Your Yoga Alliance

CE Workshop | Introduction to YogaX: Stanford University's Integrated Holistic Yoga Program
2023-02-01 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
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

CE Workshop | Sequencing for Success
2022-11-15 12:00 - 13:15
Yoga is an incredible tool for helping practitioners improve their lives; however, as teachers we may find it challenging to consistently create focused, asana-based sequences that provide students with the particular benefits they seek. Join Hayley Winter for a 75-minute workshop on sequencing that is based in theory and includes practical practice. You will learn:

· How to identify the benefit of a yoga pose that speaks to what your students seek
· How to utilize this knowledge to inform your yoga sequence designs
· How to deconstruct asana to create sequences that help your students receive the benefit

CE Workshop | Reclaim Your Center: Optimizing Yoga to Support Postnatal Yoga Students
2022-11-10 12:00 - 13:00
In the rush to return to pre-pregnancy levels of fitness, many postnatal yoga students jump back too quickly to exercises and movements that can prolong postpartum healing and recovery. This workshop will offer ways to develop confidence and learn practical skills to best support yoga students who recently gave birth. Learn potent deep core work that lays the foundation to stabilize and support yoga practice after pregnancy and childbirth.

As a yoga teacher, you will leave feeling empowered to support students who have recently given birth. As a yoga practitioner, you will leave with a toolkit of exercises to access your deep core.

In this workshop you will learn:

· A timeline of different phases of postpartum healing and recovery
· Common postpartum injuries and discomforts your students may experience
· Yoga postures that are contraindicated for your postpartum students
· Deep core exercises that are supportive for your postpartum students as well as for your advanced yoga practice
· When it’s appropriate to refer a student to a medical professional

Disclaimer: The intention of this workshop is to support the postnatal student in their yoga practice only. For more information on Yoga Alliance’s Scope of Practice, visit here.

CE Workshop | Chair Yoga for Older Adults
2022-11-03 11:00 - 12:00
Increase your knowledge and skills on teaching chair yoga for older adults. During this session, Maria Jones will cover age awareness, take a look at some of the benefits of yoga in the lives of older adults, and share best practices for facilitating yoga classes for this demographic. You will leave with practical tips for teaching safe and effective yoga classes to older adults, like:

· The challenges of an aging population and how yoga can support
· What makes chair yoga a positive intervention in the lives of older adults
· How to facilitate effective and accessible chair-based yoga classes for older adults

Centering Mental Health | Understanding the Barriers to Accessing Mental Healthcare in the U.S.
2022-11-02 13:00 - 14:00
In the United States, accessing mental health care can be challenging for many reasons. For some, simply the cost and time of speaking with a professional is enough to keep them from seeking support. For many more, the negative stigma surrounding mental health remains a huge, unfortunate deterrent to getting help.
Join series host, Richard Lui, and special guest, Dr. Kevin Waldorf-Cruz, DSW, LICSW, E-RYT, LMT, for the third conversation in the Centering Mental Health Series as they discuss barriers to accessing quality mental health care in the United States and what action can be taken to support those seeking these services.

Yoga Alliance Office Hours
2022-10-27 12:00 - 13:30
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 | Does Yoga Come From the Vedas?
2022-10-24 12:00 - 13:00
What does it mean to say that yoga has Vedic roots? The Vedas are India’s oldest sacred texts, but their earliest mantras don’t mention yoga as we’ve come to know it. The first description of yoga as a meditative discipline is found in the Upaniṣads; these philosophical texts are also part of the Vedic tradition, but they share a new worldview. In this workshop, Daniel Simpson will explore this distinction and why it matters. In the process, you will learn:

· How yoga began outside the Vedic mainstream, yet drew on Vedic ideas
· Why early yoga was not about action, but focused instead on renunciation
· What links the liberating insights of early practitioners to modern forms yoga

CE Workshop | Media Consumption & Your Mental Health
2022-10-20 13:00 - 14:00
In 2019, the National Institute of Health (NIH) wrote an article, “Can you get PTSD/Trauma by watching TV?” They concluded that “TV viewing following trauma exposure may be a marker of vulnerability for developing PTSD and also a consequence of having PTSD. High TV viewing levels may be linked with ineffective coping strategies or social isolation, which increase risk of developing PTSD” (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6428392/).

With information at our fingertips, we can watch what’s going on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our exposure to war is constant, but how does the body handle it? Seeing horrific things on the news can cause significant anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress—which impact us in many different ways. Yoga is one tool available that can help mitigate these symptoms.

In this workshop you’ll learn the signs of over-exposure and tools to help protect your mental wellness during these challenging times, plus:

· Understand the history & impact of media on your mental health
· Identify symptoms through a simple checklist approach
· Learn solutions to combat stress using proven tools such as: yoga, meditation, EFT/Tapping, breathwork, and affirmations

CE Workshop | Yoga for Grief
2022-10-19 14:00 - 15:00
Grief is a natural emotion that needs to run its course, and as a teacher you can use yoga to provide support to your students who are grieving. In this session, you’ll learn five different ways to help these students, both in group classes and in one-on-one sessions. We’ll discuss topics like:

· How to hold space for grief
· Ways to help reduce stress associated with grief
· Addressing the fatigue grief can cause
· Providing a “yoga break” for times when grief is overwhelming
· Helping students “move though” grief through gentle movements that can release held emotions

This session will include discussion, practice, and time for Q&A.

CE Workshop | Self-Regulation, Part 2: Dissecting Law of Action
2022-10-18 13:00 - 14:00
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. In Part 1 of this series, we focused on how to create a healthy foundation of detachment to support a thriving physical, personal, and professional life of non-attachment. In Part 2, we will focus on the Law of Action and explore how you can successfully apply these life skills in your daily life, during your practice, and as a teacher.

In this workshop, you’ll learn:

· The meaning of Law of Action and how you can apply this concept in your daily life
· How to introduce Law of Action 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 of this series prior to attending.
*This is the translation that will be used to lead discussion

IAYT Symposium on Yoga Research
2022-10-17 - 2022-10-19
Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, Stockbridge, MA

Presented by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), the Symposium on Yoga Research (SYR) is a single-track academic research meeting that includes keynote speakers, invited presentations from senior researchers, poster sessions, and opportunities to interact with other scientists, experts, and professionals in the field. This conference is also a unique learning opportunity for yoga therapists, clinicians, integrative healthcare professionals, and psychology and education professionals interested in yoga research.

CE Workshop | A Journey in Sanskrit, Part 1: Understanding the Basics
2022-10-13 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 first of this 3-part journey, 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

YAF | Teaching For Equity Program Info Session
2022-10-11 10:00 - 11:00
All around the world, yoga is making a positive difference in the health and well-being of individuals and their communities. Yoga teachers take their practice beyond studios and into parks, community spaces, health care facilities, senior centers, refugee camps, social programs, and beyond—and the Yoga Alliance Foundation seeks to amplify and support expansion of this work.

The Teaching for Equity program provides financial support, business-building resources, and community connection for yoga teachers serving for little or no pay in communities experiencing marginalization. In this panel discussion, Yoga Alliance Foundation Program Director Kady Lafferty will lead a conversation with Teaching for Equity alumni from around the world about their work offering yoga in communities that have faced barriers to access. This conversation will include:

· An overview of the Teaching for Equity program and what it offers
· Program details and eligibility
· Information about the upcoming application period

Teaching for Equity is funded and directed by the Yoga Alliance Foundation, with Ivy Child International and Synergy Yoga as implementing partners. For details and information on how to apply, visit yogaalliance.org/Foundation/Teaching_for_Equity_Program.

Centering Mental Health | Understanding and Combating Mental Health Stigma Around the World
2022-10-04 12:00 - 13:00
One of the greatest barriers to receiving quality mental health care for individuals around the world is the pervasive stigma associated with mental illness. Join Richard Lui as he hosts a discussion with two leaders in the fight against mental health stigma: Mme. Sophie Grégoire Trudeau and Jessi Wolz of the organization RefuSHE. We will examine:

· What mental health stigma looks like around the world, and within various communities
· How de-stigmatizing mental illness can support individuals’ decision to seek help
· How yoga professionals can de-stigmatize mental health in their classes and daily lives

Bridging the Gap between Yoga and Mental Health | A Cross-Sector Community Conversation
2022-10-01 12:00 - 13:00
Misa Kishi, Justin Ifill, Ruth Rosenbaum, & Laura Staton

Yoga is widely known as a healing practice and has been long called upon as a non-pharmaceutical solution to many health conditions. Often, new yoga practitioners come to the practice to relieve chronic illness, depression, anxiety, and many other ailments, including mental health conditions. At the same time, many may not recognize yoga as an option for mental health support or emotional relief.

Given the heightened challenges we’re experiencing in society today, many are wondering what we can really do to support mental health in the United States.

This event brings together leaders from caring professions for a candid conversation on unique and creative approaches to mental health care. Join them as they explore cross-sector collaborations and opportunities to remove barriers to accessing effective mental and emotional support.

SOULFest NYC, ﻿﻿Presented by Yoga Alliance
2022-10-01 08:00 - 17:00
Hudson River Park’s Pier 64 at 24th Street

Inspired by the people and culture of New York City, SoulFest was born in 2015 in Harlem. SOULFest centers inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility, celebrating and uplifting the rich culture of local communities. Join us for a day of yoga and wellness packed with back-to-back presenters leading classes, talks, and workshops. This event is free and open to all.

Yoga Alliance Gathering and Practice
2022-09-28 07:00 - 08:15
Join Yoga Alliance to mindfully start your day before the White House Conference on Hunger Nutrition, and Health. You’ll hear from Yoga Alliance representatives about its work to expand access to yoga followed by a 45-minute chair-based yoga practice led by Susanna Barkataki, E-RYT 500, RPYT, RCYT, YACEP, yoga advocate, speaker, and teacher. This event is online and free and open to the public. American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting and closed-captioning available.

CE Workshop | Role of Yoga Teachers in the Mental Health of their Students
2022-09-21 18:00 - 19:00
Shirin Boose

More and more, yoga is being understood as and practiced for mental health support. While yoga’s benefits are many, yoga teachers may not always feel confident in how best to safely support their students seeking these specific benefits from the practice. Join this workshop to better understand the role a yoga teacher has in supporting the mental health of students, including guidance on:

· The intersection of yoga and mental health
· How to help students while operating within your Scope of Practice as a yoga teacher
· National resources and opportunities for further mental health training

To review the Yoga Alliance Scope of Practice, visit ﻿Scope of Practice | Yoga Alliance.

CE Workshop | Transitioning to Online Teaching
2022-09-19 15:00 - 16:00
Whether you want to teach solely online, or prefer a hybrid model, there is a pathway to financial success for yoga teachers in creating and publishing online yoga content. In this workshop, Sadie Nardini will share her strategies for transitioning to an online business model. You will learn:

· What to keep and what to let go of from the traditional in-person studio model
· How to edit your creative thoughts to focus on what is unique and marketable about you as a teacher
· Effective tips for generating passive income through optimized content

CE Workshop | La méditation de Pleine Conscience dans l'enseignement du Yoga
2022-09-14 12:00 - 13:00
Dans cet atelier, Dominique Fugère vous partagera des stratégies afin d’introduire la pleine conscience dans la pratique et l’enseignement du yoga. Vous y découvrirez aussi quel est le rôle de la méditation dans la pratique du yoga et celui de l’Asana dans la méditation. De façon plus précise, vous:

· Acquerrez une vision plus claire de la pleine conscience et de sa pertinence dans l’enseignement du yoga;
· Découvrirez comment la pratique de la méditation peut enrichir l’enseignement du yoga, et par le fait même, la vie des étudiants;
· Apprendrez des pratiques d’exploration simples.

CE Workshop | Understand the Vagus Nerve and How It Can Affect Asana Practice
2022-09-13 14:00 - 15:00
While our body rests, our parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for things like our heartbeat, breath, digestion, and other bodily functions that we do unconsciously. The vagus nerve is the longest nerve of the autonomic nervous system, and carries signals from these organs to the brain and back.﻿ It also helps counterbalance the effects of stress on the body. In this workshop, you will learn about:

· The functions of the vagus nerve
· Polyvagal theory
· Yoga practices that can support the tone and function of this important aspect of our physiology

CE Workshop | Scientific Research on Yoga 101: How to Interpret a Research Paper
2022-09-13 12:00 - 13:00
Are you curious about how to evaluate scientific research on yoga and effectively use it to support your teaching? Our Scientific Research on Yoga team has worked to make the most relevant and applicable published research available to you. Join ﻿our ﻿Director of Yoga Research, Dr. Sat Bir Singh Khalsa, and host scientific research consultant, Steph Winsor, to learn what to look for when reviewing a research paper.

In this webinar, you will learn:﻿﻿

· How to evaluate the strength, integrity, and value of a research paper
· How to read an article to support your teaching techniques and tactics
· How to select key phrases or statistics from a research paper﻿
