Soma is described as body 'alive body'
Chi is described as energy 'aliveness through the body' aliveness in and of the environment.
Yoga is described as union 'uniting energy through the body' - 'union and integration of self, community, and environment'.

Energy moves in cycles and waves. In this yoga we explore the movement to find aliveness of the 'asana' through OUR body.
We want to find our creativity to unravel into the posture - we then start to recognize our inherited sense of self.
In this course we aspire towards the traditional and are inspired by nature - natural self, our innate intelligence of being.

Our training is accredited with Yoga Alliance

Course Outline

Yoga Philosophy

In this module we examine both mental and spiritual functions of yoga.  We will discover the benefits of Zapchen Somatics and Buddhist practices in particular cultivating loving kindness, awareness and spaciousness. 
Within this perspective we will examine Patanjali 8 limbs and explore western trends and the effects on Yogic Tradition.  We research the impact of the modern day language that lives and identifies yoga in the 21st Century.

Energy and Expression – Physiology

We will examine and explore chakras, energy waves, and Taoist exercises. 
Asana’s will be practiced to develop a greater understanding in the application of how these energy waves move within the construct of the posture.

Pranayama and Zapchen Somatics

Introduction to Dr. Julie Henderson’s work – working with exercises from the book “Embodying Well-Being.  We will examine movement, and breathing, exercises for self-regulation, alignment and resting down.  Self -investigation will be explored in order to gather practical experience of the exercises, and how this is introduced into a class/workshop situation.

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Basic Functional and Applied Anatomy

The aim of this module is to provide a basic introduction and understanding of the structural and functional organization of the human body.  A practical hands on approach is used to integrate this learning for the application and instruction of movement arts.

Introduction to Asana Practice and SomaChi Sequences

We will learn how to teach variations of sun salutations, incorporating yin and yang principals, krama vinyasa (intelligent sequencing).  We will also include as discovery into unconscious flow into conscious flow, learning how to feel your environment for this to evolve (feeling the chi). 

In this module we will be introduced to spiral and waves as we progress into standing, balancing, twisting, back bends and inversions.

We will learn how sequencing develops naturally as well as planning practices for specific purposes, using micro and macro themes within body-mind intelligence.

Energetic Alignment & Adjustments

A hands on module than brings life into expressing the significance of asana.  You will learn the purpose of touch both physically and energetically and how if applied correctly helps guide the individual into a deeper expression of body-mind.

We start to discover that depth of movement is carried by chi through the fluids of our body. It is here we discover and unravel into the physicality of alignment… it is here that mind travels to speak of alignment, and it is here where energy does the untangling into refining ones intention.

From this intention we can transmit this information with sensitivity, defining a teacher and student relationship.

Designing and sequencing of classes

In this module we research and learn how to design a class for many different needs – from beginners to advanced, from therapeutic to dynamic, from a studio to a corporate environment.

We also try and test different sequences, and learn how to create undulating patterns of movement – how to heighten, to neutralize and find the quiet moments in both body and mind. 

We also look at setting up the room/atmosphere by using aromatherapy, music and presenting a space.

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Dynamics of Interpersonal Relationships

The relationship between student and teacher requires dedication and professionalism.
Understanding styles of communication, verbal and non-verbal, is a key factor in successful interaction and engagement with students.

Teaching yoga requires empathy and sensitivity as well as the capacity to deal with the needs, expectations and temperament of your students. Observing and identifying the limitations and potentials of students requires a keen eye, a quick mind, and the ability to impart your knowledge and experience in a caring manner.

Issues such as personal space, setting limits and establishing rapport is a necessary component of teaching yoga.  These skills can be learnt and tried and tested in the classroom setting.  Expect to laugh, be challenged, and discover your primary learning modality.

Mantra, Meditation and Mudra

This module explores how sound and subtle movements help the mind and body to become focused and aligned.  You will also learn about the therapeutic influences sound has on the body and how mantra corresponds to different parts of the body.

This module will also include other simple meditation techniques including shamatta/mindfulness practice that will be easy to apply in a class situation. We will explore sitting and movement meditations.  We will also learn to recognize how these techniques enhance asana practice.

Spirit, Soma and Intensive Asana Practice

In this final module we gage deeper layers exploring the spiritual focus of yoga. 
We will focus on the tantric art from a Buddhist perspective and of rasa vinyasa for the integration of asana, ayurveda (Indian art of being), mantra and devotion.
We will look at how we can release blockages presented by a mandala of asana practice.  We will also practice pranayama techniques to help relieve anxiety patterns, to provide an understanding and enhancement into yoga for happiness.

Dates & Cost for training 2009

*Retreat – Daylesford
January Friday 30th to Wednesday 4th February
Starting at 5pm on the 30th and finishes at approx 3pm on the 4th

SomaChi Studio - February
Saturday 14th 12.30 – 6pm
Sunday 15th    10 – 4pm
Saturday 21st 12.30 – 6pm
Sunday22nd     10 – 4pm

SomaChi Studio – March
Friday 27th    12.30 - 6pm
Saturday 28th 12.30 - 6pm
Sunday 29th    10 – 4pm

SomaChi Studio – April
Saturday 4th   12.30 – 6pm
Sunday 5th    11.00 – 3.30

SomaChi Studio – May
Saturday 2nd   12.30 – 6pm
Sunday 3rd     10 – 4pm
Friday 15th      12.30 – 6pm
Saturday 16th  12.30 – 6pm
Sunday 17th     10 – 4pm

SomaChi Studio – June
Saturday 13th   13.30 – 6pm
Sunday 14th     10 – 4pm

SomaChi Studio – July
Saturday 4th      12.30 – 6pm
Sunday 5th      10 – 4pm
Satuday 25th     12.30 – 6pm
Sunday 26th     10 – 4pm

SomaChi Studio – August
Saturday 15th   12.30 – 6pm
Sunday 16th       10 – 4pm

*Retreat - Daylesford
September Thursday 3rd to Sunday 6th
Starts at 10am and finishes at 1pm with a celebration lunch

Cost: $4000 - includes comprehensive manual & 6 months of unlimited classes with the SomaChi studio.
Deposit: $500 Required by the 3rd of December 2008
Full payment required by 7th of Janaury 2009

Or pay discounted amount $3800 by 3rd of December 2008

Refund Policy

Refund policy: A non refundable deposit of $500 is to be paid on registration.
Full course fees to be paid in full one month prior the commencement of the course.
If the student withdraws from the course between 5 – 14 days a 50% refund will be given. Above this time 75% will be returned.

Cancellation on commencement: If the student withdraws 1 – 4 days after the course starts, the student will receive no refund.

Compassionate Circumstances
In the case of compassionate circumstances for withdrawal, a student may
defer to the next available course upon application, and fees will be
transferred to that course accordingly.

Please note: In the unlikely event of the course cancellation, full fee refund including the deposit will be given

Venue: SomaChi Yoga Studio, Suite 3/66 Greville St Prahran

*Retreats require a minimum of 10 people

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