Hands-On Assisting
Presence · Integrity · Attunement
A 2.5-hour experiential workshop for yoga teachers, teachers-in-training, and dedicated practitioners who wish to deepen their understanding of both physical and subtle body alignment through the practice of compassionate hands-on assisting.
Hands-on assisting is more than a technique—it is a practice of presence, relationship, and deep listening. Rooted in the wisdom of the 8-limbed path, the Pancha Vāyus, and the living practice of svādhyāya (self-study), this workshop explores conscious touch as a way of cultivating awareness rather than correcting form. Together, we'll discover how skillful assisting can inspire greater ease, spaciousness, and integrity, allowing each practitioner to explore alignment from the inside out.
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INSTRUCTORS: Danielle Vaden Barr
DATE: Saturday Nov. 28th
TIME: 12:30 pm-2:30 pm
LOCATION: 3707 Portola Drive- YOGA STUDIO
COST:
Early Bird: $45
Day of event: $55
Description:
Drawing from more than a decade of assisting alongside Janet Stone (whose classes can have anywhere from 100-500 students in them), years of teaching diverse communities, an ongoing study of the physical and subtle body, and her own devoted practice of 30 years+), Danielle shares an approach that honors both energetic and structural alignment while recognizing the evolving role of touch in modern yoga. Through discussion, demonstration, and partner practice, we'll explore consent, nervous system awareness, conscious touch, and the quiet cultivation of viveka—clear seeing—the ability to discern what is truly supportive in each unique moment.
Rather than guiding students toward an ideal shape, this approach invites them into a deeper relationship with their own body, breath, and awareness. Assisting becomes less about doing and more about listening—to the wisdom of our own bodies and the bodies of those we support. In this way, touch becomes an expression of presence, compassion, and trust, creating space for each person's practice to unfold with authenticity.
Throughout the workshop, participants will:
Establish a grounded, embodied foundation for hands-on assisting
Explore a support, not fix philosophy
Practice clear, compassionate assists for foundational postures and flowing transitions
Deepen awareness of both physical and subtle body alignment
Learn to care for their own body while supporting another's
Cultivate confidence, discernment, and respectful touch rooted in presence, relationship, and listening
Whether you are an experienced teacher, beginning your teaching journey, or a dedicated practitioner seeking a deeper understanding of yoga, you'll leave with practical tools, renewed confidence, and a fresh perspective on assisting as a practice of service, awareness, and relationship.
With deep gratitude to Janet Stone, whose mentorship, generosity, and blessing continue to inspire this work, and to Jody Greene, whose guidance has helped shape this practice into one rooted in humility, compassion, service, and lifelong learning.
Facilitator Bio: Danielle Vaden Barr
“Pushpa” Danielle Barr is a longtime yoga and meditation teacher (500 E-RYT, RPYT) known for blending clear, grounded alignment with breath-led flow and a touch of soulful magic. Her classes are steady, heartfelt, and designed to help students feel at home in their bodies, stronger, softer, and more present from the inside out.
A devoted student of yoga and meditation, Danielle weaves in ancient teachings, simple philosophy, and chanting in a way that feels natural, uplifting, and approachable. She teaches to the whole human on both physical and subtle levels, helping students unwind habitual tension, refine alignment, and move with more clarity and curiosity.
Danielle is also a passionate lifelong learner. Her heart lives in study, always deepening her understanding of the body, breath, subtle energy, herbalism, Montessori principles, and the yogic wisdom she cherishes, along with whatever else feels alive. She brings this evolving curiosity into every class, always learning, always refining, always growing alongside her students.
Outside the studio, Danielle is an AMI Montessori educator, an evolving herbalist, a mother, and a lover of tea, cooking, music, nature, and life in the redwoods. Her teaching is warm, intuitive, playful, and always rooted in presence.
Expect thoughtful sequencing, functional alignment, breathwork, and space to land. A beautiful balance of effort and ease.
Expect to feel supported.
Expect to feel good.Pushpa also leads women’s circles, retreats, workshops, and community gatherings that inspire deeper connection, clarity, and gratitude for this beautiful, wild life.