TIAS LITTLE

OCTOBER 2-4, 2009

(Please also see Teacher Training)

Sacred Feet
Friday, October 2, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
$45, registration required

The feet are the foundation to the temple of the body and this class details how to activate the foot in order to help align the knees, the pelvis and low back. We study the architecture of the foot and the key ligaments and muscles that support the foot. We look at common ways that the foot collapses and compresses and how to use yoga postures to strengthen and realign the foot. We also explore the vital points (marmas in Ayurveda) within the foot and the key acupressure points in Chinese Medicine.

The Sacred Sacrum
Saturday, October 3, 10:30 am - 1:30 pm
$65, registration required

The sacral bone is the key bone of the pelvis and it is the key bone of the spine. Postural balance and centering occurs at the sacral level (svadhisthana, the second chakra) and the sacrum initiates the strong centering movement of the tailbone (mulabandha). This class looks at the powerful ligaments and muscles that hold the sacrum in place and we practice postures that balance the sacrum.


The Sacred Psoas
Saturday, October 3, 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
$65, registration required

The ilio-psoas is the revered muscle located deep in the abdomen, along the front of the spine that gives support to all movement. It is all too common that core building routines cause excessive shortness and tightening in the psoas. This class cultivates core strength in the low back and ilio-psoas without creating contraction. The emphasis will be on establishing length and strength in the psoas while developing support close to the spine.


The Sacred Skull
Sunday, October 4, 10:30 am - 1:30 pm
$65, registration required

The cranium is home to 21 bones, the 3 upper chakras, 3 brains, and 7 sensory openings or "gates". This class explores the dynamic equilibrium of the skull in yoga meditation and asana practice. We review the jaw, tongue, inner ear, sagittal suture and fontanelles and the importance these structures have in releasing cranial compression. Iyengar once said, "The hardest organ to adjust in the body is the brain". In this class we will investigate what it means to release the organ of the brain, through inversions (headstand for those who can do it), forward bends and twists. Significant time is given to the practice of pratyahara—the softening of sensory awareness through pranayama, khechari mudra and visualization practices.


In hatha yoga, Tias' primary influences are in Iyengar and Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga. Tias' teaching expresses mindfulness in asana and he believes the asana forms are preparation for meditation in order to abide in what is called in Zen, our "original brightness". He is committed to teaching yoga as a contemplative path, leading to greater sensitivity, tolerance and deep understanding (prajna). Tias' teaching specializes in yoga and anatomy, blending both Western and Eastern perspectives. He is a licensed massage therapist and has studied extensively in cranial-sacral therapy and bodywork. Tias earned a Masters degree in Eastern Philosophy from St. John’s College.