Tias Little combines the mindfulness of Buddhist-based practices with the techniques of hatha yoga that stem from the teaching of B.K.S. Iyengar and K. Pattabhi Jois of Ashtanga Yoga. Tias is a licensed massage therapist, and his somatic studies include in-depth training in craniosacral therapy. His practice and teaching is influenced by the work of Ida Rolf, Moshé Feldenkrais, and Thomas Hanna, and he is a longtime student of Tibetan Buddhism. Tias lives in Santa Fe, NM, where he directs his school, Prajna Yoga, with his wife, Surya. Tias is the author of three books: The Thread of Breath, Meditations on a Dewdrop, and The Wisdom Body, which is to be published by Shambhala Press in 2014. Learn more at prajnayoga.net.

Prajna Yoga: The Sacrum-Skull Polarity
Tias Little - Course ID: AFLITT

Friday, January 18 — 9:00am - 4:30pm
Friday All-Day Intensives
Therapeutic / Mixed Levels

Explore the dynamic balance between the two poles of the spine--the sacrum and the occiput. The aim of vinyasa yoga and asana practice is to balance the motion between these two. Come discover how yoga techniques such as Mula and Uddiyana Bandhas involve the sacrum, and how these movements relate to the brain and sensory organs within the skull. We'll look at the anatomical structures involved in the sacrum-skull polarity in poses such as Downward Dog, Headstand, and Wheel, and practice postures that benefit sacral-iliac imbalances.

What to bring: A strap, block, and blanket.
The morning session is devoted to hip and sacral openers, the afternoon to inversions and pranayama.

Unfolding the Psoas for Pranayama
Tias Little - Course ID: M1LITT

Saturday, January 19 — 8:00am - 10:00am
Main Conference - Session 1
Therapeutic / Mixed Levels

The psoas muscle is thought to be the most core muscle of the body and key to stabilizing the lower spine. This muscle also attaches directly to the respiratory diaphragm. By creating length and space in the abdomen, we'll discover how to cultivate the breath within. **This class has been approved by American Council on Exercise (ACE) for 0.2 CECs.**

What to bring: A strap, block, and blanket.
Discussion, asana, and pranayama practice.

Restoring Kidney Chi
Tias Little - Course ID: M3LITT

Saturday, January 19 — 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Main Conference - Session 3
Therapeutic / Mixed Levels

It is essential not to allow the kidney region to become restricted, locked, or dehydrated. This happens as a result of muscular tension in the low back, fear, and emotional holding on. We'll regard the kidneys as huge aquifers that provide endurance and homeostasis to the entire body. Come investigate the anatomical position of the kidneys and identify the ways that the kidneys support the lungs and the flow of prana. This practice includes twists, forward bends, and supported backbends that are invaluable to balancing kidney chi. **This class has been approved by American Council on Exercise (ACE) for 0.2 CECs.**

What to bring: A strap, block, and blanket.
Discussion and asana.

Establishing the Central Core
Tias Little - Course ID: M4LITT

Sunday, January 20 — 8:00am - 10:00am
Main Conference - Session 4
Mixed Levels

Build core stability by strengthening the musculature and ligaments along the spine. We'll focus on bringing lightness and lift to the core body without tightening or causing constriction, and moving from the ilio-psoas and the inside sheath of the leg. **This class has been approved by American Council on Exercise (ACE) for 0.2 CECs.**

What to bring: A strap, block, and blanket.
Discussion and asana.