Gentle Somatic Yoga Level 1 Training

Imagine moving through your body with newfound ease—releasing tension you didn't know you were holding, discovering flexibility and strength that feels effortless rather than forced. This six-day immersion in Gentle Somatic Yoga Level 1 Training offers exactly that: a complete rewiring of how your nervous system communicates with your muscles. Led by James Knight, an early pioneer in bridging yoga and somatics, this transformative course teaches you over 25 therapeutic somatic movement flows grounded in neuroscience and embodied awareness. Rather than pushing deeper into stretches or following external cues, you'll learn pandiculation—an innovative neuromuscular re-patterning technique that awakens your body's innate capacity for self-healing and somatic intelligence.

Held at the serene Satchidananda Ashram – Yogaville in Buckingham, Virginia, this training addresses the root causes of chronic muscular pain and stiffness by teaching your brain and muscles to communicate more effectively. The method is heart-informed, evidence-based, and accessible across all fitness levels—whether you're seeking deep self-care and healing or bringing rigorous training to your yoga teaching, therapy practice, dance, or bodywork. Many participants experience immediate and sustained results, discovering how embodied movement can increase flexibility and strength, refine posture, and deepen the integration of mind, body, emotion, and spirit in one cohesive whole.

What to Expect

This six-day intensive weaves together somatic movement education, hands-on practice, and nervous system awareness. Each day builds your understanding of how chronic tension patterns form—and how to dissolve them through gentle, intelligent movement. You'll learn and teach over 25 therapeutic flows designed to address common areas of holding: the neck, shoulders, lower back, hips, and more. The training is structured for embodied learning: you'll move, observe, experience, and integrate at your own pace. James Knight guides the group with precision and compassion, creating a container where curiosity and self-discovery naturally unfold. By the end, you'll leave with a toolkit of practices you can offer yourself and others, plus a deeper understanding of how somatic intelligence supports lasting transformation.

Venue & Logistics

This training takes place at Satchidananda Ashram – Yogaville, a spiritual sanctuary in Buckingham, Virginia, October 9–14, 2026. Wear comfortable clothing that allows full range of motion; bring a yoga mat if you have one (extras available). The ashram offers meals, lodging, and a peaceful environment designed to support deep learning. Please contact the organizers with specific accessibility needs.