3 life changing modules 

Module 1: Art of Transmission October 5-14th 2012

At Ratna Ling Retreat Center On the Northern California Coast

In this 9 day module we lay the groundwork for the other 2 modules.  Focus will be primarily asana based: energetics of asana, vinyasa krama (intelligent sequencing), correct and clear application of principles. Students will gain understanding, application and relevance of the deeper principles behind asana practice and teaching.

Topics include:

•Bio-energetics of asana and sequencing

•Pranayama, Meditations, Kriyas

•Introduction to mantra

•How to teach more challenging poses in the context of an all levels class;

•Correct application of pranayama and meditation

•Learning styles

•Teaching styles

•Classroom dynamics – how to transform any space into a sacred space

Module 1 Required Book List

• Four Chapters on Freedom — Satyananda Saraswati 
• Yoga for Transformation – Gary Kraftsow
• Yoga for Wellness – Gary Kraftsow
• Yoga Body– Judith Lasater

Suggested Additional Reading

• Mastery – George Leonard
• The Four Agreements - Don Miguel
• Yoga for Your Type– David Frawley
• Hatha Yoga Pradipika–Swami Muhktibodhananda 

Module 2:  Art of Transformation – TBA

In this 9 day module, we focus on Yoga as a way to transform our bodies and our lives. Students will focus on the more subtle aspects of Yoga practice and how to apply this knowledge to the classroom as well as their personal practice.
Topics include:

•Bandhas/Mudras/Agni

•Solar, Lunar, and Fire practices

•Advanced Pranayama, meditations and kriyas

•Doshas and subtle essences,

•Chakras, nadis, kundalini

•Koshas

•Gunas

•Compare and contrast Classical Yoga, Tantra, and Hatha Yoga

Module 2 Required Book List:

• Tantra Unveiled – Pandit Rajmani Tigunait

• Yoga and Ayurveda – David Frawley

• At the Eleventh Hour–Pandit Rajmani Tigunait

• Upanishads

Suggested additional reading:

• Kundalini Tantra - Swami Satyananda Saraswati
• Hatha Yoga Pradipika- Swami Mukhtibodhananda
• Yoga for Your Type – David Frawley

Module 3:  Art of Transcendence- TBA

In this 9 day module we go to the heart of Sri Yoga. We learn to teach and apply the techniques. We learn to walk our talk and take our yoga off the mat in a practical way. Techniques include self-study, how to give effective private lessons, and the essence of personal practice. Students will lead satsang and/or kirtan. More advanced pranayama and meditation techniques will be introduced, and the experiential aspects are emphasized.

Topics include:

•“Off the page” sequencing

•Transformational fire practices

•Detoxification practices

•Yoga Nidra

•Incorporating cleansing practices (shat kriyas)

•How to teach privates, create and teach workshops

•Developing a personal practice outside of the classroom

•Ethics in the classroom

•Preventing burnout

•Creating your classroom dynamic and style

•Branding, marketing

Module 3 Required Book List:

• Yoga Body – Judith Lasater
• Yoga Nidra – Richard Miller
• Path of Fire and Light Volume 2 – Swami Rama
• Yoga for Wellness – Gary Kraftsow

Suggested Additional Reading:

• Art and Fear–David Bayles
• The Four Agreements–Don Miquel
• The Silent Pulse–George Leonard 

200 Hour Yoga Alliance® Certification Program

Jean, Brenna, and the Golden Gate

Transform and Empower Yourself through the Art of Teaching Yoga!

Calling all people that love yoga! 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 of hatha yoga that enhance all aspects of modern life. 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 Cultivate:

• A strong foundational knowledge of alignment and energetic effects of Asana, Bandha, Pranayama, Meditation, Kriya and Nada
• Align your practice and your life to cultivate SRI- Radiance that melts all hearts.
• 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 intentions that will safely benefit all body types.
• Learn the art of hands on adjustment
• Apply the teachings of the Yoga Sutras, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and other ancient texts to your life and the classroom
• Deepen and Enhance your personal practice so that you can create a life of purpose, happiness, prosperity, and freedom
• Find your unique voice and perspective to teach inspirationally

Register Here for 2012 Trainings

July 2012 Month long Intensive Program

July 2nd- 31st

@ Nandi Yoga in San Mateo

Sri Yoga Trainee teaching class!

SYTT testimonials:

“The Sri Yoga 200 Hour Teacher Training was awesome! Not only was it a journey of self-discovery, I feel prepared to teach yoga in a way that helps my students experience the subtle aspects of the practice.  Brenna and Jean are amazing teachers with valuable skills, insight, and grace and I feel extremely fortunate to have found them. They offer a great blend of training with a focus on the energetic qualities of asana, pranayama, and meditation. I think this focus really makes the training unique as well as valuable for teaching. I feel prepared to take my students on a journey in which they gain an awareness of their energy and how they can practice yoga as a way to manage it so they can live more joyfully and in tune with their true selves.  I just can’t say enough about how this training has changed my understanding of yoga and influenced how I view my personal practice. Brenna and Jean are true lights in this world!”-Danae Zytkoskee, 200 Hr SYTT program

“The decision to enroll in Jean and Brenna’s Sri Yoga Teacher Training was perhaps the best decision I’ve ever made in my whole lovely life. Though I couldn’t tell you exactly why I was drawn to their course, it didn’t take more than ten minutes of our first class to convince me that I was exactly where I needed to be. To be in the room with Jean and Brenna is to feel the depths of your soul awaken, and to follow their direction is to realize the strength and grace that soul provides. It was truly a pleasure to witness the growth of my classmates over our month together, and the class’s impact on my life has been profound. Words cannot express the respect and gratitude I hold for Jean and Brenna, two women unparalleled in their wisdom and intuition. Come to the training with an honest intention to learn about yoga and yourself, and you’ll discover so much more.  ” Morgan W.- 200 hr SYTT Program

“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.

2012 Teacher Trainings

200 Hour Sri Yoga Teacher Training in San Francisco, CA
January 14th-April 1st 2012 Extended Weekend Program

200 Hour Sri Yoga Teacher Training in San Mateo, CA
July 1st- July 31st Month Long Intensive

500 Hour (300 Hour Bridge Program) Sri Yoga Teacher Training  in retreat setting (TBA)
1st Module (of 3) 100 Hour The Art of Transmission
October 5th-14th 2012 

 2012 Workshops

February 19th, Sunday 1:15-4:15pm
Yoga Tree @ Hayes in San Francisco, CA
Yoga’s Sacred Journey Into Ease and Effortlessness – A ParaYoga® Intensive

June 3rd and 10th, Sundays 1:15-4:15pm
Yoga Tree @ Hayes in San Francisco, CA
Energetic Sequencing: Harnessing the Prana Vayus – A ParaYoga Intensive

• June 3rd Session 1:15-4:15
  
  • The Energetics behind Physical and Mental Digestion and Elimination 
• June 10th Session 1:15-4:15
                The Energetics of Physical and Mental Vitality and Growth

Although Public Classes are excellent and necessary, how does figure out how to deal with more personal issues, ie Back Pain or even a Broken Heart?  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.

Private lessons with Brenna can be a one time thing, a bi-annually, monthly, or weekly.  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.  After one session, you will be given a printed personalized physical asana, pranayama practice and a meditation practice to take home.

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.

Yoga with My Family in St. Martin!

Summertime!

What’s Happening this summer!  Hopefully some relaxing, some recharging, some slowing down- Allowing Yourself to Just Be!  Enjoy the longer days!

Jean Mazzei and I are offering a Summer Break Teacher Training Month Long Intensive in July.  Also we are finally starting up another 500 hour program, now broken into Modules so that you don’t have to take off so much work!

Contact me if you have any questions!

Workshops for June

   June 3rd and 10th, Sundays 1:15-4:15pm
Yoga Tree @ Hayes in San Francisco, CA
   Energetic Sequencing: Harnessing the Prana Vayus

June 3rd Session 1:15-4:15 - The Energetics behind Physical and Mental Digestion and Elimination
June 10th Session 1:15-4:15- The Energetics of Physical and Mental Vitality and Growth

Intense Love and Intensive Light to you all,

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