Hands on Assisting Workshop

A 4.5-hour experiential workshop for yoga teachers and students wishing to deepen their understanding of both physical and subtle body alignment through the practice of compassionate hands-on assisting.

This workshop offers a unique approach to hands-on assisting rooted in curiosity and compassionate support as opposed to fixing or correcting. Grounded in the teachings of the pancha vāyus and the 8-limbed path, this offering invites students and teachers alike to utilize intentional touch, grounded presence, and subtle energetic awareness to support alignment, spaciousness, and awakening not only within the bodies of those they touch but also in their own bodies and practice. Through presence, integrity and attunement,, we will explore how assisting can become an extension of the yoga practice itself: a dialogue rooted in trust, compassion, and deep listening.

Throughout the workshop, participants will:

• Establish a grounded and embodied foundation for assisting
• Explore a “support, not fix” philosophy
• Practice clear and effective assists in foundational postures and transitioning flow
• Deepen awareness of physical and subtle body alignment
• Learn how to support others while caring for their own body and energy
• Explore consent, trust, autonomy, and attunement in modern yoga spaces

Together, we create a safe and supportive environment where practitioners can deepen their connection to offering hands-on assists with greater ease, awareness, confidence, and authenticity, allowing each individual’s practice to evolve from the inside out.

Ellen and Danielle bring a combined 25+ years of teaching and assisting experience and bow deeply in gratitude to their teachers, Janet Stone and Jody Greene, whose mentorship helped shape this work as a living and evolving practice rooted in humility, compassion, and service.