Definition of Yoga by Sage Patañjali

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योग: चित्त-वृत्ति निरोध:  (yogāḥ citta-vṛtti-nirodhāḥ) - Yoga Sutras 1.2

Yoga occurs when the movements of consciousness cease to fluctuate

 

The meaning of Yoga is understood as ‘Union’. Embracing this Union is accomplished by the practice of Nirodha (mental control).  Hence, the goal of Yoga is the perfection of that process. Yoga (union) implies ‘Duality’, as in the joining of 2 things or principles. The result of Yoga is the ’Non-Dual’ state - the union of the Lower Self and Higher Self. This non-dual state is characterized by "absence of individuality" promoting peace, pure love, Self-Realization, or Liberation.

 

As Yoga Teachers, or those who share Yoga knowledge, we must strive to protect and share the true and traditional practice, maintaining the integrity and sacredness gifted to humanity through the elevated consciousness of the great Sages & Seers of India.  We have a responsibility and duty of care when embracing this knowledge for ourselves and when sharing this gift with our community.

 

The Sattvic Sage Ayurveda & Yoga 300 Hour Program is for those whom wish to dive deeper - For those who have completed YTT200 and wish to deepen their understanding of traditional Yoga Principles and practical teaching skills, or for those who wish to  personally explore their understanding and practice of Yoga for a healthy and balanced life.

 

This course allows each individual to experience the true essence and meaning of Yoga through a unique and holistic synthesis, harmonized amongst the teachings of ageless wisdom of ancient scriptures and philosophy applied in a contemporary context that students can grasp and thus begin to put into practice in their daily lives. Yoga is not something we ‘Do’, but something we ‘Realize’.

This is a path of Self-Discovery and Self-Realization.

 

Students will learn the integral foundations of Yoga, ensuring all participants can practice safely, teach safely, understand the breath and the mind and learn to connect to other human beings compassionately. This experience is a wonderful odyssey on your path to greater self-awareness and understanding. By incorporating Yoga in its totality, all will learn to teach and practice through their own experiences and deepened knowledge.

 

The course is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation for teaching yoga skillfully & intelligently, while realizing the connection of Āsana to Nirodha (Mental Control) and Prāṇa.  This course intends to possess more depth and breadth of the true Yoga teachings, understanding the Śhiva / Śhakīi Principle, with a deep connection to heart.

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Graduates of this program can become Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT 200 / RYT500) with Yoga Alliance when they apply for registration with Yoga Alliance directly.  An RYT designation is a symbol of a minimum level of knowledge, training, and experience - based on standards recognized by Yoga Alliance.  Possessing this designation enhances your credibility as a teacher - but many components of this course offer higher-than-required knowledge for Yoga Alliance registration. 

 

The Sattvic Sage Ayurveda & Yoga program also incorporates added ability to understand basic concepts in Ayurveda and its critical relationship to Yoga. Yoga & Ayurveda are inseparable.  Ayurveda itself is a form of Yoga.

 

You will learn the benefits and teaching of various styles of Asana (Refinement of Hatha, Vinyasa) – but also Yin, Restorative & Chair, as well as Meditation, Yoga Nidrā, Pranayama, Chanting of Mantras and the use of Mudras. No other special  certifications in each style will be necessary (nor the expense of such courses). You will be prepared to offer your light and energy in each of these spaces, with the goal of sharing your knowledge for health & healing of yourself and your community.

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~ Program Overview~

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Techniques, Training & Practice:

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Yoga Śastrā / Ṣatdarśana

Āsana

• Historical Context, Kriṣnamaćarya Lineage

• Complete Sequencing to Achieve Effects Safely

• Sukhasana & Savasana

• Anatomical & Alignment Principles & Contraindications

Pranayama & Subtle Body

• Historical Context, Effects on Anatomy & Subtle Body

• Safe Pranayama Sequencing with Precautions, Alternatives & Adaptations

• Pūraka, Recaka, Kumbhaka

• Ujjayi, Nadī Śodāna, Kapalbhatī, Bhāstrika, Śitkari, Śitkari, Suryabhedana & Chandrabhedana

• Essential Oils, Mindfulness & Living a Holistic Life

ŚuddiKriyas (Purification Practices)

Meditation & States of Consciousness

Knowledge of Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi

Meditation

• Self-Ability to practice Meditation

• Teaching Meditation & Relaxation

Ayurveda

• Introduction to Ayurvedic Medicine, Doṣa Concepts

• History, Classical Samhitas, Sānkhya Philosophy, Shiva/Shakti & Aum Principle

• Food & Plants as Medicine, Dravyagunakarma

• Yoga & Ayurveda Relationship

• Yoga for your Doṣa - Āsana, Pranayama, Dhyana for balancing Vata, Pitta & Kapha

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Anatomy & Physiology:

Anatomy:  Structure

• Skeletal System

Major Bones, Types of Joints, Major Muscles involved in Āsana, Types of Muscle Contraction

• The 3 A’s: Anatomy, Alignment & Adjustment / Spirals & Loops

Physiology:  Functional Systems

• Nervous System

‘Fight/Flight’ & ‘Freeze’ Stress Response, Vagus Nerve, Overall Mind/Body Connection

• Cardiovascular/Circulatory, Endocrine, Digestive Systems as they relate to Yoga Āsana

Expulsion of Metabolic Wastes, Catalyzing Healing Processes

• Respiratory System

Muscles that control breathing, Voluntary/Involuntary breath, How Prana Enters & Exits the body

Bio-Mechanics

• Types of Joint Movements, Joint Stabilization

• Safe movement as it pertains to Balancing, Stretching, Awareness, Trauma/Injury

• Contraindications, Misalignments, Adaptations

• Loops & Spirals

Yoga Anatomy & Physiology

• Yoga Anatomy: Sthūla Śarira, Sūkṣma Śarira, Karaṇa Śarira

• Panćakoṣa: Annamaya Koṣa, Prāṇamaya Koṣa, Manomaya Koṣa, Vijñānamaya Koṣa, Ānandamaya Koṣa  

• Ćakras, Nadīs & Marmāmi

• Panca Vayu: The 5 Vatas ~ Ayurveda Concepts for Yoga Asana 

• Āsana for Ćakra Balancing

 

 

Yoga Humanities:

History

• Yoga Terminology

• Kriṣnamaćarya Lineage, Style & Methodology

Philosophy

• Definition, Dates, Etiology & Key Terms

• Relationship between Āsana, Pranayama and Meditation

• Key Ideas of Vedas, Vedanta, Hatha, Colonial, Modern

• Yoga Darśanā Philosophies & Classical Texts

Sānkhya Philosophy, Upanishads, Yoga Sutras, Gheranda Samhita, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Bhagavad Gita

• Self-Reflection

• How Philosophies relate to private practice

Yoga Lifestyle With Deeper Understanding

• Yamas & Niyamas

• Understanding the value of teaching yoga as a service & being of service to others (Karma Yoga & Seva)

SHIVA / SHAKTI Principle – Types of Tantras

Sankalpā, Sadhana, Dharma

Bandhas, Mantra, Mudra, Malas

Sanskrit

Ethics

• Awareness of Yoga Sutras and similar yogic ethical precepts

• Scope of Practice and Code of Conduct

• Comprehension & Responsibility

• Accountability Measures

• Self-reflection on how yoga ethics relate to practice and teaching

 

 

Teaching Methodology & Professional Development:  

Teaching Methodology

• Sequencing: Arc Structures (Hatha, Vinyasa, YIN, Restorative, Chair)

• Important Factors/Changes during Menstruation, Pregnancy, Postpartum

• Āsana for Special Populations / Conditions (Pregnancy, Seniors, Kids, Emotional Health)

• Pace, Environment, Music (or not) & Class Management & Atmosphere

• Class & Workshop Structure for Beginners, Intermediate & Advanced Practitioners

• Theme-Oriented Classes – What is the Message? (We offer Yoga, not solely physical fitness)

• Cueing, Cueing, Cueing! (verbal, visual, physical)

• Avoiding cues that may unintentionally create fear or exclusion

Professional Development

• Communication skills, time management & establishment of priorities and boundaries

• Yoga-Related Professional Organizations, including Yoga Alliance & IYAT

• Credentialing Process

• Lifetime Learning & Continuing Education

• General Professionalism (timeliness, consistency, cleanliness)

• Marketing & Promotion

• Liability Insurance / Waivers / Disclaimers / Music Copyright

Practicum

• Knowledge, Skills, Experience (across 13 key Competencies)

• (Supervised) Community Yoga classes to gain experience

Mentorship / Apprenticeship

• Practice teaching as the Lead Instructor*  (does not include observing or giving feedback)

• Personal Practice Attendance Log

• Class Observations, Receiving & Giving Feedback

*A minimum of 5 Hours actively practice teaching as the lead instructor in each style

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 *These hours include (with substantial emphasis):

• How to address the specific needs of individuals / special populations

• Theoretical & Analytical Understanding with training in how to teach and practice techniques

• Guided practice of the techniques themselves

• Specific Use of Language, with awareness of Trauma & All-Inclusion

• Each trainee must spend a minimum of 5 Contact Hours actively practice teaching as the lead instructor

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*Teaching Competence and Proficiency

Students must demonstrate command of the skills necessary to safely and competently teach a Yoga class. Participation in all practice-teaching sessions is mandatory for certification. During these sessions & throughout training, you must demonstrate the ability to teach Yoga using the methodology presented in the training as noted below:

 

• Demonstrate knowledge, embodiment and modeling of Āsana, including modifications, intuitive and evidence-based benefits, contraindications, and alignment principles for all intended demographics

• Demonstrate understanding and use of effective, conscious communication skills

• Demonstrate ability to lead Āsana, Pranayama, Guided Meditation and Relaxation.

• Demonstrate fundamental knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology—muscles, bones, and systems

• Demonstrate knowledge of Yoga History, Philosophy and Methodology

 

These skills will be evaluated during session Teachbacks. 

A minimum of 5 hours is required teaching as the Lead Instructor and will be incorporated into class training sessions.

You will conduct classes live as lead instructor amongst classmates and offer Community Yoga Classes.

Classmates will provide feedback to each other on each class offered.

 

Assessments

Students will be given a series of assessments designed to support integration of content. The assignments include Homework on studied texts, Summaries/analyzation of specific documentaries, self-reflective based journaling, lesson reviews, and practice teaching exercises. The successful completion of these assessments is required for certification. All documentation be collected/reviewed in hardcopy or via email and will be reviewed by the Lead Trainer.

 

At-Home Assignments

Students attending training will be given assignments to complete between segments. These assignment will account for Non-Contact Hours.  These assignments will include attending personal yoga classes, Observing others teaching in a classroom setting, and developing Class Designs.  Students must satisfactorily complete and submit all assignments in hardcopy or email to receive certification. These assignments will be provided by the Lead Trainer In-Person or via email. All documentation be collected/reviewed in hardcopy or via email and will be reviewed by the Lead Trainer.

 

 

 

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Breakdown of Hours

THIS SESSION IS IN-PERSON at Soderworld Wellness Center in in Willowbrook IL 

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Requirements for Completion:

Completion & Attendance of All Session Hours & Any Needed Make Up Hours

All Assigned Homework / Personal Class Attendance Log / Meditation Journal Sharing / Student Survey

Class Observations / Class designs / Complimentary Community Class Offerings

Tuition Paid in Full

 

Pre-Requisite:

ALL CLASSES:  At least 18 Years of Age with Proficiency in English, as all classes are taught in English language

For the 300HR Course: Completion of YTT200HR Program - Transcript or Certification Proof Required

It is suggested that each student has previous experience by way of attending classes, lectures, inquiry or has engaged in self-awareness practices for at least 6 months.

 

Upon Completion:

When course requirements are met, a “Certificate of Completion” is issued.

You are considered a Certified Yoga Instructor: CYT200 or CYT500

This program not offer Job Placement Opportunities

 

Registration with Yoga Alliance:

To become a Registered Yoga Instructor (RYT), the registration process is completed directly with Yoga Alliance.

This program is a YA RYS Registered School and may be included in the path to RYT200 / RYT500. 

This process is also explained in the Professional Development portion of the program.

 

Current CYT200 & RYT200:

The completion of hours and Certificate of Completion may be added to experiential hours for the path of CYT500 / RYT500.

If RYT500 is desired, Yoga Alliance will recognize your additional training hours through this program.

 

Academic Requirement:​

• ALL CLASSES:  Applicants have English language fluency, as all classes will be taught in English

• LEVEL 2 300 HR:  Applicants have completed a Level 1 - 200HR Program 

 

Recommended Reading / Books:

Detailed Book List Provided Upon Enrollment

 

Steps in the Application Process & Enrollment Registration:

1. Emailed Enrollment Form to sattvicsage@gmail.com

2. Payment of $500.00 SEAT RESERVATION (Applied to Tuition) or Tuition Payment in Full

3. Phone Interview with Prospective Student by Lead Trainer / Confirmation of Acceptance

4. Potential student signs and returns the 'Attestation & Acknowledgement' of Program Policies

5. Student receives Welcome Email with all steps, dates and details to prepare for Class Start​

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All Policies, Attestation, Acknowledgement & Waiver HERE

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Tuition Includes:

• In Person Class Hours, Non-Contact Assignments, All Homework Review, Tracking, Grading & Feedback

• High-Quality, Professional Presentations & Equipment

• Full-Color Binder/Training Manual with Syllabus Overview, Class Schedule, Course Handbook, Class Notes / Handouts,          Meditation Journal, Class Design Templates, Class Observation Templates and Personal Class Attendance Log

• NOTE: PART 1 & 2 Handouts are printed and contained within binder

       - Subsequent Handouts are provided Electronically via Email to print at student's discretion​

• Yoga Classes (90-Min) held every Wednesday evening at Soderworld Wellness (while in training)

• 20% Off Discount on other Soderworld Wellness Yoga Workshops (while in training)

• Numerous E-Books:

'Yoga Anatomy' by Leslie Kaminoff

'The Bhagavad Gita' Explained

‘The Gheranda Samhita’

‘The Hatha Yoga Pradipika’

‘Raja Yoga’ by Swami Vivekananda

'Karma Yoga' by Swami Vivekananda

'Yin Yoga: Essential Poses and Sequences for Balanced Energy' by Diane Taylor 

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ADDITIONAL BOOKS:

Additional Required Books are not included and are at Student Expense.

Complete Book List Provided Upon Enrollment  ~ Does not exceed $100.

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WHAT MAKES THIS TRAINING UNIQUE

 

DEEP & TRADITIONAL UNDERSTANDING

Classes include practice of Āsana, Pranayama,& Meditation, as well as coursework, practical experience / excursions to witness Yoga in its truest form - beyond the physical.

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Many YTT Training programs offer just a scratch of the surface of the true Yoga practice by focusing only on physical postures, while missing any real focus on 7 other components of the 8-Fold Path – the most powerful pieces on the healing journey.  I wish to offer and share understanding of tradition, history, integrity and cultural (and yes, the PHYSICAL) pieces of this life-altering knowledge.

 

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BEYOND ĀSANA:  DEEPER PHILOSOPHY, TEXTS & TRADITION

- History / Origins / Ṣatdarśana

- Immersion in the 8 Limbs of the Aṣtāṅga Path

- Contemplations of verses of Patanjali Yoga Sutras

- Sankya Philosophy

- Lineage of Krishnamacharya

- Hatha Pradpika / Bhagavad Gita

- Study of ŚuddiKriyas

- Introduction to the beauty of Sanskrit

- What is Tāntra, really?

 

Heavy in both Western & Yogic/Ayurvedic understandings of Anatomy, Physiology & Injury Prevention –

As well as the Subtle Energy body and modalities of Prana, Cakras, Nadīs and Marmas.

 

PRACTICAL & EXPERENTIAL EXPERIENCE

CHICAGO:  Visiting the Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago in Lemont, IL 

*** Meeting organizers and Swamis, experiencing Yoga Practice in its truest form

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L1 200HR: TEACH HATHA, VINYASA, YIN

L2 300HR: TEACH RESTORATIVE, CHAIR & YOGA NIDRĀ

No other special weekend certification courses (or the added expense of those courses) in each style will be necessary.  Many YTT programs only certify with focus on Hatha & Vinyasa - then requiring special attendance of weekend workshops in all other styles that are typically $250-$350 each.   Here you will be prepared to offer each style - All included in Asana Study and Delivery – Including Prana Flow, Benefits, Sequencing and Teaching Skills. This is a huge cost savings.

 

AYURVEDA & YOGA FOR YOUR DOṢA

Introduction to Ayurveda & Understanding Doṣas

The 6 Tastes of Ayurveda: Food & Plants

The Yoga & Ayurveda Relationship

Yoga Asana, Pranayama, Dhyana for balancing Vata, Pitta & Kapha

The movement of 5 Parana Vayus within Āsana.

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HOW TO BUILD YOUR PRACTICE

I will guide you in understanding Code of Ethics, Scope of Practice, Legal Documents necessary for State or County, Waivers & Disclaimer Language, Music Suggestions as well as Copyright adherence, and much more!  Learn your practice options available as an employee or independent practitioner, tax rules, payment gateways and the best ways to share your offerings both in-person or ONLINE.

 

 

The aim & goal is setting forth Yoga Instructors with sincere quality & depth of understanding in both personal and public practice, and who are empowered with tradition - as well as knowledge, on how to offer and share yoga as a lifestyle, not just a ‘class’.  Yoga is not something we ‘do’, but what we ‘realize’.

 

Offering Guidance & Instruction in this sacred practice goes beyond “HOW”….but also “WHY”.