Free Trial

 Into the Depths

an immersion like no other

begins fall 2023

 

O N E   Y E A R   O F   Y O G I C   R E F L E C T I O N


 

2023 - 2024

 

 

This course is a sacred inquiry into the depths of the soul for lovers of Hatha Yoga. Our intention is to engage Hatha Yoga in an authentic way, by remapping traditional metaphors onto our own experience, and turning the soil of insight.  Instead of confining ourselves to the somatic practices and techniques, we engage in the yoga of deep reflection, where truth becomes not something that we think, but something that we embody.

Using a carefully curated selection of readings from both Eastern and Western contemplative traditions, we trace the mythic movement of Hatha Yoga beyond the signs and symbols in which it is traditionally expressed, to uncover an archetypal pattern of awakening. Then we explore that pattern, not through scholarly study, not through stilted rituals, not through the mechanical repetition of techniques, but through an unrelenting reflection on our own experience.

More than a course of study, this immersion takes us deep into the womb of contemplative reflection, and asks us to connect to an internal source of guidance and support.  Our practice is to use our powers of reflection to emancipate ourselves from the voices of external authorities, to overcome psychical division, and begin to know ourselves in the original sense.

This course is especially designed for spiritual expats and philosophical refugees, somatic explorers, soul hunters, star gazers, rule breakers and other mystical miscreants who have had enough of the ruses of religion, and want to set down dogma and the burden of belief to follow the true path of reflection on what is.

My mentor Richard Freeman once said that "Yoga is freedom from religion." This course can be seen as a sustained unraveling of that enigmatic statement, and an uncovering of the embracing, loving, affirming vision of reality behind it.

 
Through a combination of talks, asana tutorials, guided meditations, assigned readings, reflective journal prompts and peer study groups we'll dive deeper together, and together we will evolve.

 

The exact format and tuition for 2023 - 2024 has yet to be determined. If you are interested in learning about enrollment, please email Rachel at [email protected].  

 

 

One Year of Yogic Reflection

 

Join me for the second iteration of this unique experimental course, where we explore the archetypal movement of Hatha Yoga and uncover the enchanted experience of the world that it provokes. The movement in question can be found in both Eastern and Western contemplative traditions that recognize the body as a sacred nexus of spiritual wisdom. We engage these traditions to touch the timeless wisdom of yoga, and begin to know it from the inside.

More than a course of study, this immersion takes us deep into reflection, and asks us to become intimate with ourselves. Our intention is to connect to our own source of internal guidance and support, which liberates us from dependence on external authorities, and allows us to know ourselves in the original sense.

My mentor Richard Freeman once said that "Yoga is freedom from religion." This course can be seen as a sustained unraveling of that enigmatic statement, and an uncovering of the embracing, loving, affirming and creative energy behind it. 

Through a combination of talks, asana tutorials, guided meditations, assigned readings, reflective journal prompts and peer study groups we'll dive deeper together, and together we'll evolve. 

Advanced Enrollment (USE CODE "ADV_ENROLL" ends March 15, 2022)
$2950 $2550

Returning Students Advanced Enrollment* (ends March 15, 2022)
$1950 
$1550

*Returning students can email [email protected] to complete registration.

Enroll Now

Payment Plan

$550 deposit + 12 monthly payments of $200 = $2950
Advanced enrollment rate is not available with payment plan option. $550 deposit is non-refundable.

Enroll with payment plan

TALK SERIES

 

Spiritual expats, philosophical refugees, somatic explorers, and prospectors of the subtle body, you are formally invited to a rough but inspired mishandling of crucial philosophical themes, sure to be of enduring interest to the irrepressible part of you that seeks.

Expect to be roused, incited and duly provoked to rediscover the promise of Hatha Yoga, by listening more deeply to the wild intelligence of your heart.

As a prelude for 
Into the Depths, this series is designed to give you a taste of that magical program.

                    WATCH THE REPLAYS

 
 
 
 
 

T  E  S  T  I  M  O  N  I  A  L  S 


 

TESTIMONIALS 


 

a note from your guide...


 

This program has exceeded all of my expectations. The level of engagement, the devotion of the community, the scope of transformation among the participants, all of this has been astonishing.  A sure sign of the success of the program is that most current students want to continue, want to take another pass through the wilderness of the soul with the support of our community.  And like the experience of yoga, the second pass will be unprecedented, different, refreshing and new.

So I am thrilled to announce the second iteration of Into the Depths, my experimental yearlong immersion into the reflective and contemplative side of yogic practice and philosophy. There are no requisites here, no exams, no accreditations, but something finer and more profound—an invitation to dive deep into the inner tradition of yoga with an amazing community of sincere seekers from around the world, who are ready to embrace the confusion, the heartache, and also the sublime wonder of being alive. If this pulls on the strings of your heart, you are absolutely welcome to join.

Over the next couple of months, I will be giving a series of philosophical talks designed to prime you for the course, and answer any questions that you might have about its content and purpose. The talks are all free, and you can enroll for them here.

warmly,
Ty

C  O  U  R  S  E    O  V  E  R  V  I  E  W


 

Hatha Yoga follows an archetypal pattern of awakening, one that leads from isolation and despair to the quiet bliss of communion with the creative forces that shape us from within. In traditional texts, this pattern is symbolized by the rousing of kundalini, and her burning ascent through the central axis of the body from the pelvis to the crown. This course traces the pattern that the image represents, through reflection on the various constituent phases of consciousness.

The course is organized into 40 weeks, arranged into 8 phases representing 8 different phases of the process of Hatha Yoga. As we pass through these phases, we explore the physiology, psychology and phenomenology of meditative experience.

Module 1

T H E   P R O M I S E  O F  Y O G A

We begin by coming back into the body, and a finding a sense of ease, not only with the organs and tissues, but within the deeper supportive structure of the psyche itself. Here we contemplate trust and renunciation, as well as embodied presence in awareness. We begin the foundational practice of mediation, as attention to what is.

Module 2

B A L A N C I N G   T H E   B R E A T H

Here we find balance in the body through the breath. We begin to explore the various opposing energies that we work with in Hatha Yoga. Most notably, we explore the subtle forces of prana and apana, and contemplate their interpenetration through techniques of balanced breathing. We learn to see this contemplation as one of the central concerns of asana and pranayama.

Module 3

K I N D L I N G  T H E  F L A M E

This phase is about rousing the energy of spiritual aspiration, by contemplating the difference between ordinary and extraordinary modes of living. Drawing from ancient and modern sources, as well as our immediate experience, we contemplate the concepts of creativity, practical necessity and authenticity, as well as the vexed notion of “living our truth.”

Module 4

T H E  B U R N I N G  A S C E N T

In this phase, we turn to more difficult themes. This module is about bringing the heat of awareness up from the depths of the psyche, and allowing old and stale things to burn. Here we reflect upon the Four Noble Truths, not only as central teachings of Buddhism, but as central teachings of the Yoga Sutras as well. We contemplate the nature and source of suffering, and also the possibility of transcendence.

COURSE OVERVIEW


Hatha Yoga follows an archetypal pattern of awakening, one that leads from isolation and despair to the quiet bliss of communion with the creative forces that shape us from within. In traditional texts, this pattern is symbolized by the rousing of kundalini, and her burning ascent through the central axis of the body from the pelvis to the crown. This course traces the pattern that the image represents, through reflection on the various constituent phases of consciousness.

The course spans 40 modules, arranged into 8 phases representing 8 different moments of the process of Hatha Yoga.

Module 1

TOUCHING THE GROUND

We begin by coming back into the body and a finding a sense of ease, not only with the organs and tissues, but within the deeper supportive structure of the psyche itself. Here we contemplate trust and renunciation, as well as embodied presence in awareness. We begin the foundational practice of mediation, as attention to what is.

Module 2

BALANCING THE BREATH

Here we explore the various opposing energies that we work with in Hatha Yoga and contemplate their interpenetration. We learn to see this contemplation as one of the central concerns of asana and pranayama.

Module 3

KINDLING THE FLAME

This phase is about rousing the energy of spiritual aspiration, by contemplating the difference between ordinary and extraordinary modes of living.  Drawing from ancient and modern sources, as well as our immediate experience, we contemplate the concepts of creativity, practical necessity and authenticity, as well as the vexed notion of “living our truth.”

Module 4

THE BURNING ASCENT

In this phase, we turn to more difficult themes.  This phase is about bringing the heat of awareness up from the depths of the psyche, and allowing old and stale things to burn. Here we reflect upon the Four Noble Truths, not only as central teachings of Buddhism, but as central teachings of the Yoga Sutras as well.  We contemplate the nature and source of suffering, and also the possibility of transcendence.

Module 5

B L I S T E R I N G   I N S I G H T

In this phase, we climb to the pinnacle of our contemplative path.  This phase is all about untangling ourselves from the delusion of separate self.  Here we contemplate what are called, in Buddhism, the “three characteristics:” suffering, impermanence, and emptiness.  We practice some traditional analytical meditations on emptiness, and contrast them with modern reflections on emptiness from modern natural science and post-modern philosophy. 

Module 6

M E L T I N G

In this phase we turn to the devotional side of yoga, the side that explores the deep longing of the heart for intimacy with the divine.  We explore yogic practices such as the Brahma Viharas that help us connect to this longing within ourselves, and guide us deeper into meditative inquiry.  Here we contemplate the wisdom of the middle-path between theism and atheism, by exploring our own conceptually uncluttered experience of the divine, and we learn to see our yogic practices as various forms of prayer.

Module 7

O P E N I N G   T O   B L I S S

In this phase, we contemplate the descent of grace, as the answer to the deepest spiritual longing of our hearts.  We contemplate the metaphor of nectar pervasion and the psychodynamics behind it, and we turn to recognize the bliss of being, beyond the excitation of the senses.  Then we surrender our spiritual fantasies about drowning in bliss to consider the profound invitation of Tantric yoga, to participate completely in the deep revelry of life.

Module 8

S H A R I N G

In this phase, we reflect upon the natural response to spiritual illumination, which is loving attention to other beings. We consider the true meaning of learning, both in yoga and in life, and we consider what is involved in supporting others on their process. We lean to appreciate the importance of being fully present with others and learning with them.

Module 5

BLISTERING INSIGHT

In this phase, we climb to the pinnacle of our contemplative path.  This phase is all about untangling ourselves from the delusion of separate self.  Here we contemplate what are called, in Buddhism, the “three characteristics:” suffering, impermanence, and emptiness.  We practice some traditional analytical meditations on emptiness, and contrast them with modern reflections on emptiness from modern natural science and post-modern philosophy. 

Module 6

MELTING

In this phase we turn to the devotional side of yoga, the side that explores the deep longing of the heart for intimacy with the divine.  We explore yogic practices such as the Brahma Viharas that help us connect to this longing within ourselves, and guide us deeper into meditative inquiry.  Here we contemplate the wisdom of the middle-path between theism and atheism, by exploring our own conceptually uncluttered experience of the divine, and we learn to see our yogic practices as various forms of prayer.

Module 7

OPENING TO BLISS

In this phase, we contemplate the descent of grace, as the answer to the deepest spiritual longing of our hearts.  We contemplate the metaphor of nectar pervasion and the psychodynamics behind it, and we turn to recognize the bliss of being, beyond the excitation of the senses.  Then we surrender our spiritual fantasies about drowning in bliss to consider the profound invitation of Tantric yoga, to participate completely in the deep revelry of life.

Module 8

SHARING

In this phase, we reflect upon the natural response to spiritual illumination, which is loving attention to other beings. We consider the true meaning of learning, both in yoga and in life, and we consider what is involved in supporting others on their process. We lean to appreciate the importance of being fully present with others and learning with them.

COURSE STRUCTURE



On Mondays we release a new set of materials including:

• talk (30 min long)

• asana tutorial (about 30 mins)

• reading list (about 60 mins of reading)

• journal prompts for reflection


On Saturdays we talk together about the material.

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM CET. These are discussion sessions, where we talk about what we read or practiced. We meet 40 times in all.  


You meet with your study group each week at an arranged time.

Study groups are optional, but highly recommended, because current students love them. 


All live sessions will be recorded and reposted.

The recordings will be added to the course page within 24 hours, so you can watch them later if you can't make it live.


 

ENROLL

COURSE STRUCTURE



On Mondays we release a new set of materials including:

  • talk (30 min long)
  • asana tutorial (about 30 mins)
  • reading list (about 60 mins of reading)
  • journal prompts for reflection


On Saturdays we talk together about the material.

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM CET.  These are discussion sessions, where we talk about what we read or practiced. We meet 40 times in all.  


You meet with your study group each week at an arranged time.

Study groups are optional, but highly recommended, because current students love them. 

All live sessions will be recorded and reposted.

The recordings will be added to the course page within 24 hours, so you can watch them later if you can't make it live.

ENROLL

G L I M P S E S   F R O M   T H E   2 0 2 2   C O U R S E

GLIMPSES FROM THE 2021 COURSE

 
 
 

Meet Your Guide


Ty Landrum learned yoga from pain and heartache, loss and confusion, old books, lost tapes, full moons, long bouts of silence, cold winds, simplicity, forgiveness, surrender, and the caring words of a few good friends.

He draws inspiration from children, saffron, sage, carob, almonds, chocolate, wise women, gnarled old men, olive trees, deep rivers, steep mountains, quaking aspen, honeybees, love songs, sunrises, laughter and deep breath.

Ty has an unwavering love for this unique somatic discipline, which he began practicing back in 2005. Drawing on his formal background in philosophy (PhD University of Virginia), Ty has an unusual power for illuminating the internal dynamics of yoga. He sees yoga as conscious participation in archetypal patterns of human development, which he is ever drawn to explore.

Many inspiring people taught Ty about yoga, but the deepest and most lasting imprints have been made by Jennifer Eliot (his first teacher), David Garrigues (his second), Mary Taylor and Richard Freeman (his most recent), to all of whom he is forever grateful. These teachers all did something remarkable, which is to disappear, and allow the spirit of yoga to stand forth from within.

Ty now shares his love of yoga in studios and retreat centers around the world. His passion is to share the brilliance of yoga with anyone who wants to learn.

QUESTIONS

Don't see your question answered here? Reach out to us anytime at [email protected]

                    

Request a Facetime call with Leila


 

Questions? Schedule a live call or FaceTime session with alumna, Leila A. Fortier to answer all of your questions about Into the Depths.