The Illumination Path: Yoga History and Philosophy for Modern Life

About this program

Do you feel called to dive deeper into the practice of yoga? Want to understand some of the key concepts in the tradition and understand how yoga has evolved over thousands of years? Are you interested in the ancient yoga scriptures of the Bhagavad Gītā, Patañjali’s Yoga Sutrās and the Goddess scripture, the Devīmāhātmyam? Want to contemplate how all of this wisdom can help you to navigate modern life?

A course for students and teachers, this program will use a modern and pragmatic lens to dive deeper into yogic wisdom - understanding how we can apply this timeless wisdom in our lives. We will unpack the vast history of yoga and seeing how it all sits together as a tapestry. We will listen to stories and learn mantra, rituals and practices as part of this journey. We will focus on the ancient scriptures to uncover wisdom that is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. We will talk about real life examples of how the wisdom can help navigate life. Dealing with challenges, managing our emotions, conquering self-doubt, showing leadership, mastering our mind, how we look differently at people we struggle with, finding bliss and surrendering to the flow of life...it is all here. And of course, there will be some restorative yoga in there to help you enjoy the stories!

Join me for this five part series and immerse yourself in the timeless wisdom of yoga.

Session 1: Sunday 14 April – 10am to 3.30pm

The Tapestry: An overview of the history of yoga and key concepts in the yoga tradition.

Session 2: Sunday 19 May – 10am to 3.30pm

A Practical Guide to Living: The Bhagavad Gītā.

Session 3: Sunday 16 June – 10am to 3.30pm

Now, the teachings of Yoga: Patañjali Yoga Sūtras.

Session 4: Sunday 21 July – 10am to 3.30pm

A Feminine Lens on Divinity: The Devīmāhātmya.

Session 5: Sunday 18 August – 10am to 3.30pm

Your Body as a Temple: The rise of Haṭha Yoga.

Bringing this wisdom into your life and into your own teachings.

This program includes:

• Refreshing your understanding of the traditional perspective of what yoga is – both the state of yoga and the practice of yoga.

• Unpacking the vast history of yoga and seeing how it all sits together as a tapestry. Listen to stories and learn mantra, rituals and practices as part of this journey.

• Discussing some of the key concepts in the yoga tradition.

• Diving into The Bhagavad Gītā and working through some key verses and how they apply today.

• Unpacking Patañjali Yoga Sūtras and working through some key verses and how they apply today.

• Uncovering the magic of The Devīmāhātmya and working through some key stories and wisdom within them and how you can apply that wisdom today.

• Understand the rise of Haṭha Yoga and how it has influenced modern postural yoga.

• Contemplating how you can bring this wisdom into your life and into your own teachings.

Format

The Illumination Path: The Tapestry of Yoga - Yoga History and Philosophy for Modern Life will be delivered as a 5 day in person immersion in Canberra. It will be over five Sundays from April to August. Teachers will be required to prepare a short contemplation on the wisdom they have received at the end of the program (this is option for yoga students). Once completed, you will receive a 25 hour certificate of completion.

Investment

Your investment to be part of The Illumination Path: The Tapestry of Yoga - Yoga History and Philosophy for Modern Life is $595 for all five days. An earlybird rate of $495 is available if you book and pay by 29 February 2024 (code is EARLYBIRD).

It will be better (and more economical) if you attend all five days, but if you are interested in a single session, there is also a single day rate of $150 per session. Contact Katie if you are interested in this option.

Note - there are 16 spots in this program and it will fill quickly.

When and where?

This training will be held at Wild Studio in Phillip, Canberra over five Sundays.

Sunday 14 April – 10am to 3.30pm

Sunday 19 May – 10am to 3.30pm

Sunday 16 June – 10am to 3.30pm

Sunday 21 July – 10am to 3.30pm

Sunday 18 August – 10am to 3.30pm

Got questions?

Please contact Katie at durgamindfulness@gmail.com and she would be happy to have a chat to see if this is the right training for you!

Feedback from participants of previous YTT offerings

The Art of Rest by Katie Welsh was one of the most beautiful trainings I have completed. Not just in yoga. The course was easy to follow and inspiring from the beginning right through to the final day. I didn’t want it to end. The passion and knowledge that Katie has made this course so grounding and nurturing, and each element complimented the next. It was well planned, beautifully executed and I would highly recommend this training to all yoga teachers, and anyone interested in learning how to rest. Thank you Katie for your wisdom, your patience and for the most magical experience. Natalie

If you have an interest in supporting your nervous system to shift from "fight or flight" into "rest and digest" mode, this course is for you. Katie has a soulful way of teaching the material in this course. Her passion for Yogic philosophy and wisdom shines through as does her embodiment of the practices she shares. It was absolute bliss to end the day of learning by having a practice at the end - I watched my average heart rate come down each day. Be warned though - restorative yoga bends time so what feels like 20 mins is actually 75 mins. I highly recommend this course if you want to feel bliss in your body - can't recommend this enough! Dannielle

Just divine! An immersion in the true meaning of rest, an opportunity to embody the practice and understand the many benefits of giving yourself a chance to settle in a busy world. Katie’s presence is palpable and is a genuine soul who walks the walk. Tamsyn

Spending 5 days immersed in Katie's Restorative Teaching Training is truly a treat. Katie shares her vast knowledge and experience in theoretical and practical sessions throughout this teacher training program so that at the end you feel nourished and enlightened. Highly recommend this wonderful training. Lorelle

Yoga Alliance approved!

The Illumination Path: The Tapestry of Yoga - Yoga History and Philosophy for Modern Life is approved professional development by Yoga Alliance and can count towards your CPE requirements. It is 25 hours of training.

Why train with Katie?

Katie is a long time spiritual yoga teacher – it is her passion – what she practices and what she teaches. She is a champion of rest and provides a true sanctuary for her students. She stays true to the traditions of yoga and always teaches with a sprinkling of history and philosophy. Katie is a Level 2 teacher with Yoga Australia and a E-RYT® 200, RYT® 500, YACEP® Teacher with Yoga Alliance, but first and foremost she is a yoga practitioner. A seeker on the spiritual path of yoga - known as a mumukṣu. Always learning. Always evolving. Always experiencing life and making sense of the wisdom. In an increasingly busy world, Katie loves guiding people to find inner peace and clarity through divinely restful yoga practices, energy work, mantra, meditation and timeless wisdom from the ancient scriptures. She finds great joy in sharing yogic wisdom and practices to those who feel a connection with her. Yogic wisdom is a massive part of her life, but it was also critical to her healing recently through the experience of breast cancer and has written a book to help women walking this path. This is when she knew she wanted to educate more people on the magic of this timeless wisdom. It is so needed in today’s world.

The Nitty Gritty - some things to be aware of before you sign up!

These Conditions govern the provision of the Yoga Teacher Training (the Training) by Katie Welsh and Durga Mindfulness and will form the basis of the contract between us and you if you book into this training. Before taking up your place on the course please ensure that you have read these Conditions carefully. Enrolling in the Training will constitute you agreeing to these Conditions.

- The limited number of Training places are subject to availability and are on a first-come first-served basis with payment in full. Bookings will close on 14 March 2024. A waitlist will be available if the Training fills.

- Earlybird payment is due in full prior to the earlybird cut-off date of 29 February 2024.

- Trainees are expected to arrive promptly and prepared for the in-person training – any preparation required will be advised beforehand.

- It is your responsibility to attend the Training. We are not responsible for any failure on your part to attend part or all of the Training that you have booked, irrespective of the reason(s).

- Trainees are expected to behave in a respectful way towards each other and the teacher at all times.

- Trainees will be expected to comply with any Covid restrictions if they are in place at the time of the Training.

- Trainees will be provided with material to support learning during the training. These materials are to be used for learning only, and are subject to copyright and not to be used for commercial purposes or shared with others who have not done the training. Replacement learning materials will be chargeable at a rate of $80.00.

- Yoga Teacher trainees will be required to attend the in-person component of the Training, and also pass the assignment to be eligible for the 25hr certification.

- All assignments must be completed/handed in within one month of the completion of the in-person Training, being 18 September 2024, unless a prior agreement has been made. Extensions will only be granted due to the occurrence of unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the student.

- Trainees will not be provided with food or snacks during the Training but facilities are close-by or you can bring your own.

- Trainees will be responsible for the purchase of books featured on the optional reading list to support their study.

- Katie Welsh and Durga Mindfulness reserves the right to change Training venues and dates. In the event of any changes, we will use all reasonable endeavours to minimise disruptions to your learning and will inform you in writing by email or by phone.

- Trainees needing to withdraw from the training before 14 March 2024, must do so in writing and provide a reason for the withdrawal. For a refund to be considered supporting evidence may be required. Cancellations after 14 March 2024 are not refundable unless a replacement student is found.

- minimum numbers are required for the YTT to proceed In the unlikely event of not reaching those numbers, your fee will be refunded.

- If the Training is cancelled for reasons beyond our control we will let Students know and a refund will be offered, or a place on a rescheduled training. We are not responsible for any travel or related costs that may be incurred as a result of the cancelled Training.

- YTT can be intense. Do whatever you need to do to ensure you are physically and mentally comfortable and receptive to learning. There are chairs available in the studio, or use all the props and get comfortable! If you have any special needs, please talk to us before the Training commences and we will do our very best to accommodate you.

- Yoga is a beautiful ancient practice that brings many benefits. It is up to each individual to assess whether they are ready for the program that they have chosen. As always, it is up to you to consult your doctor before beginning any new program involving physical postures, however gentle they may be. The practice of breathwork and yoga postures, even when very gentle, requires you – the practitioner – to gauge the safety of your practice within your personal limitations. Always move within your comfort range - there should be no strain, discomfort or breathlessness in these gentle practices - if you feel any of these, please stop and consult your doctor. Durga Mindfulness assumes no responsibility for injuries suffered while practicing these techniques. Honour your body, honour the practice, take it at your own pace and always breathe deeply.