Foundation Course

• Dates: Commencing 10th & 11th October, 2009
• Cost: €800

The Foundation Course, five weekends over 8 months, is intended for those students who wish to explore the teachings which inspire and guide this approach.  This course (or equivalent) is also a prerequisite for the full teacher training offered by Clonlea Yoga Studio.

Aims:
This course will give you a thorough grounding in the principles that underpin Viniyoga in a practical and enjoyable way.  There will be study of some major themes in the Yoga sutras, as well as an exploration of many of the principles that inform the practice of asana and pranayama.  You will be introduced to chanting and we will practice this on each weekend.

• Yoga Practice:  Can we practice in a way that is efficient, safe, inspiring and which supports our lives?  We will explore sequencing of postures, counter-postures, dynamic/static work and the role of variations and modification.
• Conscious Breathing and Meditation:  How does the way we breathe influence our posture work?  What is the relationship between breathing in posture work (asana) and seated breathing practices (pranayama)?  What are the different techniques of pranayama; how and when can we use them?
• Yoga Philosophy:  What are the major themes of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and how can they be of use to us now?  Are they important in our journey with yoga?  How do they fit in with other teachings? 

Home Study and assessment:

In between weekends, participants will be expected to spend a certain amount of time to:

• explore guided practices;
• study and reflect on the yoga sutras;
• read preparatory material for the next meeting.

Assessment will be informal.  Each day will include a review session for looking back over the day and for covering questions arising out of home study activities.  These are intended to be participative, encouraging interaction and discussion.

Feedback:

Support and advice will be offered on the students' progress and on possibilities for further development after the course.

Prerequisites:
Successful completion of the Asana and Beyond Introductory workshop is a pre-requisite requirement for undertaking the Foundation course.  However, this is negotiable depending on your previous experience.

Duration:
Five weekends over an eight month period (equal to 60 hours study time).

Certification:
The Foundation Course Certificate is awarded to students who have completed the course.

Teacher:
Hanne Gillespie is the principle teacher on these study workshops but occasionally she is supported by teachers from the aYs in the U.K.

Testimonials:

It was an excellent course and revealed how little I know, but I know more now than I did at the beginning.  I feel excited and curious about further study.  My file has become a valued and much used resource.  I appreciate how enough time is given to a topic without it being allowed to become a random discussion.  Time-table kept to without any sense of being rushed.  I am more drawn to my mat for support now and feel the benefit of my practice and have a better understanding of what I'm doing and what I hope to achieve.  Thank you Hanne.  Paula O'S.

What I liked most about the course was the balance between theory and practice; exploration of asana to deepen individual practice; interactive engagement; opportunity for discussion and observation of others.  Very "safe" environment and a confident teaching style that encourages exploration... non-threatening atmosphere conducive to individual development.  Lynda F.