The Yoga Sutras provide a guide for understanding the patterns of the mind, the obstacles that interrupt our progress, and the deeper work of self-study that supports meaningful transformation.
Through this four-part course, students will explore how integrating philosophy with asana practice can bring greater clarity, awareness, and intention into both practice and daily life.
The focus this fall will be on Sutras 1.29 - 33, the Antarayas - disturbances or impediments that affect our practice and make it difficult to move forward. They are of either a physical, mental or intellectual nature and work in tandem with the Vrttis (changing states of the mind).
We all experience doubt and confusion, just two of the nine impediments. These sutras will provide a rich field for discussion. As we sort out the various disturbances, you may find it possible to identify what challenges you may experience that derail well intended plans.
Through guided reflection and structured asana practice, we will explore how to work with the philosophy to refine and develop greater clarity and intention on and off the mat.
Session Dates:
August 22; 1-3:30pm
September 12; 1-3:30pm
October 17; 1-3:30pm
November 14; 1-3:30pm
Sutra Studies is for:
Students who want to deepen their understanding of yoga philosophy
Those interested in cultivating greater awareness in daily life
Students wanting a more intentional and reflective approach to practice
All levels are welcome. Curiosity and openness are encouraged.
Participants will:
Develop a clearer understanding of the Yoga Sutras
Learn how these ethical foundations apply to contemporary life
Explore how philosophy can guide and refine asana practice
Cultivate mindfulness, awareness, and compassionate action
Sutra Studies links reflection and action, allowing you to experience philosophy not as abstraction, but as an embodied practice. This course supports a more conscious, balanced, and meaningful approach to life.
Cost: Individual Sessions: $90, Full Course $360
Note: Member discount applies only when registering for the full 3 month course and is not available for drop-in sessions.
Saturday August 22nd
1:00 pm to 3:30 pm pt; Cost $90
Saturday Sept 12th
1:00 pm to 3:30 pm pt; Cost $90
Saturday Oct 17th
1:00 pm to 3:30 pm pt; Cost $90
Saturday Nov 14th
1:00 pm to 3:30 pm pt; Cost $90
Bio: Naomi Hiller-Reynolds is a co-owner of California Yoga Center (CYC) and a senior teacher with a particular emphasis on therapeutic and adaptive yoga. At CYC, Naomi teaches both general and therapeutic classes, co-leads and organizes the Yoga Therapy class, and trains assistants in therapeutic yoga. Her teaching reflects a lifelong commitment to dharma, and she brings a distinct sense of gratitude, devotion and joy to every class and workshop she participates in. Practicing since 1988 and teaching continuously since 1993, Naomi is a Level 3 Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor as well as a Certified Yoga Therapist with the International Association of Yoga Therapists. She is a graduate of the Iyengar Yoga Institute of San Francisco’s Advanced Studies Program and the Iyengar Yoga Therapeutics three-year training program. She now serves on the board of Iyengar Yoga Therapeutics, a nonprofit devoted to continuing education in yoga therapy for teachers. Over the years, she has also served in various leadership and volunteer roles with IYNAUS and IAYT. She has also taught pre-natal yoga in partnership with Kaiser Permanente and is certified in MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction). Naomi’s therapeutic work includes a long partnership with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. She helped develop their yoga curriculum, co-produced and co-authored Yoga for MS, with Eric Small and its companion manual, and helped lead adaptive yoga trainings for students, yoga teachers, and health care professionals across the country. Much of Naomi’s work has focused on helping people with neurological dysfunction, limited mobility, illness, and injury experience the profound mental, physical and spiritual benefits of yoga.