WORKSHOPS
(click on the title to read a description)

Men & Yoga Intensive
The Sleep of Yogis
Upward Flying
Core Strengthening
Trance Dance Ritual
Partners Yoga
Delicate Balance
Living the Practice
Shifting Gravity

NEW WORKSHOPS
(descriptions coming soon)

The Myth of Poses
Yoga & Ayurveda for Cyclists
Yoga & Ayurveda

Men & Yoga
Intensive
Om Namaha Shivaya

From Shiva’s creation of yoga, to sage Patanjali’s mastery and organization of it, from the inspired teaching of Krishnamacharya, to its synthesis by contemporary Western teachers— the masculine role in yoga is indisputable. This is an opportunity for men to experience their inherent connection to this living tradition, a tradition passed down from man to man since its inception. Workshop includes a multi media presentation, daily healthcare practices, kriyas, and sadhanas relative to men, All levels, men only.

In addition to his years as a yoga instructor, David Moreno, is also a principal facilitator for the “Spirit Journeys” organization, which leads men’s retreats, workshops, and journeys to sacred sites around the world.

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The Sleep of Yogis:
Salutations to the Moon
Om Namo Chandraya Namaha

Most yogis are familiar with "Surya Namaskara" (Sun Salutations) yet, few have been introduced to the benefits and esoteric practices of "Chandra Namaskara" (Moon Salutations). Likewise, most yogis learn "savasana" (corpse pose) as the final pose of asana practice. Yet, "savasana" is just the tip of an entire tantric meditative, healing, and death practice, known as "Yogic Sleep" or "Yogi Nidra‘" (as taught by Paramahamsa Satyananda of the Bihar School of Yoga). This candle lit class is taught at night attuning participants to lunar energy and deeper pranic awareness.

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Upward Flying:
The Bandhas & Vinyasa Yoga

The Bandhas are essential to yoga and are what distinguish asana practice from other forms of exercise. They constitute the core physical and energetic strength necessary for Ashtanga & Vinyasa yoga, stimulate the awakening of kundalini shakti in Kindalini yoga, and, are the organic result of alignment practiced in Anusara yoga.

This workshop focuses on the proper use of bandhas (energetic and muscular locks) as means for sustaining and deepening yoga practice.

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Core Strengthening:
Bandha, Pranayama, & Pilates

Workshop covers the key elements for core strengthening in postures and in daily activity through the uses of Uddiyana bandha, pranayama, and asana's that require abdominal awareness. The core will be viewed from the esoteric and practical perspectives, (including relevant kriyas, and selected Pilates mat exercises), all levels. Good for strengthening and supporting weak backs.

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Trance Dance Ritual

Since the beginning of recorded history, civilizations around the world have used trance dance as a form of prayer, as an active way for communing with nature, spirit, or deities. It was, and is, a participatory means for healing, for visions, or for finding answers to challenges facing an individual or the collective. Trance Dance has endured the test of time because of its power, offering us the same benefits today and it did in ancient times.

Trance Dances are danced blind folded, for long periods of time. Although they appear to be social in nature, they are ultimately for the individual to journey deeper into, and with, oneself in the company of others. Trance Dance is a powerful and energetic way of gathering insights.

David Moreno has been leading Trance Dances at conferences and retreats for the last five years. He was certified as a Trance Dance guide through the Natalie Institute in Austin, Texas.

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Partners Yoga

The Partners Workshop includes asana, pranayama, meditation, and mantra practices done in pairs. It is taught in a vinayasa style, moving sequentially from standing to seated postures, from backbends to inversions. Participants should be somewhat familiar and competent with these types of poses. Partners Yoga is a fun and effective way to approach traditional yoga practices, while developing greater intimacy with yourself and others.

Partners Yoga can be deeply beneficial for couples, but it is not required that you come with your significant other. At the same time many of these poses and sequences require a certain amount of intimacy, so come with someone you feel physically comfortable with or an openness to explore. Certain poses may require instructor to mix and match partners according to height and weight. This workshop is especially beneficial for intermediate level students.

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A Delicate Balance:
The Art of Teaching Yoga

This workshop was developed specifically for teachers after instructing at Teacher Training Courses around the country. It is a playful and fun way to reassess our role and skills as teachers provides us a forum for asking questions to peers and to ourselves, while creating a deeper sense of community, something often lost with booked teaching schedules. Whether you have been teaching for one year or ten years, you are certain to discover valuable insights and pertinent information from this dynamic workshop. "A Delicate Balance" is especially useful to studios who have a large teaching crews with varying backgrounds and styles.

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Living the Practice

This workshop for men will enhance preexisting yoga and meditation practices, while presenting an overview of the Ayurvedic disciplines, which help support and sustain various spiritual practices through lifestyle. It responds to a growing request by gay and bisexual men for an in-depth retreat on traditional practices within the community context of like-minded men .

Regardless, of the style of yoga or meditation practices you are currently engaged in, this retreat will give you a foundation on how to maintain and cultivate daily practices. It will also, make obvious the intimacy available to men when sharing these practices, allowing for tangible integration once you return home.

This course is co taught with vice-abbess of the Bodhi Mandala Zen Center, Jiun Hosen Osho

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Shifting Gravity

Inversions revitalize the entire body and are often referred to as the king and queen of asana practice. They reverse the effects of gravity, flooding the brain with vital nutrients. The mind clears and thinking improves. They help cleanse and replenish the body at its deepest level. By elevating the legs circulation is improved and the lymphatic system is drained. Face muscles and skin are nourished and fatigue in the legs and feet is relieved. The intestines are stimulated, improving digestion and elimination. Inversions can also assist insomnia, calming the nervous system and allowing for restful sleep.

These particular benefits are especially true when inversions are sustained for longer periods of time. This workshop teaches auspicious alignment and attitude necessary to sustain inversions.

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