On this page:
Crafting a Personal Sacred Space | Yoga-Off-the-Mat | Meditation Techniques | Spiritual Side of Yoga
Learn about various practices and techniques that can help build a sense of inner well-being. We make every effort to provide programming that is diverse and open to everyone, regardless of prior experience, religious identity or background.
Registration for live classes is open to students who pay the Student Services fee, and there is no charge. Bring an open heart and a curious mind!
Online Classes
Crafting a Personal Sacred Space
You might wonder how to maintain your spiritual or religious practices at home or in a new apartment. During this online guided workshop, led by MORSL's director Carlene Gardner, you will find time to reflect upon your environment - whether it be made up of large spaces or small crevices - and learn how you may utilize or devote these areas to sacredness.
Workshop time: 17 minutes.
Crafting a Personal Sacred Space: printable worksheet (PDF).
Yoga Off-the-Mat
Online version of the Spiritual Side of Yoga
These 8 sessions introduce students to some elements of yogic philosophy followed by a series of gentle movements, concluding with calming meditation. Suitable for all bodies.
Learn more about the Spiritual Side of Yoga Series.
Session times: Approx. 45-50minutes each
Meditation Techniques
A 4-part course to build up a toolbox of techniques. Suitable for beginners and experience meditators alike. Each session focuses on mindfulness, insight, and loving-kindness practices, and a time for discussion and questions.
Session times: Approx. 40 minutes each
Visit MORSL's YouTube Channel to view recordings of past sessions.
Student Reviews
"I wanted to learn how to meditate and I got to experience and apply it in real life scenearios - it was rather thoughtful!"
"I didn't think that it would be so good. The workshop is truly amazing!"
"I expected a more serious tone, but ended up loving the approach and realized it was much more open to a variety of experiences."
Live Classes
The Spiritual Side of Yoga
In this series, you'll have the chance to practice and learn about the spiritual side of yoga. The classes are informative, soothing, and meditative, and are designed to suit every body and all levels. During each one-hour session, students will learn yogic philosophy in conjunction with the meaning behind various yoga practices. Sessions are free and led by a certified yoga instructor, over 8 weeks. Each session centers around a different theme:
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Introduction
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Chakras: This session focuses on chakras, which are sensory landmarks of the body.
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Self-Inquiry: This session focuses on expanding the concept of self.
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Mudras and Mantras: This session focuses on engaging on a more subtle level.
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Pranayama: This session focuses on connecting to the root of life, our breath.
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Meditation: This session focuses on creating a contemplative practice, a way of going within.
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The 8 Limbs of Yoga: This session focuses on the 8 limbs of yoga, called the ashtanga system.
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Hope: This session focuses on hope and cultivating personal resilience.
While each session explores a different spiritual concept related to yoga, the classes do not build upon each other. If you miss a class, you won't be behind! Attend as many sessions as you can to enjoy a full and diverse learning experience.
Why try the "spiritual" side of yoga?
The movement-based exercise that many Westerners associate with Yoga is in fact only the asanas, the physical branch of a multi-dimensional spiritual practice that originated in India thousands of years ago. Though practicing the asanas develops strength, stamina, and balance, it is but a gateway into the mental, emotional, and spiritual practice that Yoga represents. The word "Yoga" in Sanskrit actually translates as 'union' or 'connection'. The true aim of Yoga is to connect us to our innermost emotions and the universe around us.
Student Reviews
"The teacher was incredibly skilled. I liked how she related mystical information to scientific knowledge."
"I enjoyed the history/cultural background at the beginning of the sessions."
"The passion and the authenticity of the instructors really stood out to me."
