Sacred Sequences: Designing Classes With Purpose and Presence

About Course

Ashtanga-based class design with integrity, purpose, and presence.

This course explores how to teach with intentionality within the traditional Ashtanga framework, emphasizing the sacred logic of the Primary and Intermediate Series. Students will learn how to honor the method while adapting with purpose, communicate energetically through cues and breath, and refine their ability to hold space with clarity, humility, and presence. Ideal for yoga teachers who want to deepen their understanding of sequencing, including those teaching beginners, Mysore-style, or led classes.

Build with Intention – How to design yoga classes that are more than a flow of postures, but a meaningful journey with clear purpose and presence.
• Integrate Philosophy & Practice – Ways to weave themes from yoga philosophy, such as the Yoga Sutras or the Gunas, into sequencing without it feeling forced.
• Balance Energy & Anatomy – Understand how to sequence with awareness of anatomy, energetic flow, and nervous system regulation.
• Create Transformative Experiences – Explore how pacing, breath, and thematic arcs can shift a class from exercise to sacred practice.

Course Content

The Sacred Structure of Ashtanga Yoga

The Historical and Philosophical Roots of Fixed Sequencing
The Purpose of the Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa): Healing and Purification
The Purpose of the Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodhana): Nervous System and Subtle Energy

Teaching with Presence, Not Performance

Adapting Without Abandoning the Method

: Creating Sacred Containers for Practice

Integrating Mantra, Mudra, and Mindfulness

Quiz

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Rooted in Tradition, Guided by Science, Designed by You

About Course

What Will You Learn?

Course Content

The Sacred Structure of Ashtanga Yoga

The Historical and Philosophical Roots of Fixed Sequencing

The Purpose of the Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa): Healing and Purification

The Purpose of the Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodhana): Nervous System and Subtle Energy

Teaching with Presence, Not Performance

Cultivating Teacher Presence: Voice, Tone, Pace, Neutrality, and Calmness

Managing the Room Energetically Without Over-Demonstrating

Practicing Sacred Neutrality: How to Cue Without Judgment or Attachment

Breath as a Teacher: Letting the Vinyasa Count Set the Rhythm

Using Stillness and Silence as Teaching Tools

Adapting Without Abandoning the Method

When and How to Adapt Within a Led Half Primary or Modified Sequence

How to Introduce Beginners to the Practice Safely and with Respect for the Tradition

Working with Injured, Older, or Recovering Students

Creating Class Containers When Full Series Isn’t Accessible

Integrating Props with Presence: Adaptation Without Distortion

: Creating Sacred Containers for Practice

Designing a Half Primary Led, Mysore, or Modified Primary Class

Choosing Chants, Opening/Closing Prayers, and Themes with Reverence

How to Incorporate Breathwork and Meditation While Staying True to the Lineage

Time Management and Flow in Shorter Classes (e.g., 60-minute classes)

The Difference Between Teacher-Driven and Student-Centered Sequencing

Integrating Mantra, Mudra, and Mindfulness

When and How to Incorporate Mantra: Chanting, Bija, and Silent Repetition

Subtle Inclusion of Mudras in Seated or Meditative Practices

Meditation at the Beginning or End of Class: Options and Approaches

Building Thematic or Dharmic Moments into Class Without Disrupting the Method

Honoring the Practice as a Vehicle for Awakening, Not Achievement

Quiz

Sacred Sequences Quiz

Earn a certificate

About Course

What Will You Learn?

Course Content

The Sacred Structure of Ashtanga Yoga

The Historical and Philosophical Roots of Fixed Sequencing

The Purpose of the Primary Series (Yoga Chikitsa): Healing and Purification

The Purpose of the Intermediate Series (Nadi Shodhana): Nervous System and Subtle Energy

Teaching with Presence, Not Performance

Cultivating Teacher Presence: Voice, Tone, Pace, Neutrality, and Calmness

Managing the Room Energetically Without Over-Demonstrating

Practicing Sacred Neutrality: How to Cue Without Judgment or Attachment

Breath as a Teacher: Letting the Vinyasa Count Set the Rhythm

Using Stillness and Silence as Teaching Tools

Adapting Without Abandoning the Method

When and How to Adapt Within a Led Half Primary or Modified Sequence

How to Introduce Beginners to the Practice Safely and with Respect for the Tradition

Working with Injured, Older, or Recovering Students

Creating Class Containers When Full Series Isn’t Accessible

Integrating Props with Presence: Adaptation Without Distortion

: Creating Sacred Containers for Practice

Designing a Half Primary Led, Mysore, or Modified Primary Class

Choosing Chants, Opening/Closing Prayers, and Themes with Reverence

How to Incorporate Breathwork and Meditation While Staying True to the Lineage

Time Management and Flow in Shorter Classes (e.g., 60-minute classes)

The Difference Between Teacher-Driven and Student-Centered Sequencing

Integrating Mantra, Mudra, and Mindfulness

When and How to Incorporate Mantra: Chanting, Bija, and Silent Repetition

Subtle Inclusion of Mudras in Seated or Meditative Practices

Meditation at the Beginning or End of Class: Options and Approaches

Building Thematic or Dharmic Moments into Class Without Disrupting the Method

Honoring the Practice as a Vehicle for Awakening, Not Achievement

Quiz

Sacred Sequences Quiz

Earn a certificate

Student Ratings & Reviews

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