This workshop looks at the rise of QAnon and conspiracy theories in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it is impacting the yoga community. The discussion also covers approaches for how the yoga community can address conspiracy theories amongst its practitioners. For more information on this topic, event participants may refer to isdglobal.org
Approximately 80 precent of the population suffers from chronic, or episodic, lower back pain. This can occur for many different reasons, yet how we move, sleep, and sit can dramatically impact our backs' health. Often, proper balancing of the deep flexor muscles of the “core” with the extensor muscles of the lower back/pelvis can improve low back pain—and yoga is a wonderful medium for this to occur! This workshop discusses the functioning of the iliopsoas muscle, the alignment of the pelvis, and the risks of excessive sitting and poor sleep hygiene. It also provides guidance on how to address and trouble-shoot our students’ and personal lower back pain.
In the Yoga Alliance Office Hours series, expert panelists open their office doors, answer participant questions, and centralize discussion on nuanced and complex yogic topics. In this event, returning digital event presenters Keri Bergeron, Jenny Loftus, and Arturo Peal break down the anatomy of the low back.
As a plus-size yoga practitioner and teacher, presenter Kady Lafferty of Big Booty Yoga has spent years exploring and learning more physically comfortable ways to access yoga postures and flow more freely in a big body. For big-bodied students, it can be apparent when teachers don’t have knowledge on how to sequence for, adapt to, or support their success in class, which can feel isolating. This 75-minute workshop equips teachers with tools to empower students of all sizes so they will feel seen and appreciated. Walk away with tips and tricks to accommodate curves, hips, bellies, and busts.
There’s a lot of current conversation in our country about who has privilege and who benefits or suffers from both overt and subtle systems of oppression. But how and why does this apply in a yoga setting? In this workshop, we draw on the Five Faces of Oppression model to discuss how power dynamics affect access to yoga, and how you can step forth as a leader to create diverse, equitable, and brave yoga spaces and empower yourself and others.
The Men Care Now Yoga Methodology is a unique, empathetic “risk-aware” methodology for the body and mind. It is primarily a Vinyasa methodology, though it also has deep ties to other lineages like Iyengar. This event offers a pace-focused Vinyasa flow allowing for time in each pose while guiding participants to remain connected to the breath. It also utilizes compassionate language and cueing with a risk-aware lens. Additional attention is placed on optionality and accessibility while incorporating props. Provided modifications help attendees to learn, self-reflect, and choose which aspects complement their path, needs, and wishes for their yoga practice and teaching style.
Yoga should offer space free of assumptions where all are welcomed. This workshop provides an open dialog about supporting the LGBTQIA+ community in yoga classes.