Summer Intensive

Red Deer Summer Intensive
“Lighten up with Yoga”  with Special Weekend Guest Namadeva

The word “light” has so many connotative meanings in our language:  “to light up” as in to dispel darkness either in a place or in ourselves, “to lighten up” as in to dispel heaviness either in mind or body, “to light up” as in to brighten, “to shed light on” as in to provide insight,  “to make light” as in to make easier, “to make light of” as in to make happier, “to enlighten” as in to reveal knowledge and wisdom.

Join us for a transformative week of yoga practice as we “lighten up” through exploring the elements of our being.  Each day of the five-day workshop, we will focus on one of the major elements, moving from the densest (Earth) on Monday to the “lightest”(Ether) on Friday.  As we explore each element, we will experiment and gain awareness on how our movement, breath, emotions, thinking and even our spirit is affected by them.  We will also begin to discover how to finesse these elemental qualities in order to return to a more balanced state of being.

By week’s end, we will be more prepared to open up into a vaster, greater light as Namadeva (Thomas Ashley-Farrand) shares with us the practice of Mantra for ourselves and for World Enlightenment – the Gayatri Mantra.

Summer Intensive Detailed Descriptions

Monday June 28, 2010

Monday 9:00am - 12:15pm
Paula King & Ann Waschuk
Om Prithvi  (Bhu) – Exploring the Earth Element
Get in touch with your foundation through grounding postures, breathing basics and relaxation.  This session includes:  asana, pranayama, satsang (discussion), yoga nidra (guided visualization) & meditation.
Lecture & Active

Paula King, (YAA Certified Instructor and YAA Training Instructor, RMT) Paula has been sharing yoga with students in South Central Alberta since 1997. She specializes in yoga for special needs and draws from her studies in therapeutic yoga, Ayurveda, massage, aromatherapy, astrology and complementary wholistic healing modalities.  She teaches weekly classes at YARD and for the City of Red Deer, as well as private tutoring.

Ann Waschuk (Annapurna) (YAA & YAA Senior Teacher) has been studying some of the many aspects yoga since childhood.  Since 1994, she has been sharing this knowledge in the Red Deer area, teaching weekly classes and workshops for various schools and organizations.  Ann is YAA Certified, presently an active instructor for YARD and has served as their director of instruction since YARD’s inception.  She also has served on the Yoga Assoc. of AB board of directors for over 10 years, acts as YAA’s Senior Instructor for the teacher training program in this region, and is serving as a mentor for the Himalayan Institute’s teacher training program.  Currently, she is working with Namadeva toward her certification in the teaching of Sanskrit Mantra.

Monday 1:45pm – 3:15pm
Adele Ohama
Loosening the Tethers:  Tennis Ball Yoga
Develop increased body awareness using a portable, easy & effective tool.  This sequence is especially useful for active individuals to release muscle tension and to learn to become more ‘grounded’.  This session will encourage participants to experience release and relaxation in a simple, mindful manner.  Each participant must bring 3 tennis balls, a sock and an elastic band to secure the sock.  Active

Adele Ohama (YIM, YAA-ttp) was introduced to the benefits of yoga in 1996, and became certified to teach Ashtanga Yoga in 2001.  Later that same year, a severe horseback riding accident resulted in Adele recovering from a broken back, but thanks to her practice of yoga, not being confined to a wheelchair.  During the lengthy recovery and rehabilitation process Adele gained insight into herself, the practice of yoga, and in particular about starting yoga from the beginning- a second time around.  As an instructor, her goal is to encourage balance, awareness, self-practice and self-responsibility.

Monday 3:30pm – 5:00pm
Bonnee McLachlan
Back to your Roots
Nourish your practice by connecting with your yogic root system.  This Iyengar inspired class is designed to cultivate an understanding of your foundation and develop a rich relationship with the earth.  Students will deepen their practice by using props, which will allow them to delve into the fullest expression of each posture.  “You must savour the fragrance of a posture. Until you are relaxed, you cannot savour the fragrance.”  B.K.S. Iyengar   Active

Bonnee McLachlan Bonnee’s relationship with yoga began over ten years ago, which eventually led her to India where she pursued her teacher training. At first it was a way to compliment her active lifestyle after years of dancing professionally in ballet, jazz & tap. It didn’t take long for Bonnee to discover that yoga had so much more to offer than just stretching. Practicing and studying this ancient tradition has made Bonnee realize that every day is an opportunity to watch the inner journey unfold. Bonnee’s teaching focuses on proper alignment, positive body awareness & empowering oneself through determination & breath .

Monday 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Connie Walker Dymianiw
Getting Grounded
Discover your connection to the earth with a series of poses for the lower back and legs.  Find stability, strength and ease of movement as you get grounded!

Connie Walker-Dymianiw (YAA)  is an exercise professional and yoga instructor who uses her knowledge of the body and movement within the yoga experience.  She emphasizes comfort and ease of movement using a gentle yoga style to develop mobility, stability and strength.  Active

Tuesday June 29, 2010

Tuesday 9:00am – 12:15pm
Paula King & Ann Waschuk
Om Apas – Exploring the Water Element
Find fluidity in your movement and breath.  This session includes:  asana, pranayama, satsang (discussion), yoga nidra (guided visualization) & meditation.  Lecture & Active

Tuesday 1:45pm – 3:15pm
Barb Breau
Flow through joints and glands
Imagine the movement of a waterwheel in a smooth flowing stream of water. This enjoyable series of movements, designed by Swami Rama, is designed to help the body open up, relax and release tension by bringing awareness to each of the major joints and glands in the body, from top to toe. Active

Barbara Breau (YAA, IHYT-TTP) Barbara got hooked on Hatha Yoga several years ago and is now a regular practitioner, offering classes at several locations in Red Deer. She is currently training in the Himalayan Yoga Meditation Tradition, lead by Swami Veda Bharati of Rishikesh, India.

Tuesday 3:30pm – 5:00pm
Cheryl Cooper
Core Flow - Yoga/Pilates
Work with the flow of the breath as a way to assist the core in Pilates and Yoga. Learn about Pilates principles and this system of core strengthening that also emphasizes flexibility, breath, and the mind-body connection. A good complement to Yoga.  Active

Cheryl Cooper (YAA) teaches Yoga, Pilates, Contemporary/Modern dance as well as other dance forms in Red Deer. She is a YAA certified Yoga teacher, CDTA Ballet Member, Jazz Associate and has a Diploma in Dance.

Tuesday 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Christine Jilek   (YAA-ttp)
Flowing into Calmness
Breathe. Open your body, mind and soul with the possibilities of letting go and sinking deeper.  Breathe and flow through some gentle and energizing Hatha yoga vinyasa and feel your profound subtle body merge with your physical body. Active

Christine Jilek Hatha Yoga has been “home” for Christine’s body, mind and soul for over a dozen years or so. Although forever on a journey of discovery with yoga, she is very humbled and grateful to be involved in the Teacher Training Program with the YAA and honoured to be teaching for the past couple of years in Stettler. Her students are her teachers and her teachers are her guiding lights on my path. Hari Om Tat Sat.

Wednesday June 30, 2010

Wednesday 9:00am – 12:15pm
Paula King & Ann Waschuk
Om Agni:  Exploring the Fire Element
Increase your vigor by activating the flame within. This session includes:  asana, pranayama, satsang (discussion), yoga nidra (guided visualization) & meditation.  Lecture and Active

Wednesday 1:45pm – 3:15pm
Wanda Oster
Opening the fire Center through the cooling practise of yin.
Yin yoga opens up the hips, pelvis and low spine with long held static postures.  The joints and ligaments are nourished and at the same time the meridian lines of the body are stimulated.  Active

Wanda Oster (YAA-ttp) began her yoga journey 11 years ago and is nearing the completion of the YAA Teacher Training program.  She teaches Yoga at Yard and in and around Red Deer. She has recently begun the study of Yin Yoga with Paul Grilley.

Wednesday 3:30pm – 5:00pm
Adele Ohama
Ashtanga Yoga:  An Introduction to your Fire within
Build a solid foundation and understanding of the Ashtanga Yoga practice through exposure to its philosophy, the victory breath (ujjayi), the sequence of postures, and become armed with strategies for success.  Emphasis will be on basic core strength and awareness as well as proper alignment during the Sun Salutations in order to develop a safe and strong practice.  Active

Wednesday 7:00pm – 9:00pm   Location:  Ann’s backyard (weather permitting – otherwise at Studio)
Paula King & Ann Waschuk
Fire Ceremony & Celebration
Enjoy a bonfire, burn away your burdens, lighten up and play.  This session will include a little satsang, chanting but mostly playing around with Tibetan bowls and the sorts.  Feel free to bring any instruments that your fans your creative fire.

Thursday July 1, 2010

Thursday 9:00am – 12:15pm
Paula King & Ann Waschuk
Om Vayu – Exploring the Air Element
Allow a fuller pranic force to fuel you as you find ease and lightness in your practice.  This session includes:  asana, pranayama, satsang (discussion), yoga nidra (guided visualization) & meditation.  Lecture & Active

Thursday 1:45pm – 3:15pm
Nadine Lamb – (YAA-ttp)
Breezing through your Practice
Welcome a heart-centered practice to feel the strength and effects originating from the breath.

Nadine Lamb (YAA-ttp) enjoys practicing yoga and sharing her experiences with other over the past 10 years.  She is currently enrolled in the YAA teacher-training program.  She lives in Mirror and teaches in Mirror, Stettler and Alix and enjoys the little moments in life as they unfold.

Thursday 3:30pm – 5:00pm
Maxine Winchester
Heart to Heart - Partner yoga
Synchronize your movement and breath through subtle communication with your partner and experience the nuances of an asana, which can be recaptured when practicing on your own. Have fun allowing each person’s flexibility and to strength co-create the asana.  Active

Maxine Winchester (YAA) has been studying YOGA for 12 yrs. with previous training in Tai Chi.
She is a certified instructor with YAA and teaches at the YARD studio and for the City of Red Deer.

Thursday 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Jan Griffin
Yoga from the Heart
Approach your yoga practice with an open heart.  Asanas covered will emphasize opening up the chest region for fuller, deeper breathing, while balancing the shoulders and hips. Active

Jan Griffin (YAA-ttp YA-200)), started doing Yoga in the 1970’s in Texas, took up classes in Red Deer with Barb Breau in 2004 and in 2006 she started taking classes at the YARD with Ann Waschuk.  In 2008, she decided to share her passion for Yoga with others and started YAA Teacher Training with Ann Waschuk and Paula King. In February of 2010 she travelled to the Baja and received a 200 hr. Yoga Alliance teaching Certificate at Yandara Yoga School.  She is very excited to start sharing what she has learned with others.

Friday July 2, 2010

Friday 9:00am – 12:15pm
Paula King & Ann Waschuk
Om Akasha – Exploring the Ether Element
Fine-tune the instrument of your being by discovering the transformative power of space.  Lecture & Active

Friday 1:45pm – 3:15pm
Dena Fairell  (KRI)
Going Beyond - Yoga Nidra
This is a meditative, non-postures class that invites a delightful relaxation.  Deepen your level of awareness through a systematic exploration of sensation, breath, feeling and imagery.  Go beyond the constructs of your mind to experience your true nature.  One hour of yoga nidra is equal to 3 hours of sleep.  Active passivity

Dena Fairell has been sharing yoga & meditation with others since 1998.  She received certification in Kundalini Yoga, Hatha Yoga and Level 1 Yoga Nidra.  She is a Registered Social Worker who has worked with public health promotion and addictions issues.

Friday 3:30pm – 5:00pm
Dena Fairell  (KRI)
Enlightened Assimilation - Kundalini Yoga
Experience a Kundalini yoga kriya and meditation as taught by Yogi Bhajan that works to balance the five elements, called tattvas.  Tattvas are categories of quality based in the energetic flow of your life force.  If all the elements are strong and in balance, then you can be better prepared to flow thru stress and meet personal challenges with grace.  Active

Friday 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Namadeva (Thomas Ashley-Farrand)
1,000 Names and Powers of Gayatri Puja
Join together to chant 1,000 Names and Powers of Gayatri in this ancient Hindu ceremony.  Open event for everyone including non-workshop participants.

Saturday, July 3 & Sunday July 4, 2010

Saturday & Sunday 9:00am – 5:00pm  (hour long lunch break somewhere around 12:30)
Namadeva (Thomas Ashley-Farrand)
Enlightenment, Samadhi & The Gayatri Mantra

Is enlightenment literal? If it is “literal” what kind of light operates in us, what is its nature, where does it come from, and what effects does it have? What have very advanced spiritual beings said about it? Can we achieve enlightenment here, in this life? Or is it a just a metaphor? A catchphrase for peak experience?

Samadhi is a term that the great yogi Patanjali made popular through his Yoga Sutras, but what is it, really? Is it a form of enlightenment? Is it a state of Love? Can it be understood at all? What have very advanced spiritual beings said about the various forms and types of samadhi, and how can they be attained? Comments by Maher Baba, Sadguru Dattatreya and others will be explored.

The Gayatri Mantra is called by many scriptures, a “master mantra.” It is written that all states of consciousness and all powers are contained within it. What does this mean to us in the here and now? What do the individuals parts of the mantra mean? What is their significance to us? What have many spiritual leaders from India had to say about the Gayatri Mantra and its benefits?

Through this workshop you can tap into internal resources that are your spiritual birthright. Namadeva takes participants through meditation and detailed mantra instruction and explanation, and leads specific practices that will enable you to move in the most safe, speedy and expeditious way toward your great spiritual destiny.
An initiation into the Gayatri Mantra, for those who desire it, will conclude the workshop

About Namadeva (Thomas Ashley-Farrand)

Thomas Ashley-Farrand is one of the Western world’s foremost authorities on the application of Sanskrit Mantra to life’s problems. In December 2008 and June 2009, he received empowerments from Satguru Rama Mata, his lineage holder, to be a guru.

In 1968, Ashley-Farrand began having experiences of a mystical nature, which over the next few years became more intense and profound. He began to read the spiritual literature of the East, where he found eloquent explanations of his specific experiences in the Upanishads. In 1972, he received Kriya initiation from the Self Realization Fellowship. Mr. Ashley-Farrand began practicing extensive mantra-based spiritual disciplines in 1973, when he became a student of Sadguru Sant Keshavadas and Satguru Rama Mata.

From 1973-1984, he was the priest for the Temple of Cosmic Religion (Sanatana Vishwa Dharma) in Washington, D.C., first as priest-in-residence where he performed ancient Sanskrit ceremonies (pujas) twice daily, and later as traveling priest based in Southern California. In 1974, he received initiation from Sadguru Sant Keshavadas into the universal mantra for spiritual illumination, the Gayatri Mantra, and other mystical formulas. He also studied with Christian mystic Dr. Leon Wright of Howard University. In 1975, he received Tibetan spiritual empowerments from the 16th Gyalwa Karmapa.

In 1978, Mr. Ashley-Farrand journeyed to India with Sadguru Sant Keshavadas and Satguru Rama Mata, where he met a wide variety of spiritual teachers both famous and unknown. There he astonished swamis, pundits, shastris and others with his intonation and pronunciation of complex Sanskrit mantras, slokas and spiritual formulas. From one end of India to another, he was asked to demonstrate his mastery of this complex spiritual liturgy for assembled Indian spiritual teachers. Repeatedly, they told him that he had been a swami and spiritual teacher for several lives in India. A highlight of his trip there came as he was blessed by two of the most prominent spiritual personages in all of India, each having spiritual authority over more than 150 million people, H. H. Pejor Math Swami, and Sri Sri Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswati Maha Swamigal of Kanchi.

In 1982, when he moved to California, he conducted meditations and ceremonies in people’s homes, local colleges and for various religious organizations. He received empowerments from Kalu Rimpoche, the Dalai Lama and Sakya Jetsun Chiney Luding (Jetsun Ma), a woman guru from Tibet.

In 2001 he became president of a new non-profit organization, Sanatana Dharma Satsang, Inc. He is also president of Saraswati Publications, LLC, formed in 2001. In 2007, Sanatana Dharma Satsang opened a Gayatri Temple in Beaverton, Oregon.
Since 1989, he has been a frequent lecturer for such organizations as the Theosophical Society of Long Beach, California, and Astara, where he has assisted in annual Fire Initiation Ceremonies since 1991.

Mr. Ashley-Farrand’s understanding and expertise in the disciplines of the ancient religious ceremonies (Puja - water and Yajna - fire) is almost unique among Westerners. Some of the ceremonies he performs can last as long as eight hours. In a departure from the enigmatic portrait of the mystic, Mr. Ashley-Farrand teaches that “mysticism is the ultimate in personal practicality,” and need not be a withdrawal from the world. He maintains that an increasing ability to serve is the only reliable sign of spiritual progress.

Mr. Ashley-Farrand is the author of several books and audio programs including Healing Mantras, Shakti Mantras (Ballantine Wellspring,) Chakra Mantras (Weiser Books, 2006), Mantra: Sacred Words of Power (a 9-hr. workshop), several other CDs and Mantra Meditation (a Book/CD) (Sounds True), Mantra Therapy Healing Intensives, Gayatri Mantra Meditation, Mantras of the Goddess and more (Saraswati Publications), The Ancient Science of Sanskrit Mantra and Ceremony (in three volumes, with recorded mantras, slokas, astottaras, etc.) and other works. This last book for advanced students contains over 4,000 mantras and is the most comprehensive book on transliterated Sanskrit mantra in the English language. For more information about his many works, see his website, www.sanskritmantra.com.

Mr. Ashley-Farrand regularly leads retreats at Kripalu in Mass. and Far Horizons in the Sierras and other locations. He also teaches workshops regularly in the US, Canada and London.

With experience in the broadcasting industry, he has been producer-director for a Washington, D.C., television station, taught broadcasting and communications courses as a full-time faculty member of George Washington University, and was vice president for a privately held television company in Washington, D.C. From 1982-99, he was a management and marketing consultant based in Southern California with clients in the health care and computer technology industries. His marketing and management experience included large scale efforts for the United States Army and a national foundation.

Mr. Ashley-Farrand earned a BA from Ripon College and an MA from Marquette University. He is married to Margalo Ashley-Farrand. They have resided near Portland, Oregon, since 2006.

For more information phone (403) 343-3830 (Ann) or (403) 352-3398 (Paula).