Taoism is an ancient tradition that originated in China and is focused around the practice of living in harmony, or in the “flow” of the Tao, or “the Way.” This workshop is designed for yoga students who are interested in exploring the fundamentals of Taoism and learn how Taoist philosophy may enhance their existing yoga practice.
The afternoon will begin with a lecture on the foundations of Taoism and discussion of how Taoism relates to yogic philosophy. We will explore the primary Taoist text, the Tao te Ching and practice applying its practical guidance in our yoga practice, which will include an orientation to and practice of Yin Yoga.
Students will acquire:
Basic knowledge of Taoism (including a handout with key tenets), including an exploration of the Tao te Ching, one of the primary Taoist texts
An understanding of how Taoism relates to yogic philosophy and can enhance the practice
Experience exploring Taoist philosophy in a Yin Yoga practice
No previous knowledge of Taoism is required, although it is recommended that students have some familiarity with yoga and some previous yoga experience.
All levels are welcome. The physical practice will include long-held still poses focused around the lower back and hips (see the website for the description of Yin Yoga for more information).
Cost: $40
This LIVE ONLINE workshop will bring us together, to connect in meaningful ways through Zoom. Registrants will receive an email with a link to the online class one (1) hour before the workshop begins AND a “view broadcast” link will show up on the studio calendar under the event, so registered and logged participants can find the Zoom link there as well.
Ani Binkley is a trauma-informed yoga teacher and an interfaith/interspiritual minister who approaches the instruction of yoga with compassion and lovingkindness, fostering a nurturing, non-judgmental environment of openness and acceptance for each of her classes. Ani enjoys teaching gentle, calming styles yoga for healing and stress-relief with special emphasis on diverse meditative practices and sound healing.
In addition to completing her RYT200 holistic yoga teacher training at Pure Prana Yoga Studio in Alexandria, VA, in 2009, she has completed specialized yoga teacher training in :
The Chakra System with Anodea Judith
Restorative Yoga teacher training with Judith Hanson Lasater
Yin Yoga training under Biff Mithoefer
Trauma-focused teacher trainings, including “The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” with Bessel van der Kolk and “Surviving Trauma: Yoga Therapy for Early Complementary Intervention Following Assault or Trauma” with Diana Tokaji.
She is also trained in the art of sound healing and enjoys playing her Tibetan brass and crystal singing bowls in her classes.
Most recently Ani graduated from One Spirit Interfaith Seminary in New York in 2019, and as an ordained interfaith/interspiritual minister enjoys introducing her students to different spiritual traditions and incorporating diverse practices and philosophies into the practice of yoga.