Everybody is born with abundant, overflowing, life-giving resources, and no matter where your health may be in the moment, those resources never cease. However, they may become more difficult to access due to the physical, mental, emotional and environmental stresses we encounter as we journey through life. Our stressful, modern world is set up in a way that does not inherently support health and well being. In order to counteract this, we need to redefine what we want from our lives, rather than accepting what is perceived to be "normal" or "average". Living Yoga shows us how to move from the "ordinary" to the "extraordinary" through a system of tried and tested yogic principles presented in a holistic modern context. The ultimate goal is to have a healthy mind within a healthy body, and we must realise that the power we need to tap into these internal resources of abundant, life-giving energy lies within our very selves.

It is important for yoga teachers to have an understanding of the historical and philosophical roots of yoga, as well us being aware of modern trends and developments in yoga and how it has evolved since its introduction to the West. We look at the Great Tree of Yoga, and in particular the Krishnamacharya lineage, out of which much of modern yoga was born.

Ayurveda, or the Science of Life, evolved alongside Yoga many thousands of years ago. Ayurveda is a simple, practical science whose principles are universally applicable to each individual's daily existence. Ayurveda uses a deep understanding of the elemental forces in manifestation as they create the different qualities and attributes (gunas) experienced in the human body and mind. This leads to an understanding of the three doshas (vata-pitta-kapha), which then allows the individual to use certain foods, herbs, practices and lifestyle adjustments to help them move towards greater health and vitality.

As a major portion of yoga teaching is done through the physical practice of asanas (yoga postures), a strong foundational understanding of the third limb of yoga (Asana) is required. As asanas can exert a powerful effect on the body and mind, it is important that teachers are aware of the function, benefits, indications and contraindications of yoga asanas, so that appropriate practices can be applied given the students' individual requirements. We also look at lines of energy, bandhas and hands-on enhancements.

This course teaches asana through an understanding of the basic movement patterns of the human body. We look at how to establish the building blocks of practice, the relationship between flexibility, stability and strength as well as understanding how these movement patterns work in relation to yoga.

Earth Element asanas include many of the standing asanas, as well as the more restorative and grounding postures.

By the end of the entire 200-hour course, students will have a repertoire of around 100 commonly practiced asanas as well as their modifications and variations for different levels of ability.

Knowledge of the human anatomy as it essential for yoga teachers, and this course will give students a basic understanding of the major muscle groups and joint complexes as they relate to the practice of yoga asana. We look at which muscles are being stretched and strengthened, as well as how muscles move joints during yoga practice. We also look at areas that are commonly prone to injury, as well as the anatomy of ageing and how yoga can help! Qualified Physiotherapist Rachel Stanley presents this information in a fun and informative way.

Within yogic philosophy is an understanding of human physiology that differs greatly from our Western understanding. Our body is a vehicle for consciousness, and the Tantric yoga system looks at the evolution of consciousness through the manifestation of energy centres known as Chakras. Our Chakras are organising centres for the reception, assimilation and transmission of life energies, and are the master programs that govern our lives, love, learning and illumination. Chakras are also like a map of our consciousness, and encompass areas of our lives ranging from the physical level and instinctual awareness, through the interpersonal level of social interaction, and finally to the more esoteric and abstract realm of personal transcendence and soul contact.

Our Chakras provide a system where we can integrate mind, body and awareness, bridging the gap between matter and spirit, and ultimately move us towards being able to reclaim our wholeness. This course brings us into contact with our seven major Chakras in a practical way.

The first Chakra, Mooladhara, is of crucial importance as the foundation of our entire system, the building block upon which all other Chakras rest. It deals with our sense of survival in the world, our physical health, and our stability and security in terms of finances and home life.

In the practice of yoga, it is important for teachers to understand the principles of sequencing yoga asanas together in a way that supports the theme or function of the class, and gives sufficient "warm up" or preparation before practicing certain asanas. A well sequenced class takes students from a particular starting place, and moves them towards a goal, whether it be a particular asana or a state of being. Sequencing is the creative aspect of yoga teaching, and a sequence that offers seamless transitions from one moment to the next, one breath to the next is a delight to experience. We will explore the practice and teaching of common sequences, as well as learn how to develop sequences for specific purposes using Wave Theory. Students will receive several basic class templates to help them get started in creating balanced yoga class sequences. By the end of this course, students will have the tools to start sequencing classes for any individual or group's needs.

Through the principles of Vinyasa Krama (intelligent sequencing) we look at how to link asanas together with the necessary preparation, as well as paying attention to the importance and placement of counterposes (Pratikryasana) to balance the effects of the practice.

Students will learn how to cultivate a gradual progression through the many stages of evolution of body and mind that support functional movement, maximising the effectiveness of the practice while minimising the risk of injury. We look at energetic patterns of the body as we progress from the simpler poses to the more complex, and look to always maintaining equilibrium through the yogic qualities of Sthira and Sukha.

Asanas that relate to the Water Element include hip-opening poses and forward bends, particularly of the seated/floor variety. We look at how to create the "flow" in asana practice where the breath leads and inspires all movement, as well as how to use world renowned teacher, Shiva Rea's, signature three-part Vinyasa technique to unlock rigidity in the body and experience the subtle movements of prana that underly all movements in nature. This area of study also introduces us to experiencing yoga practice in a "Lunar" or more "Yin" way, whether as an entire Lunar/Yin class, or as the final wave of a practice leading towards deep relaxation.

Patanjali, known as the "father of Yoga" defined the practice and philosophy of Yoga through a set of 195 Sutras (verses, aphorisms or threads). These Sutras encapsulate the principles of Yoga and their relevance in life, recognising the existence of the human mind and acknowledging its role in our day to day functioning. As stated by Patanjali, "Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind", and if we can settle the continuous mental agitation through the practice of Yoga, we will most certainly reach states of calmness, focus and inner bliss. We look specifically at Patanjali's "Ashtanga Yoga", the 8-Limbed Path.

The Tantric tradition of Yoga is essentially a result of the weaving together of many of the spiritual traditions of India. Unlike Patanjali's system of Yoga, Tantra is a non-dualistic system that states that nature and spirit are not separate. Practitioners of Tantra (called Tantrikas) are devoted to living in the world rather than being separate from it, and see all aspects of creation as manifestations of the divine. Tantric philosophy is responsible for introducing the concepts of Chakras and Kundalini energy into mainstream Yogic philosophy. Tantra is the ultimate "union of opposites", weaving together the polarities of spirit and matter, mind and body, masculine and feminine, solar and lunar, heaven and earth, into a single philosophy which predates many of the well-known sacred Yogic texts. In this course, we look at one of the main Tantric texts, the Vijnanabhairava Tantra.

Where the first chakra taught us to be grounded and still, the second chakra allows movement through the body that begins the movement of energy from the base all the way up to the Crown Chakra. We learn to navigate our emotions, understanding them as the place where consciousness and the body meet. This area of study also looks at pleasure, sensation and sensual expression.

As yoga teaching involves building interpersonal relationships with students, it is important that teachers are skilled in choosing appropriate styles of communication and language, establishing personal boundaries, and giving and receiving feedback. The interaction between yoga teacher and student can be a sensitive one, especially due to yoga's influence on both mind and body. Yoga teachers need to be able to handle issues with compassion and sensitivity, while maintaining their professionalism. We look at the concept of mutuality (relationship with self and other), and understanding boundaries and personal space while building trust between teacher and student.

This area of study facilitates the principles and practices of assisting students in a hands-on manner, commonly known as 'assisting' or 'adjusting'. Yoga students may require assisting or adjusting in yoga classes for many different reasons, but what is the process for choosing when, why and how? Yoga teachers will learn how to deal sensitively and professionally when touching students, and how different emotions and qualities can be conveyed through touch.

Through offering hands-on enhancements to students' bodies as they practice, a yoga teacher is able to deepen that student's experience, bring awareness to their body, and help them move towards optimal physical alignment. This course highlights the need for safety in all assisting/adjusting, as well as the recognition of appropriate touch, and of students' limits.

Asanas that relate to the Air Element primarily include inversions and standing one-leg balancing poses, due to the quality of lightness and subtlety that must be observed during practice. We also look at back-bending poses (or heart-opening poses) as a dedication to Anahata, the Heart Chakra.

This area of study will give the students an understanding of the mechanics of respiration, understanding how breathing pumps the cerebro-spinal fluid which lubricates and flushes out toxins and bathes the nerve routes. Students will learn the effects of inhalation and expiration on the whole human organism as well as exploring the several Pranayama (breathing) techniques.

This age-old yogic text is a favourite of many due to its poetic format. Translated as "The Lord's Song", the Bhagavad Gita depicts a conversation between the warrior Arjuna and his charioteer (who just happens to be an Avatar of the god Vishnu) discussing the nature of the mind and the practice of Yoga. Presented by our resident Gita-Guru, Heather Moritz, whose doctoral studies included many of the ancient yogic texts including the Bhagavad Gita.

The fourth chakra, located in the heart region at the centre of our chest, is a point of balance between upper and lower chakras. It is governed by the principle of equilibrium, and through this principle we truly enter balance with ourselves, our relationships, and our environment. One of the tasks of Anahata is to move into a state of balance with everything around us, merging into union with the web of life with which we are intricately connected, in order to feel a deep sense of serenity and peace. Working with the our energetic heart, we move from the state of "making it happen" to the place where we can relax, accept, allow and receive - this is the true state of love, an expansive state of spirit, the transcendence of boundaries and limitations.

As yoga teaching involves building interpersonal relationships with students, it is important that teachers are skilled in choosing appropriate styles of communication and language, establishing personal boundaries, and giving and receiving feedback. The interaction between yoga teacher and student can be a sensitive one, especially due to yoga's influence on both mind and body. Yoga teachers need to be able to handle issues with compassion and sensitivity, while maintaining their professionalism. We look at the concept of mutuality (relationship with self and other), and understanding boundaries and personal space while building trust between teacher and student.

This area of study facilitates the principles and practices of assisting students in a hands-on manner, commonly known as 'assisting' or 'adjusting'. Yoga students may require assisting or adjusting in yoga classes for many different reasons, but what is the process for choosing when, why and how? Yoga teachers will learn how to deal sensitively and professionally when touching students, and how different emotions and qualities can be conveyed through touch.

Through offering hands-on enhancements to students' bodies as they practice, a yoga teacher is able to deepen that student's experience, bring awareness to their body, and help them move towards optimal physical alignment. This course highlights the need for safety in all assisting/adjusting, as well as the recognition of appropriate touch, and of students' limits.

Asanas that relate to the Air Element primarily include inversions and standing one-leg balancing poses, due to the quality of lightness and subtlety that must be observed during practice. We also look at back-bending poses (or heart-opening poses) as a dedication to Anahata, the Heart Chakra.

This area of study will give the students an understanding of the mechanics of respiration, understanding how breathing pumps the cerebro-spinal fluid which lubricates and flushes out toxins and bathes the nerve routes. Students will learn the effects of inhalation and expiration on the whole human organism as well as exploring the several Pranayama (breathing) techniques.

This age-old yogic text is a favourite of many due to its poetic format. Translated as "The Lord's Song", the Bhagavad Gita depicts a conversation between the warrior Arjuna and his charioteer (who just happens to be an Avatar of the god Vishnu) discussing the nature of the mind and the practice of Yoga. Presented by our resident Gita-Guru, Heather Moritz, whose doctoral studies included many of the ancient yogic texts including the Bhagavad Gita.

The fourth chakra, located in the heart region at the centre of our chest, is a point of balance between upper and lower chakras. It is governed by the principle of equilibrium, and through this principle we truly enter balance with ourselves, our relationships, and our environment. One of the tasks of Anahata is to move into a state of balance with everything around us, merging into union with the web of life with which we are intricately connected, in order to feel a deep sense of serenity and peace. Working with the our energetic heart, we move from the state of "making it happen" to the place where we can relax, accept, allow and receive - this is the true state of love, an expansive state of spirit, the transcendence of boundaries and limitations.

Many people believe meditation to be process of stopping the mind from thinking. Rather than making the mind stop, meditation allows us to be witness to the fluctuations, or waves, of the mind. This area of study looks at several techniques to help us settle the waves of the mind into stillness, allowing peace and tranquility, and ultimately moving toward the state of Samadhi, or inner bliss.

Yoga Nidra is a simple yet profound practice that comes to us from the Tantric-based system of Satyananda Yoga. Scientifically formulated, Yoga Nidra is practiced lying down and students are guided by the teacher into a deeply meditative state, in which physical, mental and emotional relaxation can be attained. We look at the autonomic nervous system and its two branches - sympathetic and parasympathetic - and focus on practices that are optimal for urban yogis to move from the sympathetic nervous system's "flight or fight" response to restore balance of body, mind and spirit.

A yoga teacher's most powerful tool is his or her voice. Through voice quality, we can set the ambience of the class, convey an energetic meaning, and generally inspire our students. A yoga teacher needs to use voice to motivate, but without dominating; to give verbal feedback without chastising; and to calm and soothe, but without losing power and projection.

This area of study also looks at languaging - how we choose the words to inspire our students, how we keep our classes fresh and interesting, and how we can incorporate a spiritual focus into our classes.

As we are vibrational beings, sound (being a vibration) can exert a powerful effect on our bodies and minds. The Yoga tradition uses sound to heal and harmonise, and yoga teachers can incorporate the simple chant of Om, specific mantras or seed sounds, or even Kirtan, which involves call and response chanting of powerful Sanskrit mantras. We invite honorary guest teachers such as Carmella Baynie, Edo Kahn and Jo Mall, to impart their experience and wisdom in the application of sacred sounds in yoga practice.

We also look at the incorporation of recorded and live music into yoga asana classes. Music can help set the mood and ambience for class, but its use can be an art in itself. This area of study looks at how we can use music to enhance what we do as yoga teachers, and how to avoid the pitfalls of inappropriately chosen music.

As the physical practice of asana was originally intended to keep the body supple and healthy, helping to prepare the practitioner to sit for long hours in meditation, this last part of our asana study looks at several commonly practiced meditation positions. While Padmasana (Lotus pose) is considered to be the most perfect meditation posture, it is not ideal for all bodies and there are many variations that may be more appropriate.

Being a yoga teacher encompasses far more than teaching classes. It involves living an ethical life (walking the talk) in harmony with others, and leading by example. This area of study prepares the graduate to embark upon their new career, and helps participants develop a vision for what they wish to achieve as a yoga teacher in their community.

The course covers presentation and marketing skills, building networks with complementary health practitioners, and finding work as a yoga teacher in an increasingly competitive and challenging environment. It will prepare students with developing business skills, registering with Yoga Alliance, knowledge of legal issues and obtaining adequate insurance. We will dissect the ethics of a professional yoga teacher, that being to uphold the highest standards of professionalism according to the Yamas and Niyamas.

The word mudra means "gesture" or "seal", and is used to signify the mystic positions of the hands often practiced in yoga and other Eastern traditions such as Buddhism and Indian Classical Dance. Mudras can be practiced sitting, lying and during yoga asanas to direct subtle flows of energy through the nadis (energy channels), and they have a subtle yet powerful effect on the physical and energetic bodies. Use of some of the more well-known hand mudras will be shared in this course.

The fifth chakra is located in the throat, and the concepts expressed through this chakra are sound, communication and creativity. The Sanskrit word "Vishuddha" means "purification", and as we penetrate this chakra, we learn that it is necessary to purify through attention to diet, substance intake, activities and meditation techniques. Through this process of purification we attune to subtler levels of perception and thus are able to receive more information with which to expand our consciousness to higher realms.

The sixth chakra, located in the centre of our forehead and is often referred to as our "third eye". This is the spiritual centre for visual, psychic and intuitive perception, and is the place where our memories are stored, dreams are perceived and our future imagined. Working with this chakra helps us to understand which of the dreams and memories we perceive are really our own, and which are projected by society. We can help to develop our own clarity of vision by paying particular attention to our dreams, ideas, visualisations, and imaginings, as well as by really seeing what is around us in our lives and how these things make us feel.

The seventh chakra, located at the crown of our head is the thousand-petalled lotus of Sahasrara. Through this chakra, we relate to the process of knowing. Our goal here is to examine our thoughts, beliefs and our processes of storing and analysing information, asking ourselves "How do we know what we know?" and "Who is it, that does the knowing?" Here we have the opportunity to connect to ourselves beyond the level of the personality, in the place where the soul resides. In doing this though, we need to stay connected to the earth through our lower chakras, essentially integrating all seven energy centres.