Themes from the Yoga Road
Since 2008 we have used a theme each term to guide our yoga practices. Using a theme is really just a motivator and guide for me to ensure that I cover the full range and depth of what should be covered in a term. This has the advantage for the student that a little yoga history and yogic psychology and physiology is introduced. But you can take it or leave it. Although emphasis changes from week to week I aim for every class in the term to include breath regulation, forward, back and side bends, inversions and twists couched in a mixture of static and flowing poses. The last class of each term is a restorative class which relies more on static poses supported by extra props.
Repeating presentation of the themes over the years is revelatory. When I compare the lesson plans from 2009 with 2016 for the Chakras for example I’m amazed and proud with how far, how deep and how subtle we have become on our journey. I relish requests for new themes from students as then teacher and students grow together. Please feel free to make requests!
Theme Covered in the years
Yamas and Niyamas 2008, 2010, 2012, 2015
Chakras 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2019,2021,2022
Systems of the Body 2009, 2012, 2013
Spiritual Muscles 2009, 2011, 2018, 2023
The Five Elements 2009, 2011, 2013, 2018
Asana (forms of poses) 2010, 2012
Strength 2011, 2015
Balance 2012, 2014
Balance, Strength and Ease with your Breath 2021
Yoga Toolbox 2013, 2014, 2017
The Eight Graces 2014
Freedom from Base to Apex 2015, 2017, 2019, 2023
Back to Basics 2020
The Koshas (layers of a person) 2016, 2019
Flow 2017
Working with the Breath 2017, 2018
Living Well from Now: Meeting the Ageing Process 2018, 2023
Ebb, Flow and Rhythm 2019
Strength with Ease; Sthira and Sukha 2022
Body Systems through a Yogic Lens 2023