Janita Janssen Yoga
FOUNDATIONS of YOGA
zo 02 nov
|ANANDA YOGA
A journey beyond the mat
Time and Location
02 nov 2025, 14:00
ANANDA YOGA, Boomberglaan 18, 1217 RS Hilversum, Netherlands
More About
Welcome to the Foundations of Yoga course — a holistic series designed to deepen your understanding of yoga beyond the physical postures.
Whether you're brand new to yoga or looking to reconnect with its roots, this course offers a grounding introduction to the core pillars of practice: movement, breath, meditation, and philosophy.
Explore yoga’s ancient origins and timeless teachings, while learning practical tools like pranayama (breathwork), asana (postures), and mindfulness techniques. You will also be introduced to the concept of the subtle energy body and the chakra system, offering insight into how these elements can enrich both your practice and your life off the mat.
Module 1: History
02 November 2025
14:00 - 16:30
What is “yoga”? - Yoga has almost nothing to do with obtaining the perfect pose – it’s a system of actions designed to lead us to a calmer mind. An introduction to the whole system of yoga will lay the foundation for a deeper understanding of the practice in all its facets.
The ancient origins of the philosophy of yoga - We’ll learn a little about where and how the philosophy of yoga came into being and how the practice has evolved over centuries into what we recognise today. Why is this important? Because it helps us understand why we resonate with a practice that has endured centuries.
Patanjali’s 8 limbs of yoga - The system of 8 aspects that collectively make up the practice of yoga is detailed in ancient texts written by the sage(s), Patanjali. This is still the foundation of the traditional practice of yoga that has remained constant into the 21st century. Learn how our daily actions, our breath, mindfulness and Sun Salutations all form a part of the yoga system.
Module 2: Philosophy
15 November 2025
14:00 - 16:30
Energetic and subtle body foundations - Ever wonder why you sometimes feel “stoned on yoga” when you leave a class? Or perhaps you’ve become aware of yourself or your body a little more? Perhaps your thoughts and actions off the mat feel totally aligned with your vibe? Your “vibe” is your vibration – your subtle energy that constantly shifts and changes. We take a look at the different layers of energy, from the physical to the subtle, and how the practice of yoga taps into all these layers.
An introduction to chakras - You have most definitely come across the colourful diagram and symbols of the chakras represented in the human body somewhere in your yoga journey! We’ll learn what chakras actually are and that the colours and qualities are a modern twist built on a variety of ancient wisdom systems.
Module 3: Asana (Postures)
29 November 2025
14:00 - 16:30
The principles of asana - Understanding that the physical practice of yoga is just one aspect of a comprehensive system, we delve into the reasons and methods behind practicing poses. We explore the foundational alignment principles relevant to all yoga disciplines. We will examine how our anatomy influences the form of our poses and how using modifications and props can assist in fulfilling the pose's purpose, rather than merely striving for a "perfect" shape.
Introduction to different styles of yoga and what the intention of the practice is - There are numerous styles and disciplines of yoga, and selecting the right one can be somewhat overwhelming. We will explore the differences and similarities among various "branches" of yoga to help you find the best fit. We'll delve into traditional Hatha practices and how their foundations are present in Ashtanga and Vinyasa lineages. We'll also explore the deeply spiritual practice of Kundalini and more meditative practices like Yin and Restorative yoga.
Module 4: Pranayama (Breath)
06 December 2025
14:00 - 16:30
Introduction to pranayama - What makes the physical practice of yoga different from any other movement practice? Your Breath. Simple, but yet so powerful. By now you will have joined the dots on how your breath is the language between your mind and your body in your yoga practice. We’ll touch on the science – what physically and biologically happens in your body when you breathe, as well as how the breath can alter your emotions, your thoughts and your energetic state (the vibe). Science is catching up with ancient wisdom and we are learning more and more about how the conscious practice of breathing holds profound benefits.
Learning some yogic breathing techniques - Directing energy through breath is based on ancient teachings and we’ll take a look at a few commonly practiced types of pranayama you may encounter in a yoga class. We’ll learn the “how”, “where” and “why” of Ujjayi pranayama (victorious breath), Nadi shodhana pranayama (alternate nostril breathing) and Sama vritti pranayama (square breathing).
Module 5: Meditation & Mindfulness
13 December 2025
14:00 - 16:30
A culmination of all the aspects of practicing yoga: meditation - At last we arrive at the pinnacle of the system of yoga – the reason we perform all the other aspects of the practice. Perhaps not something you’ve considered or perhaps you don’t know how or what or when or why to start – we’ll cover it all.
What is meditation and how it is an integral part of the practice of yoga? - We’ll bust some myths about having to sit on the floor with your knees screaming for hours for it to be “meditation” - and look at why bringing a regular practice into your daily life can have profound effects on life beyond the mat.
An introduction to meditation methods - There isn't a universal solution or a single method that fits all when it comes to meditation. We'll explore various approaches to help you discover ways to still the mind.
What is mindfulness and why has the concept filtered into everything from corporate culture to walks in the forest? - The art of paying attention in the present moment has been forgotten in our modern lifestyles. Accepting that we have no control over past or future time helps us notice and appreciate each moment in the present - cultivating a greater awareness and a calmer mind.
