Yoga Sequencing Magic is when you’re practicing asana, and everything just flows, exactly the way it’s supposed to. You feel a natural progressive arc happening, where you’re able to access the poses to ease into your body and soul.

The transitions between poses feel smooth & natural, and even though your thinking brain might be “offline”, you can still sense the deep harmony among the various movements.

It’s those classes when you think “how did they know!? Are they talking directly to me!?”, when it seems as if the teacher knows exactly what you’re going through and precisely what you need to receive in the practice.

When you’re so grateful you made the effort to show up on your mat, because what you received there is perfect for addressing what you’re finding in your life off the mat.

You can also experience the opposite. Yoga is always magic, of course, but when the edges of the transitions between poses are rough instead of smooth – or if the progression simply doesn’t make sense – you can feel that lack of harmony.

If you’re having to think about what’s coming next; if your analytical brain is engaged with the content of the practice, it’s hard to drop into the sweet spot that Yoga cultivates.

Ideally, a yoga class is a journey, where you can let go and rely on the instructor to guide you. You don’t need to look at the map; you trust them to keep you on track, to lead you both into – and then back out of – the forest. By being able to count on them to keep track of the boundaries, you might be able to drop out of the analytical mind enough to access deeper aspects of the poses.

I’ve personally been in classes where I was able to do poses that I “can’t do” because I was following the instructor’s cues, instead of approaching the asana head-on. Instead of my analytical brain thinking “oh, there’s that complex shape that I can’t do because of xyz”, I was able to follow the breadcrumbs of instruction. “Ok, I can put my leg there. Yep, I can put my hands here. Holy moly! I’m in that shape I’ve always wanted to try!!”

Of course, not every class is that profound, no matter how amazing the instructor! But when a yoga practice is well sequenced, it can be deeply beneficial on multiple levels and go far beyond just the direct, obvious physical benefits. It can leave you feeling nourished in both body & soul, better equipped and empowered to say “yes” to life, no matter what you step back into as you leave class.

And there are so many ways to create sequencing magic. You might experience a class themed around the season, or dedicated to the benefit of others who are suffering. It can be a deep dive into a muscle group, a joint, or a chakra. It might be specific to the location or demographic or the class; it can be part of a bigger focus of study.

But no matter what the intention or structure, you can feel the harmony of sequencing magic in your body and being. It brings you home to yourself in a way that other “exercise” or movement doesn’t. It’s akin to the forms one might practice in martial arts; those sequences carry a specific intention to hopefully produce a desired outcome.

I hope you’ll join me in exploring these concepts more deeply in the upcoming Yoga Sequencing Magic immersion. It qualifies for 300/500 hour Yoga Teacher Training credit with Yoga Alliance, for those of you who are instructors. But regardless of whether or not you’re looking for module credit, I’d love to explore this ancient science with you!

Leigh-Ann Renz

Leigh-Ann has been practicing yoga since 1997 and teaching it since 2005. She is attracted to fluid vinyasa styles, including moon salutations, and loves to geek out about yoga “off the mat” – such as how the philosophies behind the physical postures can enrich our journey, both for ourselves and for others. She is honored to co-teach the 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training program at Waynesville Yoga Center, and loves facilitating healing services to the community. A writer, dancer, massage therapist, creative marketing nerd, and proud Mom, she can be found travelling, enjoying the rhythm of the seasons, or soaking up the natural world when not working.

Each Chakra carries its own unique flavor and tone. None is better or more important than the other, and by learning how to recognize the qualities & presence of each chakra in our daily lives, we are empowered to grow and appreciate life more deeply. By cultivating the inner tools of chakra study, we are better resourced to navigate the world & its seasons through a variety of perspectives.

I’m a data-driven anatomy nerd – and a deeply spiritual, woo woo hippie. What I love best about the Chakras is that they can be viewed through either lens, and make total sense. These two perspectives are not only compatible; they’re actually complementary. You can approach the Chakra system from a purely Western view: centers of electricity in the body that directly correlate to endocrine glands & nerve plexuses.

Or you can see it through the unseen lens: invisible vortices of prana (energy) that connect in the body’s energy channels (nadis).

In our either / or, divisive culture, how refreshing to embrace something as both / and: maybe the Chakras truly are both of these perspectives, simultaneously?

When we study the Chakras from both angles, in a complementary fashion, we’re able to connect the Chakra system within ourselves.

We’re inspired by this ancient science (chakra seven) and seek to receive that knowledge for ourselves, in our own experience & through the lens of our own unique perspective (chakra six).

In doing so, we attend courses and read books, both listening and sharing (chakra five), joining a circle of others who also seek this truth (chakra four). We employ our personal discipline and boundaries to complete our goals in reading, studying, and practicing what we learn (chakra three).

As we begin to incorporate the knowledge into our daily lives, it becomes a part of our patterns & rhythms (chakra two), and literally changes the shape of our lives, both internally & in relationship to others (chakra one). By embarking on this journey of discovery, we commit to change & growth, and have the opportunity to embody this ancient wisdom viscerally, in our lives here & now. How very cool! 🙂

If you’re ready to deepen your understanding of – and relationship with – the chakras, join Leigh-Ann for a weekend immersion. We’ll take a deep dive into each chakra individually (including chakra 8, the aura!), as well as weave them together for a holistic understanding of the system itself.

We’ve made some changes to our 300 / 500 Hour Yoga Teacher Training program:

Lower Price

We have updated the price to $250 per module.
>> this is a discount of $45 for every module!
>> if you pay as you go, this equals a $810 price cut for the full program

We are offering an additional discount if you pay in full upfront.*
>> $4,050 for the program upfront
>> this is an additional $450 discount!

* If you’ve already paid for modules and want to change to paying in full, email us and we will update your record.

Total Time Update

We are changing to a 2 year program.** Every module will be offered once every two years. If you need to miss a few modules due to scheduling challenges, that’s no problem: we make room for that in the program structure.

You have the option to make up 3 missed modules. This new structure is meant to promote accountability & your success in the program.

** if you’ve already taken a module, it still counts!

Virtual Options

We recognize that we are still living in the era of COVID, which can further complicate things when choosing to commit to a program of this nature. That is why we are giving you the option to take up to 3 modules virtually:

March 4 – 6: Pranayama, Mudras, and Bandhas with Candra
November 11 – 13: Yoga for Aging Gracefully with Jay
December 9 – 11: Proper Ethical Boundaries in Yoga with Jay

See a module you would like to take virtually? Let us know here!

Why are we making these changes?

1. The shorter time frame encourages accountability and commitment to the program. Doing research on other programs, we found that a 1- to 2-year timeframe is pretty standard.
2. The significant reduction in price makes this an even better value, especially compared to other programs.
3. The structure is closer to a 200 RYT program, which makes more sense in terms of content retention and absorption.
4. Our teacher-to-student ratio allows for more interaction and communication with both the instructors and fellow students.

More Information & Details

Yoga Alliance, which is the governing body for Yoga teaching qualifications in the US, has strict standards for all Yoga Teaching Training programs. 300 / 500 hour programs require a significant amount of supervision and contact from lead teachers, so there is consistency in terms of content and lecture. We are remaining compliant with these standards and guidelines as they change over time.

Stay tuned for 2022 module dates. You don’t have to enroll in the program in order to take advantage of these modules and price changes: take any modules you like a la carte, at any time that works for your schedule.

Click here for the program overview, and email us with any questions you might have: hello@waynesvilleyogacenter.com 

We’ve Got You Covered… 
Whether you want to experience a weekend immersion retreat for self-care/self-study – or whether you’re looking to pursue your 300-hour RYT.

At Waynesville Yoga Center, we offer weekend-long immersions into the current teachings and themes in Yoga. These workshops are relatable, affordable, and fun! After two years of a pandemic, if you’re looking for a sign to reignite your love and study of yoga, THIS IS IT! Schedule and details below!

2022 Schedule
March 4-6: Pranayama, Mudras, and Bandhas* (VIRTUAL OPTION) with Candra
April 8-10: Yamas and Niyamas with Leigh-Ann
May 13-15: How Yoga Can Improve the Health, Flexibility, and Mobility of Our Connective Tissue* with Jay and Tara
June 3-5: Creative Use of Props: Chair, Wheel, Bolsters, Blocks, Therapy Balls, and more!* with Jay
July 8-10: Yoga for Special Considerations* with Jay and Lynda
August 5-7: Restorative Yoga with Amber
September 9-11: Modern Yoga Inclusion: Race, Gender, Size, Ability, and More in the #MeToo Era*with Renee and Leigh-Ann
October 7-9: Sequencing Magic* with Leigh-Ann
November 11-13: Yoga for Aging Gracefully* (VIRTUAL OPTION) with Jay
December 9-11: Proper Ethical Boundaries in Yoga* (VIRTUAL OPTION) with Jay
*denotes a required module

ICYMI
We made some updates to our 300-hour program, including a price drop and adding virtual options. Learn more about those changes here. Our goal is to keep everyone safe & healthy, so if you have any covid concerns or virtual requests for a module, please let us know.

Not ready to commit to YTT?
No problem! You can take any of these modules a la carte. Here is a link to all immersive workshops we are offering.

Don’t Miss Your Chance
Every module will only be offered only once every two years, to make room for all of the other cool stuff we’re doing.  In addition, we are closing registration 5 days before each module. Save the dates – and don’t miss your chance to participate in 2022! 

Yoga for Joint Health: 3 Perspectives

1. As a dedicated yogi for the past 30 years or more, I have suffered my share of joint pain and stiffness over the years like many of us. But it wasn’t until I had tendonitis in my wrists, and later a frozen shoulder, that I really understood how Yoga for joint health can empower my overall well-being and everyday comfort.

The tendonitis in my wrist came from too much computer use and not using the proper mechanics when I was on my computer regarding my mouse, hand and shoulder. This kept getting worse over time and caused pain and discomfort during simple everyday tasks and eventually even when I was not using that wrist at all.

So, of course, this affected my yoga practice significantly in any pose where I had to put weight on my hands and wrists. It took several years of trial and error to learn what helped my wrists and what did not… now I practice pain-free and I am able to do pretty much anything, as long as I follow certain protocols which I will be sharing with you in our upcoming 300 hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) module Yoga for Joint Health!

My frozen shoulder problem took about the same amount of time to heal and get better and the hardest part for me was finding the right balance in my yoga practice that helped keep my mobility but did not aggravate or exacerbate my symptoms of pain and limited range of motion in my shoulder.

The trick was not to give up my yoga practice entirely, but to adapt and change my practice in a way that served me better while I was healing and figuring out what helped and what hurt. My ego was probably my biggest enemy during this time; once I got that part under control, everything else fell into place over time. 

My biggest takeaway from the different challenges I’ve had over the last 30 years is that I do not have to stop practicing yoga – or any type of movement – as long as I am willing to acknowledge the injury and adapt my practice accordingly. There are simple and supportive ways to avoid causing more pain and discomfort, especially in a joint that is already under stress or injured.

It’s imperative that I adjust my activities in a way that causes no harm, and in fact helps to heal whatever may be inflamed or causing me pain or discomfort. How we practice is as important if not more important than what we practice! 

Join me, Leigh-Ann, and Rebecca as we dissect how Yoga impacts the joints, and offer some simple yet effective tools & techniques to support happier and healthier joints, both on and off the mat. 

– Jay MacDonald

How we practice is as important if not more important than what we practice! 

 

2. Keep your wrists healthy during yoga asana through warm-up, correct alignment, strengthening, adaptations, and therapeutic exercises. Learn a more in-depth approach to teaching yoga while offering these techniques to your students who have complaints of wrist pain or discomfort.

I’m a yoga teacher, occupational therapist, and certified hand therapist who has been helping people overcome wrist problems for over 22 years. This module will help anyone better understand wrist anatomy, wrist mechanics, and how to improve your yoga practice or classes as it all relates to the wrist.

– Rebecca Mashburn

Learn a more in-depth approach to teaching yoga while offering these techniques to your students who have complaints of wrist pain or discomfort.

 

3. The earliest form of Yoga – thousands of years ago – was joint rolling: moving the major joints of the body through their range of motion in order to stay healthy & agile. Yoga was initially intended to prepare for seated contemplation & meditation, and it’s hard to sit for extended periods of time when your body is stiff, tight, or weak!

What I love in particular about the joints is how fundamental they are to every single action we take in our lives – and how good it feels to move them! When we work with the joints, we access all of the natural elements. The solidity of our bones reflects the element of earth: solidity, form, structure – the building blocks upon which everything else is built (or grown).

The synovial fluid in the joints – and the connective tissue they are comprised of – reflect water: fluidity, movement, change. It’s this movement of fluid through connective tissue and the flow of synovial fluid that keeps our joints supple and allows our body to heal from injury.

Our muscles & the chemical processes of our bodies produce heat, and this heat literally melts open restrictions in our connective tissue & joints! Without this heat, our joints couldn’t function; and we wouldn’t be able to release toxins and metabolic waste. This heat represents fire, and literally runs our bodies.

When you crack your knuckles – or hear other joints crack – this is actually nitrogen bubbles in your joints being pushed out by movement. This reflects the element of air, which helps keep our joints healthy: spaciousness, movement, and flexibility.

Join me, Jay, and Rebecca to learn more about these fascinating and vital parts of our bodies – and how Yoga can keep them healthy & mobile for your lifetime!

– Leigh-Ann Renz

When we work with the joints, we access all of the natural elements: earth, water, fire, and air.

When I began my journey to acquire my 300 hour YTT certificate, I wasn’t focused on restorative yoga per se, but my mission was pretty clear. I wanted to work with people who needed to feel better in their bodies and also yearned to have a safe space to clear their heads. I, myself, had a background of trauma and understood if I was open to receiving yoga’s gifts I could move forward and leave my past behind. If I could do it, I knew others could as well.

So for additional training, I chose classes like Yoga for Chronic Pain and Restorative Yoga to really dive into the slow workings of the yoga practice I loved so well. Both gave me valuable information on how to teach but the latter gave me an unforgettable experience that would shape the way I showed up for my students.

Honestly, I’d only done restorative yoga once or twice, but those few hours on my mat had my curiosity piqued. I was there to learn, but many people in the class weren’t even teachers and they were using the training as a weekend retreat! I thought, “wow, this must be some powerful stuff.”

One of the things I always tell my students is that emotions can be triggered. I cried (ok, I bawled) during my training, and I let some sh*t go. Funny, I couldn’t tell you “what” I let go of exactly, but I felt this new surge of energy and positivity that this WILL change lives and I must provide it as a service!

Restorative practice is special. It gives the student an opportunity to check out and let go of whatever it is they’re holding onto…at least for that hour. It’s a respite from the to-do lists, family, work, and pain of everyday life whether that shows up emotionally or physically. I’m sure you can imagine how inviting in a practice like this could change the course of your life after 1 months, 6 months, or a year of continuously showing up to the mat.

And yes, you could argue that all yoga practices offer up this chance, but I would argue that not all yoga practices offer stillness.

Where there is stillness, magic happens. The brain quiets down, the body relaxes, tension seeps into the earth, worries are taken off our plate, and we are free to be in our simplest human form, where nothing is expected from us. Just the softness of our breath.

Teaching a restorative class isn’t only about the shapes, it’s about our voice, our touch (when assists are provided & allowed), and our intention as the teacher. The space holder and the person who says, “It’s OK to be here just for you.”

In our weekend training together, I’ll provide you with the tools to create a restorative class that will leave your students feeling relaxed and cared for. We’ll breakdown how restorative yoga helps the mind and body by exploring the anatomy of stress, sequencing, modifications, breathing techniques, assists and so much more!

Plus, I’m taking a cue from those who took the training for “retreat” purposes and giving you a slew of opportunities to experience the magic of restorative yoga for yourself. After all, there’s no better way to learn than by immersing yourself in the details.

I’m very much looking forward to taking this journey with you and showering you with the gift of Restorative Yoga,
Amber Kleid 500 RYT 200 E-RYT

// For more information – or to register for this module, click here

Amber is a yoga teacher who loves getting yummy with poses, and her sense of humor will make you feel at ease & welcome. Her teaching allows students to find their own expression in each pose… sometimes challenging, but always allowing time for breath, mind, and body to connect.

Amber has been practicing yoga since the mid 90’s, but her journey didn’t really connect until a few years ago when she was met with some hefty health challenges. Gradually, while practicing mindfulness & patience, her health improved, and she took her first Yoga Teacher Training in the hope that sharing her story would helps others overcome obstacles.