This workshop serves as a follow-up to previous Yoga and Eating Disorders events available as recordings on yourya.org. Join presenter Chelsea Roff as she answers lingering and popular questions derived from this series and addresses new questions brought by event participants.

Traditionally in India, mantra is the first introduction and practice of pranayama. In each Mantra Mālā offering, yoga lovers will befriend a Sanskrit Saṃskṛtá alphabet in its physical form, learn how it sounds, and what the esoteric significance of the alphabet is. We will also look at how it occurs in a few familiar yoga words. Learn a mantra and how to chant it with correct Vedic intonation, so the sound strikes in the body and energetically precisely where it should, bringing the visceral magic and abundance of this practice alive.

Dive into about the anatomy of the sacroiliac joint and its relationship with neighboring structures in the body. Learn functional movement patterns that support this joint's health and how to work with common pitfalls and challenges in a yoga practice.

Plank pose, or chaturanga dandasana, is a nuanced posture that sparks conversation and creativity. This workshop discusses how the joints are positioned and loaded in the common variation of this pose. We also learn how to create a more expansive idea of alignment, so we can understand when a student may require alternatives to the typical variation. And, we play with chaturanga! Practice with props, movements, and creative iterations of this remarkable pose.

Inspired by presenter Susanna Barkataki’s book Embrace Yoga’s Roots, this four-part series explores key issues in our community and offers participants experience in powerful practices like yoga, conversation, breathing, and meditation. These practices help support us in mending our spirits as we act, transform, care, and support ourselves and others. Part 3 focuses on appropriation and thoughtful action in yoga.

Explore intricate and interesting stretches and shapes to build to the peak pose Bird of Paradise. Learn arm balances as prep postures and creative nuances to travel through hamstring, hip, and shoulder work. Take the time in this workshop to embody the actual shape rather than whizzing right through it. Explore curious, smart, and fun orientations of Bird of Paradise and work deeper than you have before to reap the benefits, breath space into the asana, and find ease in the process.