The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: Potent Wisdom for Modern Times

Wednesdays from 7:30 – 8:30 pm

Three Wednesdays in May: May 6 – 20, 2020

with Heather Haxo Phillips

Join us for a free one-hour discussion designed to help you benefit from the teachings of yoga philosophy through these stressful times. The Yoga Sutras are potent in helping us find calm and stability, especially during this specific time of global pandemic.  This class is for anyone curious about yoga philosophy.  It is an opportunity to delve into specific philosophical concepts and see the connections to our daily lives.

Over the next month, we will delve into the Acts of Yoga described in Sutra 2.1.  Ancient yogis observed that three powerful concepts – burning zeal, studies of the self and sacred texts including mantras, and surrender to the divine – are the best practices for those who want to calm their agitated minds.

Geeta Iyengar observed that this one of the most important sutras as she could relate personally to its teaching in her own practice.  Indeed right now, Sutra 2.1 has universal importance for us all.

In our time together, we will practice the concepts as we learn about them. We will:

This program is designed as a series, though you can certainly drop in for a session or two. During each session you will be given practices to work with during the week.

If you have a copy of the Yoga Sutras, you may want to read Sutra 2.1 prior to our gather.

There are many commentaries on the Yoga Sutras, some of our main favorites are by Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by BKS Iyengar, The Gift of Consciousness by Gitte Bechsgaard and Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Edwin Bryant.

Some of the benefits that I have personally experienced from exploration of the ancient teachings of Patanjali:

• Increased ability to get quiet and sit with stillness
• Change of perspective on obstacles and ability to work with them vs. against them
• More authentic connection with the people in my life
• A deeper connection to my community and the concept of lineage
• A personal devotional practice that is a refuge for me
• Access to my own intuition
• Clarity on my soul’s purpose

Tuition:

This a free event.  Donations can be made here.

Registration:

You must pre-register at least 30 minutes before class. Fifteen minutes prior to class you will receive a unique zoom log-in and specific instructions.

First time on Zoom with us? Check out our tip sheet! Our tips will help you get ready for your first class with us.

You can find out more about our Live Online Programming here

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR

Heather Haxo Phillips is a certified Senior Iyengar yoga instructor and the Director of Adeline Yoga. As a teacher, Heather offers expertise in yoga therapy, and is a Certified Yoga Therapist (c-IAYT), Relax and Renew restorative yoga teacher and Yoga Alliance E-500 level instructor. Her teaching is rooted in the ancient yogic traditions, including yoga philosophy, Sanskrit and chant.

Heather serves as a mentor to aspiring teachers and CIYT, leading teacher education programs and volunteering as an assessor.

Heather studies regularly with senior Iyengar Yoga teachers and the Iyengar family in Pune.  Her yoga philosophy and Sanskrit teachers include Dr. Gitte Beschgaard and Dr. Sucheta Paranjpe.

Heather is dedicated to her volunteer work as past President of the Iyengar Yoga Association of Northern California and an active volunteer for the Iyengar Yoga National Association of the United States.  She was a member of the Yoga Alliance Standards Review Process and is currently on the board of the Lorin Merchants Association (LBA).  Prior to her career with yoga, Heather worked in non-profit management with organizations that supported communities of color.  She is a graduate of Harvard College, with a degree in women’s studies.