Karina Ayn's Workshops & Programs
Devi Das, Karina Ayn shares these Para Yoga Workshops on invitation by yoga studio directors. Contact us for scheduling details. See Karina's national event calendar.
DESCRIPTIONS
Long Classes (2.5 - 3 hours)
Short Classes (90 minutes)
Full Programs (Seminars, Retreats & Teacher Training)
Long Class Options
1. LUNAR TANTRA - (3hrs) *most popular*
A unique class honoring the feminine aspects of nature and the sacred stillness within: {moon salutes, hip openers, forward bends, inversions, long holds, imagery, breath-work, meditation and chanting}
2. SOLAR TANTRA: - (2.5 - 3hrs)
Energize and heat the body, detoxify emotions and awaken the mind through igniting the fire of the soul.
{sun salutations, enlivening back bends, mantra, bandha, pranayama and meditation}
3. The SPIRAL of SPIRIT: Twist the Sun and Moon - (2.5 - 3hrs)
Twists are the balance between sun and moon because they compose of both a forward bend and a back bend. They have a unique energetic effect and a very important physiological purpose. {vinyasa, standing poses, bandha, mantra, pranayama, meditation}
4. YOGA SUTRA on the MAT: The True Spirit of Asana - (3hrs)
In the larger scope of yoga, asana is the foundation of a deepening journey - a merging with spirit. Explore how to create a more meaningful and profound experience in each pose through integrating concepts of the Yoga Sutra into practice on the mat. This class offers an asana routine, combining vinyasa, classical postures, and long holds, coupled with the original intention of Patanjali. A short discussion of a few key Sutras and their application to practice, pranayama, and meditation are also included.
5. AVATAR PREM: Awakening the Radiant Power of the Heart - (3hrs) *most popular*
There is a common misconception that the "heart" is the emotional center of the body. In fact, the spiritual heart is actually the opposite of reactionary emotions, it is the balanced point of wisdom, divine love and inner guidance.said to be the dwelling place of the Soul. The goal of this class is to become aware of and begin to access the true capacity of the Heart. This powerful practice will include a variety of accessible backbends, heightened through internal concentration and breath-work. Pranayama, meditation and theory also included.
6. PRANA AGNI: Ignite the Sacred Fire - (3hrs) *most popular*
Tantric teachings explain that there are 2 kinds of agni (fire) in the body: the fire of physical digestion and the sacred Fire of Spirit . The stronger these agnis are, the more vibrant the health and passionate the life of the yogi. Both types will be stoked during this deeply tantric practice drawing from the teachings of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and the Netra Tantra as taught by Yogarupa, Rod Stryker. Practice will include asana, mantra, visualization, manipulation of the pranic currents and sitting. Some prior yoga experience and an empty belly are recommended.
7. BIG MIND & SANKALPA - (2.5 hrs)
A "sankalpa" is a statement made with ones whole being; It is a resolution for manifestation of something that the heart deeply desires. Understanding the difference between the voice of the "Big Mind" and the sabotaging tendencies of the other "mind parts" can assist students in reaching their desired goals faster and with great ease. - The Big Mind, Big Heart Process is a voice dialogue exercise created by Zen Buddhist teacher, Genpo Roshi to help people contact their "true nature." Karina learned this process as it has been refined by Dr. Tom Holmes; she then fuses it with the powerful and transformational "sankalpa creating techniques" of Yogarupa, Rod Stryker. (lecture, group work, meditation, writing - not an asana class)
Short Class Options
1. YOGA NIDRA : The promise & practice - (90 min.) *most popular*
This Tantric technique for deep relaxation and restoration deprograms layers of tension in our systems, profoundly healing the body and transforming the subconscious mind. While lying in the corpse pose the body often sleeps, the mind is at rest, yet consciousness remains active. After a short talk, we will prepare to take the guided journey into "yogic sleep." Please bring a blanket and pillow. All welcome.
2. MANTRA SADHANA : Why, How and What to Chant in Meditation - (90 min.)
This class will discuss the application of using mantras during meditation; the traditions associated with the practice of japa meditation (mantra repetitions counted on mala beads); discussion on and practice of bija (seed) mantras and the 2 "unlocked" mantras of the Vedas (Surya Gayatri and/or Maha Mrtynjaya Mantra). The guru/disciple relationship and the 4 levels of yoga student will also be addressed. All welcome.
3. TANTRA & MEDITATION : Transformation through Direct Experience - (90 min.)
A talk on Tantra and goal of Tantric Meditation followed by a guided sitting practice. The ancient technique shared will aim to create transformation of both body and mind by creating profound change in the subtle energy through pranayama, mantra, intention and imagery.
Complete Programs (2-8 days)
THE PARA YOGA FOUNDATIONS TEACHER TRAINING - (3 days)
An introduction to the Para Yoga system and teaching philosophy. The 3 day training equals 20 contact of of RYT approved teacher training study hours: click here for teacher training details. For more information about Rod Stryker's Pare Yoga, please visit www.parayoga.com.
YOGA & SANKALPA: The Yoga of Resolutions - (2 days) *most popular*
Why do we make new years resolutions? - And why don’t they seem to last?
Do we even know what we really want? - When we do know what we want, why do we often sabotage it ourselves?
How do we fulfill our deepest desires? - And how do we overcome the obstacles that stand in the way?
Tantric yoga has the answers to these questions... Join us this weekend and learn how to access the energetic forces which fuel lasting change. The tools acquired in these workshops can be used to let go of fear, change habits, prevent burnout, and attract love and success. - The goals of this weekend program are:
● to become aware of our heart’s deepest desire - and understand what limits us having it now
● to learn the difference between the voices of the ego-self, and the wisdom of the True Self
● to create a “power resolution,” and set a course of action to see our dreams come true
THE SPIRIT OF TANTRA: Master your energy, master your life - (2-3 days)
One of the basic teachings of Tantra states that through an understanding of how to change our energy, we have the capacity to change our experience of the world. Tantric Hatha Yoga is the science of energetic transformation applied through the yogic practices of asana, bandha, mudra, pranayama, meditation and other, more subtle techniques. When taught in a specific way, even the most basic of yoga postures can have a dramatic effect on the physical, mental and energetic states of being.
THE VOICE of the TRUE SELF RETREAT - (1-3 days)
A powerful and transformational self inquiry process comprised of yoga classes, meditation, yoga nidra, silent meals, focused journaling, and group voice dialogue exercises. - We too often hear the voices of ghosts of our past, fear, doubt, and other temporary emotions directing our thoughts, words and actions. Less frequently it seems we hear something else -the voice of the Spirit of Guidance, the voice of the True Self. Perhaps we hear it often but choose not to act on it, why? - In this weekend we'll learn to identify the "parts" of ourselves and differentiate between them. In turn, we'll learn how to connect to the wisdom of the True Self and begin to trust it enough to allow it to guide us toward the fulfillment of our heart's deepest desires. Yoga sessions included. (2-3 days)
YOGA RETREAT - (1-8 days)
Retreat offerings can include any of the following: Asana, Pranayama, Meditation, Chanting, World Peace Dances, Ritual, Fire Ceremony, Talks/Lectures on specific subjects or texts, Silence, Writing, Creative Movement, Dance, Partner Yoga, Massage/Energy Work.
YOGA VACATIONS - (8-10 days)
A yoga vacation is a little different from a yoga retreat. the differnce is based on the primary focus of activity time. In a yoga retreat the focus is communing with the True Self by going inward, so most of the time is spent in the classroom with limited activities. A yoga vacation connects us to the joyful nature of the Self by being...in NATURE. Of course there is class time, but we have a lot more scheduled activities. One of Karina's favorite yoga vacation destinations is Hawaii.
