Course Description
Introduction to Yoga Foundations
Yoga is introduced as a process of living in the present moment through awakening our physical, psychological and spiritual capacities. This course provides essential principals, techniques and methodologies to teach yoga in modern society, based on the classical eight-limbed path of yoga. Teacher trainees explore the multifaceted levels of yoga and learn techniques to develop a home practice that will support personal growth throughout the program.
Yoga History, Theory and Philosophy
Students learn an overview of the 5,000-year-old history of yoga, exploring the major scriptures and texts that lay the foundation for the practice. Teacher trainees are introduced to the important philosophical texts and concepts including: the Vedas, Upanishads, Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana and Hatha Yoga Pradipika.
Essential Principals of Yoga Practice
The eight-limbed path of classical yoga is a comprehensive system of transformation and integration. This path explores ethics and core principals that allow one to be at peace with our self, our family, our communities and the world at large. Focused on keeping the body and mind healthy and flexible, this module introduces students to the dynamic practice of yoga asanas (postures), pranayama (breath control), concentration, meditation and mantra (the power of sound).
The Science of Yoga and Ayurveda
Ayurveda is the sister science to Yoga covering principals of development of physical, psychological and spiritual well being. By studying the five element theory, three basic constitution types (vata, pitta, kapha), and their relationships, teacher trainees learn how to classify individual mind-body types, and offer yoga courses based on life-style factors such as exercise, appropriate meditation, and spiritual practices.
The Mind and Meditation
Students discuss the nature of the mind, habitual patterns and how to transform them through the practice of meditation. Topics include: the three gunas (subtle qualities of nature and mind), the basic laws of karma (cause and conditions), dharma (natures law), kundalini, and the divine feminine principle. Trainees will learn techniques to calm the mind, allowing its innate clarity and contentment to arise through the practice of equanimity and compassion. They will also learn self-discovery techniques such as contemplative journaling, dialogue and group discussion.
Anatomy, Physiology, and Subtle Body Systems
The Western paradigm of organized body systems and the anatomy of the Eastern subtle body system are covered in this course. Western systems include: cardiovascular, neuro-endocrine, respiratory, digestive, musculoskeletal and cellular systems. Eastern systems include: physical, subtle and causal body, vital energy channels (nadis), chakras (energy centers), and Kundalini energy. Trainees develop confidence by applying these principals of experiential anatomy to create and lead yoga practices.
Yogic Training Practices and Techniques 1
Students learn the purpose and benefits of yoga postures. In addition they explore the basic principles behind thirty core asanas (postures), breathing practices (pranayama), bandhas (body locks) and mudras (hand gestures that direct the flow of life energy). Trainees learn to utilize the power of voice and mantra for self-expression, projection, healing, and teaching purposes as well as basic Sanskrit and Gurmukhi mantras.
Yogic Training Practices and Techniques 2
Trainees develop a sound understanding of the benefits, contraindications and modifications of practice. Particular attention will be given to understanding the language of yoga asana, principles of flow, and how movement and alignment affect the psychosomatic and energy systems. This weekend directs teacher trainees towards "stirum sukum asana" – steadiness, ease of postures and flow.
Yogic Training Practices and Techniques 3
This course emphasizes the optimal yoga class sequencing: warm-ups, pranayama, flow of yoga postures and relaxation techniques. Trainees learn and apply different sequences according to individual and group needs. Specialized topics include: yoga classes for children, seniors, pre and post-natal yoga, and basic techniques of yoga therapy. Students work half of their practicum hours in the community after this course.
Yogic Teaching Methodology
Embodiment of personal practice, observation, discernment and clear and compassionate communication are necessary tools required to teach quality professional yoga classes. By learning and applying these methods, teacher trainees are able to effectively demonstrate and teach yogic principals and concepts, creating a peaceful and non-competitive environment class environment. Students complete the remainder of their practicum hours in the community after this course.
Yogic Teacher Training Comprehensive
Students teach and evaluate their peers during demonstration yoga classes. This includes a forum for sharing personal transformation generated by the program. Additional topics include: ethics and the identity of a yoga teacher, creating healthy boundaries, roles and responsibilities inside and outside the class setting, meeting the challenges of teaching yoga, and the administrative and marketing aspects of class development.