Introduction to Tantra Yoga // Workshop Series // Newcastle Health Collective

The Introduction to Tantra Yoga workshop series consists of three separate workshops and you can choose which one(s) you want to attend

This series of workshops has been designed so that they all complement and build on each other. It is recommended to attend all of them. However, if that doesn’t work for you, it is ok to attend as many or as few as you want to. 

Spaces are limited, so bookings are essential.

In each workshop we will explore the basics of what (theory) and how (practice) together, so that you leave with knowledge and tools to integrate what you learn into your lived experience.

All workshops are oriented towards beginners, no experience is necessary and everyone is welcome. Scroll down for details.

Workshop 1: What is Tantra, Really?

An introduction to Classical Tantrik Philosophy

Saturday March 21st, 10am - 12pm // $25.00

Are you curious to discover what Tantra is all about?

Tantra has developed a reputation for being all about sex and this either attracts or repels people, often for the wrong reasons. However, classical Tantra offers so much more than the techniques for better sex and relationships that has made it popular in the West. In reality, Tantra is one of the most profound, inclusive and transformative spiritual traditions ever developed. It is also one of the most relevant spiritual perspectives for the challenges we all face in the modern world.

Tantra, like yoga, has as its highest goal the realisation of the underlying unity of all existence. Tantra is actually a complete system of human development that transforms how we think, feel and live, offering the potential to improve all aspects of our lives.

Traditional Tantra, like other Eastern traditions, contains teachings for all levels of individuals and all the main goals of life. These teachings offer us a practical and ethical foundation upon which to build an integrated, prosperous, spiritual life.

Join us for the journey

During this two-hour workshop you will be introduced to the philosophy of classical śaiva Tantra. A non-dual perspective that offers an enlightened lens through which to experience life.

Together we will explore the basics of what (theory) and how (practice), so that you leave with knowledge and tools to integrate what you learn into your lived experience.

This introductory workshop is oriented towards beginners, no experience is necessary, and everyone is welcome.

What will you experience?

Here's what to expect:

• An accessible, inclusive, introduction suitable for beginners.
• Tantrik philosophy shared and explained in a way that you will be able to understand (including diagrams to illustrate the theory).
• A supportive environment where you can ask questions (even the ones you might be unsure of or embarrassed about).
• A community of other curious, like-minded souls.
• Theory and a practical exercise that you can integrate into your life.
  
  

Are you ready to explore Tantra?

This workshop is perfect for you if:

• You've been curious about Tantra, but thought it was all about sex (it isn't) and that turned you off.
• You've felt intimated by philosophy, Sanskrit or eastern spiritual theory.
• You've been practising yoga for years and you want to learn more about the roots of yoga.
• You're searching for a spiritual path that is world embracing, body positive, and offers tools for managing the challenges of modern life.
• You've always wanted to explore Tantra but didn't know where to start. 
  

Workshop 2: The Breath of Life

An introduction to Pranayama

Saturday March 21st, 1pm - 3pm // $25.00

Are you ready to discover the life affirming power inherent in your own breath?

Our breath is perhaps the most important, and yet often the most unconscious aspect of our experience. All this despite the fact that it happens right under our noses in every moment we’re alive...

A human being can survive approximately 3 weeks without food, 4 days without water, but only about 3 minutes without breath. Try and hold your breath for any length of time and you will become acutely aware that your breath really is synonymous with life. And yet, most of the time we pay little to no attention to it.

The lack of consciousness about our own breath is equivalent to not taking charge of one’s life and manifests in a lack of interiority and self-awareness. A lack of awareness of one’s own breath can prevent us from recognising the self-regulating power of our own body. Examples of this lack of awareness can be found when we are overcome by anger, or stress. If we can pay attention during our modern-day, mundane tasks, awareness of how we breathe provides feedback for how the mind and inner consciousness are functioning.

It is via the breath that we become aware not only of being alive, but of the very quality of our lives.

Join us for the journey

During this two-hour workshop you will be introduced to the basics of ‘prāṇāyāma,’ the yogic practice of breath, or life-force regulation. Prāṇa is a latent energy system inherent within your own being, and within all of nature. Prāṇāyāma facilitates a life-giving flow to your experience. Prāṇāyāma practices are about fine-tuning your energy giving essence and learning how to regulate it to your advantage.

Together we will explore the basics of what (theory) and how (practice), so that you leave with knowledge and tools to integrate what you learn into your lived experience.

This introductory workshop is oriented towards beginners, no experience is necessary and everyone is welcome.

What will you experience?

Here's what to expect:

Theory and practices which, when understood and applied, enable you to consciously choose between the following aspects of your being:

• Solar and lunar.
• Masculine and feminine.
• Analytical and intuitive.
• Sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
• Excitatory and inhibitory.
  

By learning how to consciously regulate your breath, you can flow between:

• Activities requiring physical strength and activities requiring emotional strength.
• Extrovert, outgoing and expressive or introvert, internalised and reflective.
• Wilfully determined or loving and compassionate.
• Charged with energy or completely relaxed.
  
  

Are you ready to tap into the power of your breath?

This workshop is perfect for you if:

• You suffer from anxiety or stress and feel burnt out.
• You have difficulty concentrating when you need to.
• You find it difficult to get to sleep at night.
• You want to access more subtle planes of existence.
• You want to learn how your body actually works and how you can tap into the natural healing capacity of the breath to enhance your well-being.
• You want to deepen your yoga practice.
  

Workshop 3: Sacred Speech and the Power of the Word

An introduction to Mantra Yoga

Saturday March 21st, 4pm - 6pm // $25.00

Are you ready to discover the sacred nature of speech and the power of your word to create worlds?

We’ve all heard that words (and thoughts) have power, but what does that actually mean and how is this power conveyed? From the Vedik and Tantrik perspectives, there are four levels of speech, and yet most humans only operate on one, the lowest. So much of what we think and say is habitual and unconscious. But if we really understood the sacred nature of speech and the power of our words, we would be much more conscious about what we express.

In Eastern traditions, there are sounds that can awaken the higher potentials of the brain and change the flow of energy in the nervous system. The practice of mantra provides a conduit via which sound, word and speech can be used to harmonise ourselves with cosmic intelligence.

Mantra offers a means to recalibrate the mind. Perhaps the easiest way to grasp mantra is to view it as a kind of subtle āsana for the mind. The practice of mantra has the capacity to put the mind into energetic postures through which it can become a conduit for a higher flow of energy that produces more beneficial thoughts and words.

Join us for the journey

During this two-hour workshop you will be introduced to the four levels of speech and the basics of ‘mantra,’ the yoga of sound. Mantra is an instrument of, or a means for contemplation, meditation, comprehension, perception, recalibration and transformation.

Together we will explore the basics of what (theory) and how (practice), so that you leave with knowledge and tools to integrate what you learn into your lived experience.

This introductory workshop is oriented towards beginners. No experience is necessary, and everyone is welcome.

What will you experience?

Here's what to expect:

• An accessible, inclusive, introduction suitable for beginners.
• Mantra, Sanskrit and the four levels of speech shared and explained in a way that you will be able to understand (including diagrams to illustrate the theory).
• A supportive environment where you can ask questions (even the ones you might be unsure of or embarrassed about).
• A community of other curious, like-minded souls.
• Theory and a practical exercise that you can integrate into your life.
  
  

Are you ready to explore mantra yoga?

This workshop is perfect for you if:

• You've been curious about Mantra, but felt intimidated by Sanskrit.
• You feel nervous or insecure about singing / chanting in public.
• You find Eastern philosophy and spiritual theory confusing or complicated.
• You want to understand how your thoughts and your words affect your life.
• You've been practising yoga for years and you want to learn more about the roots of tantra and yoga.
• You're searching for a spiritual path that is world-embracing, body-positive, and offers tools for managing the challenges of modern life.
• You've always wanted to explore mantra but didn't know where to start. 
  

About Yolanda French (Yogalanda)

Yolanda French is a student and practitioner of Tantra, Yoga and Sanskrit and she has spent her entire adult life chasing the tail of consciousness. She’s studied in yoga studios and ashrams, sitting by dhunis and on pilgrimages, as well as in tertiary academic institutions. In her experience, the most transformative tools for personal evolution are Tantra, Yoga and Sanskrit (yes, Sanskrit). She also happens to love mung beans and makes a mean vegan tea cake.

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What others have to say about their experience with Yolanda

‘Yolanda’s workshop was engaging, informative and inclusive. Yolanda’s knowledge is extensive. The practice was enjoyable and suitable for everyone regardless of past experience and knowledge of yoga.’ Kerry

'Deepening my Tantra practice with Yolanda was possible based on the grace, ease, and joy that she brings to the transmission of this timeless knowledge. Her ability to guide me through the āsanas in a deeply relaxing way, as well as explaining conceptual ideas in a such a holistic manner, always puts my mind and body into alignment while cutting through the clatter of modern life. Whether in a private or class setting, the core teachings of Tantra are always received as the gift of renewal they were meant to be, leaving me grateful for our connection.' Michael

‘After attending Yolanda’s Tantra Intro Workshop, it’s like I’ve become a more positive person. I opened up and cast off my cynical, jaded self for a time. It was so revealing to be that other beautiful me that I know is there, but find it hard to connect to with all the stresses and pressures of the daily grind. I was safe, I was me, it was good. I just need to continue the practices that can keep me in that place more often than not.’ Sarah

‘Yolanda has a great depth of knowledge not only of Sanskrit specifically but of the areas surrounding the language. She is able to share her knowledge in a way that keeps you moving forward in an engaged and enthusiastic way.’ Peter

‘During my time with Yolanda I was impressed with her knowledge of Sanskrit, Yoga and Eastern Philosophy. She has a skill for allowing the Sanskrit language to become more accessible to those with little to no prior knowledge, with a simple and interesting way of explaining the language structure and concepts. I loved the smatterings of eastern philosophy throughout the lessons that gave life and meaning to Sanskrit itself, and always left me with an even deeper curiosity about philosophy and my approach to life.’ Gemma

'I found Yolanda's Tantra Yoga classes very suitable for an older person who had not previously practised Yoga. Her clear instruction and guidance made attaining the impossible possible. I found a Yogic breathing exercise that Yolanda taught me, practised in the early morning, energised me for the whole day. A very pleasant and beneficial experience.' Judy

PLEASE NOTE

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