Workshops - Jewel Yoga PDX

Iyengar Yoga Studies

Tonya Garreaud
January 25 & February 29

1:00 – 3:00 pm
$80

This ongoing program is for serious students with an interest in developing a better understanding of Iyengar Yoga. Bring greater depth and breadth to your yoga practice by studying all eight limbs of yoga—not just asana. Meeting twice quarterly, we’ll discuss key concepts from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Bhagavad Gita with an emphasis on how these ideas are relevant to the practice of asana. Topics and readings will be assigned beforehand to help enrich our discussions.

Iyengar Yoga Studies is offered each quarter throughout the year. Students may join at the beginning of any quarter. For greater continuity and to enhance the learning process and community development, students are encouraged to participate on an ongoing basis.

The Art of Progression

Tonya Garreaud
3 Fridays: January 31, February 28, and March 27

4:00 – 6:00 pm
$25 each

Yoga is a process of moving gradually toward a higher state; in asana, we use the body as the means for transformation. This transformation (parinama) depends on a step-by-step progression (krama) that supports the development of the body and concentration and steadiness of the mind. These two-hour classes allow time to explore in greater depth the many dimensions of an advanced asana and how these challenging poses can be practiced with purpose. The asana sequence in each class will reveal hidden links that will allow students to work toward an unfamiliar pose with greater confidence and ease.

Open to experienced Level 2 students and above.

Deepening Your Pranayama Practice

Julie Lawrence
4 Thursdays: March 5, April 2, May 7, and June 4

8:30 – 9:30 am
$60

“According to the Upaniṣads, prana is the principle of life and consciousness…..We live within our individual consciousness with its limited intelligence, often feeling lonely and puny, when there is a conduit available directly to cosmic consciousness and intelligence. Through this conduit flows prana, joining each individual among us to the highest original principle of Nature.” -B.K.S. Iyengar, Light on Life

* Move beyond the basics. Maintain and refine your pranayama practice.

* Explore the essential elements of a fulfilling seated pranayama practice.

* Learn how to tap into the deep source of energy within and by doing so, align with an increased flow of energy bringing harmony and joy into your life.

Pre-requisite: Completion of an Iyengar Yoga pranayama series or by consent of the instructor.

Iyengar Yoga for the Knees

Roberto Astorga
Saturday, March 14
1:00 – 3:30 pm
$45

Two years ago, doctors diagnosed me with a torn meniscus. My range of motion was limited and
I was in a lot of pain. The doctors recommended surgery, although they reported that the
outcome was not definitive and that they could not guarantee a full recovery.

Once again, Iyengar yoga and its amazing power of healing provided me with the tools to
overcome discomfort and pain, improve my range of motion and most importantly, I was able to
return to my personal and teaching practices.

I want to share my experience with you. Join me on this workshop and learn the application of
Iyengar yoga in the complementary treatment of knee pain.

Space is limited to 15 participants because I am going to utilize the knee rods, a prop designed
by BKS to facilitate healing, create space and reduce inflammation on the ligaments of the knee.

Carrie Owerko – Moving (and Thinking) Outside the Box

Friday, May 01 – Sunday, May 03
$270

Exploring and increasing our movement and mental capacity and potential can be enlivening, exciting and fun. We can re-awaken curiosity and breathe new life into our practices if we are willing to play again. Our bodies (and brains) are capable of change and growth, and we can continue to learn new things throughout our lives. That can be a bit harder as adults but it is possible if we learn to pay attention and are intrinsically motivated to engage with ourselves and the world in new ways. Giving ourselves permission to play, to step outside of the box – even off the sticky mat – move and breathe in novel (as well as familiar) ways is not only wonderful for the body but is especially potent for the brain. As we age, play (and the focused attention required to learn new things) becomes even more essential for brain and body health, and overall well-being.

In this workshop we will work playfully, progressively, and intelligently while exploring how yoga, mindful movement and breath work can expand our ideas of what is possible. When we say yes to play, we say yes to continuous learning. Our practice can indeed become more joyful, more of a dance!

This workshop will explore a multidisciplinary approach to practice and is open to people from all styles of yoga as well as movement enthusiasts of all kinds.

*Photo Credit: Jamey Welch

Laurie Blakeney

Friday, October 23 – Sunday, October 25
$270

Laurie Blakeney holds an Advanced Level Teaching Certificate granted to her by the late BKS Iyengar. She began her Iyengar Yoga Studies in 1971, and has studied annually in Pune India at the Iyengar Institute since 1983. She has a BA in comparative religions, and a not so long ago career as a piano tuner/technician.

She brings to her class a uniquely personal and direct style of teaching, challenging students while helping them to explore and appreciate their potential. She loves to include artistic and philosophical considerations while staying true to the precision and healing technique known to be a cornerstone of the Iyengar Yoga method.

Open to students with at least one year of Iyengar Yoga experience.