The Vagus Nerve and contemporary Polyvagal Theory are hot topics in modern discourse, with a wide range of applications as well as some controversy. But one thing is clear: contemporary thought about it sheds light on traditional yoga concepts and practices, and yoga’s deep inquiry into our mental and emotional life makes all the more sense in the context of these concepts.
In this webinar, we’ll bring the two worlds together in a practical and meaningful way. In particular, we’ll present the fundamental concepts of the Polyvagal theory in a way that guides and refines our practice of asana and of pranayama in particular — the role of bandha, the pathways of the breath in Ujjayi, and of the role of interoception in asana and breath. And we’ll understand more deeply what yogic concepts are trying to teach us about ‘self-regulation’ of emotion and the gunas as an essential aspect of the discipline of yoga.
The discussion will include practical applications in alignment and drishthi in straightforward pranayama and focusing techniques. There will also be included a practice video of both asana and pranayama, putting these ideas together in a flowing experience of the river of awareness that is the Vagus Nerve.
Course Curriculum
About Doug Keller
Doug Keller’s background reflects a lifelong commitment to studying, imbibing and sharing the vast field of knowledge and practice known as yoga.After receiving honors and graduate degrees in philosophy from the top Jesuit universities in the United States, Georgetown and Fordham Universities, and teaching philosophy at a college level for several years, he then pursued his ‘post-graduate’ education in the practical experience of yoga at the Siddha Meditation Ashram, Gurudev Siddha Peeth in India, for seven years. He spent a total of 14 years doing service, practicing, training in and teaching yoga in Siddha Meditation Ashrams worldwide. He received intensive training in the Iyengar system in New York City, mainly with senior certified Iyengar teacher Kevin Gardiner. He also practiced Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga in India, and became one of the first certified Anusara Yoga teachers, producing three highly respected books on asana, pranayama and yoga philosophy.
His further expansion in learning is reflected in his latest and most in-depth work, ‘Yoga as Therapy,’ which is truly one of the most comprehensive, innovative and useful treatments of the structural aspect of yoga therapy available. And for three years he was a regular columnist for Yoga+ Magazine (formerly Yoga International, published by the Himalayan Institute), writing the ‘Asana Solutions’ column that addresses specific therapeutic problems. He is at the highest level of certification with Yoga Alliance, E-RYT 500, and a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists.Doug is also a ‘distinguished professor’ on the teaching faculty at the Master’s Degree program in Yoga Therapy at the Maryland University of Integrative Health, a state-approved institution of higher learning.
Doug’s teaching is rooted in a vast and inclusive perspective of study and practice that honors the insights of the many streams of wisdom that flow into the river of yoga.
Website: www.doyoga.com