"A Holistic Study & Therapeutic Approach to the Structure, Function & Energetics of our Sacred Spine" with Monica Gauci

A holistic look at the structure, function and energetic effects of the common thread in all yoga asanas and techniques – our spine! Our modern lifestyle exacerbates the ill effects of poor posture, mental and emotional stress and spiritual discontent and our spine bears the burden of these stressors. Likewise it is the influence of our spine, its central energy channel and energetic centres that enables yoga it to work its ‘magic’. In this workshop we explore the spine as the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual axis of our body and being.

A study of the development of our spinal curves reveals the energetic system that is at the core of every yogic technique, from asana, to pranayama to meditation. Each curve bows to the cakra at that corresponding level. We explore these energy centres, how they reflect our spiritual evolution, emotions and individual expression, with a view to understand how their gentle activation is what makes the beneficial effects of yogic asana so unique.

We look at the architecture of the spine and how its structure determines our functional abilities. The anatomical section aims to educate students to respect differences both within the spine and between individuals. It is these differences that predict varying degrees of limitations and potential in different asanas.

We study the ‘stress’ points along our spine and how to reduce these stressors. We explore spinal mobilisation techniques and asanas that enhance spinal stability and health as well as practical ways to modify how we perform any asana to spare our spine that it can be healthy and last us for a long lifetime.

Additionally, you will learn a Vedic healing mantra and a Dhārana on Suṣumna from the Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra. The workshop concludes with a a Cakra Meditation and a Vedic Healing Mantra.

It was an absolute pleasure to host Monica Gauci for an excellent workshop ‘Our Sacred Spine’. Every aspect of the workshop was well organized and delivered. Monica managed to keep what could have been a dry and purely anatomical topic, engaging, relevant, interesting, and insightful. She has a vast knowledge of the subject matter, and at the same time applied the spiritual context relating to the anatomy of our spine. The theory was regularly broken up with practical applications that allowed a much fuller understanding of all that was being taught.

Here is someone who has the ability to playfully bring together a thorough anatomical understanding of Yoga postures, Yoga physiology, and Yoga philosophy; all delivered with great skill, instilling in all of us a beautifully holistic understanding of our spine. A very engaging and fascinating experience, highly recommended!

I am already looking forward to Monica’s next workshop.

Angelika Knoerzer, Director of North Sydney Yoga

Please bring two tennis balls with you and a long sock.

If you have a foam roller, please bring it along.

I really want to thank you for your teaching this weekend. The time went fast and I really appreciate your very somatic approach. This approach touches me and speaks to me a lot because of my interest in experimental Anatomy. Thank you for your energy and grace. Gratitude.

Savitri, Marseille, France.

Registration is for the whole weekend program of two days - Saturday, June 29th 9:00 to Sunday, June 30th 16:00 - with a 90-minute lunch break each day.

Schedule

Cancellation Policy

Those Traveling from Abroad