Classes, Workshops, Courses, Retreats
The practices of hatha yoga were designed to use the body as a tool to access and condition the mind and bring it into single pointed focus. Regular use of joint-mobility exercises, squats, stances, sun and moon salutes, bandha (energetic locks) and breathing exercises cultivate a quiet discerning mind for the purpose of observing the self and the reaction to the self. The ultimate goals are to remove obstructions and patterns in the physical, mental, and emotional body, so that movement and posture will become effortless and then the mind will become steady and able to observe oneness.
In classes the focus will be on the efficiency of posture and movement through the use of an unwavering central point of balance and rhythm, which provides the student with the necessary feedback to make intelligent decisions about how to progress with their practice while honoring their unique set of limiting factors.
Click here for more information about class times and locations, and its appropriateness for your specific needs.
Current schedule:
In classes the focus will be on the efficiency of posture and movement through the use of an unwavering central point of balance and rhythm, which provides the student with the necessary feedback to make intelligent decisions about how to progress with their practice while honoring their unique set of limiting factors.
Click here for more information about class times and locations, and its appropriateness for your specific needs.
Current schedule:
Shadow Yoga Basics
The Shadow Yoga Basics workshop provides students with an opportunity to learn or review the Shadow Yoga warm-ups, which include a series of joint mobilization, body scanning, and squatting exercises, as well as introducing the fundamentals of the Shadow Yoga “style." This course is a prerequisite for all other Shadow Yoga Prelude Forms, and all levels are welcome.
Shadow Yoga was founded by Zhander Remete, and is a renaissance of classical Hatha Yoga that utilizes rhythmic breathing, kriya, bandha coordination, and the system of vital energetic junctions called marma. Its intention is to free the peripheral body of its energetic obstructions, and to ignite the inner fire for healing and meditation. Shadow Yoga consists of circular and spiraling movements, warrior stances, and sun salutation forms that prepare students to safely and effectively practice the more advanced limbs of hatha yoga.
Shadow Yoga was founded by Zhander Remete, and is a renaissance of classical Hatha Yoga that utilizes rhythmic breathing, kriya, bandha coordination, and the system of vital energetic junctions called marma. Its intention is to free the peripheral body of its energetic obstructions, and to ignite the inner fire for healing and meditation. Shadow Yoga consists of circular and spiraling movements, warrior stances, and sun salutation forms that prepare students to safely and effectively practice the more advanced limbs of hatha yoga.
Shadow Yoga In-Depth Studies: Prelude Forms
Creating a Personal Practice
Creating a personal practice is essential to maturing one’s skills as a yoga practitioner and is an integral part of studying Shadow Yoga. While persistence and devotion are required, one also needs a flexible, creative set of tools and a solid theoretical understanding to meet one’s changing needs from day-to-day and to realize the inner potentials of yoga.
The once-a-month weekend workshop format will afford the time and space to delve deeply into the practical, philosophical, and energetic basis of the sequencing of the Shadow Yoga Prelude Forms, the “seed” asanas, and primary asana-vinyasas. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how to utilize Shadow Yoga for personal growth, prepare the subtle body for the internal limbs of yoga, and address special therapeutic needs such as women’s and men’s health and recovering from injury or illness.
About In-Depth Studies
The Shadow Yoga In-Depth Studies course has been designed to offer students an opportunity to learn Shadow Yoga in a methodical way that will support a fruitful home practice. It will focus on foundational practices such as the three Prelude Forms, Kriyas, Bandhas, and Ayurvedic self-care. The Prelude Forms have been developed to overcome the energetic obstructions of the body, rendering the mind sensitive towards the action. This process is intended to prepare the student for further asana and energetic work and, therefore, should come before it. This necessary foundational piece is largely absent from modern-day yoga styles and systems and, without it, the Hatha Yoga methodology cannot yield its intended results completely if at all.
It is recommended that students commit at least two to three years to this process of working with the prelude forms. While much can be learned in the first year, the learning is more intellectual as there is a lot of theoretical information presented that must be worked with over time to understand its uses. The second year and, perhaps, third year will focus on developing mastery of the three Shadow Yoga Preludes and build toward more subtle practices such as therapeutic asana-vinyasa and preparatory work for the practice of inversions. These asana-vinyasas combine with the Prelude Forms to deepen the purification of the subtle body, heal the organs of reproduction, digestion and elimination, and set the foundation for safely and effectively practicing beginning mudras such as Sarvagasana (Shoulderstand) and Sirsasana (Headstand).
While it is very common for practitioners to be introduced to inversions very early in their Hatha Yoga studies these practices carry the risk of serious injury due to over-reliance on muscular effort and technique. The standing work of the Prelude Forms along with rhythmic ujjayi breathing, skillful application of the three bandhas and consistent practice of therapeutic asana-vinyasas (arrangements of seated asanas) are critical for refining the circulation of Prana (vital force) and gaining the skill to avoid creating excessive pressure and irritation to the delicate tissues of the heart, brain, and neck. Until students have mastered these preliminary practices the inversions will yield only superficial benefits and their true power and rejuvenative potential will remain dormant.
2024 - '25 Schedule
Schedule
October 19 - 20, 2024 ~ Shadow Yoga Basics
November 16 - 17, 2024 ~ Balakrama Prelude: Stepping Into Strength
December 14 - 15, 2024 ~ Balakrama Prelude Form with Seed Asanas
January 11 - 12, 2025~ Chaya Sancalanam: Churning of The Shadow
February 8 - 9, 2025 ~ Chaya Sancalanam Prelude Form with Seed Asanas
March 15 - 16, 2025 ~ Kartikeya Mandalam: Garland of Light
April 12 - 13, 2025 ~ Kartikeya Mandalam Prelude Form with Seed Asanas
May 10-11, 2025 ~ Ananda Tandava: Eternal Dance of Bliss
June 7 - 8, 2024 ~ Culminating the Preludes
Weekend Schedule
Saturday 8:30 - 12pm
Sunday 8:30 - 12pm
Weekend Topics
~ Shadow Yoga Basics and Intro to Balakrama Prelude
The Shadow Yoga Basics workshop provides students with an opportunity to learn or review the Shadow Yoga warm-ups, which include a series of joint mobilization, body scanning, and squatting exercises, as well as introducing the fundamentals of the Shadow Yoga "style." This course is a prerequisite for all other Shadow Yoga Prelude Forms, and all levels are welcome.
~ Balakrama Prelude - Stepping Into Strength
Traditionally Balakrama is the first Shadow Yoga prelude that is introduced to those new to this style of Hatha Yoga. A dynamic bone strengthening form based on endurance, it actively engages one’s feet, ankles, knees, hips, navel and breath.
This is recommended for students who have completed the Shadow Yoga Basics series.
~ Chaya Sanchalanam Prelude - Churning of The Shadow
This prelude is designed to teach the essence of this foundational energetic principle which lies at the heart of all internal arts. Along with activating the pranic winds (vayu/nadis), this warrior-sun form teaches one the art of graceful coordination.
This course is recommended for students who have completed the Shadow Yoga Basics and Balakrama Prelude.
~ Kartikeya Mandalam Prelude - Garland of Light
This advanced warrior-sun prelude form consists of intricate stance, waist, spine and arm work, which further increases, refines and penetrates the pranic force within. This prelude completes the foundational training required for entering the Shadow Yoga Full Practice Format and Nrtta Sadhana (The Rhythmic Dance of Shiva and its practice).
This course is open to those who have completed the Shadow Yoga Basics, and Balakrama or Chaya Sanchalanam Preludes.
~ Ananda Tandava - Eternal Dance of Bliss
This advanced circular form incorporates the lessons learned from the prelude forms and utilizes the absorbed principles of unimposed posture and movement. This practice is intended to aid the student in the process of the dissolution of their mental projections so that they might see their true self. Physically, the practice is rather simple and the movements are accessible; the challenge, however, is in ones ability to remain focused on the void and unencumbered by their emotions.
Registration
This course is open to all levels of students. To register, submit completed application form for review. You will be notified upon receipt of application and acceptance into the course.
Tuition
2024 - '25 payment options
One-time payment option: $1800
Monthly auto-pay option: this option involves one down payment of $225 to reserve your place in the program, and 8 additional payments of $225 for a total of $2025.
Drop-in Weekend option: students can register for any of the weekend courses individually (with prior approval). The tuition is $250 per weekend. We are not offering any other drop-in classes or partial attendance options.
* Note: an additional 2.5% surcharge will be added to all credit card payments, including PayPal, to help offset the cost of processing these payments. To avoid these charges you are welcome to pay with cash, check, or direct bank transfer (ie. Zelle).
Refund & Course Withdrawal Policy
Withdrawal from the program prior to the first weekend session is permitted; students will receive a full refund minus a $200 cancellation fee.
No refunds will be given for withdrawals after the program has begun nor will any credits or refunds be given for missed sessions.
If you are enrolled in the monthly payment option, understand that you are agreeing to make the scheduled monthly payments until completion of the course.
About The Teacher
Richmond Dickson is the Owner and Director of The New England School of Therapeutics. He is also a Structural Integration Therapist, Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant, and yoga instructor. Richmond's teaching derives from his 20 years of studying and practicing yoga, meditation, and the healing arts that, combined, are included in the term "bodywork". His primary yoga teachers are Scott Blossom and Matt Pesendian, and Shandor Remete, the founder of Shadow Yoga.
Creating a personal practice is essential to maturing one’s skills as a yoga practitioner and is an integral part of studying Shadow Yoga. While persistence and devotion are required, one also needs a flexible, creative set of tools and a solid theoretical understanding to meet one’s changing needs from day-to-day and to realize the inner potentials of yoga.
The once-a-month weekend workshop format will afford the time and space to delve deeply into the practical, philosophical, and energetic basis of the sequencing of the Shadow Yoga Prelude Forms, the “seed” asanas, and primary asana-vinyasas. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how to utilize Shadow Yoga for personal growth, prepare the subtle body for the internal limbs of yoga, and address special therapeutic needs such as women’s and men’s health and recovering from injury or illness.
About In-Depth Studies
The Shadow Yoga In-Depth Studies course has been designed to offer students an opportunity to learn Shadow Yoga in a methodical way that will support a fruitful home practice. It will focus on foundational practices such as the three Prelude Forms, Kriyas, Bandhas, and Ayurvedic self-care. The Prelude Forms have been developed to overcome the energetic obstructions of the body, rendering the mind sensitive towards the action. This process is intended to prepare the student for further asana and energetic work and, therefore, should come before it. This necessary foundational piece is largely absent from modern-day yoga styles and systems and, without it, the Hatha Yoga methodology cannot yield its intended results completely if at all.
It is recommended that students commit at least two to three years to this process of working with the prelude forms. While much can be learned in the first year, the learning is more intellectual as there is a lot of theoretical information presented that must be worked with over time to understand its uses. The second year and, perhaps, third year will focus on developing mastery of the three Shadow Yoga Preludes and build toward more subtle practices such as therapeutic asana-vinyasa and preparatory work for the practice of inversions. These asana-vinyasas combine with the Prelude Forms to deepen the purification of the subtle body, heal the organs of reproduction, digestion and elimination, and set the foundation for safely and effectively practicing beginning mudras such as Sarvagasana (Shoulderstand) and Sirsasana (Headstand).
While it is very common for practitioners to be introduced to inversions very early in their Hatha Yoga studies these practices carry the risk of serious injury due to over-reliance on muscular effort and technique. The standing work of the Prelude Forms along with rhythmic ujjayi breathing, skillful application of the three bandhas and consistent practice of therapeutic asana-vinyasas (arrangements of seated asanas) are critical for refining the circulation of Prana (vital force) and gaining the skill to avoid creating excessive pressure and irritation to the delicate tissues of the heart, brain, and neck. Until students have mastered these preliminary practices the inversions will yield only superficial benefits and their true power and rejuvenative potential will remain dormant.
2024 - '25 Schedule
Schedule
October 19 - 20, 2024 ~ Shadow Yoga Basics
November 16 - 17, 2024 ~ Balakrama Prelude: Stepping Into Strength
December 14 - 15, 2024 ~ Balakrama Prelude Form with Seed Asanas
January 11 - 12, 2025~ Chaya Sancalanam: Churning of The Shadow
February 8 - 9, 2025 ~ Chaya Sancalanam Prelude Form with Seed Asanas
March 15 - 16, 2025 ~ Kartikeya Mandalam: Garland of Light
April 12 - 13, 2025 ~ Kartikeya Mandalam Prelude Form with Seed Asanas
May 10-11, 2025 ~ Ananda Tandava: Eternal Dance of Bliss
June 7 - 8, 2024 ~ Culminating the Preludes
Weekend Schedule
Saturday 8:30 - 12pm
Sunday 8:30 - 12pm
Weekend Topics
~ Shadow Yoga Basics and Intro to Balakrama Prelude
The Shadow Yoga Basics workshop provides students with an opportunity to learn or review the Shadow Yoga warm-ups, which include a series of joint mobilization, body scanning, and squatting exercises, as well as introducing the fundamentals of the Shadow Yoga "style." This course is a prerequisite for all other Shadow Yoga Prelude Forms, and all levels are welcome.
~ Balakrama Prelude - Stepping Into Strength
Traditionally Balakrama is the first Shadow Yoga prelude that is introduced to those new to this style of Hatha Yoga. A dynamic bone strengthening form based on endurance, it actively engages one’s feet, ankles, knees, hips, navel and breath.
This is recommended for students who have completed the Shadow Yoga Basics series.
~ Chaya Sanchalanam Prelude - Churning of The Shadow
This prelude is designed to teach the essence of this foundational energetic principle which lies at the heart of all internal arts. Along with activating the pranic winds (vayu/nadis), this warrior-sun form teaches one the art of graceful coordination.
This course is recommended for students who have completed the Shadow Yoga Basics and Balakrama Prelude.
~ Kartikeya Mandalam Prelude - Garland of Light
This advanced warrior-sun prelude form consists of intricate stance, waist, spine and arm work, which further increases, refines and penetrates the pranic force within. This prelude completes the foundational training required for entering the Shadow Yoga Full Practice Format and Nrtta Sadhana (The Rhythmic Dance of Shiva and its practice).
This course is open to those who have completed the Shadow Yoga Basics, and Balakrama or Chaya Sanchalanam Preludes.
~ Ananda Tandava - Eternal Dance of Bliss
This advanced circular form incorporates the lessons learned from the prelude forms and utilizes the absorbed principles of unimposed posture and movement. This practice is intended to aid the student in the process of the dissolution of their mental projections so that they might see their true self. Physically, the practice is rather simple and the movements are accessible; the challenge, however, is in ones ability to remain focused on the void and unencumbered by their emotions.
Registration
This course is open to all levels of students. To register, submit completed application form for review. You will be notified upon receipt of application and acceptance into the course.
Tuition
2024 - '25 payment options
One-time payment option: $1800
Monthly auto-pay option: this option involves one down payment of $225 to reserve your place in the program, and 8 additional payments of $225 for a total of $2025.
Drop-in Weekend option: students can register for any of the weekend courses individually (with prior approval). The tuition is $250 per weekend. We are not offering any other drop-in classes or partial attendance options.
* Note: an additional 2.5% surcharge will be added to all credit card payments, including PayPal, to help offset the cost of processing these payments. To avoid these charges you are welcome to pay with cash, check, or direct bank transfer (ie. Zelle).
Refund & Course Withdrawal Policy
Withdrawal from the program prior to the first weekend session is permitted; students will receive a full refund minus a $200 cancellation fee.
No refunds will be given for withdrawals after the program has begun nor will any credits or refunds be given for missed sessions.
If you are enrolled in the monthly payment option, understand that you are agreeing to make the scheduled monthly payments until completion of the course.
About The Teacher
Richmond Dickson is the Owner and Director of The New England School of Therapeutics. He is also a Structural Integration Therapist, Ayurvedic Lifestyle Consultant, and yoga instructor. Richmond's teaching derives from his 20 years of studying and practicing yoga, meditation, and the healing arts that, combined, are included in the term "bodywork". His primary yoga teachers are Scott Blossom and Matt Pesendian, and Shandor Remete, the founder of Shadow Yoga.
Belize Yoga Retreat - 2024
Creating a Personal Practice in Belize
Creating a personal practice is essential to maturing one’s skills as a yoga practitioner and it is a necessary part of the natural progression of Hatha Yoga. While persistence and devotion are required, one also needs a flexible, creative set of tools and a solid theoretical, understanding to meet one's changing needs from day-to-day and to realize the inner potentials of yoga.
Join us in Belize for a full week of study - including daily led asana practices and discussions and afternoon lectures, practices, and meditations - that will afford the student time and space to delve deeply into the practical, philosophical, and energetic basis of Hatha Yoga. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how to utilize the tools given throughout the week for personal growth and to begin to prepare the subtle body for the seated practices of Hatha Yoga. We will focus on foundational practices such as Kriyas, Bandhas, Ayurvedic self-care as well as stance work and asana-vinyasa to help overcome the physical and energetic obstructions of the body. These asnas-vinyasas will be introduced during the week and will deepen the purification of the subtle body, heal the organs of reproduction, digestion and elimination, and set the foundation for safely and effectively practicing beginning mudra, pranayama, and meditation.
Includes: 8 Days 7 Nights
• 7 night shared accommodations on a small exclusive private island
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (begins with dinner the night of arrival)
• All Transportation to and from Belize International Airport
• Unlimited use of Kayaks, paddle boards, marine facility
• Daily yoga and contemplative practices and discussions
• Guided snorkeling excursions
• Boat trip to Smithsonian Field Station
• All taxes (9% Hotel, 12.5% GST)
This retreat is open to all levels of students. To register, submit completed form and you will be notified upon acceptance.
Investment:
~ TBD
* Note: an additional 2.5% surcharge will be added to all credit card payments to help offset the cost of processing these payments. To avoid these charges you are welcome to pay with cash or check.
**payment plans are available
If you have any questions or need to set up a payment plan please contact: tranquilsoulsyogastudio@gmail.com
Join us in Belize for a full week of study - including daily led asana practices and discussions and afternoon lectures, practices, and meditations - that will afford the student time and space to delve deeply into the practical, philosophical, and energetic basis of Hatha Yoga. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how to utilize the tools given throughout the week for personal growth and to begin to prepare the subtle body for the seated practices of Hatha Yoga. We will focus on foundational practices such as Kriyas, Bandhas, Ayurvedic self-care as well as stance work and asana-vinyasa to help overcome the physical and energetic obstructions of the body. These asnas-vinyasas will be introduced during the week and will deepen the purification of the subtle body, heal the organs of reproduction, digestion and elimination, and set the foundation for safely and effectively practicing beginning mudra, pranayama, and meditation.
Includes: 8 Days 7 Nights
• 7 night shared accommodations on a small exclusive private island
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (begins with dinner the night of arrival)
• All Transportation to and from Belize International Airport
• Unlimited use of Kayaks, paddle boards, marine facility
• Daily yoga and contemplative practices and discussions
• Guided snorkeling excursions
• Boat trip to Smithsonian Field Station
• All taxes (9% Hotel, 12.5% GST)
This retreat is open to all levels of students. To register, submit completed form and you will be notified upon acceptance.
Investment:
~ TBD
* Note: an additional 2.5% surcharge will be added to all credit card payments to help offset the cost of processing these payments. To avoid these charges you are welcome to pay with cash or check.
**payment plans are available
If you have any questions or need to set up a payment plan please contact: tranquilsoulsyogastudio@gmail.com
