Here is essential information for use in planning workshops and classes. Please feel free to cut and paste, copy and take whatever you need to for publicity and advertising. You will find links to more fotos, basic bio stuff, topics and outlines of workshops i can teach and descriptions of Jungleyoga style. Anything else from the site you want to use, feel free.

Themes and Topics for Workshops

Here are potential topics and themes for workshops and classes. Generally these are best done in two hours or more; some are quite hard to develop in under two hours. Longer than that is no problem, some can be stretched out over a weekend or a few sessions. The Savasana workshop we have even done over 5 days. All of them are topics which are vast and unlimited, a lifetime of work really, so there is no problem to fill the time.

The topics can also be sections of a larger workshop if you like. One could do, say, a morning session of core strengthening and fire work and an afternoon of mantra or relaxation, for balance. It all depends upon what your students may be interested in and how much time we have. If you have ideas for other themes, we can discuss that, too.

The Yoga of Breath Cycles:

This workshop focuses on the interaction of breath with posture, in both movement and stillness. By expanding the breath in yoga postures the transformative power of the practice increases dramatically. This workshop will investigate how breath influences the nature of energy and mind and how we can use the breath to purify and intensify.

Cleansing and Detoxifying the Organs.

This workshop will work with practices that have a deep effect on the inner organs. We will look mainly at the organs of digestion, respiration and the nervous system and how yoga can create an inner cleansing. This purification is an essential step in the physical transformation that yoga can bring.

Understanding the Bandhas and How to Use Them.

An essential and often misunderstood part of yoga are the energy locks, or bandhas. Few people understand how the bandhas really work and when to apply them, and this workshop will investigate the use of the locks during yoga practice. By working more deeply with the bandhas, one's practice increases in depth and power.

Bending Over Backwards: A Backbending Intensive.

Backbends are some of the most intense poses in the yoga practice; they can also be a source of resistance, fear or injury. These postures require careful alignment and preparation to perform deeply and this workshop will concentrate on understanding the nature of backbends and how to do them well.

Tantra: The Essence of Yoga

When people think of Tantra, they usually think of just one thing. However, all of yoga is based on Tantric concepts and understanding the nature of Tantra will illuminate a deeper part of yoga than just the work on the mat. Tantra is a philosophy which can guide one through life to health and happiness. We will explore how Tantra forms the essence of the  postures and breath of modern yoga practice.

Inversions: Exploring Inverted Postures.

The most powerful poses in all of yoga are inverted postures such as handstand, headstand and shoulderstand. We will look at alignment, preparation and principles of practice so we can take advantage of these wonderful poses.

Getting to the Core of the Issue: Essential Strengthening and Connection.

Over the last few years, I have been developing many practices to bring us deeper into our own centers. This center is the source of our power and connection and is often overlooked in yoga practice. We will work to strengthen and lengthen the belly, lower back and deep leg muscles. A very good class for people with mild back problems.

Squeeze and Soak: Exploring Twists.

Twists are very powerful postures that bring strength and proper functioning to the internal organs and balance the spine and nervous system. This class will explore twists in their many forms from standing poses to inversions and beyond. This workshop is very cleansing and purifying and also goes deep into the emotional and psychological bodies.

Freeing the weight of the World: Loosening the Shoulders and Neck.

Many of us have unnecessary tension in the shoulders and neck which can seriously effect one's quality of life and comfort. There are many powerful poses in yoga which can help eliminate neck and shoulder tension and bring a greater sense of relaxation and ease. This practice has a profound effect on headaches and upper back problems due to tension. The loosening of the neck also can bring better functioning to the brain and nervous system in general.

The Power of Action: Strengthening the Arms and Shoulders.

Often we don't use the arms and shoulders in the correct manner. Especially in yoga, the alignment of the arms can profoundly affect the way postures are done. Improper alignment can make intermediate poses near impossible, such as arm balances and headstand. We will work to create correct alignment in the arms and stabilize the entire area; thus granting more power in yoga and in everyday life.

Nama and Rupa: The Power of Sound and Mantra in Yoga

Sound is one of the most powerful tools we have in spiritual work. Chanting, both internally and externally, can greatly increase the power and depth of yoga practice. In this workshop, we will explore how sound can be used to cleanse the mind and body and expand the consciousness. A number of simple, classical mantras will be introduced that are quite useful in all parts of life, and fun to chant! OM!

Cool Down: Yoga for Relaxation and Meditation

Yoga is not all sweat and toil; there and vast techniques to get the body and mind to slow down and become quiet. When the mind is quiet, then greater insights come and we grow. We will learn how to use the yoga postures and breaths to induce a state of trance or meditation in the mind and teach the body how to relax deeply. Time will be spent on the subtleties of the corpse pose, Savasana.

Burn Fire, Burn: Building Heat and Fire in the Body

The most powerful tool in the yoga of transformation is heat. Heat burns toxins and purifies the body and mind, leading to a state of purity and integration. Low internal fire is a leading cause of disease in the body. We will learn about which poses bring heat and how we can use them to our advantage; we will also learn balancing techniques so we don't burn ourselves too badly. This is a vigorous practice, less suited to beginners.

Back to Basics: What is Really Important

Often we forget what is the real essence of the practice of yoga. Here we will strip it down to look deeply at the basics of yoga postures and breath and how to use them. The focus will be on the fundamental poses and the essential alignments needed to do the poses well. Breath will also be treated in detail and meditation will also be addressed. A great workshop for less experienced students or those with injuries.

Get Deep: Supported Practice with Props for Expansive Relaxation

There are many ways to experience a yoga pose. One fairly modern way is through the use of props to change our relationship with the poses. By using props along with certain poses, we can move towards a more complete relaxation, which can be very healing and healthy. This workshop starts by building a little energy and heat at the beginning, and then goes very deep into a state of conscious relaxation. It is certainly a new way to experience yoga and a wonderful way to relieve stress and tension. You will never be the same! No driving after the class, please!