ELEMENTS OF MASTERY

 Elements of Mastery: 3-Day In-Person Training + 10-Hour Anatomy Pre-Training Online 

Alignment-based yoga tends to be dogmatic—there is one right way and nothing else—while flow-based yoga practices don’t provide any support on how to do the postures or transitions. This has become the great divide in modern yoga, and this is where Elements of Mastery comes in. Elements of Mastery is a hybrid training course that provides you with technique-based instruction rather than dogmatic alignment. What is the difference?

Dogmatic alignment provides you with one way of making a shape in your body, claiming that anything else is incorrect. However, MOST of these “alignment” instructions are not actually based on anatomy or biomechanics (how the body operates). They are either aesthetically based or simply a passed-down set of rules that have not been updated for decades. 

Elements of Mastery provides Chromatic functional alignment and techniques that are based on anatomy and biomechanics. Chromatic technique is not limited to joint alignment but also includes isometric muscle engagements and recognizes that individual bodies require alteration of instruction. Technique includes timing; knowing what do to and how to do it are part of it, but WHEN to do it is also a major part of Chromatic technique.

Chromatic functional alignment and techniques are flexible, not absolute. There are myriad ways to approach any given posture, and they’re entirely based on intent. Together, we will explore anatomically backed Chromatic techniques based on specified intent instead of arbitrary aesthetics. An intent may include reducing risk of joint injury, increasing stability, improving balance, increasing mobility, reducing current stress levels, developing stress resilience, increasing cardiovascular health, increasing strength, increasing breath capacity or control, and so on. Setting a clear intent will determine the appropriate actions, sequences, functional alignment, and technique choice for our practice.  

THE ELEMENTS

Elements of Mastery goes beyond the physical postures and transitions. It includes the elements known in yogic philosophy as the mahabhutas:

1. 1. Earth
   2. Water
   3. Fire
   4. Air
   5. Space

These five elements provide insight into our physical, mental, and emotional patterns, giving us a massive opportunity to transcend our limitations on and off the mat. Each element helps us understand our strengths, tendencies, and growth potential.

Some qualities of each element:

Earth: Strong, Stable, Safe, Dependable, Grounded

Water: Adaptable, Flexible, Emotional, Creative, also Grounded

Fire: Fierce, Transformative, Charismatic, Captivating, Motivating

Air: Light, Connective, Freeing, Momentous, Inspiring

Space: Universal, Purely Potential, Aware, Wise

How do these qualities relate to asana (the physical yoga practice)?

Each of us embodies all elements; however, our individual life circumstances and genetics strengthen certain elemental characteristics over others. While we will go into much greater detail in the immersion, here’s a quick example: If you tend to be more earth centered or identified, you may prefer holding postures longer and moving more slowly, while a water-centered person might want to move at a more moderate pace. A fire-type person would prefer intense, interval-type training, while air may perfect movement at a more rapid pace. Of course we each embody all elements, so you are likely drawn to some variety of the above examples. In Elements of Mastery, we will explore all movement types in a safe, controlled manner, and we will learn Chromatic techniques to improve each movement type in order to balance our physical embodiment of the elements and improve our physical well-being.

THE POSE FACTORY

IMPORTANT DETAILS ABOUT THE POSE FACTORY:

This course will be available as a stand-alone online training in November 2024; the cost of purchasing the online course will be $995. HOWEVER, if you take Elements of Mastery, the course comes with it at no extra cost, and you will get early access before it’s available to the public.

In-Person Practices, Transitions, and Techniques (subject to change based on group’s needs):

• Earth: Ankle-to-hip coordinations, weight shifts and transfers, improving the arch of the feet
• Water: Side-to-side and rotational movements, fluid transitions between standing poses, vinyasa transitions, oppositional tension for improved mobility
• Fire: Shoulder blade functionality, core connectivity to movements of the shoulder blades, coordinating core and hips, crossbody repatterning
• Air: Diaphragm & deep core coordination, coactivating thoracic breathing and spinal muscles for decompressing the spine
• Space: Aligning mindset and autonomic nervous system for improved stress response; tools for regulating the nervous system; skills for finding inner stillness, peace, and joy

EASY-TO-FOLLOW SYSTEM

Elements of Mastery is a system to help students gain a profound connection to their physical body. While every yoga practice has its benefits, it is rare to find a system that is designed specifically to develop mastery in our physical body. This system is a step-by-step format that provides you with a clear way of recognizing your body’s blind spots and gives you the exact techniques to bring awakening and MASTERY to these areas of your body. Without an instruction guide, we are just guessing and hoping to stumble upon the practices and skills we need. Elements of Mastery takes the guesswork out of the equation and allows you to focus your time and effort on what you need in order to attain a new level of integration between mind and body.

What if I am not a teacher?

This training is all-levels appropriate; there is no teaching prerequisite, and you do not need to be a teacher. You will gain a tremendous base of knowledge and skill about the body, practice techniques, and asana. The teaching techniques provided throughout this training will only serve to enhance the way you approach practicing yoga.

SCHEDULE

SCHEDULE NOTES

ELEMENTS OF MASTERY TUITION

3-Day, 20-Hour Training ($995 Value) + 3 Meals ($150 Value) + 10-Hour “Pose Factory” Course ($995 Value) = $2140

TUITION AFTER MARCH 30: $1495

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT TODAY: $995 or $335/3 Payments