an asana class. Students and teacher look together at how to design a practice that builds toward introducing a new pose or practicing an advanced pose.

Includes anatomy training manual. Please bring mat, block, blanket and 8 ft. strap.

Each day of anatomy will include an asana practice from 9:30-11 am and a 1-1/2 hour lunch break from 12:30-2 pm.

Counts as 24 hours toward: Yoga Alliance Anatomy Requirement; Prajna Yoga Teacher Training; Moksha Yoga Center Teacher Training; Prairie Yoga Teacher Training. Please ask for more information.

The course is expected to fill quickly so please register early!

Tias Little has has been a student of Iyengar Yoga since 1985. He spent 6 months in Mysore in 1990 studying Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga and again in 1996. He is a student of Tsoknyi Rinpoche’s in the Dzogchen practice of Vajrayana Buddhism. He is steeped in the Soto School of Zen Buddhism and is an avid student of Dogen.

Tias is trained in massage, cranial-sacral therapy and has studied extensively with Tom Myers in Anatomy Trains. In 1998 he earned a Master’s degree in Eastern Philosophy from St. John’s College. Since 2006 Tias has been studying trauma and recovery through Somatic Experiencing.

www.prajnayoga.net