Dive deep with Loren Mahaffey into the intricate and fascinating web of embodied anatomy. This transformative journey extends beyond the physical realm as a journey of self-discovery. This fusion of body and intellect leads to a greater sense of confidence and empowerment within personal practice and for movement instructors and bodywork therapists of all kinds.
Join Loren Mahaffey, B.SC, LMT, E-RYT in The Art of Opposition ( AOO) . This in-depth Yoga Anatomy training explores human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and its relationship to yogic philosophy and yogic subtle anatomy. AOO is appropriate for those who wish to strengthen their personal practice, those attending a yoga teacher training as well as existing yoga teachers who desire more knowledge, clarity and confidence in this area. This training is relevant for massage therapists, bodyworkers and all forms of movement instructors who integrate yoga into their life and professional practice.
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The teachings provided in AOO are an intellectual and somatic breakdown of the human body as it relates to both our personal experience of movement within our own body and our ability to observe and understand other bodies in motion and stillness. Through the explorations of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics as well as the somatic experiences within this training, deep appreciation is experienced for the amazing inherent intelligence that exists within the body. Confidence is gained to more skillfully guide the unique variation of bodies and movement capabilities.
The Art of Opposition is offered via a combination of pre recorded lecture, live Zoom meetings and in- studio classes at Namaspa Yoga Studio in Bend, Oregon. Live classes can also be watched via Zoom. All classes are recorded and distance learners are welcome.
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Integrating and conceptualizing anatomy requires time and this unique format is structured to provide space for digestion of the information. Loren has taught Yoga Anatomy since 2012 and understands that everyone learns differently. As yogis and movers, many of us learn through a felt experience in our body. Once the information is heard in lecture and visualized through a rich array of visual images, we will practice together to experience these concepts within our own bodies as well as observe each other in class. The Art of Opposition training provides applicable knowledge to integrate within your own practice as well as tangible tools to apply to your teaching, no matter what school of yoga you come from or movement or bodywork work practice you have.
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Integrated throughout The Art of Opposition is the practice of HeartMath. HeartMath is a form of mediation that focuses on supporting heart rate variability and has proven scientific significance in strengthening coherence between the heart and the brain. When coherence is strengthened we are able to focus more easily, absorb and assimilate information better as well as strengthen our resilience to stress. Learning, as we know from our experience in yoga, is not reserved for the intellectual realm alone. We learn with our Whole Being and in the Art of Opposition, we support ourselves and each other in this process of growth from many different perspectives and experiences.
Why is this training called
THE ART OF OPPOSITION?
Asana (yoga posture) is defined within the classical text as a pose that embodies the opposing qualities of stability and ease simultaneously, on every level, from the outer physical form and penetrates to the more subtle internal dynamics of our being.
The “Art of Opposition” is refers to the art of the yoga posture and the larger practice of yoga itself in which the journey of embodying these opposing qualities simultaneously at any moment makes the practice of yoga wholeheartedly different than just shape making. This lens of simultaneous stability and ease guides our exploration as to how to make the practice accessible for all who seek it.
Within this training, we explore that which provides stability and that which provides mobility and ease within our unique structures, our biomechanics, our approach to movement, as well as within our own lives.
When the two opposing forces of stability and openness meet in equal measure there is a lightness that enters into the
experience. This experience is the heart of yoga and hence the name, The Art of Opposition.
The Entire Art of Opposition Training Includes:
• AOO is offered via a combination of pre-recorded lectures, live zoom lecture and in- studio classes ( live- studio classes can be watched on Zoom too!). All classes are recorded. Distance learners are welcome.
• A library of all recordings will be provided to watch if you miss a class or wish to watch again to integrate information.
• Handouts accompany every lecture so that note taking is an option.
• A rich array of curated anatomical images are presented throughout the training.
• Yogic philosophy and yoga subtle body energetics is integrated throughout the course.
• HeartMath meditation and breath practices are incorporated for self-regulation and information integration.
• Dedicated teaching assistants present for all classes who are available for student support.
Interested in Yoga Teacher Training at Namaspa?
Do you want to get a head start?
Join The Art of Opposition, Yoga Anatomy Training and get a head start on your 200 hour yoga teacher training at Namaspa in the future.
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It's a great way to take a portion of the program and dip your toes in the water. AOO hours count toward the 200hr YTT at Namaspa and lighten your load in the future.
Joining AOO this year will also give you a $300 credit toward YTT in the future and you can retake AOO for free once you are a YTT student, if you wish.
Hours and financial credit remain valid for 2 years after AOO completion. AOO must be completed within the curriculum year you register.
"The Art of Opposition - Yoga Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology and Philosophy is one of the most influential and applicable yoga teacher trainings I have taken. This class integrates yoga philosophy with anatomy and physiology in a way that translates directly to practice. This integration allows for a deepening in personal practice as well as a means for creating meaningful sequences to guide your yoga students with nourishment and ease. Loren creates a safe space for learning and her dedication to students allows true growth to happen! I highly recommend this course to both new and seasoned yoga instructors."
MISSIE WILKER
FAQ's & Pricing
What is the cost?
AOO part 1 is $450.00
Do you offer payment plans or scholarships?
Yes! Payment plans are available at check out.
2 partial scholarships are available. Inquire directly by emailing lorenmahaffeystudio@gmail.com.
Do I need to be a certified yoga teacher to take this course? Definitely not. This course is for anyone who wants to deepen their personal yoga practice and has a desire to learn more about the body within this context.
Can I apply these educational hours towards other certifications?
Absolutely! These hours are Yoga Alliance accredited CEUs. You can get a 35 hour head start on the Namaspa 200 hour yoga teacher training program in the future by taking AOO Part 1.
If you already have 200hour RYT certification, you can apply AOO 1 and AOO 2 hours towards your 300 hour advanced certification at Namaspa and with approval to other 300 hour programs.
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These CEUs may be applied to other professional CEU requirements if approved by your professional organization.
Meet Loren Mahaffey
Loren Mahaffey B.SC, LMBT, E-RYT is passionate about learning and teaching. She has a deep understanding of the body from both an eastern and western perspective. Loren has 25 years of experience as a yoga instructor and yoga teacher trainer as well as a massage/bodywork therapist and continuing education provider. Within yoga, Loren specializes in yoga anatomy, physiology, kinesiology and yogic philosophy. She teaches within both 200hr and 300hr yoga teacher certification programs.
As a licensed massage and bodywork therapist, Loren practices Zen Shiatsu Acupressure, CranioSacral Therapy, Brain Therapy, Visceral Manipulation and Lymphatic Drainage Therapy. She is certified in Aromatherapy and HeartMath. As a therapist, she has cultivated deep presence and advanced manual therapy skills having worked with thousands of clients over the years. As a teacher, Loren is articulate, dedicated and able to explain difficult concepts as well as subtleties of the body in a way that people can understand and relate to. She is able to then transmit the information within somatic movement practices that allow intellectual learning to become experiential.