Ashtanga-Vinyasa When, Where, and with Whom Instructor: & Introspective Practices Brinson Leigh Kresge Yoga : DANC254 [email protected]

| Summer 2020 | REMOTE LEARNING

Class Website: VCUarts: Department of rampages.us/yoga/ Dance & Required Materials Choreography - - Meditation cushion or bolster - A journal (for self-practice and reflection

Course Description: Required Reading & Interactive Assignments This course is dedicated to practicing the Primary Ashtanga Series - ​ Website​ materials based on the teachings and lineage of Ashtanga Yoga. This modernized - The​ Yoga Sutras Of and ever evolving system is derived from ancient Classical Indian Yoga Translated and Introduced by Alistair​ Shearer and follows a set series of in a dynamic flow that links breath and movement. Students will learn the asanas of the Primary Series Main​ Course Goal - Why Study this? from an experiential and anatomic perspective, breathing techniques, What can we learn from Yoga & Introspective and foundations of yoga philosophy that will inform other aspects of Practices that will serve us on an individual, societal, their life, enrich their mental, physical, intellectual and artistic & global level? pursuits. Things to contemplate

To support growth within the Mysore practice, as a productive learner, - How does taking ownership over my practice and as a positive participant in life, students will: help me in daily life? - Engage in required readings and study as a means to apply a higher level of consciousness to practice and learning. - What are the benefits of Mysore-style practice?

- Further explore the introspective practices of - What are some Pranayama techniques and (breathing techniques), meditation (resting in awareness benefits? over time), restorative, and mindfulness techniques. - What experiences and effects arise by the -

Ashtanga-Vinyasa system being a set series of Format for experience: postures? STUDY - Reading & listening PRACTICE - Yoga & introspective practices - Is there benefit from knowing the sanskrit names PROCESS - Discussion & Journal of yoga postures? Chanting mantras?

- What modifications are relevant for your physical Methods of practice: yoga practice? Why? GUIDED - Zoom lessons SELF-DIRECTED GUIDED - Video lessons - Why sit in silence? SELF-DIRECTED - Study assignments & Journaling - How can our personal practice serve others?

Remote Learning Engagement Requirements -- Each week students are required to: - Attend all required Zoom lessons: Mondays,

Wednesdays, and Thursdays. ​Only one Zoom absence

is allowed. Every subsequent absence will result in a Grading: full letter grade deflation. Ultimately, you don’t get a grade for life. Whether - Practice with assigned videos: yoga , intentionally or unintentionally, the things you breathwork, and meditation do or don’t do come to make up the very essence - Engage in the outlined study topics and corresponding of the human you are, the way you are perceived assignments by others, and more importantly, the way you see - Journal about experience and findings yourself. - Document the practice type and duration on a practice

calendar. Please draw or print a March/April calendar In this class, you will follow the time-allowances for this purpose. for specific practices and study as delineated in

the 3-week daily schedule. The practices are By the end of the class, students will have: assigned, but you have the freedom to do out of - A foundation for self-practice and self-care - Experience in the implementation of the “anchors” that keep class practices at different times than are listed. us grounded in the present moment and know how to bring What that practice looks like and the integrity those into daily life with which you engage in practice is up to you. - Various formats for the continuation of self-study You will undoubtedly get out of this opportunity - A developed sense of self-discipline and self-reliance what you put into it. I can offer information and

resources, but it takes desire, discipline, and consistency for transformation to occur.

My measure of your success in the course: - Attend required Zoom lessons 60% - Complete your practice calendar- which demonstrates engagement in assignments

outside of class meetings 25% - Final Reflection 15% I acknowledge: - HONESTY WITH YOURSELF IS MORE - Access to technology is a privilege and should not be IMPORTANT THAN ANY GRADE YOU WILL assumed. EVER RECEIVE. - Not all of our students have the same privilege and access to technology. Practice Calendar and Final Reflection due: - Access to space in which to do an asana practice should not be June 5th by 5pm via email assumed. Please communicate with me if you are experiencing: Late assignments will not be accepted. a) No internet access b) No computer device or smartphone c) No housing or food

Honor Yourself.