Yoga and the Alexander Technique Course

Our habits accompany us wherever we go. Whether we’re reaching for an object or assuming a yoga pose like the Warrior, if we have a tendency to tense our neck before lifting our arms, that pattern will persist. The Alexander Technique delves into these ingrained habits, offering subtle adjustments that can significantly enhance our overall bodily coordination. Through this Yoga and the Alexander Technique course, we’ll explore how to approach yoga poses from the perspective of the Alexander Technique, aiming to unearth and transform these underlying habits.

How does the “Yoga and Alexander Technique Berlin” Course work?

This course comprises six classes, each structured as follows:

  • Commencement with ten minutes of semi-supine practice and guided instructions.
  • Exploration of 3 to 4 yoga poses in every session, examining them through the lens of the Alexander Technique.
  • Incorporation of a 10-minute guided relaxation period.
  • Engaging in interactive games aimed at grasping Alexander Technique concepts.
  • Participation in partner activities, where students are paired up to enhance interoception (prior consent is always sought).
  • Dedicated time for optional questions and comments.

Please note: This is an in-studio exclusive class and will not be available for online streaming.

For Whom?

This course is for anybody who is interested in yoga or who is interested in the Alexander Technique. It is designed in a way that you can participate, regardless of your level of experience.

What to bring?

Mats, blankets and chairs are provided at the studio. For hygiene, it is best if you bring your own equipment, but you are welcome to use ours too!

When?

Every Thursday 8pm starting on April 11th to May 23rd, 2024. (except May 9th which falls on a public holiday)

Duration: 1hour and 15 minutes.

Price: 65 euro if you sign up for the 6 classes, 15 euro if you want a drop in class

How to sign up?

To book the whole course please fill out this form.

To book a drop in class, book through momoyoga. Click here to see how it works.

Pinelopi embarked on her yoga journey in 1999, completing a 600-hour Hatha Yoga Teacher and Vedantic Philosophy Training course in Valencia, Spain. She founded English Yoga Berlin in 2010, and now has over 15 years of experience as a full-time yoga teacher.

She deepened her knowledge by studying Yoga Anatomy with Leslie Kaminoff. Additionally, she trained with David Moore and attended his “Injury-free yoga” workshops, integrating the Alexander Technique into yoga poses. This comprehensive training enriched her expertise in both fields.

In January of 2023, Pinelopi achieved a significant milestone by becoming a certified Alexander Technique teacher. This was an intensive training for 3.3 years, totaling 1600 hours of dedicated study with Jorg Aßhoff.

Pinelopi’s ergonomic consultations integrate anatomy, Alexander Technique, and yoga’s mind-body understanding. Her holistic approach optimizes well-being in the workplace through comprehensive guidance.

She has completed a 3 day training on “Understanding Trauma for Safer Spaces” with Legacy Motion, and is now studying “Somatic Embodiment and Regulation Strategies” with Linda Thai. Her meditation philosophy is deeply inspired by Tara Brach, especially the RAIN meditation.

Navigating Overwhelm: The Art of Resourcing

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often find ourselves swept away by the fast and sometimes turbulent river of emotions and stress. At English Yoga Berlin, we believe that resourcing is an invaluable technique that empowers us to navigate this overwhelming river with resilience. Today, we invite you to explore the concept of resourcing, inspired by the insights gained from Legacy Motion’sUnderstanding Trauma for Safer Spaces’ course. By taking just ten minutes to identify your personal resources, you can make a significant difference in your well-being. We are excited to bring this transformative practice into our classes, sharing the wisdom we’ve gained to create a supportive and nurturing space for all.

What is a Resource?

A resource, in the context of the nervous system, is anything that helps us navigate or be present with the overwhelm. The key lies in recognizing these resources and utilizing them consciously when needed.

When should I Resource?

The beauty of resourcing lies in its accessibility and simplicity. You can turn to your resources whenever you feel yourself getting activated, when things seem to be moving too fast, or when you need a moment to process something. It’s about taking a pause, regaining your strength, and preparing to face the next part of the river.

Photo by Taryn Manning on Unsplash

Tara Brach describes resourcing in one of her podcasts by using the example of kayaking.

Imagine navigating down a river in a kayak. Sometimes the river moves swiftly and violently. In those cases, we might take refuge behind a rock. This provides a brief pause, allowing us to consider how to deal with the situation, strengthen ourselves, and then navigate the next part of the river. The kayak is our vessel, but the true resource is found in the refuge behind the rock, where we find a moment of solace and empowerment.

Three Types of Resources:

Internal Present:

This type of resource emanates from within, in the present moment. It can be the most challenging to access, especially for individuals with trauma. Examples include taking deep breaths to ground yourself in the now or using the RAIN meditation.

External Present:

Resources from the external environment can provide a valuable anchor. Engage your senses – sight, smell, touch, sound – with a simple practice like the 54321 technique. This brings you back to the present moment, offering a momentary escape from the overwhelm.

Internal Past:

Delve into your internal past for resources by remembering something comforting or grounding. It could be visualizing a safe space that you have experienced or recalling a song that gives you strength – these memories serve as powerful tools to navigate the river of emotions. In times of overwhelm, these internal past resources become like anchors, grounding you and providing the stability needed to navigate the twists and turns of life’s currents.

Embracing Conscious Resourcing

Resourcing is a technique we all inherently know how to do. The key difference lies in elevating it from unconscious use to conscious application. Take ten minutes today to create a list of your personal resources. In moments when our nervous system feels overwhelmed, it’s common to forget what could be helpful. Having a prepared list and using it consciously can make a significant difference.

Consider finding at least two or three resources for each type – internal present, external present, and internal past. This ensures that you have a diverse set of tools to rely on, enhancing the effectiveness of your resourcing practice. Remember, the power of resourcing lies not only in its simplicity but in the conscious and intentional application of these tools when you need them the most.

Finally…

As you navigate the river of overwhelm, remember that your kayak is equipped with the strength of your own resources. Embrace the journey, pausing behind the rocks, and emerge stronger, ready to navigate the next twist in the river of life.

Stay tuned for the upcoming blogs in a three part series, where I’ll be sharing my personal list of resources—Internal Present, External Present, and Internal Past. Join me in exploring these practices and let’s inspire each other to cultivate our unique toolkits for resilience.

Pinelopi embarked on her yoga journey in 1999, completing a 600-hour Hatha Yoga Teacher and Vedantic Philosophy Training course in Valencia, Spain. She founded English Yoga Berlin in 2010, and now has over 15 years of experience as a full-time yoga teacher.

She deepened her knowledge by studying Yoga Anatomy with Leslie Kaminoff. Additionally, she trained with David Moore and attended his “Injury-free yoga” workshops, integrating the Alexander Technique into yoga poses. This comprehensive training enriched her expertise in both fields.

In January of 2023, Pinelopi achieved a significant milestone by becoming a certified Alexander Technique teacher. This was an intensive training for 3.3 years, totaling 1600 hours of dedicated study with Jorg Aßhoff.

Pinelopi’s ergonomic consultations integrate anatomy, Alexander Technique, and yoga’s mind-body understanding. Her holistic approach optimizes well-being in the workplace through comprehensive guidance.

She has completed a 3 day training on “Understanding Trauma for Safer Spaces” with Legacy Motion, and is now studying “Somatic Embodiment and Regulation Strategies” with Linda Thai. Her meditation philosophy is deeply inspired by Tara Brach, especially the RAIN meditation.

CHAKRA course Kreuzberg – the details

Please note: In the original Tantric yoga tradition there are many forms of chakra systems that have been mentioned: five-chakra system, seven, nine, ten, fifteen, twenty-one, twenty-eight. We will focus on the seven-chakra system that became dominant around the 16th century and that has been influenced by the psychologist Carl Jung who presented the idea that human behaviours get felt energetically.

January 11th, 2024

The first class of our chakra course will have a different format to the rest of the classes to explain the basic concepts of the yogic philosophy of prana, nadis, koshas, and chakras. These concepts will be needed to understand the rest of the chakras course.

Through this talk we will understand in which plane the chakras are found and the energy flow pathways. We will explore what is meant when referring to phrases such as:

  • energy leaks
  • biography becomes biology
  • healthy/blocked chakra

Format of first class:

  • 1hr talk
  • 30 minute yoga plus relaxation
  • each student will get a handout with the information covered in this talk.

Format of the other nine classes:

  • 15-30 minute talk explaining the thought patterns, behaviours and emotions of the specific chakra we are exploring and its physical repercussions.
  • 40 minute asanas (yogic postures that activate the specific chakra)
  • 20 minutes guided relaxation in which the students self explore these concepts in regards to their own lives.
  • 10 minutes questions/answers or sharing (optional)
  • At the end of each class students will be given ideas of small tasks they can do daily till the next class to better embed the teachings of the chakra explored.
  • Students will also receive an email with the basic teachings of the class and optional self-exploration questions to journal about.

January 18th, 2024

In MULADHARA we will explore our roots as an archetype. This refers to how the psyche views the group of people, subculture, culture, nation (s), that grew you up as a child. The ones that passed all those messages that “we do things this way and not that way.” In this class, we will explore who is the “we” in that phrase and what messages one has received at that level. The guided meditation will invite the students to find and release a personal belief passed down from their roots that no longer serves them.

January 25th, 2024

In the chakra SVADHISHTHANA we will explore the role and power of choice and how that affects creativity and one to one relationships. A healthy second chakra allows for creativity to reshape our lives and for the world to become a playful place.The guided meditation will invite students to explore how much Flow is in a choice that they have made.

Exploring our personal power in the Chakra Course Berlin

February 1st, 2024

In the chakra MANIPURA we will explore the four stages of personal power and the ability to separate ourselves from group thought.

The guided meditation will take the students through the four stages of personal power as they choose a personal subject that they wish to work on.

February 8th, 2024

In part one of the chakra ANAHATA we will explore the definition of forgiveness and why we would wish to let go of past wounds.

We can not will forgiveness, we can only be willing. -Tara Brach

The guided meditation will focus on forgiving someone the student is ready to let go of.

February 15th, 2024

In part two of the chakra ANAHATA we will explore the “armored heart”. In what ways can we soften it and learn to trust it?

The guided meditation will be a practice of loving kindness.

Exploring Anahata at the Chakra Course Berlin
Finding your own voice through the chakra course

February 22nd, 2024

In the chakra VISHUDDHA we will explore communicating your “inner truth” and then surrendering to what you can not control.

The guided meditation will be a practice of finding your voice.

 “Love says ‘I am everything.’ Wisdom says ‘I am nothing.’ Between the two, my life flows.”

Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, I Am That

 

February 29th, 2024

In the chakra AJNA we will explore intuition, healthy detachment, and symbolic sight.

The guided meditation will be a visualization exploring the movie that is your life.

There will be no class on March 7th, 2024

Chakra course Berlin

March 14th, 2024

In the chakra SAHASRARA we will explore our own private spirituality.

The guided meditation will be exploring your own spirit connection.

March 21st, 2024

In our last class we will re-visit all seven chakras and have space for more comments and questions.

The guided meditation will be affirmations, and visualizations for each chakra.

 
To find out about location, prices, how to book or to know more about the teacher please click here.

Every Day Movements

EXPLORING MOVEMENT THROUGH GROUP ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE CLASSES

Wednesday mornings at English Yoga Berlin

Group Alexander Technique classes in Berlin

Our habits permeate our daily lives, from the way we squeeze a lemon and carry a child in our arms to sitting in front of our computers, pouring tea, and climbing stairs. In this group Alexander Technique classes, we will examine these everyday movements through the lens of the Alexander Technique. We will explore ways to interrupt habitual patterns and introduce a newfound ease into our actions.

How does the course work?

We begin by delving into the Alexander Technique directions while in a semi-supine position. We familiarize ourselves with the five fundamental principles of the Alexander Technique. With each session, we select a specific action and look at the ways how we shape our bodies to perform it. Our focus is on maintaining our primary control and adapting our actions to serve us, rather than contorting ourselves to complete the task.

The teachings are delivered in an engaging manner through interactive games, observation, partner work, and self-awareness exercises.

For whom?

This class is open to all, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced student. While having prior experience with private Alexander Technique classes can be helpful, it’s not a requirement for participation.

In my experience, individuals who benefit the most from the Alexander Technique combine private and group classes. Private sessions allow us to address your unique habits and guide you towards a more effortless way of being. In group classes, students can explore new ways of incorporating these principles into their lives while honing their self-awareness skills.

When?

Class Schedule:

  • Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at English Yoga Berlin

This course begins on January 10th, 2024.

Price

This group Alexander Technique classes are available in two formats:

  • 6-week modules: €65 for the six classes
  • Drop-in class: €15

If you have any further questions or wish to register, please feel free to reach out:

pinelopi (at) englishyogaberlin (dot) com

Pinelopi embarked on her yoga journey in 1999, completing a 600-hour Hatha Yoga Teacher and Vedantic Philosophy Training course in Valencia, Spain. She founded English Yoga Berlin in 2010, and now has over 15 years of experience as a full-time yoga teacher.

She deepened her knowledge by studying Yoga Anatomy with Leslie Kaminoff. Additionally, she trained with David Moore and attended his “Injury-free yoga” workshops, integrating the Alexander Technique into yoga poses. This comprehensive training enriched her expertise in both fields.

In January of 2023, Pinelopi achieved a significant milestone by becoming a certified Alexander Technique teacher. This was an intensive training for 3.3 years, totaling 1600 hours of dedicated study with Jorg Aßhoff.

Pinelopi’s ergonomic consultations integrate anatomy, Alexander Technique, and yoga’s mind-body understanding. Her holistic approach optimizes well-being in the workplace through comprehensive guidance.

She has completed a 3 day training on “Understanding Trauma for Safer Spaces” with Legacy Motion, and is now studying “Somatic Embodiment and Regulation Strategies” with Linda Thai. Her meditation philosophy is deeply inspired by Tara Brach, especially the RAIN meditation.

Triggered or Activated?

What felt like a really interesting new discovery during our “Understandting Trauma for Safer Spaces” training, was the distinction between being triggered and being activated. It struck me that we often use the term “triggered” when “activated” might be more appropriate in many situations. I did some online research on this, but it appears to be a relatively novel concept with limited available information. Nevertheless, it feels crucial to me.

The Trigger vs. Activation:

Triggered

When we use the term “triggered,” it typically signifies a state where our emotional responses have been hijacked, and our ability to rationalize the experience is temporarily impaired. Trauma survivors grappling with triggers may find themselves lost in a whirlwind of flashbacks, racing hearts, and overwhelming emotions. In this state, it is hard for them to make sense of what is happening to them. The trigger has effectively transported their nervous system back to the original trauma.

Activated

On the other hand, being “activated” denotes a state where we retain some capacity to engage in an internal cause-and-effect dialogue about our emotional state. It allows us to recognize that our physical responses, such as a racing heart or sweaty palms, are reactions to a specific stimulus that has activated our sympathetic nervous system. This awareness enables us to establish a connection between the triggering subject and the physical sensations we’re experiencing, or even simply acknowledge that we’re feeling “off” because of a certain stimulus.

Why the Distinction Matters:

Understanding this distinction is important because it acknowledges that these experiences are not one and the same. Using “triggered” and “activated” interchangeably can inadvertently minimize the unique challenges each state presents.


How to Approach Each State:

In Dealing with Activation

When someone is activated, remember there is some level of cognitive awareness. Practices like focused deep breathing, grounding exercises, physical activities, RAIN meditation or talking to a trusted friend can be effective strategies. These actions help make sense of what is happening and helps the person regain control over their emotional state.

In Dealing with Triggers

If you’re assisting someone who is experiencing what we differentiate as a trigger, it’s essential to recognize that the “logical” part of the brain, which seeks connections between events, may not be available to them at that moment. Therefore, it is more helpful to focus on bringing the person back to the present. Techniques such as sharing your name and the date, asking for their name, or identifying the place you are in are more effective. You can help the person engage in activities like naming 10 red objects in the room (make sure to do this out loud rather than just pointing to objects). This method safely activates the part of the brain responsible for language and orients the individual back into the current space, helping them move away from the flashback.

Closing Thoughts

Understanding the distinction between being triggered and activated can enhance our ability to support individuals as they navigate the emotional waves of their experiences. It is important to recognize that employing techniques like RAIN meditation may be very helpful when someone is activated but not necessarily helpful when someone is caught in a flashback; in fact, it could potentially re-traumatize them. While the term “trigger” has gained considerable usage in recent decades, shedding much needed light on the importance of a trauma-sensitive approach, it is possible that we have been using it somewhat loosely to describe two distinct states that necessitate distinct responses in order to accompany individuals safely through their emotional journey.

About the Author

Pinelopi embarked on her yoga journey in 1999, completing a 600-hour Hatha Yoga Teacher and Vedantic Philosophy Training course in Valencia, Spain. She founded English Yoga Berlin in 2010, and now has over 15 years of experience as a full-time yoga teacher.

She deepened her knowledge by studying Yoga Anatomy with Leslie Kaminoff. Additionally, she trained with David Moore and attended his “Injury-free yoga” workshops, integrating the Alexander Technique into yoga poses. This comprehensive training enriched her expertise in both fields.

In January of 2023, Pinelopi achieved a significant milestone by becoming a certified Alexander Technique teacher. This was an intensive training for 3.3 years, totaling 1600 hours of dedicated study with Jorg Aßhoff.

Pinelopi’s ergonomic consultations integrate anatomy, Alexander Technique, and yoga’s mind-body understanding. Her holistic approach optimizes well-being in the workplace through comprehensive guidance.

She has completed a 3 day training on “Understanding Trauma for Safer Spaces” with Legacy Motion, and is now studying “Somatic Embodiment and Regulation Strategies” with Linda Thai. Her meditation philosophy is deeply inspired by Tara Brach, especially the RAIN meditation.

Cycling and the Alexander Technique Workshop:

Discover Balance and Efficiency

Are you finding yourself exerting more effort than necessary while cycling? Are you tightly gripping the handlebars? Do you notice restricted breathing or discomfort in your back and shoulders? In bustling Berlin, cycling is a part of our daily routine, yet we often carry our ingrained habits onto our bicycles. These patterns can hinder our progress, even as we pedal towards our destinations. But what if there’s a way to make your cycling experience smoother and more effortless?

Dear Wonderful Community,

I’m excited to let you know that a special workshop awaits, where the transformative power of the Alexander Technique meets the world of cycling. Over the past four years, I’ve immersed myself in the technique while cycling daily through vibrant Berlin, experiencing heightened ease and a newfound sense of effortlessness. Now, I’m eager to spread this knowledge and share it with you.

Where:

Tempelhofer Feld (Meet at the Tempelhofer Damm entrance; specific spot to be announced)

Date: This workshop was on Sunday, September 3rd, 2023 at 11:30 am.

****If you missed the workshop and would like to have come, sign up to the newsletter to find out when it will happen again. Alternatively, if you have a group of people that you would like to take this workshop privately, write me an email and we can organize a date!

Duration:

Approximately one hour

What to Bring:

Your trusty bicycles and any necessary safety gear

What Awaits You:

During the workshop, you’ll embark on a journey to:

  • recognize your cycling habits
  • learn how to pause as a means of interrupting the habit
  • experiment with different ways of cycling that reduce effort while increasing ease

Price:

Participation comes at a price of 25 Euro (19% VAT is included)

How to Secure Your Spot:

Write me an email at:

pinelopi (at) englishyogaberlin (dot) com

A Note on Capacity:

While Tempelhofer Feld is vast and seemingly endless, my commitment to offering personalized attention means I am limiting participation to a cozy group of 10. To ensure your spot, it’s advisable to secure your place as soon as you’re able.

Thank you for being a part of this community, and I look forward to embarking on this journey of discovery and growth with you.

Warm regards, Pinelopi

Testimonials:

This workshop was a good and very enjoyable practice of riding the bike with less tension and effort. And it gave me some very helpful suggestions and tools based on the Alexander Technique to experiment with – like the reminder to let the neck be free and think of lifting the legs instead of pushing them down.

Andra Vaida

Pinelopi embarked on her yoga journey in 1999, completing a 600-hour Hatha Yoga Teacher and Vedantic Philosophy Training course in Valencia, Spain. She founded English Yoga Berlin in 2010, and now has over 15 years of experience as a full-time yoga teacher.

She deepened her knowledge by studying Yoga Anatomy with Leslie Kaminoff. Additionally, she trained with David Moore and attended his “Injury-free yoga” workshops, integrating the Alexander Technique into yoga poses. This comprehensive training enriched her expertise in both fields.

In January of 2023, Pinelopi achieved a significant milestone by becoming a certified Alexander Technique teacher. This was an intensive training for 3.3 years, totaling 1600 hours of dedicated study with Jorg Aßhoff.

Pinelopi’s ergonomic consultations integrate anatomy, Alexander Technique, and yoga’s mind-body understanding. Her holistic approach optimizes well-being in the workplace through comprehensive guidance.

She has completed a 3 day training on “Understanding Trauma for Safer Spaces” with Legacy Motion, and is now studying “Somatic Embodiment and Regulation Strategies” with Linda Thai. Her meditation philosophy is deeply inspired by Tara Brach, especially the RAIN meditation.

Pinelopi

Understanding Trauma for Safer Spaces

20hr Berlin Trauma-informed Facilitator training from Legacy Motion

for all body workers, including yoga teachers and Alexander Technique teachers

hosted at English Yoga Berlin

When: September 8th to 10th, 2023

This training is more than an education, it is a practical learning experience to
transform your offering and the spaces you occupy.
This experience will offer you immediate tools, methods, and
interventions to instantly cultivate a more trauma-informed approach in
your current studio, classes, business, organization, and/or offerings.
It is an integrative and holistic approach to discovering the connections
between empowerment and resilience through personal exploration,
invitational language, safe space creation, supportive solutions, and
facilitating choice-making.

What is Trauma-Informed?

Trauma is an experience shared by all; whether you have experienced it
firsthand or know people who have experienced it, it is something we come
into contact with any time we work with humans. It is our responsibility to
know and understand the impacts trauma has on individuals and
communities as well as how behaviours manifest and how we can work
alongside them and support people in every field and industry. This training
gives you foundational tools and insights into what it means to be human and
interact with others in a way that promotes safety, dignity, and belonging.
Trauma-informed means taking into account past trauma and the
resulting coping mechanisms when attempting to understand the
behaviours of those we are working alongside. It means bringing empathy
and compassion to every interaction and creating a safe and accessible
space for all.

During this training participants will discover:

● How trauma anatomically affects the nervous system
● How to identify trauma symptoms and trigger responses
● Tools to promote biological resiliency, self-regulation and resolution
● Protocol and best practices in the field
● Invitational language
● Community building and outreach methods
● Ahimsa and the importance of self-care
● How to create a safe space
● Teaching methods for classrooms, yoga studios, healthcare
practitioners, etc

In order to earn your Certificate of Completion, you must be present
for all training days and complete all written assignments by the
scheduled due date. These guidelines for completion are to ensure
that we are building a safe and robust community during this
transformational learning experience.

Who is this Berlin Trauma-informed training for?

~ Suitable for – Yoga Teachers, Body Workers, Coaches

This 20HR training is foundational training, offering you the methods and
interventions to instantly cultivate a more trauma-informed approach in your
current studio and offerings. For yoga teachers and those in the health & wellness
industry, this training will allow you to understand the physiology behind trauma
and how to facilitate safe spaces for all.

~ Suitable for – Mental Health Practitioners, Community Social Workers,
Psychologists

Professional training for those in the mental health or health care industry to
incorporate the body and movement-based practices into your offerings and
work. This training will allow those working with members of the public to
understand the physiology behind trauma and how to work with individuals in a
safe manner for all. This training will allow you to understand trauma from a
bottom-up approach, allowing us to understand the body and how it is affected
during certain circumstances and events (mentally, physically and emotionally).

~ Suitable for – Human Resource Professionals, Managers, Business Owners.

“Trauma is an emotional injury that affects performance and well-being.”
Integrating trauma-informed principles into an organization means operating
from a place of understanding trauma, and recognizing the negative effects
of the trauma within the organization and in the communities it works within.
As a business professional, understanding trauma’s impacts on the workforce,
and how to approach organizational processes from a trauma-informed lens,
means mitigating the harm that is so often perpetuated through a
misunderstanding of human behaviour. It means creating a safe and
supportive work environment for all to thrive.

How to register?

Follow this link to look at prices and registration process:

Find out more:

Click here to find out more details about our facilitator, the modules studied, the time table, sliding scale prices etc.

Retreat on Yoga and The Alexander Technique

ONLY TWO SPACES LEFT- join this beautiful opportunity now!

Email Pinelopi : pinelopi (at) englishyogaberlin (dot) com

Friday June 16th, 2023 15:00- Sunday June 18th, 2023 14:00

Yoga and the Alexander Technique are a powerful combination that can improve body awareness and break ingrained habits that affect our movements. The Alexander Technique provides small adjustments to improve coordination and overall body function, while yoga enhances strength and flexibility. By integrating these practices, individuals can move mindfully and reduce stress and tension in their bodies. Practicing yoga with the principles of the Alexander Technique can help individuals move more efficiently and avoid unnecessary strain in everyday life.

Where?

Rosenwaldhof– This retreat on “Yoga and the Alexander Technique” will take place in a beautiful place in Brandenburg, 1.5 hours South-east of Berlin, on the river Havel, surrounded by nature.

What is included in the “Yoga and Alexander Technique” retreat:

  • Three Hatha Yoga Sessions
  • Meditations
  • An introduction to the Alexander Technique with Jörg Aßhoff
  • Mandala stone painting
  • Mindfulness Walks
  • Delicious vegetarian/ vegan meals, tea, coffee and fruit
  • Fun awareness games
  • Bonfire, star gazing, and perhaps even swimming (if weather permits)

Prices:

The full cost of the inclusive retreat is 306 –  426€ (depending on your accommodation preference)

Accommodation options plus delicious food:

  • Shared double room with private bathroom
  • Single room with shared bathroom
  • Single room with private bathroom
  • camping with shared bathroom

Please note that payments to Pinelopi for the tuition (200€ incl.19%VAT) and Rosenwaldhof for lodgings and food (136€-226€) will happen separately .

Early registration discount:  Tuition to Pinelopi costs 155€ if you register for the yoga retreat before May 1st, 2023. To reserve your space, please send an email and deposit 50 Euro by bank transfer or paypal.

*The deposit is fully refundable if a cancellation occurs before May 15th, 2023, and 50% refundable if cancellation occurs before May 25th, 2023. After which no refund is possible.

Since space is limited, register early before the spots fill up!

For more details, please write to:

pinelopi (at) englishyogaberlin (dot) com

Worried about canceling due to corona?

I completely understand. You could purchase a “Reiserücktrittsversicherung” (travel insurance) or “Seminarrücktritts-Versicherung” that can reimburse you in case of sickness. In the unlikely case that I get corona and am unable to come, you will get the tuition money back and can still go and enjoy Rosenwaldhof, the lakes and forest, and the wonderful food and accommodation.

About the teachers:

Beginning her yoga journey in 1999, Pinelopi completed a 600 hour Hatha Yoga Teacher and Vedantic Philosophy Training course over a period of two years in Valencia, Spain.  For the last decade, she has worked as a full-time yoga teacher in Spain and in 2010 she founded English Yoga Berlin. She studied Yoga Anatomy with Leslie Kaminoff, and “Injury-free yoga” applying the Alexander Technique postural alignment to all yoga poses with  David Moore.  She is also an Alexander Technique teacher, and has recently graduated from Jörg Aßhoff‘s school in Berlin. Her workshops and retreats are inspired by Tara Brach‘s teachings.

Joerg Aßhoff –  is an experienced Alexander Technique Teacher with a 30 year working experience. He is now the director of the Alexander-Technik-Schule in Berlin, teaching the next generation of Alexander Technique teachers. His expertise includes teaching at the University of Performing Arts, Community schools, and speech therapy schools. He practices Zen meditation since 1990 and studied with a Japanese Zen master for a long period of time.

How to Set up an Ergonomic Workspace

An online workshop with important tips for employees working from home and in hybrid work environments

Ergonomic Home Office Workshop Benefits :

  • reduces back pain
  • demonstrates diy/cheap changes to office infrastructure
  • prevents repetitive stress injuries
  • uncovers/improves typing habits
  • improves eye care health
  • explores work breaks’ efficiency

Testimonials:

We offer a variety of health and wellness workshops and this session got the most engagement and positive feedback this year! Pinelopi goes way beyond the ‘typical’ and offers practical tips, unbiased product recommendations and plenty of hacks for people who don’t want to spend a lot of money on their home office. Highly recommended!
Ava Hegedus – Head of Culture and Workplace at Uberall GmbH

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Read more testimonials from people and businesses who have already received the workshop.

Workshop Details:

This workshop is given in two sessions, each an hour and ten minutes long, recommended between a day and two weeks apart.
SESSION ONE: posture, infrastructure, quality of breaks, short stretching session
SESSION TWO: wrist care, eye care, general environment, questions
After the workshop, employees receive a detailed summary to customize their home office

Schedule and Pricing:

There is limited workshop availability.
350 Euro for a group up to 12 people
+ 5 Euro for each additional person

Request the workshop for your company:

Please write an email to discuss further details and dates for your company or to request the workshop for the general public. If you prefer an on-site workshop, that is also possible.
pinelopi (at) englishyogaberlin (dot) com

Why this workshop and not just business classes?

I have given many business yoga classes that help employees reduce stress, stretch out stiff muscles and improve their breathing. Although these classes have been very valuable, I realized they were not enough. As soon as employees return to their desks the “hunched over habits” take over and the muscles stiffen up within two to three days, restricting their breathing, and decreasing their sense of well-being. Whats more, working conditions worsened as the pandemic forced many people to move to hybrid work and home offices. As a result, I developed this ergonomic home office workshop to help employees understand how to create healthy computer habits and to give many creative ideas of how to set up their home office.

About the teacher:

Beginning my yoga journey in 1999, I, Pinelopi, completed a 600 hour Hatha Yoga Teacher and Vedantic Philosophy Training course over a period of two years in Valencia, Spain. For over a decade, I have worked as a full-time yoga teacher in Spain and in 2010 I founded English Yoga Berlin.

I, then, deepened my knowledge through studying Yoga Anatomy with Leslie Kaminoff. Meanwhile, I also studied with David Moore and attended several of his “Injury-free yoga” workshops of how to apply the Alexander Technique postural alignment to yoga poses.

In January 2023, I completed a 1600 hour three year training with Jorg Asshof in the Alexander Technique.

My ergonomic consultations are based on my knowledge of anatomy, alignment through the Alexander Technique, and a deep understanding of the body and mind’s needs through yoga.

My meditation philosophy is deeply inspired by Tara Brach and especially the RAIN meditation.

Free Semi-Supine Audio Guides: Directions

Thinking the Basic Alexander Technique Directions through the semi-supine audio

In this free semi-supine audio guide, we explore thinking the basic Alexander Technique directions and observe what kind of effect they have on our selves. These directions are:

  • Let the neck be free.
  • Let the head go forward and up (explained in the guide).
  • Let the back be long and wide.
  • Let the arms and legs be long.

Would you like to listen to more semi supine audio guides? Then you can click here.

About the Author:

I am Pinelopi and I am an Alexander Technique Teacher in Berlin. My training was 1600 hours long with Jörg Aßhoff over a period of three years and three months. I love giving Alexander Technique classes and uncovering deep habits. My favorite moments are when a student discovers new ways to use themselves and an “A-ha” expression lights up their face! If you want to book a class contact me.