1. Are all the classes live?

Yes. Yalla Yoga emphasizes the importance of learning and practicing in shared time, if not in shared space. In order for Yoga teachings to be transmitted well, an exchange must take place. Though we may not be in the same physical environment, the LIVE online “space” becomes a platform for genuine interaction in real time.

2. Besides the weekly live sessions, what is the time commitment?

This will depend on you as well as on the course itself. An estimate of weekly hourly commitment, including the LIVE session, self-study, assignments and supplemental material, is anywhere between 2-6 hours.

3. What if I miss a session?

For the reason mentioned above, session recordings are only available for 24 hours after the end of each session. For those students who happen to miss a session, a recording will be made available on a case-by-case basis.

4. Can I take more than one course at a time?

Yup! The courses co-exist in the same world and will naturally inform one another. If Yalla Yoga were an archipelago, each course would be an island. For example, Propped Up Primary stands alone and is complete, but is enriched by Prānāyāma: Classical with a Twist, and inspired by the Virtual Shala. Plant-Based Practicum will be all the more meaningful when contemplating the teachings of Book Circle: Bhagavad Gīta. As we swim from island to island, we begin to see how they are connected, and we start to understand the chunk of earth below that is their mother. The seven courses are designed in such a way that, if you want, you can enroll in all seven simultaneously. Though it may be a significant commitment, if the enthusiasm is there, it is absolutely possible.

5. Can I take the same course more than once?

Indeed! Every course is designed to embody the yogic principles of repetition and ongoing practice. For example, if you were to take the Reformative Rest course three times in a row, not only will it be different each time, depending on the chemistry of the cohort and what is personally showing up in your life, but the teachings will also become more ingrained in you as you study the structure over and over again. Both Virtual Shala and The Red Tent are in their second season. We digest the teachings in different ways and see them from different angles the more time we spend with them. Such are all Yoga practices--repetition and regular practice are key to sustainable self-inquiry.

6. Can I take Propped Up Primary if I’ve never done Ashtanga?

Yes! Propped Up Primary is a great way to acquaint yourself to the series and prepare yourself to join a led practice. By investigating the āsana with the assistance of props, we will build confidence in our understanding and our aim. Propped Up Primary is meant to provide immediate, experiential feedback to our work in the pose as well as immediate discourse with the teacher and one another about what we discover and how to further our inquiry. We hope to emphasize the creativity we can employ in learning and utilize building blocks to help us embody the series. A workshop-style environment allows us to work personally, ask questions in real time, and support one another in the process.

7. What if I don’t have all the materials/props listed for Propped Up Primary or Reformative Rest?

First things first, we will practice resting any anxiety. No matter the material props you may or may not have, we will make creative adjustments that will work for you, your body, and what you have available. Secondly, consider investing in your relationship to your subtle self by purchasing some of the materials listed. We are happy to suggest our favorite affordable, eco-conscious brands, sizes, and types—just email lindsay@yalla-yoga.com!

8. Can I take Plant-Based Practicum if I'm not vegan?

Of course! Please do. The idea is to introduce ways in which to implement plant based aspects into your cooking and diet. It took me (Lindsay) a long time to make the transition to becoming vegan. I was primarily plant-based for a few years prior and, before that, was a real lover of all the foods—a voracious omnivore. My emotional relationship to food is deeply connected to community—food has long served as a commonality and bond, bringing people together over a shared plate. I explored ways to satisfy my family and commit to our health and longevity (and that of all beings, everywhere). My transition away from the food I grew up with included my taste buds. When we experience something delicious, we recognize there is no lack.  We feel full, yet light, and the transformation begins to happen. We can all benefit from looking at our food choices and noticing what we are putting in our mouths on a daily basis. A few helpful tips for beginning to include food you may not be aware of or familiar cooking with can go a long way. We’ll talk about some replacements for meat and dairy and how to bring them to the plate in tasty and nutritious ways. We’ll do a bit of step by step cooking and you’ll have access to recipes to try on your own. We will also meet for a 30-minute private session to talk about personal preferences, restrictions, and cultivating practical possibilities for you in the kitchen.  

9. What would a typical session in Plant-Based Practicum look like?

The program will grow from session to session. Our first meeting, we’ll introduce the group and the food bringing us together. We’ll talk about what a body needs in terms of simple nutrition, we’ll dispel some common vegan myths and provide a basic lesson on plant-based nutrition. In the following 3 classes, we’ll look at complete proteins, iron + minerals, and fatty acids + vitamins.  We’ll make something together – a dip, a stock, and a meal, respectively—and learn how to incorporate one item in additional meal spin-offs (seconds please!) so that your time pays off. Interspersed in the program, expect kitchen hacks and hints to reduce food waste. Practical methods and instructions to take care of yourself, your family, the animals, and the world we all share. 

10. What happens during the 30-minute private sessions?

This is an opportunity to ask personal questions and engage with the teacher in a more intimate and private setting. It is a chance to go over any practices, instructions or assignments that felt unclear or shaky. It is a time to share more personally about what is coming up for you during the course. For Propped Up Primary, it will most likely revolve around clarifying āsana, specifically for you and your body. For Plant-Based Practicum, it may focus on practical aspects of grocery shopping, cooking tips or further recipe recommendations based on your interests. For Reformative Rest, time may be spent clarifying how to get creative about using materials found around your home for support in deep relaxation. For Prānāyāma: Classical with a Twist, it may end up being a private lesson in perfecting your breath control or a deeper conversation about what the subtle power of prānāyāma practice is bringing up for you. While the teacher may have some observations and suggestions to share, the 30 minutes will be largely guided by you!