​Outline of Session One
1. The 8 limbs of yoga as written in the Yoga Sutras
2. Gentle, Beginner, and Intermediate Sun Salutations
3. The cell, respiratory system, psoas, and iliacus
4. The Belly Breath
5. Om Shanti Mantra
6. Breath and Mantra as Meditation
7. Combing techniques to create a personal practice
Required Texts
  • The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali; Translation and Commentary by Sri Swami Satchidananda
  • Trail Guide to the body by Andrew Biel 4th edition or newer
  • Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar
  • You can heal your life by Louise Hay
  • Be here now by Ram Dass
  • The seven spiritual laws of yoga by Deepak Chopra
  • Fierce Medicine by Ana Forrest 
 
           ASSIGNMENTS​
  • 1. Please do some research and explain what SATYA means in 5 sentences and how can you incorporate this meaning into your life.
  • 2. Please research Aparigraha and decribe the meaning in your own words and how you can relate it to modern life in 5-10 sentences.
  • 3. How do you feel about Niyama at first glance? Write about this in  your journal.
  • 4. Set a timer for 10 minutes and notice all the distractions without focusing on your breath for the first 5 minutes and then for the last 5 minutes focus on your breath with a kind of ease recognizing the distractions as reminders to return to your breath and begin again.
  • 5. For now I'd like you to think about and research the respiratory system and journal your findings. How does the respiratory system work and why is it important. AND THEN, and ONLY THEN meditate on what makes us breathe...What in your educated and intuitive opinion makes us take our first and last breaths on this planet?
  • ​6. Based on what you've learned in Session One create an outline of your personal practice. It must include breathing, asana, and meditation. Be realistic with your time constraints. Create a plan that you can stick to and develop.
  • Example: 5 minutes of mantra/meditation practice 6am 5 minutes of breath work 20 minutes of sun salutations 5 minutes of journaling my experience Total = 35 minutes
  • 7. Name 10 verbal cues you learned from the Sun Salutations Video.
  • 8. How would you teach a new student age 65 to do a standing forward fold. Write down exactly what you would say.