Vitality with Stephanie Quirk
The Energetic Embodiment
Vitality: the Work of Bringing “Life”
Looking at the health of the vital organic body including heart, lungs, pancreas and thyroid
April 24 – 27, 2027
plus one post-series session via zoom for assimilation & application of material
REGISTER HERE FOR THE WAITLIST
We will notify you when registration opens this fall
In this course we will explore Vitality, focusing on the health of the vital organic body: heart, lungs, pancreas, and thyroid.
This is module 4 of a seven-part Yoga Therapy training “Seeing & Understanding from the Base” designed by Stephanie Quirk, following Guruji B.K.S. Iyengar’s progression of learning, from the outer, seeable form to the inner, more subtle aspects of the body, mind, and senses of perception.
This program will be an invaluable professional development opportunity for Iyengar Yoga teachers and trainees as well as experienced practitioners wishing to deepen their practice and understanding of yoga and its therapeutic applications. As yoga students each of us needs to be able to solve problems in our own practice.
The approach starts from the participants own practice, showing how familiar asanas can be modified to address specific needs. Each part of the series focuses on practical adaptations to support students facing common difficulties in their yoga practice.
The emphasis is on learning the asana from the inside out, by understanding its internal experience—tone, intensity, form—and how elemental factors—gravity, balance, space, movement and stability—change according to the arrangement and adaptation of each asana.
Who Can Attend?
This course is open to:
- Certified Iyengar Yoga teachers
- Iyengar Yoga teacher trainees/mentees
- Experienced Iyengar Yoga practitioners
What’s covered each day?
Day 1: the beginning of study, observation and investigation through the categories of asanas taught in a general class for the subject / topic being explored.
Day 2: Continued practice in the morning. In the afternoon the focus is on the very important aspect of observation.
Day 3: Learning specific adjustments and adaptations for the students that require help. Adjustments can be carried out for a variety of reasons, to enable, to correct, and to educate the student, so that the pose works more directly and the effects are accessible for the student.
Day 4: Adjustments and adaptations continue and the introduction to understanding the purpose and correct usage of props. Props as with adaptations can be for enabling, correcting and educating. They can alleviate situations difficult to bear as well as provide a portal for the student to understand their inner body.
About Stephanie Quirk
Stephanie Quirk is recognised internationally as a leader in the field of Yoga Therapeutics.
She spent over 20 years living in Pune, India, studying and working closely with the Iyengar family at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI). During that time, she assisted in the medical classes, gaining deep and practical experience in applying asana and pranayama therapeutically.
Questions you may have:
Do I have to attend the whole workshop?
We highly recommend attending the full 4 days to get the most benefit. The workshop is designed to build gradually, and full participation allows Stephanie to better understand your level of practice and understanding, and offer more tailored guidance. It’s also a valuable way to deepen your practice and support your overall well-being.
If there is space, we may allow registration for one or two days only. Single sessions can only be booked for Day 1.
Other options are: Day 1 + 2 , Day 1 + 2 + 3.
What is this full series?
The full series consists of 7 parts:
Part 1 – The Karmendriyas 1 – The Outer Body in Locomotion: Feet, Knees & Hips
Part 2 – The Karmendriyas 2 – The Outer Body that Offers & Holds: Arms, Shoulders & Upper Spine
Part 3 – The Root (Mula): Lower Spine, Pelvis & Sacrum
Part 4 – The Energetic embodiment 1 – Vitality: The Work of Bringing “Life” (Utrecht, 24–27 September 2026)
Part 5 – The Energetic embodiment 2 – The Sustainer: Digestion, Absorption & Elimination
Part 6 – Acquiring the state of balance and harmony – Systemic Imbalance: Endocrine and Nervous System Health
Part 7 – Listening – Seeing – Realising: The Senses of Perception and the Mind
It is not necessary to have completed earlier modules.
Each module is a separate subject, they don’t need to be taken in order.
This year, Stephanie will do an American tour teaching different parts in Los Angeles, Dallas and New York. If you are interested to see recordings of parts not offered in the United States, these are available via Stephanie’s website – as well as many more recordings of classes and workshops by Stephanie.
When can I sign up? We will open registration this fall. At that time we will provide all the necessary detail including class timings, tuition and logistical support to help our out-of-town colleagues.
We welcome out-of-town colleagues! Oakland (Oak) is the most convenient airport as its an easy 20-min car ride or slightly longer metro ride. San Francisco (SFO) is also a fine airport option, about 1 hr by metro or car. There are plenty of AirBnB around for accommodations. We do have a kitchenette and gardens where you can eat your lunch and enjoy your tea. We love our town and will be happy to make suggestions for restaurants, hiking, museums and other adventures. Partners and other +1 really enjoy their time if they accompany you.
You do not need to bring props. Our studio is fully equipped.
Have more questions? Watch this 12-minute introduction by Stephanie explaining the thoughts behind the structure of this Yoga Therapy training: