Description

DATES: ( Saturdays: April 5th, 12th, 26th & May 3rd, 10th, 17th / TIME: 9-10:15am. LOCATION: Pause Riverside Yoga Studio: 1970 E 3rd Ave Suite 111, Durango CO)

Week 1: Introduction to Yoga for Mental Health Theme: Foundations of Mind-Body Connection Focus: Understanding how yoga supports mental health Practices: Gentle grounding sequence, body scan meditation, breath awareness Reflection: Journal prompts on current stress levels and personal goals

Week 2: The Power of the Breath (Pranayama) Theme: Using Breath to Regulate the Nervous System Focus: Introduction to the vagus nerve and breath’s role in emotional regulation Practices: Diaphragmatic breathing, Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing), gentle flow Reflection: Noticing breath patterns in daily life

Week 3: Somatic Awareness and Grounding Techniques Theme: Embodiment for Emotional Resilience Focus: Recognizing physical sensations as indicators of emotional states Practices: Grounding poses (e.g., mountain, warrior), body-mapping exercises, somatic tracking Reflection: Journaling on body sensations linked to emotions

Week 4: Cultivating Self-Compassion Theme: Gentle Acceptance and Inner Kindness Focus: Exploring self-compassion as a tool for mental health Practices: Heart-opening postures, loving-kindness meditation (Metta), restorative yoga Reflection: Self-compassion journal prompts and affirmations

Week 5: Managing Anxiety and Stress Through Movement Theme: Moving Through Anxiety Focus: Identifying how anxiety manifests in the body and mind Practices: Dynamic, repetitive movements (e.g., sun salutations), grounding breathwork, progressive muscle relaxation Reflection: Recognizing personal anxiety triggers and coping strategies

Week 6: Integration and Building a Personal Practice Theme: Empowerment and Sustainability Focus: Integrating tools from the course into daily life Practices: Flow combining breath, movement, and meditation; Yoga Nidra for deep relaxation Reflection: Creating a personal mental health yoga plan, goal setting, and course reflection

Additional Course Elements:

Weekly Handouts: Covering key concepts, journaling prompts, and home practices

Optional Readings: Excerpts from “The Body Keeps the Score” and “Radical Acceptance” Supportive Practices:

Encouragement to practice mindfulness, gratitude journaling, and breath awareness daily