Join the Essentials of Yoga Therapeutics program!
LET'S GO!Component II: Upper Spinal Release
We'll continue to target the tightest tension in the bodymind, the tight muscles connected to the tailbone but with a more specific focus on the upper spine and neck. Many of us struggle with tension in our necks and upper backs due to all the computer work, many hours driving, or doing other activities.
When we release the tailbone tension first and then the upper spinal tension after, the spine can begin to free up and decompress more fully. Stress, aches, and pains diminish in the shoulders, arms, and hands with continued practice. It is with Upper Spinal Release that we embody the experiential understanding that we have can soften into our realities in a more heart-centered way.
Dates: April 25 - June 20, 2024 (see below for specifics)
Component III: Abdominals, Backbends & Standing
We'll continue to target the tightest tension in the bodymind, the tight muscles connected to the tailbone and take our practices to a whole new level of integration. Learn how to effectively use your abdominals so you can enliven actual "core strength" without tightening everything up. You'll learn the capacity to truly isolate your abdominals. This takes your practice into backbends and standing, allowing us to fully live as yogis/yoginis in the world... integrated, whole, and embodied.
It is with these continuing practices that we embody the experiential understanding that we can live and function in the world while staying centered within ourselves, remaining connected to the Mystery.
Dates: August 11 - October 3, 2024 (see below for specifics)
About the practice.
It's MORE than restorative. It's Therapeutic. It's Integrative.
It's a whole different paradigm.
Each class builds on the previous class giving you the foundational practices of yoga poses (asanas) and breathwork (pranayama) that target the tightest muscles along your spine. You'll find that when the core of your body opens and releases, the rest of your body can move and function more optimally. Working with the tried-and-true tenet of Support Cultivates Release from Svaroopa®️ Yoga, this prop-heavy class combined with highly refined alignments provides reliable results time and time again.
Get the healing you want. From the inside out.
You'll need a yoga mat, a metal folding chair, two 4-inch yoga blocks, 7-10 heavy yoga blankets. With more space on the inside, your mind can follow your body's lead and find more quietude from the hectic pace of our modern-day living.
Logistics.
There are three 8-week series in this 24-week program. You can join any series - but keep in mind that they build on the previous theme.
Each series begins with a review half-day online/in-person workshop, called "Re-Center in Your Self" which is open to all levels. In this ONLINE workshop, Meredith will introduce the basic concepts, orientation, paradigm, and practices. For those who have been practicing consistently for years to those who are returning after a break, the workshop is a perfect way to get deeper clarity while also receiving the healing you are looking for.
Keep in mind that this program serves as a prerequisite to more advanced functional movement classes and programs with Meredith. Once you've completed the three components of this program, including receiving an Individualized Home Practice you are invited to join the Deeper Therapeutics Online Classes which are offered twice a week on a regular basis.
Each component is offered once a year, and it's best and highly recommended to attend in order, but not required.
I. Core Essentials of Lower Spinal Release | January 21 - March 14
Re-Center in Your Self Workshop: Sunday, January 21, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm Pacific Time
The 8-week series Weekly Class dates are: Thursdays, January 25 - March 14 from 9:30am to 11:00am Pacific Time
II. Core Essentials of Upper Spinal Release | April 25 - June 20
III. Core Essentials of Abdominals | Aug 11 - Oct 3
Please note: This Component is not available unless you have completed Component 1 or Component 2 with the additional workshops.
Re-Center in Your Self Workshop: Sunday, August 11 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm Pacific Time
The 8-week series Weekly Class dates are: Thursdays, August 15 - October 3 from 9:30am to 11:00am Pacific Time
What you need.
- Zoom. Once you sign up and pay, you'll receive the link.
- Tablet or Computer with Camera. Please make sure that you place your computer/camera on a lower table, like a coffee table. This allows me to see you and offer feedback so you can be comfortable and enjoy the practices.
- Comfortable clothes to move in. It's always a good idea to wear organic cotton and natural fibers rather than synthetic ones.
- A yoga mat.
- Two 4-inch yoga blocks.
- A metal folding chair.
- Seven to Ten heavy yoga blankets. These provide more support than the thinner ones and are easier to streamline instead of pillows and random bolsters in group classes. You can easily fold them into different shapes, roll them, etc. They are very versatile, soft, and made of recycled materials. They can be purchased here. **Please call the company directly to order - they are sold separately for approximately $40/piece or $24/piece in a box of ten. You'll be much happier and better supported if you get the box of ten - plus the price works out where it's essentially the same to purchase six as it is ten! So get ten!
- An open mind and an inquisitive approach. You may be joining this practice with some previous experience whether you have practiced with me or not. I invite you to be curious and enjoy.
About Meredith.
Meredith's love of movement, dance, and the healing arts drew her to discover yoga in her teenage years, landing in a place that she felt immediately at home. Her passion, curiosity, and desire to know, feel, sense, and understand her physicality has led her to her studies in yoga, ayurveda, bodywork, and somatics with many master teachers, accumulating thousands of hours in education, training, and experience. She is a Certified International Yoga Therapist, an Advanced Level Yoga Teacher and Yoga Teacher Trainer, and a Somatic Educator among other things, including an Ayurvedic Practitioner and a Massage Therapist. She has training in several bodywork modalities which allow her to fully access and utilize the healing aspects of Yoga. Her integrative approach involves the synergy and alignment of all aspects of oneself, allowing the cultivation of embodied and enlivened living.
Meredith received her BA in Transpersonal Psychology with a Yoga Therapy and Somatics Emphasis from Burlington College in 2004. She received her Post-Bac Certificate in Western Herbalism in 2014 from Maryland University of Integrative Health, and her MSc in Maharishi Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine in 2018 from Maharishi International University (MIU). Meredith has served as faculty at MIU since 2020 and is the lead teacher trainer and course developer for the Yoga For Union teacher training program. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Vedic Sciences, the philosophy and study of yoga, its ancient texts, and its practices. She offers in-depth programs, courses, retreats, and training in both Yoga and Ayurveda online and in-person.
To work with Meredith directly in an individualized program or to learn about more ways you can study with her, visit www.meredithannhart.com or scroll down.
