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Yoga Tree Of Life Yin and Yang Teachers Training Syllabus

Module 1:

Introduction to Teacher's Training and Self-care Practices:

  • Introduction

  • Self - care as Number 1 !

  • Sadana

Module 2: Introduction to Yoga Philosophy and Foundations:

Introduction to Yoga Philosophy. Historical Overview:

  • Philosophical Foundations

  • The Eight Limbs of Yoga

  • Yoga and Psychology​

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Study of Ancient Texts 

  • Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

  • Bhagavad Gita

  • Upanishads

 

Understanding the Eight Limbs of Yoga 

  • Yamas and Niyamas

  • Asana Practice

  • Pranayama and Pratyahara

  • Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi

 

Integration of Philosophical Concepts 

  • Application to Modern Life

  • Ethical Considerations

  • Integration into Practice

Module 3: Yin Yoga Fundamentals
with detailed content:

Yin & Yang Yoga Principles 

  • Understanding Yin Yoga

  • Understanding Yang Yoga

  • Yin and Yang Theory

  • Taoist Philosophy

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Yin, Yang Yoga Asanas 

  • Foundational Yin Poses

  • Foundational Yang Poses

  • Physical and Energetic Effects of both. 

  • Study the role of breath awareness and mindfulness in Yin Yoga that can deepen the practice and release tension and resistance.

  • Study the role of breath awareness in Yang Yoga that can assist and release in more challenging postures. 

  • Use of Props

  • Contraindications and Modifications-exploration

 

Sequencing Yin and Yang Yoga Classes  

  • Varried Principles of Sequencing

  • Theme Development

  • Integrating Mindfulness and Breathwork

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Teaching Methodology  

  • Effective Cueing and language use

  • Learn how to guide students into and out of poses with mindful attention to breath, alignment, and sensation, facilitating a meditative and introspective experience.

  • Hands-On Adjustments

  • Creating a Sacred Space

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Practice Teaching and Feedback  

  • Practice Teaching Sessions

  • Practice integrating the principles of both Yin and Yang Yoga, effective cueing, good observational skills and varied sequencing into your teaching approach.

  • Peer and Teacher Feedback and Reflection

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Integration of Bhakti and Mantra Yoga 

  • Devotional Elements: Explore what is devotion in the context of Yoga and what ways can we learn to bring and infuse Bhakti ( Devotion ) and Mantra Yoga practices into our Yoga classes.

  • Incorporating devotional music, prayers , learn to a create a sacred alter and explore chanting ancient invocation’s

  • Science backed understanding of how devotional practices can deepen the sense of connection and reverence towards oneself and one’s wider outlook to life.

Module 4: Pranayama and Breathwork:

Pranayama Techniques 

  • Learn the foundational pranayama technique’s.

  • Explore the science backed benefits of this ancient technological healing power. 

  • What is Pranayama? Learn the art of breathing, techniques, its functions and its effects. 

  • Study and practice these breathwork techniques for calming the mind and nervous system (Yin) and the energising pranayamas (Yang) to foster clarity and will power. 

  • Pranayama practice isn’t just increasing one’s lung capacity, and promoting relaxation, this ancient practice strengthens and oxygenates the entire nervous system and chakra (subtle etheric) system.

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Here are just some of the pranayams that we will be practicing and mastering. 

  • Ujjayi Pranayama (Victorious Breath -Explore and understand the powerful and yet more subtle silent Ujayi’s from 1 to 4.

  • Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing)

  • Viloma, Kaplabhati, Bhastrika

  • And much more! 

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Anatomy of Breathing 

  • Mechanics of Respiration

  • Respiratory System Anatomy

  • Prana and Pranayama

  • Koshas and Pranayama:

  • Effects on the Nervous System

 

Pranayama Sequencing 

  • Gradual Progression: Learn how to sequence pranayama practices in a gradual and systematic manner

  • Safety Considerations

  • Learn how to modify and adapt pranayama techniques to suit the needs and limitations of all students with diverse backgrounds and health conditions.

  • Integration into Yoga Classes

 

Integration into your Personal Practise

  • Develop sensitivity to the different pranayama’s and the subtle changes in the breath, mind and energy levels.

  • Deepening your awareness of the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit

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Teaching Skills

  • Learn how to create different pranayama sequence’s that are either vital/ energising and also deeply restorative and relaxing. 

  • Create a pre and post pranayama yoga sequence that can really help yoga students get the most out if this ancient practice.

Module 5: Meditation and Mindfulness:

Meditation Techniques 

  • Vipassana Meditation

  • Loving-kindness (Metta) Meditation

  • Jnana, Self enquiry. 

  • Mantra Meditation

  • Traditional mantras learning from various spiritual traditions

 

Benefits of Meditation:

  • Physical Health Benefits

  • Mental and Emotional Benefits

  • Psycho Spiritual Benefits 

 

Mindfulness in Daily Life:

  • Everyday Mindfulness Practices

  • Mindful Eating

  • Self reflective diary. 

 

Meditation Practices:

  • Guided Meditation Sessions

  • Meditation Postures

 

Integration:

  • Integration into Yoga Classes

  • Personal Practice

  • Integration into Daily Life

Module 6: Restorative Yoga and Relaxation:

Restorative Yoga Principles

  • Understanding Restorative Yoga

  • Relaxation Response

  • Yin and Restorative Yoga: Compare and contrast Restorative Yoga with Yin Yoga

 

Restorative Asanas and Sequencing

  • Restorative Asanas

  • Prop Use

  • Sequencing Strategies

 

Anatomy of Relaxation

  • Physiology of Relaxation

  • Mind-Body- Gut Connection

  • Energetic Effects

 

Relaxation Yoga with Pranayama Techniques

  • Breath Awareness

  • Guided Relaxation

  • Yoga Nidra

 

Teaching Methodology

  • Effective Verbal Cues

  • Hands-On Adjustments

  • Creating a Relaxing Environment

Module 7: Philosophy and Practice of Bhakti Yoga:

Understanding Bhakti Yoga

  • Introduction to Bhakti Yoga

  • Devotional Practices

  • Study of Saints and Scriptures

 

Philosophical Foundations 

  • Concept of Bhakti

  • Bhakti and Vedanta

  • Surrender and Grace

 

Devotional Practices

  • Kirtan and Chanting

  • Puja and Ritual Worship

  • Bhajans and Devotional songs

 

Living Bhakti

  • Bhakti in Daily Life

  • Service and Selflessness

  • Satsang and Spiritual Community

 

Integration 

  • Personal Practice: Cultivate a personal Bhakti Yoga practice

  • Service Projects: Engage in Seva (selfless service) projects within your community

Module 8: Teaching Methodology and Practicum:

Teaching Methodology 

  • Effective Communication

  • Demonstration and Visualisation

  • Observation and Correction

  • Sequencing Strategies

  • Adapting to Student Needs

 

Practical Aspects:

  • Practice Teaching

  • Peer Feedback and Reflection

  • Integration of Bhakti and Mantra Yoga

  • Creating Sacred Space

 

Business Aspects:

  • Marketing and Promotion

  • Continuing Professional and Personal Development

Module 9: Yogic Lifestyle and Ethics:

Yogic Lifestyle 

  • Self-care Practises revised

  • Mindfulness in Daily life

 

Yogic Diet and Nutrition:

  • Principles of Yogic Diet

  • Nutritional Guidelines

 

Ethical Considerations:

  • Teaching Ethics

 

Integration into Daily Life:

  • Personal Sadhana (Practice): Establishing a personal sadhana (spiritual practice) that integrates yogic principles into our daily life, including asana, yin and yang, pranayama, prayer , meditation, and Self-reflection practices to nurture physical, mental, spiritual growth and ultimately Self Realisation. 

  • Community Engagement: Recognizing the importance of seva (selfless service) and cultivate a sense of community and oneness through volunteer work, ( teaching yoga in nursing homes for example ) social activism, and supporting marginalized groups, embodying the spirit of Karma Yoga (the yoga of selfless action).

This expanded content provides a more comprehensive understanding of teaching methodology, practical experiences, and the traditional aspects of Yoga teaching, to empower yourself to become more confident, Self aware, effective, and ethical yoga teacher with a true holistic approach to your practice and teaching style! 

HOMEWORK

Sadana

Home practice of: Asana, Meditation, Pranyama. 

A minimum of 3 hours a week.

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There may be times when you go under one week and go over on another week of the required hours. That is totally fine, as long as you write down what you have done and for how long, every month we observe your yoga journal. 

 

Don’t worry, it might seem a lot but actually the home practice is not. In order for you to really make more positive changes in your life,  learning to practice not just yoga postures at home by yourself but reading / reflecting and learning to meditate , Breathwork etc..are all totally invaluable for your own yogic journey. You can also come together in what is known as peer groups where you practice and teach together and these are also essential in the course. 

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Yoga Journal

You are required to keep a log of the dates and times of your Sadana practice. Please feel free and inspired to write any thoughts and feelings that may arise for you. 

 

Written Assignments

Each month there will be a new topic on Yoga to write about. You will be given new topic's on the Teachers Training weekend.

ATTENDANCE

We require 100% attendance for the Teachers Training weekend and 90% for the weekly classes. If you cannot make a particular weekend or day, due to sicknesses or other important commitments, then as long as you notify us you can make it up over a condensed private one to one session (separate ) with Nicholas.

ACCREDITATION

Our teacher training course has met the stringent requirements set by Yoga Alliance Professionals. Our graduates are trained to the highest standard and are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance Professionals.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

  • Yoga mat

  • Yoga strap (wide is better than narrow)

  • Rectangular bolster

  • 4 blocks 

  • 2 bricks 

  • Yoga chair

 

We can order all the above for you with my teacher’s discount. The yoga equipment is invaluable, we will use it a lot and I still have the same equipment myself  after years and years!

 

I provide you with handouts throughout the entire course. I will also be giving you different readings and written assignments throughout the TTC. 

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