Yoga Teacher Training in Boulder 

June 8th, 2008, Sunday morning, my birthday. What a great gift. Another teacher training. Sitting at the Yoga Workshop, Richard’s shala (practice room). The simple room, one large space is full of new faces sitting on Yoga mats awaiting the beginning of this month long teacher intensive. We have our mats set along the walls. Mat touching mat. 40 students eager to learn from one of the best teachers of yoga today.

To begin with, Mary, Richard’s wife, gives a briefing on this coming month. Later Richard walks in and the room fills with a feeling of something great that just happened. After he entered, in his simple manner, he begun teaching without much of an introduction.

That morning like most others, consisted of some Asana (yoga poses) practice, learning about alignment, adjustments, breathe and gaze. Richard explained slowly and repeated Ekam plenty times. Consequently we did over and over arms up gaze up. To emphasize his teachings he used analogies such as ‘Look up like you were a banker’ which gives support the lifting of the chest. As the arms rise, he instructed us to feel the kidney wings. The energy that begins at the kidneys, rises through the sides of the body and up through the arms, therefore providing us with sensory tools to achieve better energy in the pose.

After a short beak we continue with chanting and philosophy, following Richard’s guidance for correct pronunciation. After we are warmed up in Sanskrit, we dive into philosophy. Hatha Yoga Pradipika, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Samkya, and more.

Afternoons in the Teacher Training with Richard Freeman

In the afternoons I take a Mysore style class, optional to the program. I love the practice, and want to get as much out of it as possible. Study is great, but I want it mixed with full practice. Maybe this is why now in my own teacher trainings here at the Doron Yoga & Zen Center, I have a full 2.5 hours practice in the mornings. Of course I infuse the practice with teachings, but it is a great practice, that helps tone, strengthen and condition the body. It also creates powerful awareness and training of mind and breath.

The group is very international. Students from China, Japan, Europe, NY, CA, Mexico, Canada and locals from Boulder all unified with a set sequence of poses practiced daily around the globe. (The Ashtanga Vinyasa sequence by Patthabi Jois). Richard, calmly sits on his cushion, with clear eyes, guides us through the more Sanskrit pronunciation. He seems to have child like love and excitement for the little details.

Meditation at the Boulder Shambhala Center

On some afternoons we walked over to the Boulder Shambhala Center to practice meditation. It’s a beautiful place. A large shrine, colorful cushions, incense, all create a lovely atmosphere. We were guided in shunyata practices, and had time to ask questions. We practiced seated and walking meditation. Similar to what I was used to from my Zen practices of Zazen and Kinhin. Following the breath, dropping away from the activity of the mind. Just as Patanjali also instructed – controlling , or stopping the movement of the mind.

Stillness.

I sit, and stay for another round, slipping the walking session. I was gone. It was like I no longer existed, and yet there was powerful existence. When it was time to get up from the second sit, there was blankness. Just this. The unfolding of the legs. Standing up. A step. What great power lies within stillness. The peaceful feeling that comes after meditation. Walking feels like lightly hovering over the earth. Practice is worth it!

Walking in Boulder

I manage to walk everywhere here, it’s such a wonderful feeling. Just take Pearl Street down one direction, and you hit a beautiful promenade, downtown Boulder. The other direction will take you to a big shopping area including Whole Foods and the Mac store. Walking along perfect sidewalks with green patches, brooks follow aside or cross under, and the Flat Irons, the famous Boulder Mountains rise up with pride. Together with the dramatic sky they frame the small population of Boulder (100,000 or so). A population that seems healthy and active for the most part. It has a very outdoorsy feeling, a college town, a town of yoga, massage, Rolfing, meditation, as well as centers and Universities of alternative lifestyles.

A yoga teacher training with Richard Freeman is more of a student training than a teacher training. There is less teaching of how to teach and more of how to practice or deepen the philosophy understanding. It is a key foundation to later becoming a great teacher.

I completed the training with Richard Freeman, Mary Taylor and others in Boulder. It was after over 15 years of practice and study in the world of yoga and meditation. I feel it is always a great time to study more, to deepen, to expand and to grow.

As I now edit this post more than 12 years later, and after offering many teacher trainings myself, I am grateful for all my teachers and students along the way. Every day is a new exploration, study and practice. I highly recommend doing more than one teacher training, and going deeper as well. More than anything, keep the practice alive.

I highly recommend reading Richard Freeman’s book The Mirror of Yoga.

Share the Study

How do you deepen and develop your practice? Leave us a comment and let us know! Share this article with some yoga teacher friends and start a discussion among yourselves.

Come and visit us for a teacher training or a retreat here at Doron Yoga & Zen Center, both will help add depth to your practice!

For a whole world of information on theoretical and practical techniques of yoga and how to apply them to your practice, check out the Doron Yoga Manual. 

Blissful Living, 

Doron