Your Yoga Alliance

CE Workshop | Simplifying and Demystifying the Koshas, Part 4: Manomaya Kosha
2023-08-08 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
In part 4 of this koshas exploration, we bring our focus to the mind with the Manomaya kosha. This can be thought of as the “psychological” sheath and is linked to our sympathetic nervous system. Yogic practices such as Yama-Niyama, Pranayama, Pratyahara, and Dharana can all help us influence this kosha.

Whether you are a veteran yoga teacher/practitioner or just starting your journey, there’s always something to learn. Join us to refresh your knowledge or gain new perspectives on this fascinating topic.

In this workshop, you will learn:

· The “big picture” of the Manomaya kosha
· How to use the yogic practices of Yama-Niyama, Pranayama, Pratyahara, and Dharana, along with Ayurvedic practices, to balance this sheath

Watch Part 1 of this series and register for Parts 2, 3, 5, and 6.

CE Workshop | Adapting Yoga for Pregnancy: Creating an Uplifting and Supportive Environment for Pregnant Students
2023-08-23 12:00 - 13:00
This event is designed to equip yoga instructors with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively support and empower pregnant students in their yoga classes.

During this workshop, we will delve into the following essential topics through engaging lectures and informative slides:

· Prenatal Yoga Benefits and Contraindications: Understand the numerous benefits of practicing yoga during pregnancy and identify potential contraindications to ensure the safety and well-being of pregnant students.
· Trimester-by-Trimester Anatomy and Physiology: Gain a comprehensive understanding of how the pregnant body changes throughout each trimester and learn how to modify yoga sequences accordingly.
· Addressing Pregnancy-Related Discomforts: Explore common discomforts experienced by pregnant individuals, both on and off the yoga mat, and discover techniques to support and alleviate these issues effectively.
· Empowering Pregnant Students: Learn strategies and approaches to create a nurturing and inclusive environment that empowers pregnant students to feel strong, confident, and secure during your yoga classes.
· The knowledge acquired during the workshop will be immediately applied as we move our bodies through a series of prenatal adaptations of commonly practiced yoga poses. By experiencing these adaptations firsthand, you will gain the confidence and skills needed to integrate them seamlessly into your regular yoga classes.

Please note that this workshop is designed to educate instructors on basic teaching methodologies to support pregnant students attending non-pregnancy specific yoga classes. If you are interested in creating specialized classes tailored to pregnant students, please consider exploring a Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher (RPYT) credential.

CE Workshop | Yoga For Adolescent Mental Health: Understanding The Developing Brain
2023-09-07 12:30 - 13:30
Globally, one in seven 10-19 year olds experiences a mental health condition, accounting for 13% of the global burden of disease in this age group.

Adolescence is marked by a number of changes in the brain that can cause the onset of many major mental health conditions. When identified, resources and accessible tools, like yoga, can be provided to help them navigate this difficult developmental period. Offering meaningful yoga classes, workshops, and events can positively impact the physical and mental health of our adolescents and provide them with life-long skills for a better mind-body connection.

In this workshop, we will discuss how to teach a class or workshop to help foster adolescent development, including lesson planning tips and classroom techniques. This will include digestible information on the science of brain development, paired with practical applications.

In this workshop, we will explore the adolescents’:

· Social focus shifts from home life to their peers
· Increase in self-consciousness and the impact on wellbeing
· Building skills of identifying intentions of others
· Moving from a ‘generalist’ brain to a ‘specialist’ brain through neurological pruning
· Drop in level of dopamine and the impact on mood and why we see an Increase in risk taking behavior and the need to help adolescents find ‘meaningful risk’
· Developing Identity Formation
… and more!

Join us for this workshop filled with digestible information and practical guidance for those interested in creating a nurturing and safe environment for adolescent aged children and teens in their classes.

CE Workshop | Simplifying and Demystifying the Koshas, Part 5: Vidnyanmaya Kosha
2023-09-14 12:00 - 13:00
In part 5 of this series, we continue to explore the mind with the Vidnyanmaya kosha. This “knowledge” sheath represents our parasympathetic nervous system and our intuition.

Whether you are a veteran yoga teacher/practitioner or just starting your journey, there’s always something to learn. Join us to refresh your knowledge or gain new perspectives on this fascinating topic.

In this workshop, you will learn:

· The “big picture” of the Vidnyanmaya
· How to use the yogic practices of swadhyaya, tapas, and dharana to balance this sheath

Watch Part 1 of this series and register for Parts 2, 3, 4, and 6.

CE Workshop | Simplifying and Demystifying the Koshas, Part 6: Aananda Kosha
2023-10-12 12:00 - 13:00
The conclusion of this 6-part series brings everything together with the Aananda kosha, also known as the “bliss” sheath. This is the subtlest of all the koshas; through meditation, one can get glimpses of our blissful nature.

Whether you are a veteran yoga teacher/practitioner or just starting your journey, there’s always something to learn. Join us to refresh your knowledge or gain new perspectives on this fascinating topic.

In this workshop, you will learn:

· The “big picture” of the koshas from yoga/Sankhya schools of philosophy
· Yogic meditative practices Dharana, Dhyana, and Samaadhi

Watch Part 1 of this series and register for Parts 2, 3, 4, and 5.

CE Workshop | The 3 Biggest Mistakes Yoga Teachers Make in Sequencing (and How to Avoid Them)
2023-10-17 12:00 - 13:00
Whether you’re struggling to plan inspiring yoga classes, or worried about how to teach multi-level classes to progress your students safely, this 75-minute continuing education event brings forward a science-based solution to help yoga teachers avoid making common mistakes in sequencing classes.

In this session, Hayley Winter reveals ‘The 3 Biggest Mistakes Yoga Teachers Make in Sequencing and How to Avoid Them’. With 20 years in development and 7 years of research, Hayley, founder of the Institute of Yoga Sports Science®, shares her evidence-based game plan on the science of sequencing movement.

Hayley covers:

Your Missing Intention
As teachers, we encourage our students to set intentions for their practice, but how often do you, as their guide, set your clear intention for their movement journey? Your sequence intention is your science-based foundation. No intention means no plan, no evaluation, less confidence, and limited growth.

Overlooking the Peak Pose
A peak pose is a key part of a yoga sequence, but how often do you look to the peak pose as your movement focus? Not knowing how to unlock the power of the peak pose can leave you wondering how to safely progress your students. Making Mixed-Level Assumptions

You may find yourself categorizing students as beginners, intermediates, or advanced. However, this can lead to misplaced assumptions about their capabilities, making it challenging to create accessible sequences for mixed-level classes. Whether you’re a brand new or seasoned yoga teacher, and regardless of the style you teach, you’ll leave this session with invaluable insights, plus a workbook designed to help you advance your yoga sequencing skills.

CE Workshop | The Power of the Prāṇāmaya Kośā: Transforming Your Somatic Experience
2023-12-05 13:00 - 14:00
Join Mirabelle D’Cunha for this workshop on the power of the Prāṇāmaya Kośā. This event will start with brief but insightful overview of the Kośās, the layers of existence that encapsulate the self, and the pivotal role they play in our spiritual and physical well-being. Our primary focus will be on the Prāṇāmaya Kośā, the sheath of vital energy and breath.

We will then investigate the concept of interception, exploring how the Prāṇāmaya Kośā serves as the bridge between the physical and mental realms. Through interactive discussions and practical exercises, we will dive into the sense of interception, gaining a deeper awareness of its significance in our lives.

Discover how yoga practitioners often utilize the breath to bypass the authentic experience of the Prāṇāmaya Kośā and explore techniques that help bridge the gap between breath and being, allowing for a more profound and authentic experience of the Prāṇāmaya Kośā.

You will also learn:

· The effect of conditioning (vasanas) on pranamaya kosha
· Tantra-based practice of co-meditation and its biological basis
· Powerful prāṇā awareness practice, tapping into the ever-changing landscape of the prāṇāmaya kośā to facilitate allowing/grace

Global Yoga Insights: Unveiling 'Yoga in the World' Research Study Findings
2024-01-30 13:00 - 14:15
Examine top-level findings from our first-of-its-kind global study. This special event is hosted by Toni Carey, Head of Strategic Communications at Yoga Alliance. Attendees will receive a guided overview of the most compelling research insights, with specific focus on the motivations and perceptions of yoga practitioners worldwide.

To access detailed findings, methodology, and insights, visit yogaalliance.org/yoga_in_the_world.

Yoga Beyond the Studio: Exploring Black Identity, Community & Collective Care
2024-02-22 12:30 - 13:30
For Black communities across the United States, yoga has and continues to play a unique role beyond the conventional studio setting. Join us for a unique panel discussion expanding on the recent Yoga Journal article by Tamika Caston-Miller, “Where Are the Black Yoga Studio Owners?”, while examining the intersections of yoga, identity, community, and collective care.

Moderated by Sharon Cyrus, Director of Strategic Projects at Yoga Alliance.

This event is open to the public.

To access detailed findings, methodology, and insights from the Yoga in the World Research Study, visit yogaalliance.org/yoga_in_the_world.

Freedom Flow
2024-02-23 11:00 - 12:00
“The point of yoga is to get us free; we cannot get free, healed or whole disembodied or by ourselves.”

Join us for an inspiring yoga practice to celebrate Black History Month!

Designed and led by Stephon JB, this practice carves out space for practitioners to explore layers where we are most embodied. This practice begins with contemplation and reflection, offering space to think things over, before moving into a steady, upbeat vinyasa flow. Deeply rooted in loving-kindness practice and orientation toward doing justice, Freedom Flow empowers us to believe a new world is possible.

This class is open to everyone, so be sure to share with friends, family, and colleagues!

Root To Rise: Planting Seeds of Identity, Blooming into the Future
2024-02-28 12:00 - 13:00
Join Sihnuu Hetep, for this one-hour exploration that dives into the intersection of identity and culture, celebrating the richness of Black history. Through a curated yoga flow and reflective journaling, participants will connect with their roots, both personally and collectively, in a meaningful and inspiring way.

The intention of this practice is to provide a space for self-discovery and empowerment, honoring the past while envisioning a future rooted in strength and authenticity. The workshop is designed to celebrate Black voices, drawing inspiration from both historical figures and contemporary Black artists, authors, and speakers.

Key Takeaways:

· Grounding Yoga Experience: Engage in a 30-minute curated yoga flow designed to ground participants in the present moment and connect with their roots.
· Reflection with Black Voices: Explore your sense of identity through journaling prompts inspired by quotes from influential Black authors, speakers, and artists.
· Cultural Heritage Celebration: Connect historical narratives with personal reflections, celebrating the strength, resilience, and achievements of the Black community.
· Empowering Intentions: Set intentions for your future infused with inspiration from both historical and contemporary Black voices.
· Nurturing the Soil: Conclude the session with a brief meditation focused on nurturing and honoring your unique journey.

Yoga in Healthcare: Exploring Integration and Impact
2024-04-18 15:00 - 16:00
Join an exploratory conversation into the topic of yoga integration into health care settings. We’ll discuss the unique work of the YogaX at Stanford Psychiatry team, findings from the Yoga in the World research study, and explore what strides have been made in these efforts as well as what roadblocks remain.

Community Class | CONFIDANCE
2024-05-22 12:00 - 13:00
According to vulnerability researcher Brené Brown, “there is no form of self-expression that makes us feel more vulnerable than dancing. It is full body vulnerability”. In an art form that requires us to be seen, not only by ourselves but by others, in our own bodies, it’s no wonder most of us don’t feel confident when we move.

Join us for an inspiring yoga practice to celebrate AAPI Month! Designed and led by Lauren DeVera (she/her), this movement and introspective workshop will guide attendees in taking up space, being seen, and moving with confidence. Integrating a slow flow, improvisation and journaling, attendees will experience a deeper sense of self, safety in one’s body and confidence to explore our edges.

When we all take up space fully, the world becomes a brighter place.

This event will be moderated by Stephon JB, Founder & CEO, LifeWell. This class is open to everyone.

You can learn more about Lauren DeVera at www.lauren-devera.com.

Items to bring: yoga mat, journal and pen

Community Class | Pride and the Pursuit of Progress
2024-06-26 11:15 - 12:15
Be like the moon. Show up in the world regardless of what phase you’re in.” As the LGBTQIA+ community celebrates Pride month in the United States, join your Yoga Alliance community for a multi-faceted all-levels practice including asana, pranayama and meditation. Washington, D.C based yoga teacher Chris Reber (he/him) will lead the Yoga Alliance team and a virtual audience in a practice that explores how your personal identity connects you to your community. The class will end with a brief question and answer session led by Lauren DeVera (she/her), founder of The Lion’s Den.

Items to bring: yoga mat

Info Session | Join Yoga Alliance’s Boards of Directors
2024-07-09 14:00 - 15:00
We believe that if more people practice yoga, the better the world will be. Yoga Alliance has released its 2024-2030 Strategic Plan and we are now looking for individuals to join Yoga Alliance and Yoga Alliance Foundation’s Boards of Directors. In this info session, you will learn what it means to serve on the Boards of Directors, roles and responsibilities, details about the application process, and more.

This event is moderated by Kevin James Karas, Board Governance Manager at Yoga Alliance.

Community Class | Our Presence Has Purpose
2024-07-31 12:00 - 13:00
Celebrate Disability Pride Month and join our online seated adaptive and accessible yoga class. This event is Adaptive which means it will allow you to adapt all the movements to your own wonderful and unique body, and Accessible because it’s open to the entire community — disabled and non-disabled folks alike. Disability both diminishes and magnifies, and we will wholeheartedly celebrate the diversity of the human experience. You’ll be invited to inhabit your body gently and kindly through breath, movement, music, awareness, and meditation—a genuinely nourishing, intimate, embodied experience with your Self.

Props: If you do not use a wheelchair to travel the World, we kindly ask you to show up with a sturdy chair and a few props.

“Freedom from & Freedom to” Flow
2024-08-21 12:00 - 13:00
The word freedom comes from the English word FRĒODŌM , a state of emancipation, liberty, or free will. This word is composed of: free or “FRĒO,” indicating an exemption from something and “DŌM” is a suffix in Old English indicating judgement or condemnation.

Designed and led by Nana Amoako-Anin, this practice carves out space for us to explore FREE-dom. Freedom from elements of life that are blocking our progress. Offering us space to experience joy.

Going deep into movements for the FREE-body, this vinyasa flow class is a mix of heart-openers and grounding poses. This practice will begin with contemplation and reflection about what freedom means to each of us. We will ponder how our self-beliefs may prevent progress. The practice will encourage openness and release.

The class will end with a brief question and answer session led by Rodrigo Souza (he/him), Adaptive & Accessible Yoga Teacher and founder of Allihopa Yoga.

Items to bring: yoga mat, yoga block, and journal

In Remembrance of Our Dead
2024-10-09 12:00 - 13:00
To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the tradition of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), we will respectfully build an ofrenda (offerings placed on an altar) and dedicate our sadhana to our beloved who are deceased.

Designed and led by Daniel Hickman (he/him), we’ll intentionally use this time as an homage to our ancestors, dearly departed friends, and perished animal companions.

We welcome everyone to create their own ofrenda, or Día de los Muertos altar, to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of their loved ones who have departed. The altar serves as a celebration of life, honoring the joy, spirit, and cherished memories of those who have passed with love and remembrance.

Learn more here: Dia de los Muertos Symbols and Traditions

Class will begin and end with chanting. Asanas will include mobility, flexibility, core stabilization and static strength to move us through the six directions of the spine. We will then make use of pranayama to enter stillness in dhyana in remembrance of our dead.

Chants: rhythmic repetitions of a song, prayer, word, or sound. In yoga, sound is seen as healing and sacred.
· Bija Mantras (short one syllable word chanted aloud or silently to cultivate concentration, mindfulness, and a state of meditation.)
· Om Mani Padme Hum (mantra that encapsulates the core teachings of compassion and wisdom and is said to represent the path to enlightenment.)

Pranayamas: Ancient breathing techniques that involve controlling one’s breath using different styles and techniques

· dirgha (known as “three-part” breath; this technique consists of slow and deep breathing, filling up the chest, abdomen, and clavicular regions. Its benefits include prolonged breathing, stress reduction, increased inner focus, and connection of the mind, body, and breath.)
· surya bheda (known as right nostril breathing; a technique that consists of inhaling through the right nostril and exhaling through the left.)
· chandra bheda (known as single nostril breath, or left nostril breathing; a technique which involves blocking the opposite nostril, typically done in a seated position at the end of a yoga practice to calm and cool the mind and body down.)

The class will end with a brief question and answer session led by Nana Amoako-Anin (she/her), Ghanian-American seasoned yoga teacher, E-RYT 500, YACEP, and owner of Bliss Yoga Accra.

Items to bring: yoga mat, blanket, blocks, meditation cushion and… items to decorate our ofrenda in a way that connects you to your dead loved ones. Be it flowers, food, pictures, clothes, textiles, even books, jewelry, flowers and candles.

Integrating Yoga into Healthcare: Community Insights
2025-04-09 12:00 - 13:00
Yoga Alliance and YogaX at Stanford Psychiatry invite you to a community information session unpacking key insights on Opinions About Yoga in Healthcare from yoga professionals who participated in the national survey on identifying the barriers and facilitators to integrating yoga in healthcare settings.

Together, we’ll begin to explore the perspectives, experiences, and aspirations of over 1,800 yoga professionals across the U.S. and how their voices are shaping the evolving role of yoga in healthcare. This conversation will highlight general trends in the data, the growing interest in integrating yoga into healthcare settings, and how this research aims to empower all yoga professionals—regardless of credential level or background.

Join us for a collaborative dialogue with Kristina Graff, Head of Social Impact at Yoga Alliance and Dr. Christiane Brems and Geno Carvalho from YogaX at Stanford Psychiatry.

We’ll cover:

· General trends in the data from the national survey findings
· Insights on credentialing, scope of practice, and specialized training
· What this means for the future of yoga

Supporting Your Well-Being: A Closer Look at the Member Assistance Program
2025-05-28 12:00 - 13:00
The Member Assistance Program, offered by our partner, AllOne Health, is a benefit available to all Yoga Alliance members. This program is included in your membership at no additional cost and offers comprehensive services designed to support you and your loved ones in your personal wellness journeys. Come learn more about the benefits you receive, including 24/7 mental health support, work and life services, legal and financial resources, and more.

Info Session: Join Yoga Alliance’s Boards of Directors
2025-08-06 12:00 - 13:00
Passionate about advancing the yoga community? Join us Wednesday, August 6th at 12 PM EST for an informational session about serving on our Boards of Directors (2026-2028 term). Connect with CEO Shannon Roche, Board Chair Jo-Ann Bance, and board member Chantelle Diachina to learn about the impact of board service, key responsibilities, and our application process. This collaborative session, led by Board Governance Manager, Kevin James Karas, includes time for your questions about the Board and application process.
Please join us and discover how your voice can help shape the future of the practice.
