Immersion into the Yoga Tradition - Phoenix
Master Workshop Series with Mary Bruce and Lynn Matthews

The Immersion into the Yoga Tradition’s Master Workshop Series is for students who wish to deepen their practice and further their understanding of Yoga. The workshops delve into the art and science of Yoga from a multitude of perspectives to provide students with a rich and vast body of knowledge. Class size is limited to foster deeper understanding and personal growth.

All workshops are Thursday through Sunday.

Times: Thursdays 6 - 9 pm, Fridays 5 - 9 pm, Saturdays 9 am - 6 pm and Sundays 9 am - 6 pm

Investment for individual weekends: $425

Investment of $355/weekend if you register for all 11 workshops (a savings of more than 15%)

Workshops qualify as YA continuing education hours; call for details

Weekend Descriptions

April 28 - May 1 Philosophy: Sri Vidya Dharmas, Tantra, Sutras, Upanishads

The Dance of Dharma and Desire

Explore the rich and vast body of knowledge known as Tantra, the true source of Yoga. Tantra means to thrive and journey inwards to remember our immortal soul in order to expand back out into the manifest world. The 5 Sri Vidya Dharmas are sourced from the Saundarya Lahari; Waves of Beauty and Bliss, and are a way of reflecting on what it means to enjoy the world to its fullest potential. We will also go deeper into the Yoga Sutras and the Upanishads as a way of understanding our true nature with compassion and clarity and weave that vision back into the world through the practice of the Heart Kriya meditation. There will be daily asana practices as well to grow your capacity to remember and be the person you were meant to be.

May 19 - 22 Ayurveda: doshas, gunas, subtle doshas

Reclaim your Energy and Remember Life Joyfully!

Ayurveda, translated as complete knowledge for long life or the science of self-healing, is considered the sister science of yoga. They complement one another and weave together to form a complete approach for optimal health, vitality and awareness. In this weekend workshop we will delve deeply into the three doshas , gunas, and subtle doshas for a clear
understanding of how to bring out our individual shining and meet the demands of life with competence and ease. Modalities
discussed and practiced will include diet, herbs, asana, pranayama and meditation. Restoring wholeness in body mind and
spirit is both the individual and collective pursuit of these ancient arts.

June 9 - 12 Pranayama and Prana Vayus

The Power of Prana: Exploring the Transformative Nature of the Breath

Prana, often defined as “life force”, is the vital energy that operates within your body to maintain life. Prana is the emphasis in Tantric philosophy where it is believed that your experience of life is a precise reflection of your energy. Thus the way prana
flows dictates your experience of life. So, if you change how prana flows, you change how you feel. This experiential workshop explores the alchemy of the prana vayus and the energetic effects of various pranayama techniques. The key to greater joy and fulfillment lies within your own breath. Come and experience it for yourself!

July 21 - 24 Posture Lab #1

Posture Lab: An In-depth Investigation into the Anatomy of Asana

The Posture Lab is a comprehensive analysis of a variety of beginning, intermediate and advances postures. Learn to break down and analyze postures based on the physical, mental and emotional effects of each. Explore the anatomical, biomechanical aspects of each pose as well as the energetic value it offers. Learn the preparatory poses, counterposes, variations, modifications, assists, adjustments, contraindications, and benefits for the poses. The practical wisdom gained from this workshop will be an invaluable reference to teachers and serious students.

August 18 - 21 Posture Lab #2

Posture Lab: An In-depth Investigation into the Anatomy of Asana

The Posture Lab is a comprehensive analysis of a variety of beginning, intermediate and advances postures. Learn to break down and analyze postures based on the physical, mental and emotional effects of each. Explore the anatomical, biomechanical aspects of each pose as well as the energetic value it offers. Learn the preparatory poses, counterposes, variations, modifications, assists, adjustments, contraindications, and benefits for the poses. The practical wisdom gained from this workshop will be an invaluable reference to teachers and serious students.

September 8 - 11 Subtle Body: chakras, koshas, gunas, vayus

Anatomy of the Spirit
"When all the knots of the heart are broken, then the mortal becomes immortal"
Katha Upanishad 6.15

The Subtle body includes seven main wheels of vibrating energy known as chakras, associated with certain parts of the body and particular functions. By understanding and utilizing the energies of the chakras we move toward an enlightened state of being. There are also five koshas or layers of the self that we will explore and unwrap like a gift to move towards our true inner self. Nadis are subtle channels that carry prana and consciousness. Granthis are knots which act as barriers to the free flow of prana and bandhas are locks or seals that direct energy, activating the nadis and energy body to restore harmony. We will also study the five prana vayus or winds that preside over different parts of the body and govern different physical and subtle activities, much like the chakras. Learn the relationship between these subtle centers through theory and tantric practices that bring dynamic balance to the body and mind revealing the promise of yoga: to Remember ourselves as Divine, enjoying our unique talents and living a life of meaning and purpose!

October 6 - 9 Therapeutics

Yoga as Therapy

Yoga has the power to reach, heal and awaken the light of human potential. It is inherently therapeutic for body and mind, if practiced consciously with proper alignment and the right intention. Knowing how to use asana to help students working with injury or chronic pain experience the richness that Yoga potentially offers is invaluable as a teacher. This experiential workshop combines theory, lecture and practice to give you the confidence to use yoga to work therapeutically with a wide range of common physical problems.

November 17 - 20 Vinyasa Krama #1

Vinyasa Krama: The Art and Science of Sequencing

Vinyasa Krama is "wise progression", the intelligent linking or sequencing of postures that informs a complete practice. It also
refers to a vital thread of the Yoga tradition: a practice should suit the needs of the individual. This workshop delves into the
specific and broad range effects of the vast variety of Asanas and Pranayamas. Explore the physical, mental, and subtle benefits of these practices from the sublime wisdoms of Tantra, Yoga, and Ayurveda. The training is designed to inform and empower committed practitioners as well as teachers of all levels with the knowledge necessary to heighten the effects and benefits of their own or their students’ Yoga practice.

December 8 - 11 Vinyasa Krama #2

Vinyasa Krama: The Art and Science of Sequencing

Vinyasa Krama is "wise progression", the intelligent linking or sequencing of postures that informs a complete practice. It also
refers to a vital thread of the Yoga tradition: a practice should suit the needs of the individual. This workshop delves into the specific and broad range effects of the vast variety of Asanas and Pranayamas. Explore the physical, mental, and subtle benefits of these practices from the sublime wisdoms of Tantra, Yoga, and Ayurveda. The training is designed to inform and empower committed practitioners as well as teachers of all levels with the knowledge necessary to heighten the effects and benefits of their own or their students’ Yoga practice.

January 12 - 15 Restoratives: 61 points, 75 breaths, yoga nidra

Uncover your natural fountain of youth by relaxing deeply

Savasana is considered to be one of the most important poses in yoga. Learn how to deeply relax and restore vital energy necessary to living a whole and balanced life. Research has shown that deep relaxation affects us on a genetic level and can have profound and lasting benefits such as switching off disease-causing genes while turning on genes that actively protect against illness. Through deep relaxation practices your system comes back into balance, relaxing your muscles, reducing stress hormones, slowing down heart rate, deepening breath and lowering blood pressure. Deep relaxation also boosts the immune system and relieves fatigue, anxiety and insomnia without the use of medication. Included in this workshop will be theory and practice of Restorative Yoga, conscious relaxation techniques, 61 points, 75 breaths and yoga nidra.

February 9 - 12 Philosophy: Mahabharata, Deities

The Heart of the Lotus

The Mahabharata is a timeless literary classic, not bound to one period of history nor to a particular culture. Its message is as pertinent today, a time of unprecedented external and mental chaos, as it was when it was first recorded. We will view Peter Brook’s play “Mahabharata” and discuss its relevance in our own lives and today’s world. The symbology of Hindu deities and their archetypes will also be explored as we begin to understand their significant impact on our practice and in our lives.

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