Day 1 ∞ Introduction
Aloha, Namaste, and welcome to your introduction to the practices of Shambhavananda Yoga.
This 14-lesson program is designed to give you a genuine feel for both the experience of practicing Shambhavananda Yoga and the daily life of living and serving at the ashram through our work-study opportunity. Whether you complete one lesson a day or move through multiple lessons at a time, this flexible format mirrors the kind of learning you would receive during a yoga or meditation teacher training. Each video is organized and thoughtfully produced to communicate the essence of these teachings and to guide you through them skillfully and competently. Each Lesson Concludes with a reflection question at the bottom of the blog, answering this question lets us know how you’re progressing through the process, so please take time to do that :)
The goal of this journey is to introduce you to the history of Shambhavananda Yoga, the foundations of our meditation and pranayama practices, and the approach we take to yoga asana. You’ll also learn about the work-study experience at Konalani—our expectations, guidelines for community living, our approach to work ethic, and our traditions for honoring the shrine space. Throughout this course, you will receive in-depth instruction in two essential pranayama techniques and five foundational meditation practices. In addition, you’ll be gifted two cornerstone books from our tradition: an introduction to the practices by our founder, Sri Shambhavananda, and a glimpse into the path of being a student by our co-founder, Faith Stone.
This is a thorough and meaningful introduction, and while it requires sincere commitment, we know from experience that the effort yields extraordinary rewards. We work hard here at the ashram—not for the sake of busyness, but because this kind of meaningful work transforms us from the inside out. If at any point this journey feels like more than you are seeking right now, we honor that; it may simply mean the timing isn’t quite right. However, if this resonates with you—if you feel ready for growth, ready to step into your practice more fully—then know that you are exactly where you are meant to be, and we are here to walk alongside you.
The first video you’ll watch is a simple and heartfelt introduction to some of the work we do here at Konalani. Although originally created for our yoga teacher training students, it sets the tone for the journey you are about to begin. It’s a little goofy at times, but then again, so are we. One of the incredible benefits of completing a six-month work-study at Konalani is the opportunity to participate in our yoga teacher training program—an offering worth thousands of dollars—at no additional cost. In addition to your training, you will receive full accommodations and three nourishing meals a day, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your practice and growth.
Please remember that your daily reflections in the comment boxes below each video are considered your homework for this course. Take a few moments with each lesson to share your experiences, insights, or questions—it’s part of building the awareness and dedication that support true transformation.
We can’t wait to meet you and grow alongside you—whether it’s here at the ashram or in one of our online trainings.
Enjoy this first step of your journey, and just take it one lesson at a time.
Today’s Lesson: An Introduction to ShambhavAnanda Yoga