WITH JIM HARRINGTON

Module 1 of 5:  

18 – 26 February 2012 | R7500

* Modules may be accumulated over time

Material in this course is devoted to the work of Tirumalai Krishnamacharya. As the teacher of three of the most influential schools of modern yoga, Sri T Krishnamacharya was yoga’s great innovator. A poet, philosopher, healer and scholar; he was the inspiration and source of knowledge that founded the Iyengar, Ashtanga Vinyasa and theViniyogaSchools. The modern masters of yoga dedicate their work to the memory of this inspiring figure.

As such, this course will explore deeply the unique gifts that each of these schools has brought to modern yoga.

The transformation, and awareness through attention on alignment, breath and flow. As well as a large component of therapeutic yoga based on the work of T. K. V. Desikachar and the Yoga Synergy school ofSydney.

The tools:

The practical component will be physically arduous. The asana work will draw on the content the 1^st, 2^nd and advanced series of the Ashtanga Vinyasa system as taught by Sri Pathabi Jois, without strict adherence to Ashtanga protocols. There will be substantial influence from the Yoga Synergy method, particularly in the use of Mudra, Bandha and principles of  alignment.

The perceptions that prevent our full expression of ourselves, are often in the shadow areas of our psyche. Invisible to us, they may be obvious to others.  We will use the tools of asana, pranayama, meditation and processes of enquiry to clarify our own personally self imposed limits.

The Teaching Methodology component will be designed to strengthen skills that have been established in the 200hr course. Building on those foundations with more focus on fulfilment of the role of the teacher and developing the qualities of a great teacher.

The use of voice, development of gravitas and leadership in yoga.

Philosophy:

• Systems of thought- Islam, Judaism, Christianity and Buddhism in relation to yoga.
• Guest speakers for discussion. –Trevor? Pregs? Pat?
• Krishnamacharya’s view “ I maintain that truth is a pathless land, and you cannot approach it by any path whatsoever, by any religion, by any sect…Truth being limitless, unconditioned, unapproachable by any path whatsoever, cannot be organised…..”

Therapeutic yoga:

• Krishnamacharya’s legacy – Viniyoga and Desikachar and the yoga Mandaram of Chenai
• Yoga Synergy – East meets West – The approach of Simon Borg Olivier and Bianca Machliss of Sydney Australia.
• Designing yoga programs for individual needs.
• The nature of healing. Look at case studies.

Asana practice:

An amalgam of Jims own experience and style of practice which can be described as;

• Diverse. Drawing on a broad range of physical diciplines to create a whole body asana experience.
• Grounded in stillness, and yet dynamic.
• The more advanced asana will be introduced with clear guidance of how to build up toward and to counter posture after. As well as consideration of the biomechanics of each asana and how it can be taught and practiced with precision and safety.
• A belief in “leaving no stone unturned” in the exploration of our bodies capacities and energies. Therefore students will be encouraged to explore the so-called “advanced’ asana if they are accessable.

THE FIRST INTENSIVE:

The Asana Curriculum of the first intensive will be the basic, intermediate and advanced asana of the Water sequence of the Yoga Synergy program. This will closely correspond to the Ashtanga Second (intermediate) Series. In addition there will be a number of standing asanas that are not part of the Ashtanga program that have been found to be useful for teaching and developing balance, flexibility and strength with healthy alignment.

• Includes (from second series of Ashtanga as taught by Sri Pattabhi Jois) Salabhasana, Pinchumayurasna, Bharavadjasana, Krounchasana, Ardha Matsendrasana, Ustrasana, Laghu Vajrasana, and Kappottasana Backbends .
• And (from the advanced sequences) Vashistasana, Ardha badha padma handbalance, Natarasana (the dancer) Eka hasta Salabhasana (One hand locust Balance), Eka pada Galavasana, Garudasana, Eka Pada Koundinyasana.
• From a structured base of set routines, we will begin to venture into the field of improvisation.

Self Development

• Tools for maintaining an authentic self practice.
• Inner space and outer space, shadow and light – how we relate to the world around us.
• The attitude of a yogi – asceticism in the 21^st Century.
• Conscious living.

Teaching methodology

• Voice training
•  The role of being a teacher
• Development of gravitas and leadership in yoga
• Yoga for sports – specific applications of the yoga tools
• Business skills for yoga teachers – how to make it work in the modern world. ( 5 hrs minimum)

Practicum

• Supervised Teaching practice
• Therapuetic applications

Anatomy and Physiology

•  Diet and Nutrition – East meets west. Simon Borg-Olivier and Ian as guests. Or use Simon’s anatomy program online as a pre-req or a co-req.
• Research project
• Practical test and presentation
• Case studies
• Guest teacher Dr Sally Rothmeyer, Dr Phillip Ginsberg

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