Yin Yoga Teacher Training / Immersive Retreat

with Tobie Tomkinson and Zoe Nash

7^th Jul 2024 to 14^th Jul 2024 in Spain (1 week)

50 hours Continued Professional Development / Deep Dive Immersion.
Open to all!

Yin Yoga is becoming increasingly popular; perhaps as a reaction to the ever increasing busyness of life, fast moving technology, and other stressors, and it is a perfect balance to the more dynamic "Yang" Yoga practices. It is slow, meditative and mindful; a chance to press pause and soften into the moment. Most Yin poses are floor based, held between 1 and 20 minutes, and they allow us to explore the resistance points in our practice and all their influences; from muscles, soft tissue and neural networks, through the breath to the emotions, awareness and states of consciousness.

Given time we can ask – what is sensation and how can we release what may show up in the physical body as ‘stretch’, the mental body as perhaps pain and the emotional body as a myriad of other things?

Whilst we will dive into the world of muscles, fascia, myofascial chains and other connective tissues, this is far more than just a physical practice.  It is a chance to deeply explore one of the fundamental philosophical concepts of Yoga – the Koshas.

Due to the slower pace of the practice and its historical evolution we can also more easily focus our attention to the Traditional Chinese Meridian Lines -  exploring sequences that target the physical, emotional and energetic benefits of these in correlation with the daoist elements.

Teaching Yin is a lovely opportunity if you wish to help others to explore their Koshas, guiding them to their own inner stillness. This practice also creates more space for you to share philosophies, meditations, stories, poems and other loves from your life.

As always at Ashiyana we will share and explore tools and experiences whilst encouraging you to find your own voice/style and to share from your heart.

OUR YIN TEACHER TRAINING WILL COVER:

• Practice and learn 25 key Yin poses, how to teach them, including modifications and their contra-indications
• Practice Yin Flows focusing on different Meridians and parts of the body
• The body’s muscular, fascial and myo-fascial meridian systems
• Anatomy related to Yoga, including but not exclusive to:
• Range of Motion – Osteo-morphology, tension & compression
• Resistance points: Neural / structural / mental / emotional
• Kinetic Chains
• The Therapeutic Edge
• Pain relief and catharsis
• How to plan and theme a Yin yoga class using Breath, Meditations, Meridians
• Introduction to the Chinese meridian system with an experienced acupuncturist
• Meditation and Pranayama
• The use of props to maximise comfort and relaxation of muscles and fascia
• Restorative poses, breathing, mindfulness and relaxation
• Morning Yin/ Yang sessions for your personal practice and develop a variety of ideas for your own classes
• Teaching Practice
• Assessment and class delivery feedback

After the training, you will receive either a CPD Certificate (Yoga Alliance) if you are a teacher already, or an Attendance Certificate if you are taking the course simply to immerse yourself in the Yin practice. The hours total up to a maximum of 50 hours depending on attendance and completion of coursework.

Sample of daily schedule:

About

Tobie

My route into yoga came many years ago as I heard that it was good for back pain. It was, although it took me some years to reap the benefits and to really understand how it could be. Though I enjoyed many physical activities I shied away from the stronger, more linear Yoga practices as these only exacerbated my pain. Drawn toward what may now be called a yin / yang practice I have benefitted and enjoyed the not so simple act of slowing down and being still; in poses and in life.

For me, Yin practices are challenging and rewarding. Emphasising the psychosomatic element of existence, it offers a chance to question, to feel deeply, to acknowledge and to let go.

My passion for teaching is multi-faceted. With Yin itself I have always felt that something was missing. The predominant, and sometimes misinterpreted, focus on the physical benefits of Yin yoga and the affect it has on ‘fascia’ (long discussion!) seems too simplistic.

Flexibility is not just the increased length of soft tissue or fascia. In fact that may not even happen. When we explore the effects of a pose we must consider the structural, neural, psychological and emotional experiences we have almost simultaneously. Starting with the sensations we feel and our response to them.

So teaching inspires me to investigate - myself and others; to practice physically, morally, philosophically and psychologically.

To be creative; as the facilitator of an experience - from the moment a student enters the studio to their parting breath - we get to share what has benefitted us in a joyful way and to be part of the benefits this has to others.

And question. Always question – the words I have written here, the truths and platitudes that others tell you. Yoga is a totally individual experience. That is one of its ultimate beauties. It is not one existential truth system. It is an invitation to dive into yourself, notice what you feel and to live from that truth.

As a teacher I like to challenge all it is that you and I have read or been taught about (Yin) Yoga – from stretching to Fascia, Chakras to Meridians, catharsis to healing.  Because I want to hear what you feel, not to tell you how it is. To learn from your experiences, as your students will from you. And to ride on the wave of ancient knowledge whilst being part of the evolution of this infinite exploration. For that is Yoga and we are all equal within it.

Zoe

Zoe began studying Chinese medicine twenty years ago , and her fascination and wonder for this profound, complex, and yet simple philosophy, and way of living grows stronger every year, and it is her wish to pass on this rich wealth of wisdom to those that wish to incorporate this in their life and practice.

Zoe is passionate about sharing her knowledge and expertise in TCM with students of all backgrounds and trajectories, specifically with those interested in pursuing a path of holistic wellbeing, including healthcare practitioners, yoga teachers, energy workers, movement artists and anyone seeking an embodied, whole understanding of health and balance. Zoe’s teachings provide a powerful container for individuals and groups to deepen their understanding of the intricate links between body, mind and spirit through the lens of Chinese Medicine. She offers practical, tangible tools for students to apply this ancient wisdom through the disciplines of yoga, movement and the art of everyday living.

Zoe’s engaging classes encourage students to become vessels for life to co-create with and through by consciously activating and opening the meridian pathways through movement practices and meditation.
My highest intention as a teacher is to be a clear conduit through which the ancient wisdom of TCM that has been used for centuries to heal the physical, emotional and spiritual body, can reach others today and inspire healing, transformation and harmony.

Pricing and accommodation

Early Bird:  €1250 in a shared room* / €1700 for single occupancy
Full price: €1450 in a shared room* / €1900 for single occupancy; €350 supplement for a luxury suite

*two people sharing a twin/double room; all our rooms have en-suite bathrooms.

Extra €100 Discount for Ashiyana 200 hour TTC Graduates.