Recently, I had a profound conversation with activist friends who shared their discomfort with the concept of self-care. They felt it often led to disengagement from the world’s pain and complexity. This course is my response—an invitation to redefine self-care and studies of Yoga and Āyurveda as a practice of deep renewal that serves not only the individual but the community of social and natural relationships we inhabit as well.
One of the main goals of this course is developing a rich and reverent understanding that your life, with all its joys and traumas, is not entirely about you.
Sattva is one of the three mahāguṇas, the great qualities of embodied life: change, resistance to change, and the principle of equilibrium that holds these opposites in awareness. They are more-than-human forces that are active internally, relationally and externally. They are the movements of the larger animate world that we are just a part of.
We are all tangled up together in the three mahāguṇas.
Mythologically, the three mahāguṇas are depicted as the three strands of hair that intertwine to form the braid of the Goddess of Nature, Prakṛti.
The mahāguṇas derive from Sāṅkhya philosophy, one of the six primary philosophies of India’s yoga tradition as well as being central to the worldview that informs Āyurveda.
The Taoist Yin/Yang symbol, this representation of reality has endured because of its accuracy and inclusiveness of all phenomena, both internally and externally. When comprehended sattva, rajas, and tamas act like corrective lenses to help us elucidate the beauty, desires, delusion, and suffering that we all experience.
To bring this down to our human life, people mired in tamas guṇa resist change even when it is necessary, people compelled by rajas guṇa seek change even when inappropriate, and those biased toward sattva guna zealously, and sometimes tyrannically worship the good, the pure, and the beautiful.
The common denominator of all these human tendencies is trying to control experience from the individual level.
Does your diet and sleep hygiene matter?
How you move and breathe?
Your mental-emotional health?
Definitely, and we are going to dive deep into integrative Āyurveda to bring insights from modern Western science into the aspects of Yoga and Āyurveda in the curriculum.
What also matters is the way you ritually, prayerfully honor and tend the paradoxical relationships, including the ecological, communal and ancestral forces, that define the greater context of your life.
“Rajas is activity and Tamas inertia. Sattva is the balance of these two, for only consciousness can balance kinetic energy with potential energy.”
― Dr. Robert Svoboda
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for those who seek more than just self-care; it's for those who sense, as the teachings of the Bhagavad Gīta impel us to remember, that the fruits of our actions are never ours alone. Join me in exploring how we can all contribute to 'our one skin' with practices that nourish our relationship to ourselves and the world around us.
Studies in Sattva is for you if:
- you are a dedicated person who balances a world of responsibilities.
- you know that Yoga and Āyurveda helps you to navigate the uncertainty of life, whether it's the physical transformations of middle age, the complexities of parenthood, caring for elderly parents, or grieving personal and collective losses, injustices, and tragedies.
- you're ready to redefine balance, not as something rigid or unattainable, but as a living, breathing practice of responding and adapting—not just for yourself, but for the world that you inhabit.
- you sense your alignment with the deep intelligence of the body, the quality of relationships, and the need to honor natural, cultural, and ancestral forces are as important as your own heartbeat.
- you're deeply concerned about the state of the world: cultural wars, politics, sustainability, and systemic issues weigh heavily on your heart. And you are aware that continuing to pray exclusively to the old gods of individual safety and stability can potentially feed some of the most destructive beliefs and narratives that dominate this time of social, environmental and political reckoning.
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you recognize that your journey is intertwined with each other, the rhythms of the earth, the forces of nature, and the flow of time. As Rudolf Steiner put it: “my soul and the great world are one.”
What Erin Casperson, Director of the Kripalu School of Āyurveda says:
"I know Scott as a teacher and colleague. He is among the few that has dug this very deep well into a fully embodied experience of Āyurveda and yoga. His connection with wisdom traditions of these two technologies creates the space for students like me to have a deeper relationship to my subtle body.
Scott’s gift is showing his students the veils that keep us trapped in outdated mental patterns and how to remove those veils to access deep inner healing."
Through a combination of interactive lectures and experiential learning we will joyfully honor the sacred currents and wild paradox of reality that the three mahāguṇas represent.
Join me this fall for multidimensional self-care, sacred reciprocity, and collective healing.
What you'll learn:
1. Understand Sattva in the Context of Āyurveda and Yoga
- Grapple with some of the core definitions of Sattva from the Yoga and Āyurveda Traditions
2. Integration into Daily Practices
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Create personalized routines that build capacity to recognize the expressions the three mahāguṇas.
3. Yoga Practices to Enhance Equilibrium
- Similar to past six-month courses, we will develop āsana vinyāsas methodically. Special emphasis will be given to the intersection between subtle body practices and neuromuscular development.
4. The Role of Diet and Digestion + cooking classes!
- I am a gut nerd who is getting nerdier so we will continue integrating gut science and Āyurvedic dietary concepts in practice. We will have three cooking classes with guest chefs as well!
5. Finding a balanced relationship to the 5 elements
- Like the mahāguṇas, the 5 elements (pañcamahābhūta) are forces that we will learn to relate to multi-dimensionally by building a ritual and poetic relationship to them in our own language. Each element relates to one of our senses as well as emotional states and we will explore Āyurvedic and Yogic therapeutic practices through the five senses and the geography of our emotions.
6. Exploring practical Āyurvedic Psychology
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This is the heart of the studies, developing a deep understanding of the mahāguṇas acts as an antidote to selfish, delusional interpretations of the aims of Yoga and Āyurveda.
7. Nourishing the Sacred with Original Prayers
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Praying is not only religious, it can be an ongoing conversation with the seen and unseen parts of life that affirm and recalibrate our living relationships. Developing our capacity for prayer and praise is the corner stone of living from a place of sacred reciprocity where our prayers invite us into companionship with larger mysteries, grace, and paradox.
How you'll learn:
19 yoga classes: āsana and breathing practices as well as dharma talks
In all his classes, Scott focuses on subtle body awareness which includes biomechanics and neuromuscular development as well as traditional energetic teachings about marma from Āyurveda and the acupuncture channels from Traditional Chinese medicine. This emphasis enhances both the external and the internal expression of the postures and breathing practices. We welcome yoga students of all levels and abilities.
Classes are recorded so that you may take them at the time and rhythm that suits you best.
*NEW* 5 Yoga Class Q&A's
An opportunity to ask questions outside of class time to gain clarity and deepen your understanding of the poses and practices
5 Recorded Lectures + 6 Monthly Live, Interactive Zoom Classes
Recorded lectures and slide shows will elucidate the philosophical and practical underpinnings of the course. Live classes will foster community engagement and experiential learning.
3 Seasonal Cooking Classes
Special Guest Chefs will add spice to these cooking practicums focused on the guṇas and the five elements.
13-minute Dynamic and Restorative practices
These short practices will support you in staying connected when you don’t have time for a 90-minute yoga class. They'll include:
- somatic practices
- meridian tapping and toning
- sense therapies
Mutual support through a moai: an Okinawan Blue Zone practice, a moai is a mutually supportive group of 5-7 people that comes together to provide support for shared spiritual interests and to foster a strong sense of community and shared responsibility. Read more about moais here: https://www.bluezones.com/2018/08/moai-this-tradition-is-why-okinawan-people-live-longer-better/
Course Overview
Interactive and experiential off-the-mat sessions
FIRST CLASS: SEPTEMBER 13th, 10:00 - 11:30 am Pacific
October 11th
October 25th*
November 8th
December 6th*
December 13th
January 17th 2025
January 24th*
February 14th 2025
*Cooking classes
Yoga classes are in-person in Berkeley, CA + Livestreamed
Wednesdays 6:45 - 8:15 am Pacific
September 18, 25
October 2, 9, 23, 30
November 6, 13, 20
December 4, 11, 18
January 8, 15, 22, 29
February 5, 12, 19
*NEW* Yoga Q&A will take place after Yoga classes, dates TBD
All classes are recorded so that you may take them at your own pace.
ADDED BONUS: the B.I.G. reset
Doctor Blossom's signature, choose-your-own-adventure, seasonal cleanse program
Rather than a one-size-fits-all program, our approach includes a self-evaluation of your individual goals and health status so that you can use the appropriate tools and make a real difference, both right away and over the long term.
The B.I.G. Reset includes:
- Doctor Blossom’s epically huge Reset e-guide
- video lessons to support each phase
- customized dietary and lifestyle advice
- 60+ delicious recipes
- kitchen wisdom herbal remedies
- community connection with other participants through the Teachable platform
- access to the course from September 5th through November 1st so that you have 8 weeks to plan and reset
Your guide
Scott Blossom
For more than 25 years, Scott Blossom has integrated Traditional Chinese (TCM), Āyurveda, somatics, and evidence-based nutrition into his clinical practice and educational offerings.
In addition to his clinical practice, Scott currently offers online integrative wellness courses on the intersection of microbiome science with Āyurveda and yoga-based somatic practices.
He received his Biology degree in 1993 from UC Santa Cruz, his licensure in TCM from the Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine in 1998. Scott has been mentored by and worked alongside renowned Āyurvedic physician and scholar Dr. Robert Svoboda for more than twenty years.
Always passionate about integrative medicine, Scott began his career pioneering yoga-based wellness classes and acupuncture with the staff and patients at the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara and Hospice of Santa Barbara. He has served on the faculty of the Kripalu School of Āyurvedasince 2009.
Scott's mission is to inspire a regenerative revolution for individuals and society through multidimensional self-care, sacred reciprocity, and collective healing. Personally, this takes the form of an ongoing commitment to working with other white-bodied folks to become allies in social, sexual, and gender justice.
In 2011, Scott founded DoctorBlossom.com, a site dedicated to Āyurvedic education & nutrition.
What people are saying about courses and yoga with Scott:
"Scott creates such supportive containers throughout his courses for nourishing the mind and spirit. The unique and dynamic rituals I created during the program have already served me in direct and tangible ways, and I've been inspired to refresh them in subsequent seasons. I know that these teachings will be key in preventing and minimizing disease for me in the future. This course (Studies in Ojas) has significantly shifted my approach to teaching and sharing Āyurveda, with a reverence for the mysteries and powers of the subtle body."
- Jennifer Kurdyla
"I'm at a stage in my life where I'm actively separating from my attachment to identity and leaning more into experience and heart-forward practices. This course was a container for me to feel into that space and discover the joys of not only listening to desire and instinct but actually acting upon my instincts.
I wasn't totally aware of it at the time, but I was able to navigate difficult life circumstances with more ease because of the foundations of this course."
- Anonymous
"The attention and instruction given to breathing along certain energetic channels and areas related to different postures was very profound and new for me.
It felt super nourishing and provided a type of road map that I feel is lacking in many mainstream styles of yoga. I really enjoyed it and feel like my body and mind benefit from practicing in this way."
- Christopher Fong
5% of the profit from this course will be donated to Punarnava Āyurveda Trust
Based in Thirumalayampalayam Panchayat, a suburb of Coimbatore in Tamilnadu, South India, Punarnava's mission is to improve the health, education, and welfare of the local community through the principles of Āyurveda and natural farming. Punarnava is also committed to protecting the green cover of the land and building a sustainable and healthy community.
The Trust has given 219,000 Meals to 120 elderly villagers, cataract surgery to 500 villagers, distributed 5,200 sets of clothing, established 120 Medical camps in local villages, planted 8,000 trees and shrubs, and distributed 12,800 free packets of sanitary napkins. To learn more, visit punarnava.org
5% of the profit from this course will be donated to Higher Ground for Humanity
Higher Ground for Humanity teaches life skills to advance the personal development of the whole-child to thrive and belong in and outside of their local community. Higher Ground hosts workshops designed to advance communication with self and others in a gamified experiential environment, provides Community Outreach by hosting informational booths at local markets, community events, and mental health town halls for all ages, and Summer programming for students who wish to learn new skills to build confidence in communication, money management, and nutrition.
Learn more at highergroundwellness.org
We have tiered, class-equitable,
pay-what-supports-you pricing.
We believe that pricing can and should be a joyful act of service that creates stronger communities. Our model is inspired by the Green Bottle Model from Worts + Cunning.
We also want to help to create a conscious, intentional and value-aligned culture of payment.
Please read the following criteria and determine which price is appropriate for you:
- Highest price: You have access to financial security, own property, or have personal savings; if you are able to pay for "wants" and spend little time worrying about securing necessities in your life; if you have economic privilege and power in our community, this price is for you.
By choosing this price, you are “paying it forward” and contributing to a more equitable world.
- Middle price: You may be paying off debt or working to build savings, but you also have access to steady income. You do NOT struggle to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, medical care, child care, etc.
Making this investment might mean you might have to cut back on some discretionary spending in your life (such as going out to dinner, buying coffee, buying a new outfit, or going on vacation), but the sacrifice is short-term, and will not harm you in the long term.
- Lowest price: You have access to basic needs such as food, housing, and childcare, though sometimes it may feel difficult. You are able to save money/month each week to be able to pay for the program.
Reflecting honestly about your financial situation and paying at a level you can afford helps us to grow a healthy and sustainable community. It also respects the work of Scott and the Doctor Blossom team.
We also offer Equity Scholarships: opportunities for those who even the lowest tier price is truly prohibitive, but who would benefit from the program. To apply for a scholarship, please send a paragraph about your financial need & your motivation to participate in this course to [email protected]
Those who are from traditionally marginalized communities–such as Black, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQIA+, disabled, living in countries with an unfavorable exchange rate, and/or whose first language is other than English–are especially encouraged to apply.
This is our way of investing in a world where everybody gets to optimize their health and so that we can decouple health from the effects of financial inequity.
Access to this course will be available for ten months after you enroll.
Access to the B.I.G. Reset is from September 6th - November 1st.
Please reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are classes recorded?
Yes, all classes are recorded and will be made available later on the same day.
Is there an in-person component?
Yes, if you are located in Berkeley, California, you have the option to attend our in-person classes.
What if I’m a beginner at Yoga or Āyurveda?
Beginners are warmly welcomed! Both Yoga and Āyurveda offer multidimensional teachings, and we are committed to addressing various levels of experience. We provide resources, including PDFs and short recordings, designed to build your knowledge at a comfortable pace. Additionally, our team is available to answer your questions via email or comments in the course platform Monday through Friday.
Do I need any certifications to join?
No prerequisites or certifications are required to participate in the Studies in Sattva course.
Is there a community aspect?
Absolutely! There are several ways to connect with our community. You can join an optional, mutual support moai, participate in monthly live lectures, engage with other participants through our course platform's comment features, and explore various question and reflection opportunities throughout the course.
How much time should I expect to dedicate each week?
You can expect to spend 90 minutes to 3 hours in class weekly. We recommend dedicating at least one additional hour per week for study and practice outside of class. We’ve also structured the course with built-in breaks, ensuring at least one week per month without scheduled classes to support digestion and integration of the materials.