200 Hour Yoga Alliance® Certification Program

Transform and Empower Yourself through the Art of Teaching Yoga!

Calling All people that love yoga, artists, musicians, whatever your passions! Whether you are a dedicated practitioner, an aspiring teacher, or a seasoned yoga instructor, the Sri Yoga Teacher Training provides an opportunity to experience deeper principles that are often not taught in a typical 200 hr certification program.  We intentionally limit this training to no more than 16 students so that you will receive the personal attention required for personal transformation.
In SYTT you will discover how to set yourself apart by gaining a strong understanding of why you are here in this world and how to translate these experiences into gems that will inspire you and your students to become the best they can be, whether on the mat, in the classroom, on stage, or in the boardroom.  Our philosophy is non-dogmatic and invites a personal weaving of your spiritual and material lives. By using what you already know, you will leave this training with the courage, creativity, clarity and love that will bring out your SRI- your natural, radiant splendor.

The teacher training will teach you how to:

• Structure a yoga class to create a safe and supportive environment for your students
• Sequence your classes to emphasize different Sattvic (Illuminating) energetic effects, themes and intention
• Teach with a strong foundational knowledge of alignment and energetic effects of Asana, Bandha, Pranayama, Meditation, Kriya and Nada
• Demonstrate techniques visually to emphasize key actions
• Adjust students manually to reinforce alignment principles in a safe and appropriate way
• Modify for common student injuries and issues
• Apply the Eight Limbs and beyond to your life and the classroom
• Deepen and Enhance your personal practice so that you maintain the energetic needs required working and living in the world, as we know it today!
• Free yourself of habitual patterns in order to create a healthy balanced outlook on life
• Find your unique voice and perspective to teach clearly and specifically
• Develop a business direction that aligns with your passions

Sponsored By

Nandi Yoga Studio

309 8th Avenue in downtown San Mateo (between B Street and Railroad Avenue)
San Mateo, CA
650-343-YOGA (9642)
www.nandiyoga.com

For More Information and Registration

Registration: www.sriyogaretreats.com

Tuition:

“Brenna began teaching at the studio where I regularly practice, and on a lark, I decided to give her class a try. What a fortuitous choice! I am a singer by profession, and the mother of three sons. In addition, I have been a dedicated yogi for eleven years, and have my teacher certification as well. Now in my mid-50′s, I still enjoy the physical challenges of asana, but am drawn to the more spiritual aspects of the practice as well.  In every class, Brenna manages to integrate pranayama and meditation, while encouraging a mindfulness in the poses beyond an awareness of alignment. Her classes flow so beautifully and smoothly. And her guided meditations during savasana have a profound calming effect. Brenna’s lovely spirit comes through in her teaching.”
Judy S.,  50, Chicago

“Brenna has been my teacher for 5 years, which has also included my first pregnancy for the last 9 months! She has helped me to make all the necessary adjustments so that I could enjoy her classes from my first to my third trimester. Because of this, I have avoided any back and sacral pain and remained very mobile and comfortable throughout all stages of my pregnancy.”
Emily Russell, 33, Highschool Teacher, Chicago

“I always found Brenna’s classes to be perfectly paced. This was one of my favorite aspects of her teaching. I like being able to feel energy moving to specific parts of my body. I felt this in Brenna’s classes and I attributed it to a moderate pacing and a sequence of poses that progressively coaxed open a certain area of the body. Sometimes class was energizing, sometimes soothing, but always thoughtful and authentic. Brenna frequently shared stories from her life as a yogi, and I appreciated understanding a little bit of how she lived out her yoga on a daily basis. It’s always nice when a teacher reveals that they too are a life-long learner.” Jen May, 30, Biology Teacher, Chicago

“Brenna is a wonderful instructor.  Having studied in the same lineage it’s an honor to have to a mentor that embodies the practical aspects of the tradition and provides a class that holds true to the teachings of Swami Rama and those that have followed.  She is inspiring as a teacher and as a true yogini on the path.” Cynthia L., Yoga Teacher, Chicago

“Brenna is one of the most influential teachers I have practiced with.  Her spirit, deep knowledge, great love and understanding come through in each class you take with her.  I feel supported and independent at the same time in her classes.  She is approachable and honest, caring and real. Her understanding of the tantric tradition inspired me to follow in a similar path – first as a practitioner and then as a teacher.  She makes esoteric ideas accessible and tangible through an experiential class.  She leads the most wonderful meditations and has inspired me to lead a life of fulfillment, greatness, and grace.  Her authentic style pays homage to the traditions of this wonderful practice, while infusing it with her own experience.  I am honored to have Brenna as a friend, teacher, and fellow practitioner.
I have studied with her mentor, Rod Styker, as well – I have done three modules of his ParaYoga Master Training over the past two years.  He is a powerful teacher and guide, passing on time tested techniques and practices to his students.  He is one of the smartest people I have encountered – his knowledge of the tradition is vast- it baffles me and humbles me.  This is the practice that speaks to me most as an individual.  ParaYoga and Tantra have changed my life – I have more energy, awareness, patience, love, strength, and clarity in my life because of these practices.” Fannie H., 30, Theater Artist, Choreographer, and Yoga Teacher, Chicago

Tantra

Tantra is a sanskrit term made of the words TANOTI and TRAYATI.  Tanoti means “to extend or expand, to stretch” and Trayati means “to free or liberate”.  Therefore, Tantra is defined as “the means to expand one’s experience and comprehension beyond the material in order to attain Self liberation or realization.  Tantra is also defined as “a Tool or Technique”.  Tantra can be the techniques that are used to accelerate one towards this Self Liberation or Realization.  These techniques include hatha yoga, pranayama, mudras, rituals, kundalini yoga, nada yoga, mantra, yantra, mandala, astrology, and hundreds of esoteric techniques for engendering worldly and spiritual prosperity.  In essence, Tantra is used to reweave the fabric of the spiritual and the material world.

Vinyasa

Vinyasa stems from the words Nyasa (to place) and Vi (in a special way).  While practicing Vinyasa, one is moving and meditating in a special way in order to achieve specific results.  Common examples would be practicing specific sequences to relieve back pain, improve digestion, or reduce chronic fatigue.

How does Tantric Vinyasa look different from other yoga classes?

The most noticeable difference will be that the flow or sequence of the asana will be practiced at a slightly slower pace in order to practice Adhikara.  Adhikara means “to become sensitive to the subtle realms or forces”.  These subtle forces are known as Prana or vital life force and Agni, or digestive and psychic fire.  Our goal in each practice is to become more and more sensitive to Prana, cultivate Agni and then ultimately control them.  In Tantric Vinyasa, we will not only practice asana to increase strength and flexibility but we will include breath control, bandhas, mudras, and visualizations.  The ancient Yogi’s believed through learning to control the subtle forces, we also learn to control the mind. One will leave a Tantric Vinyasa class knowing they have cultivated vital life force and a clear mind.

Link to ParaYoga for a more in depth look Tantra and the Sri Vidya Lineage.

2010 Workshops and Seminars

Midtown Yoga in Memphis, TN
March 19-21st
ParaYoga® Intensive “Developing a Personal Practice”

Yoga Mayu in San Francisco, CA
April 10th, Saturday 1:30-4pm
ParaYoga® Intensive “Tantric Vinyasa”

Moksha Yoga Center in Chicago, Illinois
April 23rd, Friday, 6-9pm
ParaYoga® Intensive “Spring Renewal”

Cascade Yoga Studio in Grand Rapids, MI
April 25th, Sunday, 9-12am
ParaYoga® Intensive “Spring Renewal”

Traditionally, the teachings of yoga were transmitted one-on-one.  With private lessons, one’s yoga journey is accelerated.  With special attention through verbal and hands-on instruction, visualization, and constant attention to the breath, students progress more rapidly towards a more vibrant and healthy body, mind, and spirit.
Learn and practice postures, breathing, and meditation at your own pace and within your own range.  Private Lessons are intended to provide a setting where the individuals needs can be completely addressed – Physically, Energetically, Mentally, and Spiritually.

Private Lessons are recommended for beginners, those that need physical therapy, and those that are ready to take their practice to a deeper level mentally and spiritually.

Brenna Geehan’s approach to teaching Yoga guides each person in developing a practice that is relevant to his or her own body and life experience. She works with a diverse range of people — applying Yoga uniquely to each person. Most importantly, she teaches you how to be present to your needs, fulfill them, and stay in that state of peace and joy that yoga offers.

Rates:

Lessons are offered in one’s own home, office, or at a Yoga Studio.

Fees typically range from $100-$150/hr depending on place and time.  Please contact Brenna for an appointment.

Salt Flats somewhere in Utah

San Francisco Yogis,

I just returned from an amazing trip up Highway 5 all the way up to Seattle and then back down 101 and 1 to San Francisco.  Along the way I saw the glory of the Cascades and on the way back down the awe-inspiring Crater Lake and the Redwood Forest.  I have reloaded my bliss!

This summer will be my first summer in San Francisco and I am so excited to share it with all of you new Yogis!  While I journeyed north, I spent some time assisting my teacher, Rod Stryker, which always fills me with new ways to journey to spirit.  Newsflash:  I love yoga!

So I have decided to share this Love by offering a 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training this coming Fall 2010.  Please visit the TT page for more information.

See you in class yogis!

Love,

Brenna

ParaYoga (Brenna’s Mentor Yogarupa Rod Stryker)

Jean Mazzei (Sri Yoga Teacher Training)

Jim Bennitt (a GREAT YOGI from Chicago) and his studio Tejas Yoga

Devi Das Karina Mirsky (Another GREAT YOGINI from Kalamazoo)

Lauren Toolin (Another…..from Massachusetts)

Schools

Sri Yoga Teacher Training

Himalayan Institute

American Institute of Vedic Studies

Tantric- Vinyasa Yoga in the lineage of ParaYoga

Schedule Spring/Summer 2010

Sunday
Yoga Tree Hayes 4:30pm 1-2
Yoga Garden 7:30pm 2

Monday
Yoga Garden 4:45pm 2

Tuesdays
Yoga Mayu 5pm 2

Wednesdays
Yoga Garden 5pm 1-2

Thursdays
Yoga Mayu 5pm 2

Fridays
Yoga Garden 4:45pm 2
Yoga Tree Hayes 8-9:30pm 1-2

Saturdays
Yoga Garden 10:15am 2

LEVEL 1-2 A basic class for those students who would like to master the fundamentals. Introduction to the vinyasa form (flowing from one posture into the next, motivated by the breath) and principles of forward folds, backbends, and twists are emphasized. Appropriate for all skill levels. Learn the basics of Pranayama and meditation.

LEVEL 2-3 These classes include the vinyasa form and more challenging postures such as inversions and arm balances. Also, practices deeper Tantric techniques including Bandha, Mudra, Kriya, Pranayama and Meditation. Prior yoga experience required.