Midwest Yoga Conference

Full Day Intensives are a great opportunity to deepen your practice and experience in-depth study with our excellent teachers.

*Thurs., May 29 ~ 9:00am - 12:00pm And 2:30pm-5:00pm*
	Body, Bliss & Beyond Teacher: Rama Birch Class Code: IRB Open up the core tensions in your spinal muscles in order to access the inner bliss of your own divine essence, and even to discover what lies beyond. Using principles of precise alignment along with leverage and support, Rama peels away the hidden layers of tension in your body to empower you to explore successively deeper levels within. Complex poses are made simple and seeming simple poses reveal new levels of complexity. Learn how to foster change in all the levels of your being simultaneously so that your body becomes an open doorway to the infinite reality of your own being. In addition to the asanas (poses), Rama teaches from the Vivekachudamani, guiding your inner explorations from this Sanskrit text that explains your ecstatic inner experiences. You'll never be able to look at your own body or your own being in the same way again!
	Taoist Yoga Workshop Teacher: Paul Grilley Class Code: IPG Taoist Yoga describes the spine and joints of the body as Yin and the muscles and blood as Yang. Yin structures are trained with slow, deep stretches held gently for minutes at a time. Yang structures are trained with rhythmic, flowing movements. By alternating these two types of practice our bodies and minds become refreshed and relaxed. This is the ideal time for meditation. Taoist meditation practice focuses on the energy movement through the spine. This workshop will be a chance for us to explore the effects of yin and yang practices on our physical, emotional and mental states.
	Bhakti PlayShop: A Day Long Retreat with Sean Johnson and The Wild Lotus Band Teacher: Sean Johnson Class Code: ISJ This day long retreat is designed for yogis who love the sensuality of physical asana practice and who also have a desire to dive into the passionate depths of bhakti yoga-- the devotional yoga of the heart. We will enter the depths of bhakti yoga through story, poems, kirtan singing, music, dance, ritual, asana, creative expression, and other sweet surprises. We will also explore ways of integrating bhakti yoga into a creative vinyasa asana practice that not only stretches and strengthens our bodies, but enlivens our hearts. Through this process, our practice is transformed into a creative and generous offering to the universe. In addition to practicing vinyasa yoga, we will delve deeply into one of the most powerful of bhakti yoga practices-- kirtan, the singing of simple, energy-based sounds called mantras. The mantras polish away the clutter in our heads and melt the numbness in our hearts, so we feel clear, awake, and brilliantly alive. Kirtan and portions of the asana practice will be accompanied by the live soundtrack of Sean's posse of New Orleans groove masters The Wild Lotus Band who will spice up the day with their mystic sounds.
	Maya Yoga: Backbends and Inversions Teacher: Eddie & Nicki Class Code: IMD The opportunity to spend all day together as a group is a wonderful thing. It gives us the chance to have a nice long deep practice and plenty of time to discuss any issues that may be coming up in your practice. It is our intention to give you a well rounded day of yoga that will leave you feeling filled up and completely satiated. We will do this through a strong asana practice in the morning focused on backbends, standing poses, kriyas and bandhas, and, of course, our lunge sequence! The afternoon will complement the morning and will include an inversion practice, some pranayama and chanting. This is a great way to take care of yourself and fully immerse in your self! Please bring a towel and any props you may need.
	Step Off the Bank and Into the River ... Teacher: Gail Mondry Class Code: IGM Experiencing your vinyasa flow in water leads to a different perspective of your true nature, your bodies' physical ability, and why a balance of effort and ease is primary to every posture. We will start in a studio setting, move to the pool, and back to the studio in the afternoon. Bring a bathing suit and a playful spirit. Come to a better understanding of what you can let go of as you experience this lightness of being. Add a new layer of awareness to your vinyasa practice by this empowering experience of freedom.
	The Healing Power of Anusara Yoga: A Yoga Therapy Intensive Teacher: Todd Norian Class Code: ITN Align your body, mind, and heart with the limitless energy of the universe and transform chronic pain and limitation into an experience of freedom and joy. Yoga teaches that everything you need for healing is already within you. Through the revelatory knowledge and application of Anusara's Universal Principles of Alignment, you will rediscover your "optimal blueprint" and learn how to relieve common aches and pains and avoid injuries. Focus will be given to the lower back, pelvis, knees, shoulders, wrists, neck, and more, as time allows. Take home practical skills, sequences, and simple therapeutic exercises that will have an immediate effect on yourself and your students. Modifications, use of props, and basic anatomy will be included. Students and teachers of all levels welcome.
	The Art of Thai Yoga Massage Teacher: Saul David Raye Class Code: ISDR Thai Yoga Massage is an ancient and sacred system of healing with roots in Yoga, Ayurveda, and Buddhist spiritual practice. This system of yoga therapy combines elements of massage, acupressure, twisting, stretching and meditation to release tension and enhance wholeness of body, mind and spirit in both giver and receiver. During this workshop you will gain a deeper understanding of Yogic healing and learn a powerful and effective sequence to relieve tension in the feet, legs, back, shoulders and head. Handout will be included. Please bring a blanket and a yoga mat. All levels.