Mark began his yoga journey in 1985 as an amateur runner with tight hamstrings. “I liked the slow stretching, the attention to detail, the mindfulness and the spiritual dimension. I was hooked.”
He received his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Texas in Austin, Master of Physical Therapy from Old Dominion University and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Virginia Commonwealth University / Medical College of Virginia.
He is an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 500) and a Certified Yoga Therapist with the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) and has taught over 6000 hours of yoga classes, workshops and Yoga Therapy courses. “I have found that Yoga Therapy is the art and science of holistic healing, body, mind and spirit. My professional mission is to empower my students, clients and patients to have optimal wellness on all levels.”
In addition to his expertise in anatomy and kinesiology, he is well versed in all facets of Yoga Therapy, including yogic philosophy and chanting “In a previous life (1983), I was in the music business. Now, I channel my music creativity into ecstatic chanting – kirtan.”
Mark is the Director of Practice School of Yoga Therapy an IAYT-accredited school in Austin, Texas. He offers IAYT-Approved Professional Development (APD) courses and Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP) approved courses through his private company Healing Arts Yoga Therapy.(www.HealingArtsYogaTherapy.com)
Saturday 2:00-3:45pm
Madhya Sutra + plus: Integrated Core Strength
As yoga teachers and yoga therapists, we need to have a working knowledge of the foundational architecture of the human body. The myofascial system is a whole-body network of interconnected muscle and fascia that supports the skeletal system to have balanced postural alignment and integrated body function in movement. Imbalances in this system result in a breakdown of postural alignment, dysfunctional movement patterns, and a lack of kinesthetic intelligence. The Madhya Sutra, as an integrated “core thread,” represents a key aspect of the whole-body approach in the practical application of yoga and yoga therapy.
Audience Level: Intermediate (beginner/intermediate teacher, yoga therapy)
Intensity of Practice: 4
15% Advanced Anatomy, 80% Asana, 5% Pranayama
Saturday 7:30-9:30pm
Kirtan – Welcome to a Safe Place for Community Inspiration
In the early 16th century a Hindu saint by the name of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, known as the father of Kirtan, made it his duty to travel far and wide spreading the message and power of Kirtan, ecstatic chanting. Kirtan encourages audience participation in “call and response” or bhajan: sing-along or silent prayer. Melodic and rhythm music accompaniment inspires a community feeling and a sense of togetherness. Chanting the many names of the Divine, the Eternal One, invites participants to merge back into that field of Unity Consciousness. Kirtan invokes spiritual emotion, forges a connection with the participants, creates a common
shared experience, and offers a safe place for everyone to explore their voice. Kirtan accepts all, respects all, embraces all. The Kirtan will be led by the members of the Heart Sangha Kirtan (pictured, left to right, Jordan Medina, Mark Uridel, Rachel DiGregorio, and Shiv Naimpally).
Audience Level: Beginner
Intensity of Practice: 1
100% mantra ecstasy