Emily Alp/Loosli Yoga Milestone Timeline

This course introduced me to the second series and deepened my understanding of philosophy and vinyasa methodology (Dave's specialty) as well as basic Sanskrit writing and pronunciation (Cheryl's specialty). Through this intensive, my asana practice grew and took deeper root as I gained further contextual understanding about the origins of these practices. Dave has since passed away and I feel truly blessed to have spent time with him. I plan to go study Sanskrit with Cheryl at some point because she is truly dedicated and gifted as a teacher on this subject. She truly lives her Yoga.

Scott's training echoed the one in the previous year and deepened our understanding of vinyasa especially. Honor and a gift to attend.

Paul worked with us for hours every day to deepen our understanding of pranayama practices passed down to him from Sri O.P. Tiwari, and a well-established lineage of advanced practitioners. In the mornings, we practiced Pranava Japa, mantra recitation, kriyas and preparatory exercises to correctly understand the anatomy of techniques that build on the link between the breath and nervous system to cultivate a sense of balance and centeredness within the practitioner over time. In part one, Paul gave lectures to introduce the vagus nerve and how it is stimulated through these techniques, and how this affects the overall nervous and digestive system.

This intimate workshop focused on the life and deep insights of Krishna Das. Since it was a small gathering, I was able to sit next to the low-set stage as he chanted, answered questions and told anecdotal stories about his experience with Neem Karoli Baba Maharaj and the power of Bhakti.

Paul worked with for us for hours every day to help us deepen our understanding of pranayama practices passed down to him from Sri O.P. Tiwari, and his teachers--a well-established lineage of advanced practitioners. In the mornings, we practiced pranava japa, mantra recitation, kriyas and preparatory exercises to correctly understand the anatomy of techniques that build on the link between the breath and nervous system to cultivate a sense of balance and centeredness within the practitioner over time. In part two, Paul gave lectures to frame the practice in our everyday lives and encourage consistency in application of the techniques. He continued to discuss the science of the breathing techniques and share insights he had gained during his PhD work at Emory University, Georgia, in this field.

Continuing from Paul's course, we practiced pranayama techniques for several hours in the mornings--pranava japa, mantra, kriyas included--and attended lectures by Tiwari in the afternoons, wherein we would chant, listen to his expansion on the Hatha Pradipika, answer our questions and finish with breathing techniques. The experience deepened our practice and added another contextual dimension to our endeavors and teachings.

This Jivamukti intensive gave a first-hand glimpse of a range of spiritual practices and yogic lineages. From Delhi, we traveled to Rishikesh to attend the International Yoga Festival, involving various lines of Yoga and evening Aarti ceremonies along the River Ganga. We met Radhanath Swami in some caves along the Ganga and had a discussion with him as well there. Our journey continued to Amritsar, where we explored and experienced the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) and Sikhism. We then moved on to Dharamsala, a base for the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhist refugees and explored the meditation center and volunteer activities there.

Paul worked with for us for hours every day to help us deepen our understanding of pranayama practices passed down to him from Sri O.P. Tiwari, and his teachers—a well-established lineage of advanced practitioners. In the mornings, we practiced pranava japa, mantra recitation, kriyas and preparatory exercises to correctly understand the anatomy of techniques that build on the link between the breath and nervous system to cultivate a sense of balance and centeredness within the practitioner over time. In part three, Paul gave lectures to deepen our understanding about the relationships among the parasympathetic nervous system, autonomic nervous system, digestive system and activity of the pelvic floor, vagus nerve and diaphragm/nostrils/breathing mechanisms. As a group we deepened our practices and clearly began to integrate the material over the past courses. He continued to discuss the science of the breathing techniques and share insights he had gained during his PhD work at Emory University, Georgia, in this field.

This tremendous opportunity offered me a chance to attend courses and live on site for a bit longer than two months while reviewing written material generated by leadership and the team. I was asked to share skills with the Samahita Retreat team in order to update content and empower members to write with more confidence and share experiences they have as teachers, students. I also worked with retreat guests to generate content ideas. My practice improved and dedication to philosophical tenants as well, through this live-in experience.

Four+ hours of daily practice, including kriyas, breathwork, mantra (pranava japa included), asana study. Two hours per day of detailed discussion around technique, philosophical roots of practice and new findings based on Paul's PhD work at Emory University on the effects of breath on human physiology.

Oversaw Mysore. Taught led primary series. Taught Pranayama.

Samahita Retreat, Koh Samui. Advanced pranayama, involving hours of practice per day under this kind-hearted master. I also rotated with one other translator for his afternoon philosophical discussions on the Yoga Vasistha.

Taught asana, pranayama, restorative yoga, meditation.

Colleagues at the tech firm where I work in Zurich wanted to practice yoga over the lunch hour once a week. So I lead a one-hour session for them. It's yoga for beginner and intermediate level and we have a dedicated group of practitioners who find it enhances their daily lives. Corona has put a pause on it but we will pick it up again.

A night of chanting with KD at Papagos Kipotheatro, Koritsas, Athens, Greece.

This 12-person experience allowed for a lot of attention to detail transmitted from these incredible teachers. I gained a wealth of understanding not only about my practice but also about my place in the community as well as my standing as someone now of middle age on all eight limbs of practice. These teachers are breathtaking and generous. They come purely from the heart and are a refreshing experience for those tired of the yoga factory and overly-egotistical tendencies taking over a lot of the practices and practice spaces.

Weekly short program focused on a range of topics from core strength to breathing/pranayama to proprioception/balance, yin asana and inversions. Designed as a 15-20 minute break from office work to gain insight into body-mind connection. Course ongoing and weekly. Proceeds go to charity.