Avatar Series – Boar Pose Feet and Shoulders
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Author: Bobby Bessey
Tips From a Chick on Using Stress to Get Healthier!
In somatic based therapies like Neurogenic Yoga™ it is understood that the mind and body share the role of holding and releasing stress. Indeed many students initially come to Neurogenic Yoga because talk therapy alone has failed to assist them in fully releasing and recovering from tension and trauma.
Many arrive at my Neurogenic Yoga™ classes seeking to let go of whatever is holding them back from returning to a previous level of physical and mental wellness. One of the first things that I share is that we are working toward something even more valuable than simply returning to a previous state of wellness. Neurogenic Yoga™ actually sculpts the nervous system to become stronger and more resilient than it has ever before been.
How does Neurogenic Yoga™ do this? By combining yoga poses and breathwork with the body’s natural therapeutic shaking response. The human (and animal) nervous system has an instinctual shaking response that is genetically coded to help us discharge long-held tension and trauma. It is an unconscious muscle contraction that restores the body to wholeness after stressful or traumatic events.
This vibration and shaking automatically occurs when the nervous system identifies threat. Unfortunately, the negative social constructs that see shaking and tremoring as a show of vulnerability or weakness, mean that this innate release mechanism is conditioned out of us at a very early age. Neurogenic Yoga™ reawakens the body’s intrinsic release mechanism to optimize health and wellness.
As a birth doula it is not unusual to see a birthing mother begin a minor or full body tremor during or after the late stages of birth. The usual compassionate response of their caregiver is to immediately cover her in heated blankets to stop the shaking, even if she has not reported feeling cold. Unfortunately, however the unspoken message conveyed by this kind act is that these tremors are not good; that she should try to stop them from happening. We might also see this misunderstanding of the therapeutic value of tremor in an attempt to stop a child from shaking after a scary dream or accident rather than allowing it to happen. A better approach would be to assure them that the tremors are ok; that this is how the body will bring them back to calm.
The fact that post trauma tremors can be observed in animals as well as humans gives us opportunity to learn much about what may be happening in neurogenic yoga from animal studies. One example is a study done by with baby chicks by a researcher often called “The Father of Stress”, Hans Seyle.
He gave baby chicks a swim test and then exposed them to a “trauma” (held them upside down). Following the swim test they were either allowed to tremor, or held by the researcher so that the natural tremor effect could not occur. The control chicks performed the same before and after the swim test having had no intervention. Chicks who were held after the trauma and not allowed to tremor performed poorly on their second swim test (some sank!). Most interesting however is that the chicks who were given trauma, and then allowed to tremor, actually performed BETTER after the trauma than they did on the initial swim test. They had more endurance and could easily swim longer.
What this study teaches us is that allowing the tremor response that we have spent a lifetime trying to stop is key to not only releasing the negative aspects of stress, but also leaves our nervous system better equipped to overcome and recover from future traumas!
In Neurogenic Yoga™ we work to trigger the natural tremoring response. Much like the baby chicks in the third group our goal is to go beyond simply performing as well as we did before our original stressor. Like those resilient chicks, we are working toward becoming better than we have ever been at recovering from future stress and trauma!
Find out how you can experience the restoration of goodness that Neurogenic Yoga™ brings at ShaktiYogaMethod.com. Shakti Neurogenic Yoga™ classes take place weekly at 7pm on Monday evenings at the Yoga Kula Co-op in St. John’s, Canada. If you do not reside in St. John’s, private and group sessions may also be booked virtually.
Calming Chocolate Date Bark
A Sweetly Ayurvedic Approach to Calming the Nervous System
The approach of Autumn brings not only a change in weather but also a shift in lifestyle pace. From an ayurvedic (ancient Indian medicine) perspective both of these things increase vata energy, which has the characteristics of movement, and deficiency. This no-bake, easy to make, lunch box treat is sure to keep you nourished and grounded as September begins. They do have nuts though so will not work for elementary school lunch box treats, but that just means more for you!
I am aware that dates are not an exciting snack food for everyone, but this date bark is waaaay tastier than it sounds. It kind of reminds me of a snickers bar (but better!). Nutrient dense dates provide fuel for increased the activity as back-to-school season ramps up. The addition of almond butter and almonds adds a nervous system calming effect. As if that wasn’t enough of a reason to whip these up, the chocolate will increase the dopamine, serotonin and endorphins in your system. [1]
Ingredients:
Medjool Dates (must be Medjool)
Almond Butter (or your favourite nut butter)
Crushed Almonds (or other nut)
Melted Dark Chocolate
Himalayan Rock Salt
*Prepare an amount to fit the size of chosen pan
How to make
- Wash and destone enough medjool dates to cover the bottom of a wax/parchment paper lined pan.
- Press the dates open side down with hands or a kitchen tool
- Spread a layer of almond butter over the dates (I have seen peanut butter used, almonds are the best ayurvedic choice for nervous system calm. I am sure any nuts or nut butter would work).
- Crush almonds and sprinkle over the almond butter.
- Melt dark chocolate and spread a layer over the crushed almonds.
- Sprinkle Himalyan rock salt over top
- Put in refrigerator overnight
- Enjoy!
The Psoas, Sitting, and Stress Connection
Understanding the sitting-psoas-stress circuit, and how to disrupt it.
Sitting has been dubbed the “New Smoking” in recent times due to its negative wellness impact.[1] There are a few obvious reasons for this. One being that if you are sitting you are obviously not moving your body, which is necessary for all our tissues, organs, and systems to function optimally. Secondly, unless one is carefully paying attention to the position of the pelvis when seated, the low back can experience undue pressure. This is not helped by the fact that sitting is often a workplace related “activity” that can be associated with job stressors.
The potentially negative health impact of sitting however extends beyond skeletomuscular mechanics to nervous system function. This is due to a combination of the shortening of the psoas muscle, and the resulting muscle tension which occurs when sitting for long periods. Psoas tension impacts nervous system response. To understand this connection requires an awareness of human nervous system evolution, and the anatomy of the psoas muscle itself.
Humans are mammals. We have evolved to survive. For most of our time on earth survival mainly meant avoiding becoming a meal for larger animals. To this end, being happy and relaxed would be much less of a survival requirement than being alert to danger. As a result of this evolutary pressure we arrive in the modern day with a nervous system more responsive to possible signs of danger than beautiful things like relaxing scenery. Our nervous system moves back and forth between two states of activation. Sympathetic nervous system activation (SNS) which makes us alert to potential threats in our environment. The SNS triggers our body to prioritize functions that enhance our ability to fight or flee, sometimes resulting in unconscious safety postures such as flexing forward to protect vulnerable organs. Parasympathetic nervous system activation (PSNS) signals the body to relax, turn off protection responses, and focus resources on optimal cell, organ, and system function. Ideally, we spend more time in PSNS, only moving into SNS activation when the body truly requires this response.
Our ancient nervous system activation is inextricably tied to the psoas muscle, the strongest hip flexor. Psoas contraction is a major part of bringing the body into a flexed protection posture if danger is detected in our environment. The body and mind are in constant communication with each other. Just as a thought can trigger our body to prepare for danger, our body can also signal protection information back to the brain. If the psoas is shortened due to long periods of sitting, the nervous system can become confused and may assume this muscle is shortened because a protection response is needed. This means the body can trigger a low-level fight or flight response simply because the psoas is slightly flexed and tense. The fact that sitting poorly also usually results in a slightly flexed upper body adds to this effect. Upper body flexion results in shallow breathing due to decreased space for lung expansion. This becomes a second signal to the brain that our environment may not be completely safe.
We can reset the nervous system by sitting in ways that do not create psoas tension, and allows for deeper breaths.
The great news is that simply being aware of the connection between sitting, psoas, and stress provides us with an opportunity to use movement, posture, and breath awareness to calm the nervous system. A simple three stop process that you can do at work or home when sitting and feeling anxiety is described below.
Three Step Immediate Psoas Reset
- Step 1: Upper Body Posture Reset
If the upper body is slumped forward there will not be enough space for effortless expansion of the lungs. The brain associates shallow breathing with a need for protection response. Opening the upper body opening will allow for deeper breaths. If you are sitting and feel tension the first thing to do is lift the chest. Roll the shoulders down the back, lifting the bottom ribs away from the naval.
- Step 2: Breath Awareness
Now that the upper body is open, bring the palms to the lower ribs on each side. Visualize the breath pouring in through the nostrils and spreading the bottom of the lungs wide before slowing filling the rest of the lungs. You will feel the breath moving toward the collar bones and lifting the ribs. Keep the front of the body lifted as you drop the hands to the lap, and allow the breath to slowly release through a hanging open mouth. The jaw and face are completely relaxed. Allow the breath to effortlessly leave the body like a slowly deflating tire. Repeat for 3-5 breaths or more. Do this anytime you need to reset body, breath, and mind.
- Step 3: Psoas Release
Psoas lengthening can be added to this practice by carefully rocking the top of the pelvis to forward as you breathe deeply into your lifted upper body. This will simultaneously realign the spine for larger breath space and uncurl the psoas. For some, placing the sit bones on a rolled towel as the pelvis rocks forward can help guide the movement. The goal is to have the pointy bones at the front of the hips hover above the pubic symphysis bone (See Image).
Three Step Psoas Maintence Practice
While the above 3-point practice will be helpful in a moment of tension, a more dedicated practice for psoas maintence will further enhance its effect. Sitting creates tight hamstrings which can impede the pelvic forward movement. Giving some attention to releasing the hamstrings should be done on a daily basis. Dangle pose (See image) will do this. Gentle restorative back bend positions will also allow the front body muscles to lengthen for easier breaths, and assist the psoas to release. One particularly effective pose is reclined hero. Lie with the back on a bolster (or rolled blanket), bring the soles of the feet together with bent legs falling open to the sides. Support the outer thighs with a rolled blanket. Set a timer for 5-10 minutes. This allows for a full psoas release that will reassure your nervous system that you are safe. It will also lengthen chest muscles to allow deeper breaths to happen unconsciously as you move through day. Finish with child’s pose because nothing calms the nervous system more than relaxing in the same position that you grew in.
A more intensive psoas maintence approach can be found in a Neurogenic Yoga class. Neurogenic yoga triggers a tremor response that allows both recent, and long-held tension, stress, and trauma to be released. Find more information, or to register for one of Bobby’s upcoming Neurogenic classes at this link to Shakti Yoga Method Neurogenic Yoga Classes.
Wishing you a wonderful day of deep breaths and nervous system calm.
[1] James Vlahos, Is Sitting a Lethal Activity? New York Times Magazine, April 12, 2011
Massaged Kale and Goat Cheese Salad
Massaged Kale & Goat Cheese Salad
For many kale is known as a vegetable eaten mostly because we are told it is good for us. I will admit that I too used to feel this way. At least I did until I was introduced to massaged kale salad. Up to that point if I found that Kale had somehow made its way into my refrigerator, I usually made it into Kale chips. Which are yummy but can’t really be called a full meal, despite the fact that I may have done just that once or twice.
Why massage the Kale? Because the salt and vinegar soften the tough Kale leaves making them the perfect texture for a salad. Add the sweet dressing to take away the bitter flavour of the kale and this super food vegetable becomes as tasty as it is good for you.
There are many health benefits to eating kale, and before I share a few, I want to point out that this salad is so delicious that once you try it you will probably no longer care about the health benefits.
And for those who hate recipes with wordy preamble, feel free to scroll down to the recipe now.
Kale is from the same family as cabbage and brussel sprouts. Studied benefits include management of blood pressure, boosting digestive and bone health, and even protecting against cancer, heart disease and diabetes. These powerful health benefits are the result of Kale being an abundant source of fiber, antioxidants, calcium, vitamin C, K, potassium, iron, and many other nutrients.
Massaged kale makes a great barbeque side salad because of it’s ability to “store sunshine” in the form of chlorophyll. This molecule helps to remove the cancer-causing carcinogens that result when animal products are grilled at high temperature, before they are absorbed by the body. [1] If you are not a meat eater you can easily make this into a full meal size salad to enjoy as you celebrate Summer with any non-vegetarian friends. I would suggest you make a large full bowl of salad for yourself, and another for everyone else, because my experience is that the meat eaters suddenly become Kale fans when this salad is brought out!
Talk to your doctor or dietitian if you have any specific health issues, or if you are concerned about adding Kale to your diet. Those with kidney stones, take certain blood thinners, or for other health related reasons may need to limit Kale in their diet.[2]
Massaged Kale Salad Recipe
Ingredients
¼ cup Olive Oil
1 tbs Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tbs Maple Syrup (or to taste)
1-2 tsps Lemon (or lime) juice
1-2 tsps Dijon Mustard
Fresh ground Salt & Pepper to taste
Kale (10-12 large leaves chopped into salad size pieces)
Goat Cheese (to taste, leave out if vegan)
¼ Thinly Sliced Spanish Onion
Optional Topping Suggestions:
Candied pecans or walnuts
Cranberries
Instructions:
Wash and dry the kale pieces well (pat dry or use a spinner). Whisk the top 6 ingredients in the bottom of a large salad bowl till well mixed. Add Kale and massage the dressing into the leaves. Toss in the goat cheese, apple slices and Spanish onion (along with any of the optional toppings). Serve!
According to ayurveda, India’s ancient system of medicine, the health benefits of a meal are a combination of many different things, one of which is the state of mind of the chef. From this perspective, how could a salad lovingly massaged into life be anything but body and soul nourishing?
Enjoy
[1] Medical News Today, What are the Health Benefits of Kale, Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R.D., Nutrition — By Megan Ware, RDN, L.D. on January 17, 2020
[2] Mayo Clinic Health System.org, Speaking of Health, March 17, 2023
Couples Birth Preparation Workshop
Couples Birth Preparation Workshop
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NEXT SESSION DATES:
Contact Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com for information on the next group workshop or to schedule a private session.
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LOCATION:
Yoga Kula Cooperative (286 Torbay Rd St. John’s, NL). Live stream option also available.
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INVESTMENT:
$149 +HST ($171.35) CAD Group Session
$400 +HST for private session. In-person in St. John’s or live stream. Evening time slots available for Asia. -
INCLUDES:
Four-hour interactive session for mom and birth partner.
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WHAT TO BRING:
Wear comfortable clothing. Bring a pen and notebook.
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REGISTRATION:
Contact Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com to be notified of the next scheduled session.
Private yoga sessions are also available. Contact Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com for more information.
HOST A WORKSHOP:
Shakti Yoga teacher trainings and workshops are taught in various locations within Canada, and internationally. Host this workshop in your area and save the cost of travelling to learn. Contact Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com to discuss specific details on hosting this or other workshops and trainings.
Who’s This Workhop For?
Expectant parents from 12 weeks to delivery and their support partner.
About The Workshop
Birth happens most comfortably and effectively when Mom feels safe in her birthing environment, and when she is supported by people who are in tune with her birthing needs. This training will help Mom and birth partner feel prepared and confident about their birthing and early postpartum period.
Expectant mothers may feel apprehensive about their ability to birth with ease. This two part training covers techniques to practice together prenatally to enhance prenatal, birthing, and postnatal experiences. Mothers will leave confident in their ability to birth with maximum comfort and calm. Birth partners will leave empowered by the knowledge and skills provided to keep Mom birthing most effectively during the birthing time.
Each session will introduce birth education topics, birth videos, and practical labour support techniques. This is a bonding workshop for moms, dads & birth supports to build skills, confidence, and enhance the connections of your growing family. Both parents, and birth supports will leave this workshop feeling confident and empowered as birthing day approaches!
This workshop provides:
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Birth videos to illustrate various birthing positions to fully prepare both parents for the birthing experience.
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Practicing hands-on birth support massage, touch, and cues for the birth partner to add to their birth partner tool box.
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Exploring the Birth Partner role, what they need to watch for & how to respond to ensure birth moves along with maximum comfort.
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Impact of language, specifically birth language, on Mom’s birthing body and mind.
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How to speak to a birthing momma to keeps her in para-sympathetic NS relaxation.
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Birth Partners will get a thorough list of things they can do to support momma during birth.
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Birth plan pros and cons, and things to consider adding (or leaving out).
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Local hospital routines
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Things to put in your birthing bag.
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Early birthing at home suggestions.
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Post birth considerations.
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Breastfeeding and schedule planning postnatally.
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Because this session is interactive the topics are also influenced by the questions asked as we move through.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Testimonials
Neurogenic Yoga 1-Day Workshop
ONE DAY NEUROGENIC YOGA INTENSIVE WORKSHOP
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NEXT SESSION DATES:
Workshop dates TBA. Contact bobby@shaktiyogamethod.com if you’d like to be notified when dates and locations are scheduled.
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LOCATION:
In St. John’s this workshop is held at the Yoga Kula Cooperative (286 Torbay Rd St. John’s, NL). Contact Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com to host this workshop in your area.
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INVESTMENT:
$99 + HST ($113.99) CAD.
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INCLUDES:
8 hour session -
WHAT TO BRING:
Yoga mat, pillows, blanket, notebook, pen -
REGISTRATION:
Contact Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com to be notified of the next scheduled session.
HOST A WORKSHOP:
Shakti Yoga teacher trainings and workshops are taught in various locations within Canada, and internationally. Host this workshop in your area and save the cost of travelling to learn. Contact Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com to discuss specific details on hosting this or other workshops and trainings.
Who’s This Workshop For?
About The Workshop
Did you know that the psoas muscle, along with other muscles involved in nervous system activation, can hold tension and trauma long after a stressor or trauma has ended? Neurogenic yoga is a revolutionary technique that awakens the body’s instinctive tremoring response to restore wholeness after stressful and traumatic events. Unfortunately this unconscious muscle contraction is conditioned out of us at an early age due to societal constructs that see shaking and tremoring as showing vulnerability or weakness.
This is a one day workshop of deep personal exploration. Learn how the nervous system and body tissue can hold anxiety, practice tension and trauma release techniques, and enjoy a day of deep relaxation.
This workshop provides:
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Lecture
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Breathing techniques
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Guided relaxation (yoga nidra)
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Two neurogenic yoga practices
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Discussion
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Testimonials
200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training
200 Hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training
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NEXT TRAINING DATES:
Accepting registration for 2024 program. Weekend intensive Friday start dates: Jan 26, Feb 16, Mar 8, April 26, May 24, June 21, Sep 6, Oct 4, Nov 1, & Nov 29 (Fri 7-9:30pm, Sat 8am-5pm, Sun 8am-5pm, NT). No weekend intensives scheduled for July and August. -
LOCATION:
St. John’s, NL, Canada. In Person at Yoga Kula Cooperative, 286 Torbay Road. *Live Stream & Hybrid options also available.
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INVESTMENT:
$2950 CAD. $500 deposit required upon registration.
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INCLUDES:
200 hours of training, comprehensive yoga instruction manual, logo tote bag, and ongoing access to instructor for mentorship questions.
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REGISTRATION:
Space is limited so register now to reserve your spot.
HOST A TEACHER TRAINING:
Shakti Yoga teacher trainings and workshops are taught in various locations within Canada, and internationally. Host this workshop in your area and save the cost of travelling to learn. Contact Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com to discuss specific details on hosting this or other workshops and trainings.
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200 HOUR YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
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200 HOUR YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
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200 HOUR YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
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200 HOUR YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
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200 HOUR YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
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200 HOUR YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
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200 HOUR YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
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200 HOUR YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
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200 HOUR YOGA TEACHER TRAINING
Who’s This Program For?
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Yoga Practitioners who want to teach yoga
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Teachers of yoga who want to deepen their understanding and experience of teaching or who wish to become Yoga Alliance Certified
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Serious students wishing to deepen their practice
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Anybody involved in healthcare or education with the desire to compliment their professional work with the vast wisdom of yoga and pass on the benefits of this ancient practice to their clients, patients or students.
About The Program
The Shakti Yoga 200 hour yoga teacher training was the first Yoga Alliance registered program in Newfoundland & Labrador. For over a decade Bobby Bessey (B.Sc., RYT 500, RPYT, CD-DONA, Neurogenic, TRE, Yin), and her team have been training skilled and passionate yoga teachers that now represent a significant percentage of the truly inspired yoga instructor community in our province.
This 200hr Yoga Alliance Registered program takes place over the course of one year. It is comprised of 10 weekend intensives to be completed in sequential order. Participants meet once per month (except in July and August) for a full weekend of study and practice. Each weekend consists of Friday evening, and full days Saturday and Sunday. Meetings are in-person in St. John’s, NL but virtual attendance via Zoom is possible.
This training provides:
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Yoga asana, pranayama and meditation (personal practice, theory and techniques)
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History of Yoga, ancient to modern
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Yoga Philosophy (Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, Hatha Yoga Pradipika)
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Anatomy & Physiology
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Teaching methodology (preparing to teach, sequencing, observation, assisting, demonstration, use of props, and more)
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Subtle body theory
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Yoga for specific populations and conditions (prenatal yoga, yoga therapy)
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Teaching ethics and the business of teaching yoga
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Asana clinic (learn to teach all major categories of yoga asana and apply through practice teaching)
Program Requirements
Pre-Requisites
Applicants should:
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Have been practicing yoga for at least one year
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Have a regular yoga practice
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Attend classes regularly and/or have a regular home practice
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Have an interest in all aspects of yoga including philosophy, pranayama and meditation
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Be in good health (physical and mental) so as to fully participate in the rigorous training schedule, however please contact us if you have a specific condition that might impact on the asana portion of your training. We have accommodated pregnant yogi trainees, those with arthritic conditions, seniors and more. Yoga is for everyone and our training goal is to mentor our trainees to teach classes that are accessible for every body and mind.
Contact Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com if you would like clarification on any of the above pre-requisites. Applicants may be asked to participate in an application interview before acceptance to the program.
Certification
Graduates will receive a certificate showing they have successfully completed the Shakti Yoga Method 200-hour Yoga Alliance approved course. Graduates may then register with Yoga Alliance at the 200 hour level and use the Yoga Alliance RYT designation.
Certification Requirements include:
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Attend ALL training session hours
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Submit all 8 Mini Review Quizzes.
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Submit two assignments a.) Yoga Sutras b.) Class Sequencing
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Instruct final practicum class and receive feedback from program instructors.
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Attend 10 yoga classes recorded, live-stream, or in-person and submit observation forms.
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Submit payment in full. Installments Jan, Mar, and May (final payment) weekends.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS
Testimonials
Breathe For Wellness Workshop
Three Hour Pranayama WORKSHOP
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NEXT SESSION DATES:
Workshop dates TBA. Contact bobby@shaktiyogamethod.com if you’d like to be notified when dates are scheduled. -
LOCATION:
In Person at Yoga Kula Cooperative (286 Torbay Rd St. John’s, NL)
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INVESTMENT:
$99 + HST ($113.99) CAD.
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INCLUDES:
8 hour session -
WHAT TO BRING:
Yoga mat, pillows, blanket, notebook, pen -
REGISTRATION:
Contact Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com to be notified of the next scheduled session.
HOST A WORKSHOP:
Shakti Yoga teacher trainings and workshops are taught in various locations within Canada, and internationally. Host this workshop in your area and save the cost of travelling to learn.
Another benefit of hosting a training is that you (or a member of your studio/workplace) are able to participate in the training free once the minimum number of registrants is met.
Please contact Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com to discuss specific details on hosting this or other workshops and trainings.
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hatha-yoga
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prenatal-couples
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prenatal-yoga
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mom-and-baby
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birth-education
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beginner-yoga
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DSCF0423
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DSCF0600
Who’s This Workhop For?
This session is for everyone with lungs! Session can be done on a mat, or on a chair. Absolutely no yoga experience necessary. During pose portions variations will be provided for all. If you can breathe you can join this workshop!
About The Workshop
Pranayama (Yoga Breathing Techniques) have long been considered one of the most powerful aspects of a yoga practice. Ancient texts clearly indicate that one should only begin the process of pranayama exploration with an experienced teacher. This caution was attributed to pranayama’s impact on every system in the physical, as well as mental, emotional, and energetic bodies.
The benefits ascribed to practicing pranayama throughout history have been extensive and profound. Modern day science has now given us opportunity to discover how and why these effects occur, and which techniques can be applied to impact specific conditions. Learn how to use pranayama to optimize the health and wellness of yourself, and your loved ones, in this three hour workshop that digs into the traditions of pranayama, and the modern day science that supports and expands upon this ancient science of breath.
This is a three hour workshop that will present the newest science perspectives on the ancient practices of pranayama. The information will be presented in an interactive format that will include performing asana and pranayama techniques to internalize the impact of these powerful breathing methods. Find out how breathing poorly can result in, or exacerbate, various immune and cardiac dysfunction, as well as common issues such as snoring, sleep apnea, post-covid/virus symptoms, and sinus complaints, to name a few. The great news is that just as we can breathe ourselves into illness, we can also breathe our way out. Ancient and modern insights are combined in this session to help you pay attention to your breath and learn how to utilize it for good!
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Lecture
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Breathing techniques
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Guided relaxation (yoga nidra)
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Two neurogenic yoga practices
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Discussion
Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training
40 & 85 Hour SHAKTI PRENATAL YOGA METHOD TEACHER TRAINING
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NEXT TRAINING DATES:
Winter 2024. Exact Dates TBA. Contact Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com for inquiries. -
LOCATION:
St. John’s NL, In-person at Yoga Kula Cooperative (286 Torbay Rd). Live stream option also available.
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INVESTMENT:
$600+hst ($690) CAD. $200 deposit required upon registration * Investment for level 1 (40 hour) Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training Program.
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INCLUDES:
4 days of lecture, comprehensive prenatal yoga instruction manual, prenatal yoga nidra scripts & MP3s, and ongoing mentorship with instructor.
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REGISTRATION:
Contact Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com to be notified of the next scheduled session.
HOST A TEACHER TRAINING:
Shakti Yoga teacher trainings and workshops are taught in various locations within Canada, and internationally. Host this workshop in your area and save the cost of travelling to learn. Contact Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com to discuss specific details on hosting this or other workshops and trainings.
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Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training
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Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training
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Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training
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Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training
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Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training
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Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training
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Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training
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Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training
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Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training
Who’s This Program For?
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Childbirth professionals working with pregnant women who wish to complement their professional work. This would include doulas, midwives, nurses, doctors, childbirth educators, acupuncturists, physiotherapists, massage therapists, therapists, etc.
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Pregnant women who would like to deepen their understanding of prenatal wellness, optimize their experience of pregnancy and develop skills to create a peaceful and yes, even Enjoyable birth experience
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Anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of prenatal yoga & birth preparation
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Teachers of yoga who want to deepen their understanding of the prenatal experience and develop confidence teaching prenatal classes
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Those wanting to become a RPYT (85 Hours) Those interested in registering with Yoga Alliance as a RPYT may enroll in the following three sessions to qualify for 85 hour designation.
1. 2-day Shakti Yoga Nidra Teacher Training
2. An initial 12-class prenatal session for observation & questions.
3. A second 12-class prenatal session for practical teaching experience.
These 3 segments are priced individually and can be done in any order. Contact Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com for more details.
About The Program
The Shakti prenatal Teacher Training presents a teaching philosophy that recognizes the multifaceted needs of expectant mothers. Participants learn to utilize asana, pranayama, meditation, visualization, birth education topics, and birth stories to prepare mothers physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for pregnancy, birth and motherhood. This training provides:
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Comprehensive Manual
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Prenatal Yoga Nidra Scripts and MP3s
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Prenatal yoga benefits and precautions
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Anatomy & physiology of pregnancy
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Approaches for supporting emotional changes during pregnancy
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Considerations for each trimester
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Common prenatal conditions
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Asana for specific pregnancy discomforts and birth preparation
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Asana for early labour and to promote optimal baby position
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Vinyasa, gentle, and restorative approaches.
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Using props and modifications in a prenatal class
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Chakras; Pregnancy and the energetic body
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Sequences for prenatal yoga classes & how to create your own
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Practical teaching and assisting experience
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Ongoing mentoring support
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Pranayama for pregnancy and birth.
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Visualization and meditations for expectant mothers
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Mantra and affirmations for prenatal mothers
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Language analysis and usage for prenatal classes
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Specific cues, breaths, and movement to direct the nervous system.
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Incorporating birth education into prenatal yoga classes
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Using birth stories to prepare and empower
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Prenatal partner yoga.
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Birth education for couples
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Teaching comfort techniques for labor
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Stages of labour and delivery
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Pelvic floor anatomy
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Postnatal core and diastasis recti considerations
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Pelvic floor recovery exercises and myths
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Postnatal recovery asana and precautions
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Approaches to support physical, mental, emotional postpartum needs
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Mantra, affirmations and nidras for postpartum coping and healing
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Incorporating baby into yoga recovery
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Class sequences for mom and baby classes
Program Requirements
Pre-Requisites
Applicants should:
Have some yoga experience, and/or experience supporting pregnant women in any setting. Contact Bobby@ShaktiYogaMethod.com for clarification.
Certification
Graduates will receive a certificate showing they have successfully completed the Shakti Yoga Method 40-hour Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training. Approved for 40 Yoga Alliance CEUs. Graduates may register with Yoga Alliance as a RPYT with the additional yoga nidra and practicum sessions described above.
Certification Requirements include:
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Attend 4 days of lecture.
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Read Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth & submit book review.
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Submit prenatal yoga class plan, peer observation forms, practicum class video, and do one peer class exchange to be scheduled at own convience.