Yoga Teacher Training & Advanced Studies Program 2013

with Peter Sterios eRYT-500, Tawny Sterios RYT-200 and James Bailey eRYT-500
San Luis Obispo, CA

Images of San Luis Obispo and Santa Teresa

Yoga Teacher Training & Advanced Studies Program
Our third annual 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training & Advanced Studies Program, taught by a team of internationally renowned teachers with diverse backgrounds, will once again provide an unique opportunity to study with experienced professionals on the beautiful Central Coast of California. The 6-month course in San Luis Obispo is non-residential, and will begin on January 25, 2013.

Additionally, for the first time, we will be offering a second, more condensed program, taught by the same faculty and covering the same material in the spectacular setting on the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica. The 3-week course in Santa Teresa is residential, and will begin on July 12, 2013.

Both programs are designed for those interested in teaching yoga, as well as those wanting to deepen their understanding and practice of yoga but who may not be interested in becoming an instructor. What is required to apply is a 6-month minimum experience of yoga and basic yogic principals, and a commitment to further explore the traditions of yoga.

The 200-HOUR YOGA TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAMS are approved for Yoga Alliance Registration. The San Luis Obispo Program can be completed in one year or spread out over longer periods. For Certification, this program must be completed within a 3-year deadline. The Santa Teresa Program must be completed during the 3-week intensive, and no make-ups will be offered in Costa Rica.

The San Luis Obispo schedule is designed with an initial 10-day Module 1, followed by three 3-day Weekend Modules 2-4, offered monthly, and concludes with another 10-day Module 5. Each Module is offered only once a year, and in the event a make-up Module is necessary, students may complete the missed Module the following year. Also, starting in 2013, Modules 1, 2 and 5 are open to the general public and Individual Sessions and Classes within a Modules 2 & 5 will be offered on a drop-in basis.

The Santa Teresa schedule is designed with a 3-week intensive course, with Modules 1-5 spread evenly over a 23-day period. This training will only be offered once a year and in the event any portion of the training is missed, students may complete the missed Module the following year in San Luis Obispo. Module 1 will be available on a drop-in basis for those unable to commit to the whole program. No other modules are available for drop-ins.

Applications are due for the San Luis Obispo Program on December 21, 2012; and for the Santa Teresa Program on May 12, 2013. To register, fill out the downloadable application below and return it with your deposit per the application instructions.  There are several methods of payment for the Programs, which offer substantial discounts for those who commit to the full Program at once, with Early Bird discounts; or for the San Luis Obispo program, with installment plans. Also, for those who are limited financially, there are a limited number of partial scholarships available on a per-need basis.

San Luis Obispo Program
Full Tuition: $2900 (Early Bird) - $480 deposit + $2420
$3200 (less than 1 month) - $480 deposit + $2720
Two Installments: $3150 (Early Bird) - $480 deposit + two payments of $1335
$3450 (less than 1 month) - $480 deposit + two payments of $1485
Monthly Installments: $3360 (Early Bird) - $480 deposit + five payments of $576
$3660 (less than 1 month) - $480 deposit + five payments of $636
Drop-In: Module 1 - Full Module(59hrs) $1175(Early Bird); $1275(less than 1 week)
Module 2 - Full Module(12hrs) $225 (Early Bird), $245 (less than 1 week); Individual Session(4hrs) - $75 (early bird); $85 (less than 1 week)
Module 5 - Full Module(48hrs) $650 (Early Bird), $750 (less than 1 week); Full Session(12hrs) $225 (early bird), $245 (less than 1 week); Individual Class (2-3hrs) $55 (early bird); $65 (less than 1 week)


If your goal is to deepen your understanding of yoga - without committing to the full Program or gaining certification - you may take any of the individual courses, except Modules 3 & 4, with an approved application.

The San Luis Obispo courses are non-residential. For out of town students, please go to lodging & getting there for more information.

Santa Teresa Program
Full Tuition: $2900 (Early Bird) - $480 deposit + $2420
$3200 (less than 2 months) - $480 deposit + $2720
Drop-In: Module 1 - $1175(Early Bird); $1275(< 2 months)

The Santa Teresa course is residential, and the cost of housing is not included in the Program costs. We are in the process of negotiating with several beach resorts to get discounted lodging prices and will have more information regarding locations and costs in early 2013. There will also be options for self accommodation, in the event you prefer to make those arrangements yourself.

For a downloadable 2013 program flyer for both programs, click here.

To Register
For a downloadable 2013 application for San Luis Obispo, click here. For a downloadable 2013 application for Santa Teresa, click here.

Make checks payable to: "m.BODY" and mail with your completed Enrollment Application to:
2013 Yoga Teacher Training & Advanced Studies Program
c/o m.BODY
PO Box 14812
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406

Please email us at info@mbodyslo.com if you have any questions.


(photography by laurie hobbs © 2012)

Complete Program Description

2013 ADVANCED STUDIES AND YOGA TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM

200-hr Yoga Alliance Certified Program (January 25-June 23, 2013)

MODULE 1 - PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS - Part 1: HISTORY, PRINCIPLES & PRACTICUM
with Peter Sterios, Tawny Sterios
(Module 1 is open to the general public for the full module only, including the Asana practice classes)

Dates: January 25-February 3, 2013 (10 days)
Times/Topics: 
1/25 -	   6:00-7:00pm   "Introduction: The Teacher's Journey"
           7:15-8:45pm	 "History of Yoga, and Gravity & Grace
	                 as a Yoga System"
1/26 - 	   9:00-11:30am  Asana practice 
	   12:30-2:30pm  "Practice Principles-Part 1"
	   3:00-5:00pm 	 "Practice Principles-Part 2"
1/27 - 	   9:00-11:30am  Asana practice
	   12:30-2:30pm  "Asana Practicum"
	   3:00-5:00pm   "Asana Practicum"
1/28-2/1 - 6:00-8:30am   Asana practice
	   12:30-2:30pm  "Asana Practicum"
      	   3:00-5:00pm   "Asana Practicum"
2/2 -      9:00-11:30am	 Asana practice
           12:30-2:30pm  "Asana Practicum"
           3:00-5:00pm   "Asana Practicum"
2/3 -      9:00-11:00am	 Asana practice
           12:00-3:00pm  "Yoga Lifestyle & Other Practices"
Drop-In Costs:  Full Module (59hrs) - $1175 (early bird); $1275 (less than 1 week)

This 10-day course will lay the foundation for a consistent practice of yoga and yogic lifestyle principals, helping to remove confusion about ways of practicing over daily, weekly, seasonally and decade-long timeframes. Based on a synthesis of the physical and meditative practices of Hatha Yoga, Chi Gong and Tai Chi, and interpreted by over three decades of facilitator practice and personal experience, this module will help verse the beginning teacher with Yoga Asana Philosophy and Brief History of Yoga; General Yoga Practice Principles and Protocols, incorporating the Subtle Body, working with organs and chakras; Working with Injuries/Limitations; Different Styles of Practice; Yoga Asana Practicum & Techniques including 1) Standing Poses - Balancings, Forward Bends, Backbends, Sidebends, Twists, Hip Openers, 2) Seated Poses - Forward Bends, Hip Openers, Twists, 3) Recumbent Poses - Shoulder Openers, Abdominals, Restorative, 4)Inverted Poses - Handstand, Shoulderstand, Downward Dog, Headstand, Forearm Balance, 5) Arm Balances, 6) Backbends, and 7) Abdominals. Additionally, Yoga Lifestyle Practices will be presented, including the less well-known processes of Bhandas (Uddiyana, Jalandhara, Muladhara), Kriyas (Nauli, Neti, Fasting, Skin Brushing, Tongue Milking/ Scraping, Sweating, Hydration), and Drishti. Lastly the course will conclude with sessions incorporating Meditation and Relaxation techniques, including Savasana, Yoga Nidra, and Visualizations for strengthening intuition.

MODULE 2 - PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS - PART 2: SANSKRIT, YOGA SUTRAS, & PRANAYAMA
with Peter Sterios
(Module 2 and each of the individual Sessions are open to the general public. For those enrolled in the full 200-hr Program, there will be an asana practice each morning, led by Peter)

Dates: March 1-3, 2013 (3 days)
Times/Topics: 
3/1 - 6:00-10:00pm  "Sanskrit for Yoga Teachers"
3/2 - 9:00-11:30am  Asana practice (200-hr students only)
      12:30-5:00pm  "Yoga Sutras - Essentials for Yoga
                    Practitioners"
3/3 - 9:00-11:30am  Asana practice (200-hr students only)
      12:30-5:00pm  "Pranayama - Theory & Practice"
Drop-In Costs:  Full Module (12hrs) - $225(early bird); $245 (less than 1 week)
Individual Session (4hrs) - $75 (early bird); $85 (less than 1 week)

This weekend module will offer an audio and phonetic approach to the learning of basic Sanskrit for teachers of yoga that is insightful and easy to comprehend, as well as a concise presentation of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, considered essential reading for any sincere teacher of yoga. Although much of the hatha yoga taught in the west today is done without Sanskrit terminology or reference to the Yoga Sutras, to possess such a knowledge brings a depth and clarity to one's practice and teaching that is hard to acquire without that learning. For the Sanskrit portion of the course, topics will include the Sanskrit Alphabet and chanting of the letters; Pronunciation and Relevant Vocabulary for Yoga Teachers including Yogic Technical terms, Philosophical terms, Mantras, and Important Names and Concepts in Indian spirituality. For the Yoga Sutras session, topics will include an Overview of the Philosophy of the Yoga-sutras; The 8 Limbs of Yoga; Select Essential Sutras for Yoga Teachers - Pronunciation and Applications.

For the Pranayama session, instruction will include breathing practices and philosophy, along with preparatory yoga asana and exercises designed to help the practitioner discover the power found in Pranayama. What yogis have known for centuries, modern science is just now beginning to understand - that the life force animating our physical bodies is regulated by breath, and that the vitality generated by breathing is controlled by the mind. Topics covered will include Swara Yoga - Pranayama Philosophy; the Sensory Network of the Nose; Subtle Channels and the Spine; Electro-chemical balance of the brain and the Nervous System; Attuning the Breath to Daily and Seasonal influences; Pranayama Techniques - Nadi Shodhana, Surya Bhedana, Nadi Shodhana, Bastrika, and Kumbhaka; Bhandas and Kriyas - Uddiyana/Nauli, Jalandhara, Muladhara; Meditation/Relaxation (Yoga Nidra); and Visualization and the Power of the Mind.

MODULE 3 - TEACHING ARTS - Part 1: SEQUENCING & GENERAL TEACHING STYLES, THERAPEUTICS & PROPS, THE ART OF ADJUSTMENTS
with Peter Sterios
(Module 3 is open only to those enrolled in the full 200-hr Program)

Dates: April 5-7, 2013 (3 days)
Times/Topics: 
4/5 - 6:00-10:00pm  "Sequencing & General Teaching Styles"
4/6 - 9:00-11:30am  Asana practice 
      12:30-5:00pm  "Therapeutics & Props"
4/7 - 9:00-11:30am  Asana practice
      12:30-5:00pm  "The Art of Adjustments"

This weekend module is available only for those students registered for the complete 2013 Teaching Training and Advanced Study program and is designed to provide new teachers with the necessary tools for effective teaching, including Sequencing & General Teaching Styles; Therapeutic Yoga and the Use of Props; and The Art of Adjustments.

The first session, Sequencing & General Teaching Styles will explore the benefits and drawbacks of "hard" and "soft" styles of teaching yoga asana and how they relate to some of the more common styles of yoga practice (i.e. vinyasa flow, hatha yoga, Ashtanga, Iyengar, Anusara, restorative yoga, and yin yoga). Additionally, suggestions for sequencing a 60-90 minute class will be discussed, with ideas for keep the choreography of the class safe and effective, while also keeping the class creative and non-repetitive over daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythms.

The second session, Therapeutics & Props will outline some of the basic therapeutic applications of yoga asana for ailments which commonly show up in class, such as lower back strain and sacroiliac instability; chronic to acute injuries to the hips, knees, ankles, shoulders, neck , and wrists; blood pressure imbalances and hypertension; digestive disorders, chronic fatigue and auto-immune deficiencies such as arthritis, allergies and asthma; strained muscles/connective tissues, such as hamstring, IT band, and Achilles tendon; migraines/headaches; and eating disorders. Each student will be given time to practice with a standard set of studio props (i.e. blocks, bolsters, blankets, folding chairs, sand bags, tennis balls, and more) and their application for different poses.

The final session, the Art of Adjustments, will provide hands-on instruction to gain real experience with the different types of adjustments - verbal (voice), visual (demonstration), and kinesthetic (physical touch). This will include explanations for: 1) levels of touch (physical, psychological, and spiritual; 2) types of physical touch with their benefits and drawbacks; and 3) how and when to touch students in a safe, non-threatening manner, and including guidance for teacher ergonomics and safety.

MODULE 4 - TEACHING ARTS - Part 2: BUSINESS TOOLS, TEACHER ETHICS, PEER TEACHING & REVIEW
with Peter Sterios
(Module 4 is available only to those enrolled in the full 200-hr Program)

Dates: May 10-12, 2013 (3 days)
Times/Topics: 
5/10 - 	6:00-10:00pm  "Yoga as a Business; Yoga Business 
	              Tools; Teacher Ethics"
5/11 - 	9:00-11:30am  Asana practice 
	12:30-5:00pm  "Peer Teaching & Review-Part 1"
5/12 - 	9:00-11:30am  Asana practice
	12:30-5:00pm  "Peer Teaching & Review-Part 2"

This weekend module is available only for those students registered for the complete 2013 Teaching Training and Advanced Study program, and will act as a bridge towards actual teaching and the basics of yoga teaching as a profession. The first session will cover basic business tools such as Yoga Business and Marketing; Business Path & Principles which includes guidance for Independent Yoga Instructors and small Studio Management; and Teacher Ethics.

The second session over two days will give students real-time experience in a mock class/peer teaching environment, with real life teaching situations that will follow with instructor evaluation and peer review. Additionally, each student teacher will receive an individual dvd upon graduation, which documents their peer teaching session for use as a reference and learning tool.

MODULE 5 - INTEGRATIVE DISCIPLINES: YOGA PSYCHOLOGY, SUBTLE ANATOMY, PHYSCIAL ANATOMY, & AYURVEDA FOR YOGA TEACHERS
with James Bailey and Peter Sterios
(Module 5 and each of the Sessions or Individual Classes are open to the general public. For those enrolled in the full 200-hr Program, there will be an asana practice each morning, led by Peter)

MODULE 5 is a combination of Integrative Disciplines which provides a new teacher with a strong background in traditional yoga philosophy and physiology. The course is divided into 4 distinct sessions which will cover Yoga Psychology, Subtle Body Anatomy, Physical Anatomy, and Ayurveda for Yoga Teachers.
Drop-In Costs: 
Full Module (All four Sessions) (48hrs) $650 (early bird), $750 (less than 1 week)
Single Session (12hrs) $225 (early bird), $245 (less than 1 week)
Individual Class (2-3hrs) $55 (early bird), $65 (less than 1 week)

SESSION 1 - YOGA PSYCHOLOGY: MIND, FREEDOM, SPIRITUAL WARRIOR
Dates: June 14-16, 2013 (3 days)
Times/Topics: 
6/14 - 	6:00-10:00pm 	"Yoga Psychology: The Mind in Yoga" 
6/15 - 	9:00-11:30am 	Asana practice (200-hr students only)
	12:30-2:30pm 	"Pratyahara: Mindfulness within Yoga"
	3:00-5:00pm 	"Manas Shuddhi: Yoga Therapy for the
			Emotional Body"
6/16 -  9:00-11:30am 	Asana practice (200-hr students only)
	12:30-2:30pm 	"Modern Moksha: Liberation and the 
			Clash of Karmas"
	3:00-5:00pm  	"Virya: The Divine Warrior Within Us"

This Session is a transformational journey into the recurring psychological conditionings that limit us in life, and what yoga as a psychological practice offers to free us of limitations and unleash a true and lasting healing. We will learn how to recognize and witness our limitations (denial, lethargy, attachment, arrogance, insecurity, avoidance, self-deception, addiction, and fear to name just a few), to embrace our truths, to be present in every moment, to resolve inner and outer conflict effectively, and to grow more authentically on the yogic path. Students will learn simple pratyahara mindfulness and self witnessing practices that heal and calm the mind and free us emotionally and spiritually. The course is an introspective review of the role the mind plays in our capacity to heal, to self reflect, and to evolve on the yogic path. Students will also learn simple healing practices that heal and clean the mind and a short form pratyahara practice to improve self witnessing skills.

SESSION 2 - SUBTLE ANATOMY: AWAKENING THE SUBTLE BODY
Dates: June 17-18, 2013 (2 days)
Times/Topics: 
6/17 - 6:00-8:30am   Aasana (200-hr students only)
       12:00-2:00pm  "Prana Vidya: The Nature of Prana"
       2:15-4:15pm   "Nadi Vidya: Streams of Prana in Yoga"
       4:30-6:30pm   "Atman Dharana: Roadmap to the Soul"
6/18 - 6:00-8:30am   Asana (200-hr students only)
       12:00-3:00pm  "Marma Vidya: 108 Points of Light"
       3:15-5:30pm   "Ajapa Japa: Prana and Tantra Meditation"

This session is a practical and in-depth course designed for sincere yoga practitioners and teachers in training. The course focuses on the structure, function and potential for personal development of the subtle (pranic) body from the perspective of Yoga, Ayurveda, and the Marma therapists and Kalarippayatu (sacred martial art) practitioners of south India. Found within the subtle body are Marmas, known as the focal points of Prana, and Nadis, which are channels or flows of prana. Marmas are positioned along the major Nadis. Both practitioners of Kalari and Yoga make use of the Marmas and Nadis to heal and increase the capacity of the body to hold and manage Prana Shakti, our vital life force energy. Refining Prana also results in a greater degree of embodied consciousness. These life force amplification points are stimulated by certain asanas, and can be manipulated via Marmachikitsa (Marma therapy). Marmas can also be used to balance energy within the Chakras, regulate the Pancha Vayus, and control imbalances of the Doshas (biological forces). This course is designed to deepen the teachings and practice of yoga by helping the student or instructor recognize areas within the pranic body that are blocked or weak. Techniques to clear or strengthen each of the 14 nadis and 108 marmas will be taught in a practical manner that can be integrated into one's practice or teaching environment.

SESSION 3 - PHYSICAL ANATOMY: THE ANATOMY OF YOGA
Dates: June 19-20, 2013 (2 days)
Times/Topics: 
6/19 - 6:00-8:30am   Asana practice (200-hr students only) 
       12:00-2:00    "The Physical Body In Yoga"
       2:15-4:15pm   "The Neuro Science of Flexibility"
       4:30-6:30pm   "Yoga Injuries: Prevention and Self Care"
6/20 - 6:00-8:30am   Asana practice (200-hr students only) 
       12:00-3:00pm  "The Biomechanics of Asana: Bones, 
                     Ligaments and Joints"
       3:30-6:30pm   "The Major Muscles in Asana Practice"

The session is an intensive exploration into the structural, functional and dynamic anatomy of the physical body in yoga and yoga asana practice. A working knowledge of anatomy is essential to the practice and teaching of yoga. It's been well documented that Yoga improves the performance of the body and mind, and likewise, a mature practitioner understands that a healthy body means a more productive yoga practice with fewer injuries or setbacks. This course will offer a visual and tactile approach to the learning of anatomy for teachers of yoga that is intuitive and fun. Reference to the subtle body will tie in the connections between the physical and the subtle bodies. Massage and palpation of one's self and study partners will help the student to locate important anatomical surface landmarks with ease.

SESSION 4 - AYURVEDA FOR YOGA TEACHERS: SWASTHAVRITTA - ENLIGHTENED SELF-CARE
Dates: June 21-23, 2013 (3 days)
Times/Topics: 
6/21 - 6:00-8:30am   Asana practice (200-hr students only) 
       7:00-9:00pm   "Sadvritta: Living True to Oneselfin 
                     Yoga and Ayurveda"
6/22 - 9:00-11:30am  Asana practice (200-hr students only) 
       12:30-3:30pm  "Swasthavritta: The Enlightened Self 
                     Care of Ayurveda"
       4:00-6:00pm   "Light on Food: The Yoga and Ayurveda 
                     of Enlightened Nutrition"
6/23 - 9:00-11:30am  Asana practice (200-hr students only) 
       12:30-3:30pm  "Shodhana: Yogic and Ayurvedic 
                     Cleansing Practicum"
       4:00-6:00pm   "Rasayana: Rejuvenation, the Sacred 
                     Juice, and Slooow Aging"

The last session of Module 5 presents the ancient science of Ayurveda into a context for Yoga practitioners and Yoga Instructors. According to Ayurvedic theory, at the moment of our conception, the cosmos recreates itself in miniature and a one-of-a-kind stellar event results in our own unique nature (Prakriti) that differs from all others. No two of us are the same. From when we first appear in the world, we strive to find our place in community, in connection with others, and still be ourselves. How do we care for this unique individuated self? Conformist one-size-fits-all trends, diets and medical treatments do not work for everyone. Ayurveda is divided into two primary teaching streams: the Ayurvedic clinical practice of medicine and the self guiding life wisdom practices known as Swasthavritta. This course will explore the precepts and practices of a personalized Ayurveda that can be practiced by the individual rather than the physician. Swasthavritta is the Ayurvedic body of wisdom and practices that inform and inspire right livelihood and actions in the world given one's unique nature, and empowers the individual to self care. Similar to a Yogi, a Swastha is one who is established in one's true self, and who acts and lives in accordance to one's own nature. Swasthavritta sheds light on the primal relationship between the self and nature, with a simple message: just be you.

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