Chin Mudra (Gesture of Consciousness) ~ Jnana Mudra (Gesture of Knowledge)
This online e-course is available to anyone, anywhere in the world.
THE 11 WEEK COURSE COMMENCES ON SUNDAY 5 JULY 2020 AND CONCLUDES ON SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER 2020
(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 principles 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 principles 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 in the private Facebook group, membership of which you will be offered when you join the course.
FACEBOOK: 'Living the Conscious Life : Ten Guiding Principles' (Private Group Sharing Circle)
Each week, making a SoulCollage® card for the guiding principle is one of the key practices. It is optional, but highly recommended, that you join the private Facebook group and post an image of your SoulCollage® card each week, together with its reading, 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 course material and practices. I also regulalry add additional course material to the Facebook group page. In this way, our closed and private Facebook page acts as our Sharing Circle.
SoulCollage® Oracle
To conclude the course, we gather together in an online video chat room to share the practice of a SoulCollage® Oracle together, using the cards we have made through the course and/or other cards from our existing deck.
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 in the private Facebook group, membership of which you will be offered when you join the course.
FACEBOOK: 'Living the Conscious Life : Ten Guiding Principles' (Private Group Sharing Circle)
Each week, making a SoulCollage® card for the guiding principle is one of the key practices. It is optional, but highly recommended, that you join the private Facebook group and post an image of your SoulCollage® card each week, together with its reading, 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 course material and practices. I also regulalry add additional course material to the Facebook group page. In this way, our closed and private Facebook page acts as our Sharing Circle.
SoulCollage® Oracle
To conclude the course, we gather together in an online video chat room to share the practice of a SoulCollage® Oracle together, using the cards we have made through the course and/or other cards from our existing deck.
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 MP3 reader (or 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 weblink 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 Lead 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!
MY HEARTFELT THANKS TO SOULCOLLAGE INC., FOR THEIR WEBSITE AND TO SEENA B. FROST, MARIABRUNA SIRABELLA, CATHERINE ANDERSON, CAT CARACELO, AND SUE GELBER FOR THE GIFTS OF THEIR PUBLICLY AVAILABLE WRITINGS, VIDEOS AND SLIDESHOWS.
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 Lead 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!
MY HEARTFELT THANKS TO SOULCOLLAGE INC., FOR THEIR WEBSITE AND TO SEENA B. FROST, MARIABRUNA SIRABELLA, CATHERINE ANDERSON, CAT CARACELO, AND SUE GELBER FOR THE GIFTS OF THEIR PUBLICLY AVAILABLE WRITINGS, VIDEOS AND SLIDESHOWS.
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, or online audio / video chat.
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, or online audio / video chat.
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.
EXCHANGE RATE: Currently (22 May 2020), AUD$150 is US$98.
COURSE REGISTRATION & PAYMENT
Step #1: Click here to register.
Step #2: Click here to pay by PayPal. (If you are paying from overseas, PayPal automatically coverts the currency).
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. (If you are paying from overseas, PayPal automatically coverts the currency).
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.
TESTIMONIALS
Here are a few of the testimonials I have received from previous participants of this course, used here with their permission.
My knowledge of SoulCollage® and the Yamas and Niyamas was fairly general so with interest I jumped in to learn how these beautiful processes would meld together. Debrah has created the most fascinating study of self via the 10 week ‘Living the Conscious Life’ e-course.
I loved how a whole week was dedicated to each Principle and the tasks given enabled me to live through that Yama or Niyama. The Facebook Group was a safe and supportive space to share my cards and self-discoveries and I loved the connections we made there.
I found the combination of Yoga and SoulCollage® to be simply brilliant. The change in me has been profound. I’m finding my reaction to situations is calmer and more considered now as my thoughts go to the memory of making each card with the lesson emerging to support me. I feel empowered with this deeper knowledge of myself and I’m truly grateful to Debrah for facilitating such a beautiful process.
I would highly recommend this e-course to anyone needing a deeper connection to their Soul Essence.
- Christine Tyrrell
The Living the Conscious Life course showed me how important claiming the space for self care is for me. And how that benefits my whole family. Reading about the hook and practice for each principle really resonated and helped me make daily action rather than just an hold onto an idea. I also loved embodying each principle with a physical practice. The ten guiding principles have given me a tether, refined my daily self care practices and maintained my mental health and wellness through a difficult and chaotic time. Thank you Debrah.
- Emily Morter
I signed up for this course because I love both Yoga and SoulCollage®. It far exceeded my expectations. A weekly topic was great as I could get immersed in it. I loved that Debrah also posted lovely titbits all week on our private Facebook group page, which kept me focused and thinking about the weeks topic. The actual presentation and information was so in-depth and just amazed me by the way it was presented and also the amount of knowledge she so happily shared. It was easy to follow and understand and learn from. I loved the step by step process we went through each week. As the weeks went on, I could see how each topic was taking me on a journey of self awareness and a
deeper understanding of the benefits of yoga. And to a deeper level of self-discovery through the SoulCollage® process. A truly brilliant combination. The additional meditations and yoga practices guided me back to being more regular in my practice which I am now doing daily. I now have the most fabulous resource to continue the journey that this course has taken me on. At the end of the course, I started again at week one because these principles are life changing and I want to delve deeper. I have a recipe to do this now.
I have to say that is one of the best investments I have ever made towards my own personal growth and self development. I will be forever grateful. Thank you so much Debrah.
- Susie O'Neill
ARTICLE
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.
