MORNING SESSION – THE YIN PATH
Theme: Grounding in the Body: Foundations of Yin Yoga for Nervous System Support
Duration: 2.5 Hours
1. Opening Circle & Trauma-Aware Grounding
Welcome & Workshop Overview
Invitation to set personal intention or sankalpa
2. Trauma-Informed Approach to Yin Yoga
Defining trauma + understanding the nervous system
Polyvagal Theory basics: Safety, choice, and interoception
Language and cueing that empower student agency
3. Functional Anatomy & Yin Yoga Philosophy
Difference between tension and compression
The role of fascia & meridians
Stillness as somatic resource, not a demand
Functional vs. aesthetic alignment in diverse bodies
4. Practice: Yin for Safety & Release
A slow sequence focused on the Kidney/Urinary Bladder meridians (fear, grounding)
Props, invitational language, and optional exits emphasized
5. Reflection & Integration
Journaling prompt: "When do I feel safe to soften?"
Partner or small group share (optional)
Discussion: What might change in how I teach Yin?
AFTERNOON SESSION – THE NIDRA GATEWAY
Theme: Deep Rest as a Portal for Healing and Wholeness
Duration: 2.5 Hours
1. Arrival + Nervous System
Breath awareness, orienting practice
Space to share insights from Day One
2. Trauma-Informed Foundations of Yoga Nidra
Nidra through the lens of trauma-sensitive practice
The koshas as maps for awareness, not correction
Creating a felt sense of control: Opt-in cues, pacing, and environment
3. Components of a Nidra Script
Safe language and voice tone
Importance of optionality in Sankalpa
Building the arc: Structure and transitions
4. Practice: Guided Trauma-Informed Nidra
30-minute Yoga Nidra practice (focus on grounding and body sovereignty)
Restorative or gentle movement to close
5. Practice Teaching + Integration
Breakout groups to practice 5-minute segment of script or Yin pose cueing
Peer feedback (emphasis on safety, tone, optionality)
6. Closing Circle & Next Steps
Group sharing: What felt empowering?
Suggestions for integrating trauma-informed Yin & Nidra into classes or private work
Supplemental Materials (Optional PDF Add-ons):
Trauma-Informed Language Guide for Yoga Teachers
Yin Pose Modification Reference Sheet
Yoga Nidra Script Template (trauma-sensitive)
Reflective Journal Pages
Resource List (Books, Podcasts, Trainings)