200 Hr Training Curriculum

Costa Rica

Our Curriculum & Teaching Methodology

Multidimentional Teaching Process

We layer our curriculum vertically (morning to evening) and horizontally (daily); from morning to evening, every session we teach builds a foundation for the next session. Similarly, we layered each full day of teaching as a foundation for the next day's education. It also applies for each week - the first week, we focus on establishing the Principals of Foundation and cueing, the second week cueing and hands-on adjusting and assisting, third and last week is class planning & teaching. What we emphasize throughout the whole training is skillful space holding and building confidence.

Our training is all about experiential studies rather than dry academic sessions; Yes, we will have educational sessions; however, we skillfully weave it in only when our bodies require rejuvenation and rest. Our Q&As & open discussion are lively, and most sessions are hands-on and fun. We feel direct experiential learning encourages embodying individual voice and style as a yoga teacher, leader, or empowered individual.

Daily Asana & Meditation Practice

Techniques, Training and Practice

Description

Each morning session will include a comprehensive guided meditation and full asana class lead by the lead Instructors Kadri Kurgun & Anabel Miranda and Team. We will incorporate principles of alignment, heart
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 themes, specific sequencing techniques, and anatomy teachings into the daily vinyasa practice. Each day we will practice a specific meditation such as but not limited to: Metta, Shamata/Dharana(Concentration), Mindfulness, Sushumna Nadi, Microcosmic Orbit, Walking, Contemplation, Visualization, Somatic and Chakra Meditations and this may also include use of mudras, mantras and invocations based on the days theme. There will be some non contact hours dedicated to daily self practice where the student will be given specific meditation or asana exploration instructions to better prepare the student to cultivate ongoing daily practice. The student will be required to journal on this experience and be prepared for an open group discussion on this subject.

Learning Objectives

Deepen individual physical and meditation practices using asana postures, vinyasa movements, pranayama, mantra, chanting, mudra, and guided meditations. Through practice the participants will receive a deeper experiential understanding of the techniques as student and simultaneously processing as a teacher. Students will begin to recognize the art of creating inspired and intentional class which utilize specific heart-based themes aligned to intelligent sequencing principles of the asanas and the subtleties of language and transmission of lineage wisdom in guided meditation. There will be emphasis on pranic energy lines and movement of energy through the nadis, allowing the students to deepen their subtle body experience during the physical practice, a clearer understanding of the Mind in meditation or asana practice, as well as increasing their direct knowledge of the more esoteric goals of awakening Kundalini as it relates to personal practice. Students will also take turns each day assisting this practice session. To summarize: This daily session is a powerful guided practice to give the students a deep direct experience of what they will know to teach in the training, how to focus of the mind, understand the principles of alignment, use of breath, drishti, etc.

Meditation Postural Adjusting

Teaching Methodology

Description

Intuitive and empathetic observation for skillful posture setting. Will include lecture, Q&A and open discussion exercises where the student will learn how to be Present before assessing and implementing proper adjustment.
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Learning Objectives

Students will learn to observe visually and intuitively the energy movement in the physical & energetic body. Mindfully identify stuck energy in order to assess proper need and approach, while learning skillful techniques to correct asana postures verbally, through compassionate touch, and/or with proper props. This intuitive and empathetic observation will be the foundation to all assisting, modification, space holding, adjusting, and any other interpersonal interaction students will study during the course. This section will include hands-on adjusting, cueing and demonstrations on how to skillfully prop a meditation posture for all body types, lecture on the theory such as but not limited - to Seven-point meditation posture of Vairochana. Students will also practice how to set a proper posture in small groups. To summarize: Students will gain a deep understanding of the importance of setting up a proper posture as a foundation for successful meditation practice… through this process they will have a better understanding of the subtle energy of the body, how to approach a student with Mindful presence and by using skillfully cueing. Also how to bring this level of sensitivity to adjusting and cueing in an asana practice.

Asana Postural Adjusting

Teaching Methodology

Description

This section we will have lecture, demonstrations, and Q&A’s relating to asana adjusting techniques.
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Learning Objectives

Students will learn the energy movement in the physical & energy body during the practice of asanas, how the 7 learning styles and active and passive language applies, as well as studying the proper anatomical alignment principles in yoga asana to help avoid injury, apply proper modifications and keep the physical body safe during vinyasa practice. Students will learn to assist more effectively by first observing physical mis-alignments and identifying stagnant energy. Then, using techniques such as “Stability, Sensitivity, Assist”, the students will have the fundamental understanding of how to approach a hands-on adjustment in asanas.

Experiential Anatomy

Anatomy & Physiology

Description

Application of anatomy to yoga. Students will be instructed to identify and understand the set of muscles, ligaments and bones for specific poses.
There will be interactive discussions to understand the biomechanics of the body and we will cover more in-depth how anatomy practically applies to yoga to promote injury free and safe practice.Show More

There will be Non-Contact Hours dedicated to self study before the training as homework - Pre Training homework will include, but not be limited to - Familiarizing with the required reading material “The Anatomy Coloring Book” by Wynn Kapit. Other required reading material TBA

Learning Objectives

Anatomy will be covered mostly on an experiential level with emphasis on Integrating and applying the language of the bones and muscles of the human body and their basic functions in movement and static postures during daily physical practices of yoga in a fun, lighthearted fashion.... We will also explore how energy moves through the body, with the understanding of subtle body system of chakras, nadis, central channel, sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and how that affects the mind and body. We will also cover basic understanding of common conditions that is safe and appropriate for a yoga teacher to do and not to do with a student with a condition or injury such as high blood pressure or joint problems, etc. Included will be a discussion on prenatal and post-natal yoga contraindications and risks. As well as discussion and specific practices for women during their menstrual cycles and menopause. To summarize: The path of learning anatomy is vast, so we aim to create a foundation of understanding and lay the seeds of knowledge for the students to inspire themselves to move forward with ongoing study of anatomy as a lifelong interest.

Yoga Asana Breakdown

Techniques, Training and Practice

Description

Alignment and modifications of the foundational yoga postures. Category breakdown of the asanas ex. forward folds vs. backbends. Looking at the asanas in their respective categories and the effects that the asanas have on
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the body, both physically and energetically. Posturing and counter-posturing as a basic principle in the vinyasa teaching method and how to choose specific asanas to maintain a sattvic balance. We will literally be looking at the asanas from the foundation up, using the teachings of the Universal Principles of Alignment from the Anusara method. There will be a study of the five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and space, and how they can be applied and used to enhance the yoga asana experience. We will explain the 3 ‘focal points’ and where they are in the body in all the different categories of asanas. Using the focal points as convergence centers for the emphasis on the primary flows of energy: ex. muscular and organic, and also as the point in the body that is most weight-bearing during the asana. We will further refine the asana breakdown using the 7 energy loops or circuits that enhance the physical opening and expansion of the physical body as well as help to avoid injuries during the practice by maintaining stability while increasing flexibility. We we also look at the different levels of the most basic asanas… moving to the more expanded and advanced variations of the asanas. There will be discussion of ‘playing the edge’ of a posture and how students can understand, practice and teach this idea skillfully and safely as they deepen into the asanas. Also we will look at the practice of ‘attention’ vs. ‘focus’ and how they differ. This section will also include pranayama and the Nauli practice. We will teach the basic pranayama practices of Nadi Shodhana, Kapalabhati, Surya pranayama, Chandra pranayama, Ujjayi, Viloma, and sitali. There will be emphasis on the practice and technique of Ujjayi breathing as a fundamental aspect of the asana practice. There will be an extensive breakdown of the nauli practices: the purpose and benefits of how it directly relates to asana practice as a foundation physically and energetically. After each daily asana practice there will be a discussion with the students about how the class was created using a specific theme or intention, which category of asana (such as forward folding postures, hip openers or backbends ) were taught and why. Also a separate discussion on the specific meditation practice of the day - the benefits, challenges and the proper application for each meditation and how it may relate to the asana practice and living well. Q&A session on the daily practice focusing on the specific sequencing techniques and prop usage.

Learning Objectives

Teachings will help students find proper alignment in their asana practice while helping them to understand the objectives and possible effects of all the different category of postures. Emphasis on skillful cues, modification usage, safety, and injury prevention. The asana breakdown will take into consideration all different body types, levels, and experiences. Emphasis on how to skillfully identify the unique limitations, alignment and modification for each individual practitioner by understanding “Foundation before Function” techniques. Students will further their understanding of how to teach a mixed level class, while allowing all their students to be challenged at an appropriate level. They will better understand how different categories of postures have unique effects on the physical body as well as the energetic body. They will better understand how asanas can be chosen from an ayurvedic viewpoint depending on one’s constitution or present imbalance. Students will become more familiar with the 5 natural elements and through connection with these qualities there can be an enhanced well-being to both body and mind. With the pranayama and nauli practices students will develop a greater sensitivity to Prana and the Pranic body. Through daily pranayama practices and breakdowns of the different techniques students will be better able to understand which practices are best and at which times they can be practiced. Students will learn how to combine proper combinations of asanas with the correct pranayama techniques to enhance the intention or goal of that specific practice.

Hands-on Adjusting, Assisting & Partner Yoga

Techniques, Training and Practice

Description

This session will be dedicated for the students to finding comfort in connecting and supporting other people in a clear and compassionate way. We will concentrate on inversion practice for hands-on adjusting as the
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foundation to all other postural hands-on adjusting, from meditation posture to handstands to savasana, we will draw wisdom from modalities/exercises such as partner stretching, partner counterbalancing, Compassionate Communication games, acroyoga & group exercises, etc... as they would relate to establishing a strong foundation for the student to understand and work from to find sensitivity, comfort and confidence as it relates to hands-on assisting.

Learning Objectives

Students will learn how to confidently set up their own physical foundation and understand spatial awareness for skillful adjusting/assisting & cueing in a yoga and meditation class. We will hold daily clinics and workshops to develop confidence and trust in the students to gain a deeper understanding of the skill of bringing compassion and sensitivity in to hands-on adjusting and verbal cuing. They will also learn to understand, identify and know how to create clear safe boundaries for themselves and their students.

Individual Teaching Style & the Business of Yoga

Teaching Methodology

Description

Developing one’s own authentic voice and teaching style. In this segment we will have lecture, Q&A, open discussion and simple classroom exercises on what it means to embody individual voice and style as a yoga teacher, a
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leader or empowered individual. We will also cover the business of yoga and affective marketing and social responsibility.

Learning Objectives

An important section of the training - We honor and believe everyone has their own unique individual style... their own super power - we will encourage the cultivation and exploration of this individual super power to be the foundation for their own teaching style. This section will also have an opportunity in classroom setting to demonstrate what exploration of this special power is in a safe supportive community setting... to be empowered to embrace this individuality and apply it to their teaching and the business of teaching or in life.

Ethics and Responsible Leadership

Yoga Philosophy/LifeStyle Ethics

Description

Lecture, Q&A and Group discussion on the common ethical issues that may arise in the yoga community and our responsibilities as teacher.

Learning Objectives

Exploration of ethical, skillful and responsible ways to handle problematic issues that commonly arise in a class and the yoga community at large… Such as teacher/student boundaries, sexual misconduct, integrity, individual and group safety, etc. and how to build a strong and safe community as a skillful leader.

Ayurveda, History of Yoga, Yamas & Niyamas

Yoga Philosophy/LifeStyle Ethics

Description

We will look at the basics of Ayurveda: what it means, when and why it was developed. Mainly the focus will be on ayurveda in regards to the Hatha Yoga practice and how knowledge of Ayurveda can enhance the yoga experience. We will study the 3 Doshas of Pitta, Vata, and Kapha, and through a survey
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each student will identify their personal body constitution. We will also look at the the Gunas and the 5 elements of nature. There will be specific discussions on the different category of asanas and how they affect the doshas. We will discuss diet, sleep habits, and habitual patterns that can either bring one into a more Sattvic state of balance or into a state of greater imbalance. We will go through a very basic timeline on the general history of Yoga through to the present day. We will look at some of the most fundamental Classical yoga goals and discuss how they might still be relevant to us today in modern times. We will look at the Tantric viewpoint and fundamental principles and do comparative studies between the 2 viewpoints in regards to texts like the Yoga Sutras. There will be emphasis on the development of Hatha Yoga, when and why it was created and how the practice may differ at different times in history. We will introduce Tantric cosmology and the Tattva system and the explanation of how the Universe was created according to the Tantric texts. We will focus on Shiva/Shakti and the cycles of Nature as they might pertain to a modern Yoga practitioner. Study Eight Limb path philosophy of yoga and the Buddhist Eightfold Path. These eight steps basically overlap and act as guidelines on how to live a meaningful and purposeful life. They serve as a beacon for moral and ethical conduct and self-discipline. There will be required Non-Contact hours pre Training to do online research on the Yamas / Niyamas and Buddhist Eightfold path and write a report to present at the training on how these traditional philosophies may apply to them. Other required reading material TBA

Learning Objectives

Through the study of basic Ayurvedic Science the students will have a greater idea of how to use asana in their yoga practice to maintain balance and wellbeing in their lives. They will also learn to use some of the basic Ayurvedic principles to help them better understand themselves and how they are affected by the environment around them. Basic Ayurvedic knowledge may help students choose appropriate asanas and pranayamas for their classes or private clients. Through the studies of the history of Yoga the students will gain a clear, linear vision of the development of yoga throughout the past to the present. Students will have an understanding of the roots to the Hatha Yoga practice and thus a great foundation of knowledge to pull from. By comparing the different perspectives of classical yoga vs. Tantra or even Buddhism, the students can begin to empower themselves and their own personal belief system or guidelines for a more authentic way to live and teach. The Tantric studies will allow the student different perspectives on manifestation, ritual, sacredness, and how it relates to our modern day practices. By lecture, Q&A’s and daily personal application exercises the students will study the Yamas and Niyamas and the Buddhist Eightfold Path individually and in comparison throughout the training to gain an experiential understanding of the classical yoga ethical practice and how it applies to us as modern humans in order to cultivate peace in our ever changing new times. We will be doing some comparative studies on the more Classical yoga translations of the Sutras and a more Tantric approach to studying and embodying the Yamas and Niyamas.

Deities, Mantras, Sanskrit & Mystical Symbolism

Yoga Philosophy/LifeStyle Ethics

Description

Study of Hindu and Buddhist deities. We will explore different aspects of how students may relate to and embody the energy of the deities with practices like chanting, mantra, mudra, mythological storytelling, deity visualizations,
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and more. Classroom lectures, chanting and group studies will including creative practices such as deity role playing, drawing/coloring, and short skits and monologues. Study of the Sanskrit language and the reason of its importance in modern times and spiritual practices and understanding. There will be required Non-Contact Hours for self study before the training and during the training as homework - Pre Training & Training homework will include, but not be limited to - reading and become familiar with the Deities in The Deity Coloring book and color the Deity they most connect with and write a the reason why. Other required reading material TBA

Learning Objectives

Best way to connect our spirit and nature is through creativity exploration and light-hearted study of the understanding the historical meaning and the stories of deities in the spiritual practices of eastern philosophies and understanding the significance as they may apply as an empowering force to the modern yogi. The students will have gain a basic understanding of the Sanskrit as a language and its use in Yoga.

Holding Space & Group Energy

Teaching Methodology

Description

Understanding how to hold safe clear space and manage group dynamics in a skillfully as a teacher and guide.
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Learning Objectives

Through lecture, Q&A’s and group exercises the students will learn and explore techniques such as “Radical Presence”... how to process thoughts, feelings and emotions skillfully in real time as the foundation from where they can hold safe clear space for small and large groups. Learn how to facilitate through clear and compassionate communication... how implement passive and active language, how to transform passion or nervous energy into clear inspiring language to empower a group, an individual, or both. Learning these personal skills to will draw on how read and feel the group energy, to move group energy in a skillful and light way. Through simple skills they will learn how to bring group energy up and down as a part of what it means to hold clear and safe space.

Teaching Practicum

Teaching Methodology

Description

Students will begin practice teaching early in the training. These practice
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sessions will be monitored closely in real time with gentle, clear and empowering feedback. They will lead up to planning and teaching a collaborative class. Feedback and evaluation will be given for the final classes taught. The practicum could include, but are not limited to: Asana, partner yoga and meditation will be an individual choice closely mentored by the lead teachers based on their unique individual skill set and super power. Some Non-contact hours will be dedicated for the students to practice teach in small groups in separate one hour sessions - there will be required homework in the form journaling of experience in this practicum for discussion in classroom around the successes and challenges of teaching yoga.

Learning Objectives

In the spirit of understanding direct experience is the most powerful way to learn how to facilitate - This training is developed at the core for the student to find his or her Leadership Voice, from the very beginning of the training the students will have the opportunity to teach, the method of our practicums is designed as safe supportive community space where it will be acceptable to make mistakes as they explore individual voice and step into their own Individual Power and Leadership Voice in their own unique style.

Discover Your Superpower

Costa Rica