Upcoming Workshops:

Through individual practice of asana and pranayama, our understanding of yogic techniques becomes clear. How do we make teaching a natural outcome of this devoted practice? Working together, from our own personal experience, we will look at alternatives, therapeutic applications, and hands-on adjustments, clarifying their context, purpose, and limitations.

This monthly study group is for those who want to engage in a deeper exploration of the practice and philosophy of Iyengar Yoga. We will work together exploring asana, pranayama, anatomy, and therapeutics to support a comprehensive understanding of the components of yoga and how to skillfully share this understanding with others.

–Bring greater depth to your practice by studying the asana, pranayama and anatomy of your syllabus in a methodical way.
–Learn the teaching skills expected of the various levels and how to develop these skills to improve your teaching.
–Learn how to modify and adjust asanas for common issues.
–Practice classroom management skills while teaching to your peers.

Appropriate for experienced and novice teachers alike.

Participants are required to:

Attend weekly asana classes with a CIYT Level 2 or above.
Participate fully in the monthly Teacher Study Group sessions and complete related assignments.
Be committed to the study and practice of Iyengar Yoga.

In our previous backbend series we looked at how prone and supported backbends (in Sanskrit, Purva Pratana Sthiti) create a heightened awareness of the actions needed to reach the more complex and advanced poses. We also saw that to approach backbends one needs tapas – the will to develop the courage to face the inherent challenges of backbends, building confidence through the integration of skillful actions.

However, there is also something else at play in backbending. In asana practice, we tend to think of backbends as exhilarating and uplifting – which of course they are. But Mr Iyengar also states, “through the practice of backbends, by using the senses of perception to look back, and drawing the mind to the back portion of the body, one day meditation comes naturally”.

Join me, in the last of this series, as we go deeper in to the exploration of backbends, and deepen our understanding of the links between the more approachable asanas to the more seemingly far-reaching. We will gain not only the strength and control to perform them, but experience the grace of pranidhana, which means surrender, or to be supported by, the opening of the heartspace – the necessary basis for an equanimous, meditative and balanced life.

The ability to perform any given classic asana (unsupported) is not required. We will continue to work progressively to prepare the body for the more advanced poses. Modifications and / or alternatives will be offered.

There will be ample to time for “cooling” down to observe the breath and the mind after the backbends.  It is not necessary to have participated in Part 1 to attend Part 2.

Open to students in level 2 and above.

Jewel Yoga is proud to offer a very special opportunity to study in person with Rebecca Lerner, a well-loved, dynamic teacher who unfailingly brings new and illuminative ways of practicing the asanas. Through work in asana and pranayama, students will be guided through the interplay that exists between these three essential yogic principles: practice, reflection and devotion.

This is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in a fun and challenging weekend of yoga with a very warm and insightful teacher. Under Rebecca’s expert guidance, students gain inspiration and confidence to take their practice to a new level. Practical yoga philosophy will be shared within each class.

By exploring the common threads and intricacies of the poses, as well as their stillness and depth, we find ourselves touching the heart of Iyengar Yoga. We invite you to explore the yogic path of transformation and experience the richness this great lineage of yoga has to offer.

Rebecca is an IYNAUS assessor, committee member and a mentor to many.  A devoted practitioner since the late ’70s, Rebecca is co- director of the Iyengar Yoga program at  the Center for Well-Being in central PA. She continues to teach on-line and in-person classes and conducts workshops nationally. Her expertise is the ability to guide her students deeply into the poses in a fresh, insightful and meaningful way. She has a compassionate and dynamic teaching style that brings each student a heightened yogic experience through the practice and application of asana, pranayama and philosophy within each class. Since 2020 Rebecca studies regularly with Abhijata and Prashantji Iyengar through their on-line weekly classes.

Friday, November 14
4:00 – 6:00 pm

Saturday, November 15
10:00 am – 1:00 pm  &  4:00 – 6:00 pm

Sunday, November 16
1:30 – 4:30 pm