Your Yoga Alliance

Explore the Benefits of Yoga Alliance Membership
2023-04-26 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Paulina Fuentes & Tianyu Qiao

Whether you’re already a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, a current student at one of our many Registered Yoga Schools, or thinking about starting a yoga teacher training, there’s a lot a Yoga Alliance membership offers that you may not know about. Join the Community Engagement team for an event designed to help you get the most from a Yoga Alliance membership. The team will go over the many resources available to you as a member, including the Member Assistance Program and YA CommUnity, setting up your professional profile, accessing benefits, and more. Bring any and all questions—or even let us know what benefits you’d like to see in the future!/div>

CE Workshop | Introducing the Concept of Detachment to Your Yoga Students
2023-04-20 12:00 - 13:00
We know that yoga is more than asana — and while learning techniques to safely sequence asana and pranayama are an important foundation in yoga teaching, philosophy is also a key component to delivering a well-rounded yoga class. Join sisters Cristal and Pooja Sharma to explore how to introduce the concept of detachment while teaching asana, pranayama, and meditation. We’ll discuss how to integrate yoga philosophy in a way that is both accessible for students and works with the flow of your class.

You’ll learn:

· The meaning of detachment
· How to incorporate philosophy when planning your class
· Teaching methods to integrate the concept of detachment in your class, and how to connect it with asana, pranayama, and meditation

CE Workshop | Integrating Yoga for Modern Wellbeing, Part 2: Perspectives and Learnings from Yoga in the VA
2023-04-17 14:00 - 15:00
Across the world, communities and individuals are struggling with health on every level—biological, emotional, social, and physical— and research shows yoga can, and should, be used as part of the solution. During this 4-part series, we’ll explore different ways of integrating yoga in healthcare systems and hear success stories from around the world.

In Part 2 of this series, we explore findings from the Department of Veterans Affairs in the United States, who has adopted a “Whole Health” approach within their healthcare system and how the program can be applied in other settings. This model supports greater inclusion and implementation of Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) practices. Yoga is one of the evidence-based approaches the Veteran’s Health Administration (VHA) makes available, whether on-site, via telehealth, or through community care.

In this session, Alison Whitehead and Marlysa Sullivan will discuss the impact yoga has had within VA’s Whole Health system. They’ll share insights on implementation and support strategies, as well as lessons learned from obstacles they met along the way.

Join us for this exciting conversation. You’ll learn:

· What “Whole Health” means at the VHA and how this system supports a focus on overall well-being
· Important research findings and therapeutic benefits that helped support the growth of yoga as a complementary and integrative health intervention, especially within the Veteran community
· Support strategies for yoga program implementation and learnings from obstacles along the way that can support you, no matter what community you’d like to encourage yoga in

CE Workshop | Simplifying and Demystifying the Koshas, Part 1: An Overview
2023-04-12 12:00 - 13:00
What are the koshas, and what is their relevance to a yoga practice? Join us for this 6-part series in which Manju and Prashant Joshi will discuss how an awareness of the koshas can deepen your practice and help you gain knowledge of yourself inside and out.

We’ll begin with an overview of what the koshas are, and their relevance in yogic wisdom and practice. 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
· The concept of the three bodies
· Yogic practices tailored to each kosha

CE Workshop | Building a Sustainable Yoga Career, Part 3
2023-04-06 18:00 - 19:00
Join us for this three-part series to learn practical tips to sustain and grow your yoga career at any experience level. Justin Ifill discusses strategies for navigating the job market, important education to ensure you’re fairly compensated, and how to prevent burnout.

What first drew you to yoga, and how do you maintain that inspiration? How do you continue to find that passion for your work over time? In the final part of this three-part series, we focus on the importance of professional growth. Learn how to stay inspired and connected in teaching yoga, without depleting yourself in the process.

In this webinar, you will learn:

· Why it’s important to teach from a place of love and authenticity
· Ways to stay inspired in your teaching over time
· How to manage your energy levels to prevent burnout

CE Workshop | How to Prepare for Tax Season as a Yoga Professional in the U.S.
2023-04-05 16:00 - 17:00
With the US federal tax return deadline fast approaching, join your fellow yoga professionals for a session designed to help you prepare to complete your tax return. We’ll hear from Rachel Clark of the CFO Services Group about some of the basics you need to know whether you are a teacher, business owner, or both. This session will include:

· Suggestions for how to organize your paperwork if you’re working with a tax professional
· What you might want to start doing *now* to prepare for a smoother tax season next year
· How to evaluate when you and your business are ready to hire a professional bookkeeper or accountant

CE Workshop | Restorative Yoga: Power Presence Practice
2023-04-04 11:00 - 12:00
Join us for a unique workshop that repositions and spotlights restorative yoga as an integral practice for modern times. Anna Ashby establishes the importance of caring for our nervous system health, and presents an excerpt and sequence featured in her new book, Restorative Yoga: Power Presence Practice for Teachers and Trainees.

In this workshop, you will:

· Better understand the power a restorative yoga practice, and how it impacts our physiological state
· Experience restorative yoga as an empowered process for exploring the depths of human ‘being’ and the more subtle aspects of yoga practice
· Rediscover the importance of slowing down and repositioning stillness and space at the heart of yoga practice

Explore the Benefits of Yoga Alliance Membership
2023-03-30 12:00 - 13:00
Whether you’re already a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, a current student at one of our many Registered Yoga Schools, or thinking about starting a yoga teacher training, there’s a lot a Yoga Alliance membership offers that you may not know about. Join the Community Engagement team for an event designed to help you get the most from a Yoga Alliance membership. The team will go over the many resources available to you as a member, including the Member Assistance Program and YA CommUnity, setting up your professional profile, accessing benefits, and more. Bring any and all questions—or even let us know what benefits you’d like to see in the future!

*This event will not be recorded.

CE Workshop | Ancient Text and Modern Applications, Part 3: Turning the Theoretical into Practical
2023-03-29 12:00 - 13:00
The Bhagavad Gita is not only for armchair philosophers, but rather a manual for the practical application of spiritual wisdom accessible for all. In this session, we’ll talk about the Gita’s philosophical conclusion and its ultimate message. Explore how to develop a deep and meaningful relationship with the text and ways to apply its teachings in your life.

In the final part of this series, you’ll learn:

· Why the Bhagavad Gita is a message of hope (but not in the way you might think)
· Tips for contemplative reading
· Ways to integrate the Gita’s teachings into your life

Those who register for this workshop will receive The Yoga Ladder, an excerpt from Hari-kirtana’s forthcoming book,  Journey Into The Bhagavad-gita.﻿

CE Workshop | Prana and Pranayama: The Power of Breathing
2023-03-28 21:45 - 22:45
Pranayama is a foundation of yoga, aimed at building connection between the breath, mind, body, and soul. When we focus on the breath, we are observing how our Prana—or energy—flows through us, perhaps with the aim of invigorating, relaxing, or healing the self. Join us for a discussion and self-exploration of the give-and-take of our energy, and the self-care that comes from Pranayama.

In this webinar, you will learn:

· A refresher on the concept of Prana and Pranayama
· How to use the breath as a tool to master your body and mind
· The physiological aspects of Pranayama

CE Workshop | Ancient Text and Modern Applications, Part 2: Metaphysics and Theology
2023-03-22 12:00 - 13:00
Part 2 of our series will look at how the Gita presents us with a new set of underlying assumptions about the nature of reality. We will explore topics like Metaphysics, the concept that “reality” may expand past what can be seen or measured, and Theology, and how their presence emerges in the Bhagavad Gita.

In this session, you’ll learn:

· How the Gita’s metaphysical conception of reality works… and how it can change the way we see the world
· How the Gita’s concept of God is different from western monotheism
· What makes the Gita’s philosophy exist beyond the structure of religion

Those who register for this workshop will receive The Yoga Ladder, an excerpt from Hari-kirtana’s forthcoming book, Journey Into The Bhagavad-gita.﻿

CE Workshop | Chair Yoga for People Living with Multiple Sclerosis
2023-03-20 10:00 - 11:00
March is Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month. An estimated 2.8 million people worldwide are living with this disease, which affects the central nervous system and often impacts mobility. Maria Jones (E-RYT 500) has been working with those living with MS since the beginning of her yoga teaching journey, and is the author of The Chair Yoga Handbook. Join us for a discussion and practical learning on yoga practices shown to be beneficial for people living with Multiple Sclerosis.

In this workshop, you will:

· Increase your awareness of Multiple Sclerosis and its symptoms
· Examine how MS affects the lives of those living with the condition
· Be introduced to yoga practices that are safe and potentially effective in supporting the everyday lives of those living with MS

CE Workshop | Ancient Text and Modern Applications, Part 1: What the Bhagavad Gita is, and Why it Matters
2023-03-15 12:00 - 13:00
Yoga teachers and enthusiasts alike are naturally drawn to the teachings of The Bhagavad Gita; and yet at times it may be difficult for readers to see how its lessons can be applied to today’s modern landscape. In this series, Hari-kirtana das will offer a deeper understanding of what the Bhagavad Gita really is and how it can help us navigate our way through whatever we face today. Part 1 of the series will cover the basics and take some first steps toward a deeper understanding of the Gita’s message.

In this session, you’ll learn:

· What the Bhagavad Gita is and how to understand its teachings
· Important characters like Krishna and Arjuna, and why they’re on a battlefield
· How to recognize the Gita’s overarching themes, literary structure, and primary topics

Those who register for this workshop will receive The Yoga Ladder, an excerpt from Hari-kirtana’s forthcoming book,  Journey Into The Bhagavad-gita.﻿

CE Workshop | The Myth of Yoga and Flexibility
2023-03-14 12:00 - 13:00
As yoga teachers, an assumption we often hear from non-practitioners is that they are not “flexible enough” for yoga; in reality, placing too much emphasis on stretching may actually be harming our students in the long run. Join Yogi Aaron, creator of AYAMA (Applied Yoga Anatomy + Muscle Activation™️), as he disputes the flexibility myth and explains why we should place focus on activating and strengthening muscles instead. Come ready to gain a new perspective on stretching, flexibility, and yoga that will transform how you teach and practice.

In this workshop you will learn:

· How stretching disconnects the body and mind, weakens the muscles, and causes misalignment, instability, and chronic pain
· A popular yoga pose you may want to avoid teaching, and why
· A simple muscle activation practice for you and your students to instantly feel stronger and more stable in the body

CE Workshop | Building a Sustainable Yoga Career, Part 2
2023-03-02 18:00 - 19:00
Join us for this three-part series to learn practical tips to sustain and grow your yoga career at any experience level. Justin Ifill discusses strategies for navigating the job market, important education to ensure you’re fairly compensated, and how to prevent burnout.

In part two of this three-part series, we discuss the economics of yoga studios, including compensation, and how topics like commuting, meals, and taxes should factor into your earnings.

In this webinar, you will learn:

· How yoga studios operate, and where teachers fit into the picture
· Important considerations in knowing your value
· When (and how) to ask for a raise

The Uncommon Yogi: A History of Blacks and Yoga in the U.S.
2023-02-28 11:00 - 12:00
Join us for a live watch part of the groundbreaking documentary The Uncommon Yogi: A History of Blacks and Yoga in the U.S. We will be joined by documentary creator and the Executive Director and co-founder of the Black Yoga Teachers Alliance, Jana Long.

Her film traces the historical roots of yoga practice in black communities in the U.S. and highlights some of the yoga teachers who have emerged from the early 1920s into the 21st century. It also dives deep into the influence Black individuals and communities have on the practice, and stories that are far too often left out of yoga education and conversation.

After the screening, Jana will host a live Q+A, and attendees will receive helpful resources and guidance on how to integrate this important information into their yoga teachings.

**Content Warning: This film explores topics like slavery and suicide and depicts images of racial violence that may be triggering for some individuals.﻿

How the FTC’s Proposed Ban on Non-Compete Agreements May Affect You and Your Yoga Business
2023-02-23 13:00 - 14:00
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is currently considering a rule that would impose a nationwide ban on almost all past and future non-compete agreements between employers and workers in the US. Join our legislative and regulatory counselors Aimee Ghosh and Julia Judish from Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP, who will explain how this proposed rule, if passed, would affect yoga professionals and businesses.

CE Workshop | How To Create Dynamic Digital Yoga Content
2023-02-22 14:00 - 15:00
Discover the art and science of creating successful online wellness offerings in this workshop with digital entrepreneur Sadie Nardini. Learn new and improved tools with a step-by-step tutorial to help you create content that is fun, creative, and attracts your best audience. In this workshop you will learn:

· How to make content creation fun and creative
· What is involved in moving from concept to marketing
· Tips for attracting your best audience

CE Workshop | How Yoga and Mindfulness Can Help Children Lower Anxiety and Boost Mood
2023-02-15 12:00 - 13:00
Worldwide, 20.5% of youths are struggling with anxiety symptoms,* and yoga has the potential to help. Join us to learn how many of the skills we teach can help kids navigate the mind and body’s response to stress. In this workshop, we explore ways kids can better understand their response to challenges, increase their ability to regulate emotions, and lower their anxiety while boosting their mood.

You will learn:

· How to shift thinking about anxiety as a group of symptoms to how we survive a challenge
· How to use Mindful MEDS (Movement, Exhale, Drink Water and Squat Spot) to lower stress and anxiety in children (these are skills that can help adults, too)
· An accessible definition of mindfulness known as The Three C’s: Curious, Calm, and Connected To The Moment

*“About 11.6% of kids had anxiety in 2012, up 20% from 2007. But during the pandemic, those numbers nearly doubled, such that 20.5% of youth worldwide now struggle with anxiety symptoms” (American Psychological Association, Oct 2022).

CE Workshop | Scientific Research: Learnings from the 2022 Yoga and Neuroscience Conference
2023-02-07 19:00 - 20:00
You know that yoga is a practice that improves how we feel, perform, and think, but have you ever been curious how yoga does this?

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Jonathan Rosenthal, chief resident physician in Neurology at NYU and dedicated yoga practitioner, on the scientific research findings on yoga and executive function, stress, mood, and risk tolerance. Dr. Rosenthal will also share insights from experiments hosted during the 2022 Neuroscience and Yoga Online Conference.

In this webinar, you will learn about:

· The theoretical background and practical implications of these yoga and neuroscience studies
· The science of how yoga affects the brain, and how to harness these benefits for yourself
· How to get involved in research at the upcoming 2023 Yoga and Neuroscience Conference

CE Workshop | Building a Sustainable Yoga Career, Part 1
2023-02-02 18:00 - 19:00
Join us for this three-part series to learn practical tips to sustain and grow your yoga career at any experience level. Justin Ifill discusses strategies for navigating the job market, important education to ensure you’re fairly compensated, and how to prevent burnout.

Whether you’re a new RYT looking for a teaching opportunity for the first time, or a seasoned professional looking for something new— there are many considerations when searching for a job teaching yoga. Where do you want to teach, and how often? What steps do you need to take in order to apply for an open position? In part one of this three-part series, Justin Ifill discusses finding teaching opportunities as an RYT. In this webinar, you will learn:

· The different venues for yoga teaching (studio, gym, private instruction, etc.)
· What to consider when searching for teaching opportunities
· Steps you will need to take in order to apply for jobs

Register now for part two and part three of this series.

CE Workshop | Introduction to YogaX: Stanford University's Integrated Holistic Yoga Program
2023-02-01 15:00 - 16:00
For the last ten years, a team of yoga-practicing psychologists from Stanford University’s Psychiatry Department has offered specialized yoga teacher trainings, as well as research and yoga classes, through the YogaX Integrated Holistic Yoga Program.

What is integrated holistic yoga? This model offers a mindfully embodied, comprehensive set of practices, dedicated to enhancing wellbeing for all, and works to promote the science and application of yoga in the medical community and beyond.

Join us and Dr. Christiane Brems to learn how YogaX is removing barriers to accessing yoga in an innovative, cross-sector approach that integrates the traditions of yoga with modern neuroscience.

In this workshop, you will:

· Be introduced to the integrated holistic yoga program at Stanford University
· Learn how the YogaX team approaches yoga teacher training
· Explore how a yoga teacher training program is integrating yogic traditions and practices into modern medical applications

CE Workshop | Integrating Yoga for Modern Wellbeing, Part 1
2023-01-24 12:00 - 13:00
Across the world, communities and individuals are struggling with health on every level—biological, emotional, social, and physical— and research shows yoga can, and should, be used as part of the solution.

During this 4-part series, we’ll explore different ways of integrating yoga in healthcare systems and hear success stories from around the world. Part 1 features the Yoga in Healthcare Alliance (YIHA) and their social prescribing yoga program, Yoga4health. Commissioned by the health services in West London in 2018, this program is now used throughout the UK in early intervention of some of the most widespread health conditions to improve patient outcomes and decrease demand on healthcare services.

Join the Yoga Alliance Scientific Research team for this workshop as we discuss how lessons learned from the Yoga4health program can be applied in other settings. You will learn:

· What “social prescribing” means, and how it can support the inclusion of yoga in healthcare in the UK and beyond
· The important research findings that have helped Yoga4health to spread, and what they mean by “patient empowerment”
· Strategies for integrating yoga into public health care, no matter the country you reside in

CE Workshop | A Journey in Sanskrit, Part 3: Conjunct Consonants
2022-12-15 12:00 - 13:00
Deepen your understanding of the language of yoga—Samskrutam, or Sanskrit. Whether you are new to yoga or an experienced teacher, this workshop series is for you. We will discuss the relevance of Samskrutam for both yoga teachers and practitioners, as well as how to grow in your own practice and teaching. In the final part of this series, presenters Prashant and Manju Joshi expand on our previous discussion and knowledge of consonants. You’ll have an opportunity to see, hear, and practice the conjuct consonants, recitations, and related yogic vocabulary.

In this workshop, you will learn:

· The historic evolution of Samskrutam and why it is an integral part of yogic learning
· The rich vowels and consonants of Samskrutam
· Structure and correct pronunciation

Viewing the first two parts of the series is not necessary for attendance, but helpful. This workshop builds on materials covered in Part 2 of this series, and we encourage you to view that recording prior to joining this event. YA Members can find those recordings in the Event Archive.

Making the Most of Your Membership | YA Orientation
2022-12-13 15:00 - 16:00
Tianyu Qiao & Iko Terrill

Yoga Alliance Office Hours are designed to help you get the most out of your membership. Join the Community Engagement team live* to learn more about the benefits and resources available to you as a member, including the Member Assistance Program and YA CommUnity, setting up your professional profile, accessing benefits, and more. Bring any and all questions—we’re here to help!

*This event will not be recorded.

CE Workshop | Self-Regulation, Part 3: Power of Surrender
2022-12-06 12:00 - 13:00
Lean into the wisdom from The Bhagavad Gita to implement emotional, physical and cognitive self-regulation tools to improve your daily life, both as a teacher and student. Part 1 explored creating a healthy foundation of non-attachment; in Part 2, we had an engaging conversation about the Law of Action.

During the final session of this series, we tie together those lessons with the Power of Surrender. What does it mean to surrender, and how can it benefit you? We will explore how you can successfully apply these life skills in your daily life, during your yoga practice, and as a teacher.

In this workshop, you’ll learn:

· The meaning of surrender and how to embrace the power in it
· How to introduce surrender successfully as a yoga teacher plus how to connect it with poses and meditation
· Why you don’t need to be a scholar to teach yoga philosophy

Recommended Reading for Workshop: Bhagavad Gita by Stephen Mitchell*
It is not necessary to watch Part 1 or Part 2 of this series prior to attending.

*This is the translation that will be used to lead discussion

Centering Mental Health | Supporting Young People Through Today's Mental Health Crisis
2022-11-29 14:00 - 15:00
There is a mental health crisis among young people. Unparalleled levels of depression and anxiety are plaguing today’s youth. For supporting adults, guardians, or youth organizations, it can be difficult to find the tools, resources, and social skills to address these issues in a way that resonates for the younger generation.

In this event, Centering Mental Health series host Richard Lui is joined by Alyssa Garza, scholarship winner with Active Minds—a premier organization impacting young adults and mental health—for an honest dialogue about what’s going on with young people today. Hear more about what is needed to support kids and teens in their mental health struggles and where yoga can help.

Walk away with a greater understanding of how you can support the young people in your life and the confidence that we can make a difference in the wellness, happiness, and health for the next generation.

Making the Most of Your Membership | YA Orientation
2022-11-17 15:00 - 16:00
Elisa Mass & Iko Terrill

Yoga Alliance Office Hours are designed to help you get the most out of your membership. Join the Community Engagement team live* to learn more about the benefits and resources available to you as a member, including the Member Assistance Program and YA CommUnity, setting up your professional profile, accessing benefits, and more. Bring any and all questions—we’re here to help!

*This event will not be recorded.

CE Workshop | A Journey in Sanskrit, Part 2: Explore Consonants
2022-11-17 12:00 - 13:00
Deepen your understanding of the language of yoga—Samskrutam, or Sanskrit. In the first part of this series, presenters Prashant and Manju Joshi reviewed the basics of Sanskrit. In part two, they bring our focus to the consonants. Whether you are new to yoga or an experienced teacher, this workshop series is for you. We will discuss the relevance of Samskrutam for both yoga teachers and practitioners, as well as how to grow in your own practice and teaching.

During this session, attendees will:

· Have an opportunity to see, hear, and practice the consonants of Samskrutam
· Learn corresponding chakras
· Build upon their current yogic vocabulary

Viewing Part 1 isn’t necessary for attendance, but helpful. Yoga Alliance members can watch the recording here.

CE Workshop | Scientific Research on Yoga 101: How to Get Involved in Yoga Research
2022-11-16 12:00 - 13:00
In the third part of our Scientific Research on Yoga 101 series, we will dive into one of the most-asked questions: how to get involved with yoga research? Join our Director of Scientific Research, Dr. Sat Bir Singh Khalsa, and host, Scientific Research Consultant, Steph Winsor, as they discuss the various opportunities available to get involved. In this workshop, you will learn:

· What goes into conducting different levels of research on yoga
· What approach to take if you want to become a published yoga researcher
· What approach to take if you want to contribute to yoga research as a yoga teacher
