Berkshire Yoga Festival 2024

Part 1 of 2:  Broadening the view of addiction
When we mistakenly look outward for what lies within, believing that happiness and fulfillment reside in external factors like people, places, things, education, behaviors, substances, or experiences, we are led down a path that ultimately results in darkness and disconnection. This detachment from our true selves, often due to trauma or unfulfilled needs, is not just a catalyst for addiction, eating disorders, and co-dependent behavior, but according to ancient yoga and Vedanta texts, it's also the fundamental cause of all suffering, including societal issues like racism, sexism, and gender-based discrimination. However, we don't need to endure or inflict suffering. We have the power to rediscover and embrace our authentic selves. This journey of self-reclamation involves returning to and embracing the aspects of ourselves that we have long neglected or hidden, with the goal of restoring the innate love, acceptance, and sense of belonging that is our inherent right. Lecture, Discussion, Embodiment practices.

Part 2: of 2 A model for healing
It's recommended to take Part 1 in the morning first unless you've done previous work with Nikki and Y12R

When we mistakenly look outward for what lies within, believing that happiness and fulfillment reside in external factors like people, places, things, education, behaviors, substances, or experiences, we are led down a path that ultimately results in darkness and disconnection. This detachment from our true selves, often due to trauma or unfulfilled needs, is not just a catalyst for addiction, eating disorders, and co-dependent behavior, but according to ancient yoga and Vedanta texts, it's also the fundamental cause of all suffering, including societal issues like racism, sexism, and gender-based discrimination. However, we don't need to endure or inflict suffering. We have the power to rediscover and embrace our authentic selves. This journey of self-reclamation involves returning to and embracing the aspects of ourselves that we have long neglected or hidden, with the goal of restoring the innate love, acceptance, and sense of belonging that is our inherent right. Lecture, Discussion, Embodiment practices.

Please bring a strap and mat. Yoga blocks optional.

The power of human touch is profound. An intelligent, informative hands on assist has the potential to be an incredible teaching tool. There is also a big responsibility that comes along with putting your hands on someone else’s body. You must be well trained, careful, conscientious, and without negative intent.
Kula has always been known as a studio where you will find plenty of hands on assists. This teachers intensive will look closely at how/when/and why to touch, and when there are other more effective ways to assist a student.  It will teach you how to use intelligent touch as a teaching tool and how to use your body as another way to communicate with your students in a supportive environment.