Jnana Mudra
(Gesture of Wisdom or Consciousness)
(Gesture of Wisdom or Consciousness)
This online e-course is available to anyone, anywhere in the world.
THE COURSE COMMENCES ON SUNDAY 2 FEBRUARY AND CONCLUDES ON SUNDAY 19 APRIL
(Australian EST)
WELCOME
I look forward to sharing with you, this journey of living the conscious life through Ten Guiding Principles and envisioning and embodying these principals through the practices of SoulCollage® and Yoga.
~ Debrah Gai Lewis, SoulCollage® Facilitator (since 2011) and Yoga Teacher (since 2003)
I look forward to sharing with you, this journey of living the conscious life through Ten Guiding Principles and envisioning and embodying these principals through the practices of SoulCollage® and Yoga.
~ Debrah Gai Lewis, SoulCollage® Facilitator (since 2011) and Yoga Teacher (since 2003)
About the Course
There are many principles by which we can transform and live and act as conscious human beings. When one looks at the principles of various religious, spiritual, and non-secular traditions, we find that even though the approach and the words used may be different, the principles are always the same or very similar. This is because the founders and/or teachers of these traditions, through their own experience, have come to know what principles work! The principles are truly universal.
The Ten Guiding Principles we explore in this course, through SoulCollage® + Yoga, are the Yamas and Niyamas of Raja Yoga.
YAMAS (Self Disciplines)
WEEK 1: NON-VIOLENCE (Ahimsa)
WEEK 2: TRUTHFULNESS (Satya)
WEEK 3: NON-STEALING (Asteya)
WEEK 4: MODERATION (Brahmacharya)
WEEK 5: NON-HOARDING (Aparigraha)
NIYAMAS (Personal Observances)
WEEK 6: PURITY (Saucha)
WEEK 7: CONTENTMENT (Santosha)
WEEK 8: AUSTERITY; ZEAL (Tapas)
WEEK 9: SELF-STUDY (Swadhyaya)
WEEK 10: DEVOTION TO A HIGHER POWER (Isvarapranidhana)
“The yamas and niyamas do not give you a rigid code of conduct – they give you a perspective on life, an evaluation of life,
they give an attitude toward life... They are not vows but a choiceless acceptance out of understanding.” - Vamila Thakar
YAMAS AND NIYAMAS:
HARMONY WITH YOURSELF AND HARMONY WITH THE WORLD
AT THE LEVEL OF BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT; THOUGHTS, WORDS AND ACTIONS.
Rather than thinking of the yamas and niyamas - The Ten Guiding Principles - as commandments or a mandatory ‘to do list’, view them as invitations to act in ways that promote inner and outer peace and bliss. The yamas and niyamas create harmony within you and in your relationships with others and with your environment. Where there is harmony, consciousness can expand.
Know that the Yamas and Niyamas – the Ten Guiding Principles – are already present in you.
They do not need to be acquired. They simply need to be rekindled.
they give an attitude toward life... They are not vows but a choiceless acceptance out of understanding.” - Vamila Thakar
YAMAS AND NIYAMAS:
HARMONY WITH YOURSELF AND HARMONY WITH THE WORLD
AT THE LEVEL OF BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT; THOUGHTS, WORDS AND ACTIONS.
Rather than thinking of the yamas and niyamas - The Ten Guiding Principles - as commandments or a mandatory ‘to do list’, view them as invitations to act in ways that promote inner and outer peace and bliss. The yamas and niyamas create harmony within you and in your relationships with others and with your environment. Where there is harmony, consciousness can expand.
Know that the Yamas and Niyamas – the Ten Guiding Principles – are already present in you.
They do not need to be acquired. They simply need to be rekindled.
Why do the Course?
To discover more about yourself and the way you ARE living your life and if this is in alignment with the way you WANT to be living your life.
In this course you will discover how:
To discover more about yourself and the way you ARE living your life and if this is in alignment with the way you WANT to be living your life.
In this course you will discover how:
- the yamas and niyamas are an essential part of yoga
- the yamas and niyamas can help you live your life in a more conscious, caring and compassionate way
- the yamas and niyamas can positively transform your personal behaviour and your interactions and relationships with all beings
- SoulCollage® can be used to further understand, envision and embody the yamas and niyamas and how you can discover your wisdom, change your world.
Content of the Course
Overall, the Introduction and subsequent eleven week course consists of:
For each yama and niyama, in addition to the the readings, there are several practices provided:
Overall, the Introduction and subsequent eleven week course consists of:
- An introductory overview of the yamas and niyamas - the Ten Guiding Principles, via an illustrated PDF document.
- A definition and comprehensive explanation of each yama and niyama, via 10 illustrated PDF documents.
- A concluding round-up, via an illustrated PDF document.
For each yama and niyama, in addition to the the readings, there are several practices provided:
- Yoga, meditation and relaxation practices, some guided by myself, for each of the yamas and niyamas, provided via audio and/or video files.
- SoulCollage® practices: (a) reviewing your existing SoulCollage® cards (if you have any) in light of each of the Ten Guiding Principles and (b) creating and reading one or more new SoulCollage® cards for each of the the Ten Guiding Principles.
- Reflection & Journaling: questions which help you reflect on each of the yamas and niyamas in relation to your life.
Process of the Course
Upon your registration and payment (see below), I will email you the Course Introduction PDF. On course commencement day, I will then email you Week 1: Non-violence (Ahimsa) and then the remaining Guiding Principles and the course round-up will be emailed to you over the following weeks.
During the week you read the PDF and consider the specific yama or niyama in relation to your life, respond to the questions asked and journal your responses, do the suggested yoga practices (which are provided to you via audio and/or video files; your practice of the physical yoga postures is optional), and explore and create your SoulCollage® cards. This all remains personal to you unless you wish to share with other course members and myself on the closed Facebook page, membership of which you will be offered when you join the course.
Facebook: 'Living the Conscious Life Sharing Circle' (Closed group)
Each week, making a SoulCollage® card for the yama or niyama is one of the key practices. It is optional, but highly recommended, that you post an image of your SoulCollage® card, together with its reading on the closed group Facebook page, as this is a way of sharing your creation and its wisdom with myself and the other participants of the course. You are also free to share any other reflections or insights resulting from the other practices and the readings. In this way, our closed and private Facebook page acts as our Sharing Circle.
Upon your registration and payment (see below), I will email you the Course Introduction PDF. On course commencement day, I will then email you Week 1: Non-violence (Ahimsa) and then the remaining Guiding Principles and the course round-up will be emailed to you over the following weeks.
During the week you read the PDF and consider the specific yama or niyama in relation to your life, respond to the questions asked and journal your responses, do the suggested yoga practices (which are provided to you via audio and/or video files; your practice of the physical yoga postures is optional), and explore and create your SoulCollage® cards. This all remains personal to you unless you wish to share with other course members and myself on the closed Facebook page, membership of which you will be offered when you join the course.
Facebook: 'Living the Conscious Life Sharing Circle' (Closed group)
Each week, making a SoulCollage® card for the yama or niyama is one of the key practices. It is optional, but highly recommended, that you post an image of your SoulCollage® card, together with its reading on the closed group Facebook page, as this is a way of sharing your creation and its wisdom with myself and the other participants of the course. You are also free to share any other reflections or insights resulting from the other practices and the readings. In this way, our closed and private Facebook page acts as our Sharing Circle.
The Resources You Need to Participate in the Course
For Journaling:
For SoulCollage®:
For Yoga:
- An email address to receive each week's PDF.
- Adobe Reader or another PDF reader on your device, in order to read each week's PDF.
- Access to the internet to use Facebook and websites and view videos.
- An MP4 reader (or MP3 converter) on your device, in order to listen to the audio files.
For Journaling:
- A journal or notebook and pen to record your reflections and answers to the weekly questions.
For SoulCollage®:
- A selection of at least 30 images from magazines, old books, or any other paper-based resource that you feel strongly drawn to.
- 10 or more 5” x8” blank mat-board cards. You can purchase the SoulCollage® branded ones, and other SoulCollage® products, from Hanford Mead Publishers in the US, or you can order them from, eg., a Picture Framing shop, or you can create your own blank cards using thick cardboard or similar.
- Glue or glue sticks.
- Scissors – one small pair, one medium pair, and one larger pair are useful.
- Cutting blade and cutting mat (optional).
- 5” x8” frame to use for selecting a desired piece of large imagery. You can create this yourself out of a piece of cardboard.
For Yoga:
- A yoga mat and suitable clothing to practice the asanas (physical yoga postures).*
- A comfortable chair, meditation stool, floor cushion or similar for the meditation practices.
- A blanket, shawl or similar covering for the meditation and Yoga Nidra (relaxation) practices.
* PHYSICAL YOGA. The practice of yoga asanas (physical yoga postures) provided by via video link each week, is optional and is dependent on your previous yoga asana experience and current state of health and fitness.
New to SoulCollage®?
This course is your opportunity to create SoulCollage® cards for ten guiding principles that will become important, meaningful and inspirational Neters (guides, allies and challengers) in your new or existing SoulCollage®deck. Do not worry if you are new to SoulCollage®. By visiting and exploring the links I have provided you below - the SoulCollage® website and other websites, the book SoulCollage® Evolving, and by watching the videos, you will have enough information to assist you to create your ten guiding principles SoulCollage® cards. In addition, as a trained SoulCollage® Facilitator, I am available to help you if, when and where needed throughout the course, either by phone, email, Messenger or FaceTime (This said, I do highly recommend, that at some point in time, you enrol in a face-to-face SoulCollage® class or workshop led by myself or another trained SoulCollage® Facilitator).
SoulCollage Website: www.soulcollage.com
Explore this comprehensive official website and all its rich resources and this will give you a great insight into the wonder that is SoulCollage®. This page of the website, “Making a SoulCollage®Card in 5 Easy Steps”, by Sue Gelber, is very helpful for newbies to the process. Be aware however, that there are numerous methods of making a SoulCollage® card and we all find our favourite way.
SoulCollage® Evolving: An Intuitive Collage Process for Self-Discovery & Community by Seena B. Frost
This wonderful book (194 pages) by the creator of SoulCollage®, is available in paperback and Kindle formats (readable on various devices) from amazon.com or from the publishers Hanford Mead in the US. It is the most comprehensive guide to SoulCollage® available anywhere.
“Imaging” Wholeness In Partnership With The Unconscious – The Practice of SoulCollage® by Mariabruna Sirabella via her website
SoulCollage® Facilitator and Trainer Mariabruna Sirabella provides practical direction, mixed with reflections on what the SoulCollage® method is and what it can do for us.
How to Create a SoulCollage® Card Step-by-Step with Mariabruna Sirabella via her slideshow
A clear, concise and very beautiful slideshow providing all you need to know to make your first SoulCollage® card.
"Create Your First SoulCollage® Card" (YouTube Video, 19:32 mins): youtu.be/2_sNXEp_1Jc
SoulCollage® Facilitator and Trainer Catherine Anderson demonstrates how to create your first SoulCollage® card, using her own process and sharing the meaning behind her cards. Learn how to create your own deck of SoulCollage®cards and find other resources and support.
“SoulCollage®: Making a Card” (YouTube Video, 3.33 mins) https://youtu.be/wcFN9TeIa8k
Cat Caracelo, SoulCollage® Facilitator, Life Coach, Artist and Guidess, shares an easy, intuitive pathway to exploring your deep wisdom. Learn to make a SoulCollage®card and see how it can become part of your practice!
I will also be giving you further guidance on the SoulCollage® process - making cards and reading them, as we progress through the course.
This course is your opportunity to create SoulCollage® cards for ten guiding principles that will become important, meaningful and inspirational Neters (guides, allies and challengers) in your new or existing SoulCollage®deck. Do not worry if you are new to SoulCollage®. By visiting and exploring the links I have provided you below - the SoulCollage® website and other websites, the book SoulCollage® Evolving, and by watching the videos, you will have enough information to assist you to create your ten guiding principles SoulCollage® cards. In addition, as a trained SoulCollage® Facilitator, I am available to help you if, when and where needed throughout the course, either by phone, email, Messenger or FaceTime (This said, I do highly recommend, that at some point in time, you enrol in a face-to-face SoulCollage® class or workshop led by myself or another trained SoulCollage® Facilitator).
SoulCollage Website: www.soulcollage.com
Explore this comprehensive official website and all its rich resources and this will give you a great insight into the wonder that is SoulCollage®. This page of the website, “Making a SoulCollage®Card in 5 Easy Steps”, by Sue Gelber, is very helpful for newbies to the process. Be aware however, that there are numerous methods of making a SoulCollage® card and we all find our favourite way.
SoulCollage® Evolving: An Intuitive Collage Process for Self-Discovery & Community by Seena B. Frost
This wonderful book (194 pages) by the creator of SoulCollage®, is available in paperback and Kindle formats (readable on various devices) from amazon.com or from the publishers Hanford Mead in the US. It is the most comprehensive guide to SoulCollage® available anywhere.
“Imaging” Wholeness In Partnership With The Unconscious – The Practice of SoulCollage® by Mariabruna Sirabella via her website
SoulCollage® Facilitator and Trainer Mariabruna Sirabella provides practical direction, mixed with reflections on what the SoulCollage® method is and what it can do for us.
How to Create a SoulCollage® Card Step-by-Step with Mariabruna Sirabella via her slideshow
A clear, concise and very beautiful slideshow providing all you need to know to make your first SoulCollage® card.
"Create Your First SoulCollage® Card" (YouTube Video, 19:32 mins): youtu.be/2_sNXEp_1Jc
SoulCollage® Facilitator and Trainer Catherine Anderson demonstrates how to create your first SoulCollage® card, using her own process and sharing the meaning behind her cards. Learn how to create your own deck of SoulCollage®cards and find other resources and support.
“SoulCollage®: Making a Card” (YouTube Video, 3.33 mins) https://youtu.be/wcFN9TeIa8k
Cat Caracelo, SoulCollage® Facilitator, Life Coach, Artist and Guidess, shares an easy, intuitive pathway to exploring your deep wisdom. Learn to make a SoulCollage®card and see how it can become part of your practice!
I will also be giving you further guidance on the SoulCollage® process - making cards and reading them, as we progress through the course.
New to Yoga?
Do not worry if you are new to yoga and have never read about it or practiced it before. The course has been designed to accomodate this. The yoga philosophy component of the course - the reading and reflecting aspect which includes the yamas and niyamas - is accessible to all course participants and requires no previous experience. The physical or 'on the mat' yoga practices, particularly in regard to yoga asanas (postures), are optional and are dependent on your current state of health and fitness and previous experience . You are free to choose to do all, some, or none of the physical yoga practices or to modify them according to your needs.
Done yoga before?
Even if you have previously practiced yoga, for example yoga postures or meditation, you may not yet have explored the yamas and niyamas (aspects of yoga philosophy and also universal philosophy). This course is your chance to do so.
If you are a yoga practitioner who has explored the yamas and niyamas before, this is your opportunity to revisit and revise and perhaps gain new insights into them. In this course we will be reflecting upon the overt aspects of each yama and niyama but we will also be exploring the more subtle, and often overlooked aspects of each yama and niyama.
PLEASE NOTE: As a trained and accredited Yoga Teacher with over 15 years experience, I am available to assist or advise you if needed throughout the course, either by Telephone, Email, Messenger, FaceTime or Skype.,
Do not worry if you are new to yoga and have never read about it or practiced it before. The course has been designed to accomodate this. The yoga philosophy component of the course - the reading and reflecting aspect which includes the yamas and niyamas - is accessible to all course participants and requires no previous experience. The physical or 'on the mat' yoga practices, particularly in regard to yoga asanas (postures), are optional and are dependent on your current state of health and fitness and previous experience . You are free to choose to do all, some, or none of the physical yoga practices or to modify them according to your needs.
Done yoga before?
Even if you have previously practiced yoga, for example yoga postures or meditation, you may not yet have explored the yamas and niyamas (aspects of yoga philosophy and also universal philosophy). This course is your chance to do so.
If you are a yoga practitioner who has explored the yamas and niyamas before, this is your opportunity to revisit and revise and perhaps gain new insights into them. In this course we will be reflecting upon the overt aspects of each yama and niyama but we will also be exploring the more subtle, and often overlooked aspects of each yama and niyama.
PLEASE NOTE: As a trained and accredited Yoga Teacher with over 15 years experience, I am available to assist or advise you if needed throughout the course, either by Telephone, Email, Messenger, FaceTime or Skype.,
YOUR INVESTMENT
$150 (AUD - Australian Dollars) buys you:
$150 (AUD - Australian Dollars) buys you:
- 1 introductory overview of the yamas and niyamas - the Ten Guiding Principles - via an illustrated PDF document.
- 10 weekly illustrated PDF documents - a definition and comprehensive explanation of each yama and each niyama, including questions for you to reflect on and journal your insights and discoveries.
- 1 concluding round-up, via an illustrated PDF document.
- SoulCollage® practices which result in you having at least 10 new SoulCollage® cards, 1 for each of the Ten Guiding Principles, and which involve you in reviewing your exisiting SoulCollage® deck (if you have one) in relation to the Ten Guiding Principles.
- Yoga, meditation and relaxation practices, some guided by myself, for each of the yamas and niyamas, via audio and/or video.
- My additional help and support as and where required.
COURSE REGISTRATION & PAYMENT
Step #1: Click here to register.
Step #2: Click here to pay by PayPal.
COURSE PAYMENT BY Direct Deposit (Australia only): Email me and I will provide you with my bank account details.
Step #2: Click here to pay by PayPal.
COURSE PAYMENT BY Direct Deposit (Australia only): Email me and I will provide you with my bank account details.
Thank you.
Once I receive and process your registration I will email you the Course Introduction PDF. Remember to check your email inbox.
Both yoga and SoulCollage® are pathways to the Self. Each has physical, contemplative, creative, and exploratory aspects. Practiced together, SoulCollage® and yoga are a natural fit. Each complements the other, and because of this each is deeper and richer in meaning. A daily practice of both together opens up an essential opportunity to reflect on the thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations that may arise, staying receptive and aware, nourishing the soul. When you pay attention to your body as you make a card, allow yourself to physically experience what the card is all about. Breathe life into your card and breathe that life into your body. - Marci Wenn
For more information and insight about SoulCollage® and Yoga practiced together, read this great article by Marci Wenn, a SoulCollage® Facilitator and Yoga Teacher, published in the January 2019 issue of the SoulCollage® Community Update.
