TEACHER TRAINING > MADISON 2008-2009

Moksha Yoga Center Teacher Training Certification & Intensive Madison, WI August 19, 2006 - May 18, 2009

Description | Welcome | Schedule | Anatomy | Certification
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ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS

Daren Friesen is the director of Moksha Yoga Center and has studied with a variety of teachers in the U.S. and India.  He is the Owner and Director of Moksha Yoga Center in Chicago.

Co-Teacher: Aubree Saia is the owner of Jewel in the Lotus , and has completed various trainings and studies with a diverse group of teachers.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Yoga History & Philosophy
Understanding Union, Relationships & Opposites

What is yoga? This ancient system of health and well-being, reveals a path to develop and expand our fullest potential in body, mind, and spirit. We will look at sources such as Indian culture, vedic history, and ancient manuscripts such as the yoga sutras and the hatha yoga Pradipika which reveal the ancient classification of yoga. We will also study Patanjali eight-fold path known as ashtanga yoga.

• Yama - Relationship with Others
• Niyama - Relationship with Ourselves
• Asana - Postures
• Pranayama - Breath Control
• Pratyahara - Turning the Mind Inward
• Dharana - Concentration
• Dhyana - Meditation
• Samadhi - Ecstasy

Theory & Practice of Asana
Taking a Position of Steadiness and Comfort

The yoga sutras refer to asana as the integration of sthira (steadiness) and sukha (comfort). This important sutra will guide us as we look into the deeper aspects of asana, including alignment, adjustments, and variations. We will explore energetic techniques such as bandhas, dristi, kriyas, mudras, and chakras in order to expand our awareness and understanding of the subtle movement of prana through asana. Arranging our study of asana groups is in itself a unique sequence or vinyasa: sun salutations (surya namaskara), standing and balancing poses, abdominal strengtheners (hara), forward folds (paschimo) and backbends (purvo), twists (parivritta), inversions (viparita), and savasana

Theory & Practice of Pranayama
Regulating The Current of Life-Force Energy

Conscious breathing requires sensitivity to properly direct life energy (prana), which makes all physical, mental, and spiritual life possible. It is the subtle thread that connects us with universal consciousness. Pranayama is a way of using the breath to receive, generate, distribute, and store this vital energy. We will explore Ujjayi (victory breath), nadi shodhanam (alternating nostril), kappalabhati (breath of fire), sitali (cooling breath), and viloma (against the grain).

Theory and Practice of Teaching
Conveying the Essence of Yoga

The art of teaching is a yoga in itself, requiring sensitivity, compassion, and practice. A teacher must encourage and inspire, being sensitive to the needs of both the individual and the group.

• How to properly adjust using visual (body language), verbal (voice), and kinesthetic (touch) tools
• Sequencing, counterposes, and routines
• Integrate themes, rhythm, focus, direction
• Psychology ethics of the student/teacher relationship

Experiential Learning
Finding Wisdom & Understanding Within

Understanding from within requires the student to not only expand inner awareness and trust of intuition, but also to gain practical experience in the art and science of yoga in a variety of situations and venues.

• Observe, adjust, and assist in class with various teachers
• Develop individualized private lessons
• Teach a community class (basic level 1-2)
• Give selflessly by teaching at a hospital, senior-citizens home or charity fundraiser (known as karma yoga)