Early on in the preparation process, the question that loomed largest in my mind was, “How am I going to teach a three-hour yoga class?” Much of this concern stemmed from the fact that my own practice consisted of an hour of mediation and only one hour of asana practice. What I began to notice, through the development of the curriculum, was that my asana routine had become very rushed and familiar.
Tag Archive for: Donation
Some of the very first classes I took were offered on a donation basis, back in the early 90’s. My teacher, Perry, conducted classes out of the Vet’s Hall. There were no mats, we did the class on the carpet and needed to be out of there before 6:30, to make space for the ensuing twelve-step meeting. He just put out a little basket, took a step back and let go. Swaha!
Our Teacher training is modeled after the same idea though I haven’t completely let go as much as Perry did; there is a minimum level of contribution ($1,200). I think this gives the students something to reference, ensures some level of commitment, is generous, encourages diversity and is sustainable. Everybody wins.
I ask prospective students to reflect on the value they will receive, their means and their willingness to reciprocate when deciding what they are willing to contribute. Most choose to give beyond the minimum amount and, we have had students for whom money was not a viable option. Many of these students we accommodated in the form of trading for child care. From a parenting perspective, having a yogi student watching the kids was an ideal arrangement.
Running a contribution-based training was something of a revelation and stemmed, in part, out of my study of classical yoga. There is a long history of selfless service and charity in the yoga tradition and I wanted to align myself with those forces as much as possible.
I have been a student of yoga since 1991 and gradually the practice has shaped and influenced the character of my life –including my livelihood. The donation based concept is a reflection of that evolution. I feel blessed to practice yoga in this way.
Dear Everyone,
It used to be that our program was all or nothing. People would sign up for the program, with a good deal of faith, never having experienced the teachings first hand. While many of the instructors and I offer some classes around town, it is not the same as attending an actual Axis Yoga oriented class. What we offer is quite unique.
Another way we have tried to give people access to the program is through the web. We have tailored our website to give as visceral a sense of the training as possible. We’ve added this blog, a photo gallery, student testimonials and are in the process of creating a short video.
While the web is certainly more sophisticated than a flyer, it is not the same as attending an actual class. Recognizing the need for students to have more access to our program, and as a general offering to the community ,we have come up with a solution!
We will now be offering ongoing classes available to past graduates and anyone else who is interested in an in depth workshop-style classes. The classes are scheduled to meet from 9am-11am, once a month on the following dates:
January 30th
February 20th
March 13th
April 17th
May 15th
Classes will be conducted at the Consulate Healing Center on 750 E. 9th ave. That would be on 9th ave. between the cross streets of Washington and Clarkson. What’s more, in keeping with our donation based philosophy; the classes will be offered entirely on a donation basis. Contribute as you see fit.
This is exciting news for us at Axis Yoga Trainings! We are thrilled to be able to expand our services in such a way that everyone benefits.
Namaste,
Derik
Yoga is an epic subject and much has been written about it. The literary tradition surrounding the subject goes back to ancient Sanskrit texts from India and more recently has found its way into the glossy folds of magazines, best selling books and most immediately, this blog.
The yoga tradition is buried within age old questions about life, our purpose within it, the human condition and how to find lasting happiness. Philosophers throughout the ages have wrestled with these questions, debated with one another and passed their illuminated insights on to the next generation who further experimented with and refined the process.
The chronicles of their discoveries can be found in age-old texts that were originally composed in an oral format for generations before they were ever written down. These early and unanimous authors used metaphor, symbolism, logic, poetry and many other styles to deliver their timeless message.
Coupled with this narrative was an equal emphasis on methods and techniques that the reader/practitioner could use to elevate their consciousness enough to perceive the deeper dimensions of reality which the scriptures professed.
However the prose or the diversity of descriptions the ultimate purpose of these texts is to transform us, to free us from the constraints of our own limited perception, open up a deeper dimension of our being and find lasting peace.