Foundations of Yoga

=- Philosophy & Practice with Avril Bastiansz =-

This course is for those feeling inclined to learn more fully about the totality of yoga and what it means to practice a yogic lifestyle. From complete beginners to those who are already practicing yoga and maybe wanting to deepen their knowledge. This course will refine and refresh and expand your practice and give you the tools for a more health-full life mentally and physically.

-= Dates =-

Saturday 29th March
1.00pm - 5.00pm

Saturday 30th March
12.00pm - 4.00pm

-= Course Outline =-

Yoga is a vast body of knowledge rooted in the Indian scriptures known as the Veda and is one of the six schools of classical Indian philosophy. It encompasses both theory and practice, as one without the other is incomplete.

“Knowledge does not gain the end. Action gains the end. Knowledge tells what actions to perform.” – Swami Dayananda

This course is ideal for those curious about yoga, whether you are a beginner wondering where to start your journey or someone who has been practicing and wishes to deepen their understanding. It is also beneficial for those considering yoga teacher training.

In this weekend-intensive workshop, you will be introduced to the Ashtanga (Eight Limbs) of yoga, as described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. In this seminal text, the sage Patanjali, known as the father of modern yoga, outlines the journey of the yogi, laying down the path and methodology for the practice of yoga and the attainment of its ultimate goal - Samadhi.

This is a practical and experiential course delivered in two 4-hour sessions over a weekend. Each session includes a lecture component accompanied by a full 75- minute yoga practice, allowing you to gain direct experiential knowledge of yoga's transformative teachings.

DAY 1

• Introduction - Darshana, the philosophy described in the first four yoga sutras.
• What is Ashtanga yoga - the eight-limbed path. Focus on Yama, Niyama. Asana & Pranayama.
• Building the Practice – ‘right’ effort, what is meant by Sthiram & Sukham?
• Presence - chanting ‘OM’ & Samasthithihi.
• Pranayama – the yogic three part breath & Ujjayi breathing.
• Asana – awareness, alignment, breath, bhandas & dristi
• Surya Namaskar - Sun salutations.
• Savasana – the art of rest.

DAY 2

• Introduction – Reflection on Yogic anatomy & physiology from Eastern & Western perspective.
• What are the Koshas, Chakras, Nadi’s & Kundalini.
• Benefits of the practice – focus on the nervous system, stress and anxiety.
• Kriya yoga for emotional regulation.
• Introduction to the last four limbs of yoga - Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana & Samadhi.
• Meditation, Mantra, Chanting & Japa practices.
• What is Vedanta?

-= Investment =-

• $150 - Early bird price - until March 15th (+ booking fee)
• $180 - Normal price (+ booking fee)

-= About Avril Bastiansz =-

Yoga Teacher, Holistic Counsellor, Psychotherapist & Nutritionist

I love to teach. I love to learn. I have been a dedicated yogi for over a decade, practicing, teaching, learning and integrating yoga into my lifestyle. I teach with the highest end-goal in mind – Yoga as a pathway to the Self (Vedanta).

Yoga to me is experiential and transformative, a practice that leads us to know who we are and why we are here, through a continuous process of increasing self-awareness & expansion of consciousness that leads to a way of Being and relating in the world.

This is my philosophy which is deeply rooted in the supreme knowledge of the Veda’s and codified in Yoga Sutras of Pathanjali’s 8-limbs of Yoga.

I trained as a Hatha Yoga teacher. My own practice led me to explore the meditative practices and I became a teacher of Vedic Mantra Meditation. I have trained in Himalayan Kundalini Kriya Yoga & as Mental Health Aware Yoga teacher.

I am also a Holistic Counsellor & Psychotherapist and Nutritionist.

I love how I can weave all of these and my life experiences together to enhance my teachings. In my classes & workshops, I integrate all of the elements of yoga; movement, breath, kriya, mantra, meditation, knowledge & philosophy, in order to create a safe & transformative experience for you.

-= Location =-
Held @ The Open Space
11 Acacia Pl, Abbotsford VIC 3067

Paid parking is available in the public car park at Acacia Place, and across Victoria Street in Victoria Gardens shopping complex. Free parking in Harrison court and surrounds. We are on the lower ground level of Acacia Place.

Disabled access: If you park within the paid parking station off Acacia Place you will be on the same level as our studio. If you enter from Victoria Street level, a lift is available at the top of the first set of steps leading down to the river.

* Please take a moment to select your event thoughtfully, as we are unable to provide refunds. However, all tickets are transferable to the person(s) of your choice. The only time we can make an exception to our no-refund policy is if the event is sold out and we're able to help find a new home for your tickets. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.