How to approach this course:

We have six live sessions, Tuesdays at 7 am CST. The zoom in is in the next lesson. Do try to be present. “Presence” is basic yoga teaching, right? How to engage? So it doesn’t work at all the same way if you treat it as content. Show up as a student rather than a consumer. You can expect to be called to discussion and listen and repeat mantra after your teacher during class. This is scary! I get it! But this is the way it works.

Between classes, use the text and audio tools to practice what was presented in class. You MUST figure out how to practice on your own. You cannot learn the mantras through class attendance alone. Discovering the art of personal practice is yoga!

Every two weeks, send Karin an audio recording of your own practice via email (karinlynncarlson@gmail.com). This isn’t for performance or grading; it’s to get help. I like to send a recording early in my learning, when I’m still very new to the material. It accelerates my learning process. My teacher can help me. Learning to accept support and help is, ahem, part of the process.

The following week, you’ll be presented with new material.

How to work with audio and text supports:

Below, you’ll see a number of audio files and a pdf of each mantra we work with. Each audio recording one is just a couple of minutes long. Print out your text.

The methodology is to ‘sing along’ like karaoke, using your text. Do not try to ‘learn by ear’; synching the capacity to look, listen, and articulate is part of the process. You will never, ever, not use your text. Let go of all ideas of ‘memorization’. Instead, follow along with your eyes AND your ears.

By next class, you want to have practiced with each of these recordings a couple of times. Not to ‘perfect’ or ‘mastery’, just to have practiced. That’s enough. Over the course of a few weeks, you will have a newfound respect for what little moments of time can do for your brain, your heart, and your life. You’ll also learn a lot about your habits.

I recommend committing to AT LEAST FOUR practice sessions on your calendar. Have a plan. Each session should only be 10-20 minutes long. Learning how to be consistent, to not binge, to slowly progress is also part of the process. You might also find it helpful to set a date to send in a recording, rather than ‘waiting’ til you feel like it, it’s perfect, or you want to.

You may send in an audio recording (use your phone) to karinlynncarlson@gmail.com every other week. You do not have to send a whole mantra; send the pieces you are currently working on or what your practice is currently like. This is not for performance; this is for support. Support is your right and privilege as a student, not a ‘test’ of your character.