Thoughts on IYAC/ACYI PD event ‘Exploring Asanas’

Recently, the IYAC/ACYI Professional Development Committee hosted an online professional development event for Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers and apprentices. The theme of the session was ‘Exploring Asanas’… a collective exploration of challenging asanas with the goal of highlighting accessible approaches for both practising these asanas, and, if appropriate, teaching them.

Several dozen participants tuned in to this virtual workshop.  Amongst these participants was Tanya Marusech, a Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher in Abbotsford BC.  Below, Tanya shares some of her thoughts on the workshop.

Exploring Asanas

This is a nod to the dedication of fellow Iyengar yoga teachers and our mentors…

Spending time together exploring more challenging asanas, building asanas, and different ways to assist those unable to reach the full pose… which includes many of us.

Playfulness within these asanas, being willing to let go of expectations and find the lightness of mind. Including ‘on the way poses’ to give a student a sense of achievement…remembering inclusivity on all levels during a time when the whole world feels to have forgotten.

Recently the Iyengar Yoga Association of Canada (IYAC) held a virtual Professional Development workshop for Canadian Iyengar yoga teachers and apprentices. The collaborative nature of the workshop was a salve for my soul. As Canadian yoga slowly reemerges after essentially being locked down for the past two years, the light-hearted exchange of ideas was both fun and energizing.

There was talk of offering more of these types of workshops, I for one, will look forward to the collaboration and wisdom shared. I encourage fellow teachers to join in, always the more the merrier. Acknowledging the amount of work all those involved graciously contributed to making this event a success, I thank you.

Read more by Tanya at Bent Mat Yoga.