Beyond Asanas

• The meaning, history and purpose of Yoga as a path of union and self-discovery.
• Karma Yoga: selfless action and service. Bhakti Yoga: devotion. Jnana Yoga: knowledge and self-enquiry. Raja Yoga: meditation and mastery of the mind.
• The relationship between traditional yogic paths and conscious living.

• Introduction to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the Bhagavad Gita and the wider philosophical foundations of Yoga.
• Pratyahara (turning the senses inward), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (absorption).
• The nature of the mind, awareness, attachment, suffering and the path towards Self-realisation.

• Ahimsa — non-harming.
• Satya — truthfulness.
• Asteya — non-stealing.
• Brahmacharya — wise use of energy.
• Aparigraha — non-grasping.

Applying these principles to relationships, communication, everyday choices and teaching.

• Shaucha — purity.
• Santosha — contentment.
• Tapas — disciplined practice.
• Svadhyaya — self-study.
• Ishvara Pranidhana — surrender.

Personal reflection, commitment and the cultivation of a meaningful daily practice.

• Breath awareness, mindfulness, mantra meditation, guided meditation and silent sitting.
• An introduction to Vipassana, self-enquiry and the development of the witnessing awareness.
• Working with distraction and mental habits; cultivating concentration, presence and an ongoing meditation practice.

• Breath awareness, rhythm and the relationship between breath, mind and prana.
• Exploration of Nadi Shodhana, Ujjayi, Bhramari, Sheetali, Sheetkari, Kapalabhati and Bhastrika.
• Introduction to breath retention, preparation, appropriate progression, contraindications and adapting practices to individual needs.

• The yogic understanding of prana and how to work consciously with life energy.
• Chakras, the five koshas and the nadis, including Ida, Pingala and Sushumna.
• Yin and yang, energetic balance, and the relationship between attention, emotional patterns and our experience of energy.

• Mudras as yogic gestures for attention, meditation and working with energy.
• Introduction to Mula, Uddiyana and Jalandhara Bandha, and their relationship with Maha Bandha.
• The purpose, preparation and appropriate use of these practices, including precautions and contraindications.

• The traditional purpose and principles of yogic cleansing.
• An introduction to Neti, Dhauti, Nauli, Basti, Kapalabhati and Trataka.
• Understanding suitability, precautions and the importance of appropriate guidance when exploring cleansing practices.

• Mantra, chanting, kirtan and devotional practice through Bhakti Yoga.
• Exploring sacred sound, listening and silence; an introduction to Nada Yoga.
• Experiencing sound healing and learning introductory ways to share sound practices using voice and instruments.

• Yogic nutrition, rest, self-care, selfless service and bringing awareness into everyday life.
• Exploring limiting beliefs, emotional patterns, compassion, non-attachment and conscious communication.
• The benefits of meditation and pranayama, considering research alongside personal experience, and integrating learning through reflection and a personal practice.

• Planning and structuring meditation and pranayama classes; choosing practices, pacing and giving clear verbal guidance.
• Creating a welcoming environment, observing participants, adapting to different needs, and understanding consent, boundaries and the scope of a teacher’s role.
• Practice teaching with fellow participants, receiving constructive feedback and developing confidence in your own teaching voice.
• Yogic vocabulary and the teacher–student relationship, including the meaning of Namaste and Satsang.