ShivaShakti School of Yoga & Healing Arts: Yoga Teacher Training, Retreats, & Classes : Rockland, Maine

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Curriculum

Advanced Yoga Teacher Training Curriculum

270 Contact (in class) hours

120 hours Techniques- including demonstration, alignment, practice and theory of ShivaShakti yogasana, advanced pranayama, meditation, mudra, bandha, yoga nidra, mantra, and kirtan.

50 hours Anatomy and Philosophy- A scientific, hands-on approach to human A&P in regards to yoga practice. Includes the therapeutic application of yoga on various systems of the body, as well as contraindications for the yoga practitioner. An in-depth study of the musculo-skeletal system is covered through lecture and practice of a unique ShivaShakti Partner Stretching Series, which gives practitioners an experiential, hands-on understanding of the muscular system of the body.

60 hours Philosophy, Lifestyle, Ethics- lectures and discussions cover two classic texts on yogic philosophy, Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita. A series of classes also delve into the study and usage of Sanskrit. A significant portion of this program is devoted to the study of Ayurveda for the yoga practitioner. Ayurveda classes include study of the doshas, gunas, ayuryoga, and lifestyle practices for the yoga practitioner. Ethics classes include a study into conscious food choices, yogic ecology, and global yoga.

25 hours Teaching Methodology- Various aspects of teaching yoga, including demonstration, observation, correction, sequencing, voice, etc. The student will deepen their understanding and experience of adjustments and assists for all ShivaShakti yogasana through practice of the ShivaShakti Partner Stretching Series. Use of the ayurvedic doshas are applied to teaching yoga, giving yoga teachers the ability to customize their classes to the needs of individual students. Case studies comprise a significant portion of this class, with participants working with sample cases to create personalized yoga practices for health and balance. Topics also include teaching styles, students' learning styles, leading meditation and yoga nidra.

15 hours Practicum- Teacher trainees hone their teaching skills under the guidance of the staff. Students teach in small groups and receive feedback from instructors and peers. A portion of the practicum hours are spent working with sample case studies and developing certain aspects of one's teaching.

Sample Daily Schedule:

6-7:15 AM Meditation and Chanting
7:30-8:15 AM Pranayama

8:15-9:45 AM Asana Class

9:45-10:45 AM Brunch
10:45 AM-1:15 PM Anatomy and Physiology
12:45-1:45 PM Afternoon break
1:45-3:00 PM Philosophy Lecture
3:00-4:30 PM Ayurveda, Yogic Lifestyle, or Teaching Methodology
4:45-6 PM Practicum

6-7 PM Dinner

Curriculum Breakdown By Module

Below is a general overview of each module. These topics listed here are not inclusive of everything covered in each module. Each module includes approximately 90 hours of study. Each module contains some pre-reading requirements to be completed before the module begins.

Module 1: The Heart of Inspired Teaching

Deepen and expand your teaching skills through in-depth study of Applied Anatomy and Physiology for the yoga practitioner. Students learn a unique ShivaShakti Partner Stretching Series (akin to bodywork,) which increases the students' understanding of the musculo-skeletal system, energetic anatomy, and hands-on adjustments. The art of mindful assisting and adjusting is covered in depth. Complimenting the work of the body, Patanjali's Yoga Sutras are studied to give yoga teachers a more comprehensive view of the scope of classical yoga.

Module 2: Ayurveda and the Integration of Yoga for Householders

Explore the sister science to yoga, Ayurveda. In this module you will gain competency with the 5 elements, 3 doshas, Ayurvedic lifestyle and dietary practices, and the personlizing of yoga based on individual constitution. Through case study work, students will learn how to design yoga routines for specific imbalances. A study of Sanskrit will accompany this work to enable students to gain ease in chanting and studying from classical texts.

Module 3: Tantra and the Deeper Practices of Hatha Yoga

Dive into the subtle realms of Hatha Yoga through study of prana, pranayama, bandhas and kriyas. These practices take one's sadhana to a more sublime level. Study of Tantra covers mantra, yantra, energetic anatomy, and the use of puja (ceremony and ritual) to deepen one's understanding of the inner practices of yoga. This module also includes an emphasis on karma yoga, through study of the Bhagavad Gita and discussion and exploration of spiritual activism in today's world.

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