Our nervous systems are extraordinary. They affect every aspect of our health from digestion to emotions to cognition. People who are living with any variety, any degree of mental health issues have nervous systems that are hypersensitive to stimuli which alters their entire physiology.  Yoga techniques can change the activity of their brain and thus ease adverse symptoms. Different styles of practice require different types of attention, intention, and brain activation patterns. Based on this understanding, we have identified 4 styles of meditation (Focus, Mindfulness, Open Heart, Quiet Mind) that can be matched with specific mental health concerns. This information helps yoga instructors tailor practices to address their students’ unique needs.

This 18 hour training describes specific changes in brain activity measurable after four distinct meditation practices and how each meditation style can be utilized to fashion a complete yoga practice tailored to meet a practitioner's unique needs. It is designed for yoga instructors who teach private sessions and group classes, as well as serious practitioners, who want an in depth exploration of the different practice styles and the neuroscience behind them. You will learn a variety of tips, techniques and teaching strategies to use immediately with a wide range of clients and in your own practice. You will also have the chance to master what you’ve learned through practice and teaching exercises so you are confident and ready to use these techniques!

Sessions are led by Angela Grace Faulk. Angela holds a master’s degree in neuroscience from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and is completing a second master’s in special education from Portland State University.  She is certified through the International Association of Yoga Therapists as well as Yoga Alliance (ERYT500) and has 15 years teaching and practice experience in multiple yoga modalities. Her varied experiences have led her to a passionate conviction of the benefits of mental skills training available through the yoga techniques of movement, breath exercises, and meditation.

Agenda

Session 1: NeuroMeditation Yoga Quiet Mind Practice

• Basic neurology related to Quiet Mind Practice

• Mental health skills augmented by Quiet Mind practices

• Characteristics of Quiet Mind practices

• Multiple examples of Quiet Mind practices

• Quiet Mind practices and persistent pain

• Quiet Mind yoga practice (asana, pranayama, and meditation)

• Teaching/practice exercises

• 4 hour training

Session 2: Focus NeuroMeditation Yoga

• Basic neurology related to Focus practices

• Mental health skills augmented by Focus practices

• Characteristics of Focus asana, pranayama, and meditation practices

• Multiple examples of Focus techniques

• How to incorporate Focus practices in your daily life

• Focus yoga practice (asana, pranayama, and meditation)

• Teaching/practice exercises

• 4 hour training

Session 3: NeuroMeditation Yoga Mindfulness Practice

• Basic neurology related to Mindfulness practices

• Mental health skills augmented by Mindfulness practices

• Characteristics of Mindfulness asana, pranayama, and meditation practices

• Multiple examples of Mindfulness techniques

• How to incorporate Mindfulness techniques in your daily life

• Mindfulness yoga practice (asana, pranayama, and meditation)

• Teaching/practice exercises

• 4 hour training

Session 4: NeuroMeditation Yoga Open Heart Practice

• Basic neurology related to Open Heart practices

• Mental health skills augmented by Open Heart practices

• Characteristics of Open Heart asana, pranayama, and meditation practices

• Multiple examples of Open Heart techniques

• How to incorporated Open Heart practices in your daily life

• Open Heart yoga practice (asana, pranayama, and meditation)

• Teaching/practice exercises

• 4 hour training

About

When:  October 19-21

Session 1, Friday October 19,  5:00pm-9:00pm

Session 2, Saturday October 20, 9:00am-1:00pm

Session 3, Saturday October 20, 2:00pm-6:00pm

Session 4, Sunday October 21, 9:00am-1:00pm

Where: DAYA Foundation, 5210 SW Corbett Ave., Portland, OR

Cost: $445