This Training, formally known as Level 1, is a standalone course. In this 6-day training we will look at how this practice, with its ancient yogic roots, can affect our physical, energetic and emotional bodies. Through this understanding we will explore ways to lead a Yin class, and to incorporate Yin postures and philosophy into any practice.

The greatest emphasis in the training is placed on the experience of the practice itself. Time will also be spent in discussion of anatomy and philosophy, and as a community we’ll examine the postures and how they can affect us all differently as individuals. The training is suitable for teachers and dedicated practitioners. You don’t need to be a teacher or even experienced in Yin, just come with an open heart and a willing mind.

The training will consist of approximately 45 contact hours. In order to receive a certificate of completion, I will ask each student, during the 30 days following the training, to complete an additional 10 hours of independent study. After completing the independent study, each student will communicate their experience to me by mail or email. Your communication won’t be judged or graded, but I will answer all correspondence, and send a certificate of completion in a 50 hour Yin Yoga Teacher Training.

This training includes:

• Taoist philosophy
• The Yin practice of non-striving and how it influences our lives and our teaching
• The movement of Qi or Prana in the body, and how it can be affected by Yin practice.
• Anatomy and the understanding of our own natural pattern (li)
• Understanding the postures and sequencing a Yin class
• What it means to hold a safe, sacred space for a Yin practice

Since the beginning of mankind’s adventure here on Earth, indigenous societies throughout the world have sought guidance through their relationship with archetypal figures. These figures relate to the parts of ourselves that we all share. In this training, we will look at our journey as humans and teachers through the archetypes of Warrior, Healer, Teacher and Visionary.

We will discuss the connection between these archetypes and the Taoist understanding of the relationship of Yin and Yang. As we look within this relationship of Yin and Yang, we can see how important the balance of our Yang Warrior nature and our Yin Healer nature, our Yin Teacher nature and our Yang Visionary nature is for the equanimity of our students and ourselves. We will use the tools of Yin Yoga, body meditation and intentional sharing to help us experience these archetypes in ourselves. By opening to the wisdom of our own bodies we will begin to feel where we may be out of balance. Does our strong Warrior nature lack the heart of the Healer? Does our hearts path lack the power of the Warrior? As Teachers, are we open to our students finding their own path, or are we attached to the out come of our teaching? Like the Visionary, can we see and tell the truth without blame or judgment, or are we wrapped too tightly in our own stories.

This training is a stand-alone training, and is open to anyone who has taken Taoism, Anatomy and Sequencing as well as any dedicated yoga students or teachers who are interested in deepening their practice. If you haven’t studied with me before and plan on coming to the second or third module only, then I ask that you get a copy of The Yin Yoga Kit, and familiarize yourself with the basic concepts, and do some of the practices in the book or CD. The training is suitable for teachers and dedicated practitioners. You don’t need to be a teacher or even experienced in Yin, just come with an open heart and a willing mind. The two trainings can be taken in any order.

To create and hold a safe space for peaceful acceptance is the privilege of the Yin teacher. In this 50 hour training, we’ll look at ways we can best support our students in their own journeys as we explore creative and collaborative approaches to teaching and learning through inquiries and explorations of the following themes.

This training includes:

• The practice of holding space
• Body and energy literacy: deepening our range of perception, learning to follow our inner teacher, and supporting others to do the same
• Embodiment: grounding our teaching in our body
• Collaboration and Community: encouraging mutual support and peer learning, taking our practice into the world
• Self-Realization and Creativity: exploring and developing our unique strengths and style as teachers
• Personal Growth and Mindfulness: identifying and addressing our blind spots and ‘growing edges’ as teachers
• The use of story, poetry and metaphors to invite a deeper somatic experience

The training will consist of approximately 45 contact hours. In order to receive a certificate of completion, I will ask each student, during the 30 days following the training, to complete an additional 10 hours of independent study. After completing the independent study, each student will communicate their experience to me by mail or email. Your communication won’t be judged or graded, but I will answer all correspondence, and send a certificate of completion in a 50 hour Yin Yoga Teacher Training.

The syllabuses for both trainings have been submitted to Yoga Alliance through certain Yoga Schools and are part of their 500 hour Teacher Trainings. If you have any questions about Yoga Alliance or the training, please feel free to email me at biff@sover.net

Dates and Locations:

• Bourtzi Halkida, GREECE
  MODULE I (50-hrs) TAOISM, ANATOMY AND SEQUENCING June 1 - 6
  MODULE II (50-hrs) EMBRACING THE YIN PATH June 8 – 13
  
  
• Pisa, ITALY
  MODULE I (50-hrs) TAOISM, ANATOMY AND SEQUENCING June 25 -30
  MODULE II (50-hrs) EMBRACING THE YIN PATH July 2 – 7
  
  
• Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, NY USA
  MODULE I (50-hrs) TAOISM, ANATOMY AND SEQUENCING August 13-18
  MODULE II (50-hrs) EMBRACING THE YIN PATH October 15 – 20
  
  
• München, GERMANY
  MODULE I (50-hrs) TAOISM, ANATOMY AND SEQUENCING September 17-22
  MODULE II (50-hrs) EMBRACING THE YIN PATH September 24- 29
  
  
• Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville, VA, USA
  MODULE II (50-hrs) EMBRACING THE YIN PATH October 29 – November 3