Centered Yoga Institute
An Education in Yoga
Overseas Training Program at SPACE YOGA
with Paul Dallaghan and Sonja Rzepski

 

When
session 1: 2010.12.08 – 15 at SPACE, Taipei
session 2: 2011.01.09 – 19 at SPACE, Taipei
session 3: 2011.02.06 – 12 at Yoga Thailand

There will also be pre-course assignments which aim to elevate your practice and understanding of yoga. These assignments are emailed out between the sessions and require the student to do certain readings, practices and reports.

A common point of controversy is how long should a "training" be. In truth it is ongoing through one's whole life. Throughout life there will be times of focused and dedicated study to help take one's practice and teaching to a much higher level. This is the purpose of this course. To provide the sincere student with a platform and the tools to understand and go further in practice. We do not claim to "produce" teachers but rather to help bring out that hidden potential and start you on your journey. We have found this 3-month period to work very well at this level. Some courses are short and not enough help for a student. Others drag on over a few years and can almost hold the student back. After this 3-month period we encourage you to grow further in what is appropriate to you. Centered Yoga continues to offer many advanced courses on yoga practice, asana, Pranayama, philosophy and anatomy.

 

Where
Non-residential program at SPACE YOGA, Taipei
Final session as a residential intensive at Yoga Thailand

You have the opportunity to experience your training period over a period of time working on it at home and then being able to solidify and conclude it in a very focused and beneficial dedicated environment.

A residential program gives you the opportunity to really focus on practice and concluding the course without the distractions of home. It encourages the learning to go that much deeper. Over many years of teaching this we have found this to be the most beneficial approach.

Koh Samui is a tropical island located in the Gulf of Thailand. It is a beautiful place possessing lush jungles and white sand beaches, surrounded by sapphire-blue sea. Situated in a high energy zone, Samui (and its surroundings) has a direct effect on yoga and meditation-an ideal environment in which to focus, practice, and grow. Yoga Thailand is a facility developed specifically for the teachings. Opened in 2003, it is dedicated to the practice and teaching of yoga.

 

Level
A thorough foundation training program - an education in yoga

This comprehensive training covers the vital aspects of yoga and goes deep into the practice, refining your ability to pass on the message to others. A lot of thought has been put into making it challenging yet appropriate for this level. In essence, it is an all-around education in yoga intended to expand your horizons and develop your abilities and strengths. It is a foundation course-a necessity to move forward in any aspect of yoga practice and teaching.

 

Qualification
Yoga Alliance internationally accredited.

The program duration adds up to almost 300 hours and qualifies for Yoga Alliance's 200-hour level, recognized worldwide, for those who successfully complete the training. Ultimately, however, training is beyond borders and pieces of paper. The continued dissemination of yoga will come from your own inner growth and deeper understanding. This is the focus.

The training prepares you to lead a basic Ashtanga-based class, give adjustments, and apply all of this to a variety of levels of Hatha Vinyasa and Flow-style classes. Basic breathing techniques and chants will also be covered.

 

For whom
those with a true and sincere calling and a committed practice.

The most important qualification for this course is the call from within. But the call is not enough on its own. For it to be true and sincere, it also needs to be based on a certain level of practice (i.e., so many times per week over so many years). Your interest level will reveal itself in the desire to read more on the topic, to study and practice more, and in the absorption of your thoughts in the subject. The application form is detailed, and will reveal a lot about you. If the call is strong, then proceed.

 

Approach
two sessions in Taipei, one session in Thailand plus emailed pre-course work.

We have the gift of yoga today because it was passed down from teacher to student for thousands of years. The student would spend time with the teacher studying, then go off to practice on his own, later returning to grow further. Things are a little different today, and three months cannot compare to years with one's master. This is your starting point, however, and we assume that you have had a few years of practice and that your study will continue to deepen after the course. The opportunity for time in a dedicated residential environment however gives it a special learning opportunity.

 

Style
Classical systems of vinyasa and Hatha, Pranayama and Philosophy

The asana program is based upon the classical Ashtanga vinyasa system. Our aim is to understand flow (vinyasa), alignment, and breathing, as well as the inner work-bandhas, focus, and concentration. We have expertise in both vinyasa and alignment, and what we teach may be applied to classical Ashtanga practice and all forms of Hatha vinyasa and Flow-style practices.

We teach Pranayama as laid down in the classical writings and taught by the masters. For philosophy, we refer to many texts, taking Patanjali's Yoga Sutras as our base guide. Many other elements accompany these three primary focuses. (See the course content section.)

The traditional Ashtanga standard is beyond the reach of many. Our aim is to ground, educate, and enlighten the student and teacher at the level they are at, elevating them to a level appropriate for passing on the message to others. As such, we offer a full yogic education and an opportunity to deepen and explore in the path of yoga, and contribute to real yogic insight. This course is not limited to asana; it takes you further.

 

Size
up to 36 students

 

Uniqueness
elements that make this course stand out

immersion in a focused learning environment, living the practice

small, dedicated group of students

mentoring and close attention to your practice, teaching method, and personal progress

direct experience in teaching students (privates and groups)

classical training in Pranayama (only a handful of western teachers have background in this essential practice)

the development of an advanced and dedicated yoga practice, molding the teacher in you

approximately 100 hours additional training beyond the basic requirements of Yoga Alliance

precise training in asana and the vinyasa system

three months of precourse readings and assignments to prepare and guide you

Primary Elements	Secondary Elements	Minor Elements
Asana	Yogic Anatomy	Teaching Special Cases
Pranayama	Chanting	Sanskrit
Physical Anatomy	Diet, Food and Yoga	Ayurveda & Yoga
Philosophy	Shatkarma Kriyas
Teaching	Energetic Focus
Your Practice	Injuries and Pains (therapy)
Meditation	Starting to Teach

 

Primary Elements

Asana

Asana is a typical starting point in yoga, and what you will primarily teach. As your awareness and understanding deepen in other areas, your asana and how you teach it will develop. The poses have the power to open up energy channels, build strength and flexibility, rearrange the nervous system, and detoxify the body’s inner organs.

In addition to practicing asana, you will focus on specific poses. The Ashtanga primary series is our model, along with a number of other asanas. Alignment, breath, inner focus, benefits, common mistakes, and variations are covered for each pose. You will learn from doing the pose and adjusting students in it, both in group and in private instruction.

All types of asana are covered: standing, balancing, forward bends, backward bends, twists, and inversions, totaling approximately fifty poses. Sun salutations are a major component of the practice, and both the Ashtanga (jump back) and classical twelve-point will be studied. The vinyasa element of jump back and jump through will also be studied.

Pranayama

In Patanjali’s eight-limb system (Ashtanga), Pranayama is the fourth limb, after asana. Its importance is acknowledged in many classical texts, though today it is typically misunderstood and taught badly. It is a subtle practice that has tremendous effects on the nervous system and the mind.

The training in this course is grounded in the classical teaching of Sri O.P. Tiwari (Kaivalyadhama, India), one of the few authorities on Pranayama. You will learn and practice the preparations for Pranayama together with six of the classical techniques. You will be guided daily and observed carefully as you build a personal practice. Upon completion, you will understand the nature of the inhale, exhale, and retention; the correct performance of each Pranayama; and how to guide someone in basic breathing. You will also study the breath and its mechanisms.

Physical Anatomy

We take a detailed, thorough approach to anatomy and physiology. During the course you will methodically go through the anatomy of the human body as it relates to asanas, vinyasas, and Pranayamas. In addition, we will explore at length the nervous system, the musculo-skeletal system, knee and hip joints, the pelvis, the spine, the circulatory system, and other topics.

Yoga Philosophy

Yoga is summed up in the Bhagavad Gita and laid down in the sutras of Patanjali. Understanding these texts will open your practice and give you the basis to teach. Other classical texts, such as the Hatha Pradipika, the Gheranda Samhita, and the Upanishads will be presented as well. To elucidate the material further, we will also refer to other philosophies, in particular the teachings of Buddha.

Concentration and Meditation

These are the sixth and seventh limbs of Ashtanga. Building concentration of mind should be developed in all practices. You will learn how to harness the mind while practicing asana and Pranayama. It then will become a direct practice when you sit for meditation.

Meditation cannot be “done”; it just happens. But when is that? You will have your own experience.

To help the process along, you will learn meditation techniques, external to internal, which will engage the mind through concentration. Your growth in this area will reveal itself in your practice of the other seven limbs. Progress in asana and Pranayama is essential, and directly affects concentration. Observing Yama and Niyama (i.e., living yoga) aligns our being, which can then bring about meditation.

Teaching

This is a practical course, in which you will learn chiefly by doing. The first ten days you will work with your fellow trainees on teaching assignments. The effort of explaining and showing something to someone else serves to embed it into your consciousness. From the eleventh day onward, there will be other (non-trainee) students in class. You will progress from observation to assisting to adjusting to private instruction to group instruction.

Your Practice

As your practice is your foundation, you will practice daily asana, Pranayama, and meditation. The other elements of the course will gradually be added to your practice. What you build as your practice you will understand and then be able to teach. Your practice will be deepened, cleaned up, and encouraged. What you ultimately practice integrates your personality, develops your mind, and eventually leads to higher states of awareness.

 

Secondary Elements

Yogic Anatomy

Awareness and understanding of the vital layer of the body can greatly advance your practice. You will study it and then integrate it in to your practice. The identification of energy lines in practice receives a lot of attention, along with chakras, nadis, vayus, koshas, to be learnt and understood in the light of the process of yoga.

Chanting

In the Vedic system virtually all activities commence and conclude with a chant. In addition, one can increase the feeling of devotion (bhakti) through chanting sessions known as kirtans. Beginning with the simple but powerful Om, chants permeate the practice.

Usually a yoga class begins with a chant. There are some classic chants you will learn, some standard slokas you will become familiar with, and also a few bhajans you’ll enjoy during our lively kirtans. The differences between all these will be explained.

Diet, Food and Yoga

When it comes to food, much confusion surrounds what, when, and how much. We will focus on this controversial topic from the vantage point of its effect on the body and mind, both in the gross and the subtle.

Food is one of the biggest influences on our practice. Eating well is not just a matter of good health; it affects and nurtures the nervous system and mind.

With a new understanding of food and its effects, you may be inspired to make positive changes in the way you eat.

Shatkarma Kriyas

Shatkarma Kriyas are cleansing and purification practices that prepare you for deeper practice. All six kriyas will be presented; five will be practiced and learned.

Injuries and Pains (therapy)

An injury will cause pain, but not every pain is the result of an injury. When the practice is done properly, certain pains come as a result of the body opening up, changes in the nervous system, an inner reorganization, or perhaps the release of past actions. Improper activity, whether in practice or not, will cause injury. We will go over how to deal and work with both cases.

Chakra Focus

How can we stimulate the chakras? How do we energize them, work with them, and benefit directly from their opening? We will tune into the subtle, pranic body in this practical way, focusing on the chakras as both an art and a science. Chakra exercises will be brought in to our daily practice, turning your attention inward.

Going on to Teach

How to put together a class, what classes to teach, how students will find you, where to teach, and the difference between privates and group classes.

 

Minor Elements

Teaching Special Cases

Not everyone falls under the category of average health. Different approaches, as well as compassion and patience, are needed for children, people with disabilities and overweight cases. Simple approaches will be taught and where possible even practiced. Some cases will also be simulated.

Sanskrit

The language of yoga is Sanskrit. It is the oldest language still in use today, and it is the basis of many other languages. All language is simply vibration, and Sanskrit possesses the highest vibration and the best organized. Hearing and chanting Sanskrit has an extremely positive effect on the state of your mind. You will learn the alphabet, numbers, pronunciation, and the chanting of all pose names, slokas, and sutras—all taught in a light and enjoyable way.

Ayurveda & Yoga

Ayurveda, yoga’s sister science, is not well understood. We present it during the course from an informative point of view. What is its relevance and connection to yoga? What are the different doshas? How can Ayurveda benefit you?

Our overview aims to correct misconceptions about Ayurveda in the hopes that you will be equipped to inform others and see if it is something you would study further.

Daily schedule:

7:30 am	Pranayama
8:45 am	Asana practice
Brunch break
12 noon – 2 pm	Philosophy OR Physical Anatomy
2 – 4 pm	Asana study and teaching practice

Paul is a senior level teacher with international recognition. He is one of three senior students of Tiwariji in Pranayama and one of the few in the world certified by Pattabhi Jois in Ashtanga vinyasa. This places him in a unique position to teach at this level, teach both practical and the philosophy behind it all. Mostly though he loves to share the teaching with passion and joy.

 

Sonja is accredited by the International Yoga Alliance to lead teacher training in the specializations of pre/postnatal yoga and anatomy for yoga. She is certified as a yoga teacher by Centered Yoga Institute since 2000 and as a prenatal teacher through OM Yoga, New York. As a physical trainer, the American Council on Exercise accredits Sonja in the specializations of pre/postnatal exercise, nutrition, nutrition for elite athletes, women's health, Foundations of Flexibility and Alignment, and Functional Anatomy.

She has lead wellness retreats internationally on yoga and holistic nutrition and Ashtanga yoga, in Brazil, Croatia, Thailand and the United States. She has worked with world-class athletes and Olympians on mindfulness training, and she has designed corporate wellness programs for such companies as TCOM, HBO, I.S. Corporation, In Fitness and In Health, and Crunch Fitness. Sonja has taught yoga in the university setting at her alma mater New York University and currently works in New York City with Namaste New York. Sonja is eternally grateful to her teachers and mentors in the yoga and exercise physiology worlds. Sonja believes we can all live in grace, physically and energetically if we move forward with patience and positive attitude.

	Early Bird Price Register between Now - 2010.10.15	Pre-Training Price Register between 2010.10.16 - 2010.11.10	Regular Price
SPACE Members	NT$117,500	NT$121,500	NT$138,500
Non-SPACE Members	NT$127,500	NT$131,500	NT$148,500
Graduates of other SPACE Teacher Training Program	NT$98,800	Members or non-members rates apply after 2010.10.16

 

Installment Plan
Interest free installment plan is available upon request.

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellation notice received 8 days prior to the start of the program, $2000 administrative fee would be deducted and the remaining balance can be transfer to other SPACE workshops and trainings.
• Cancellation notice received 7 days or less from the start of the program, there will be no refund or transfer.
• At any time prior to the start of the program, for those who reserve a spot in the teacher training, but find they cannot attend, the spot may be transferred to another student (who has gone through the application process and been approved).

Application Form Download 　

* 7:00am - 9:30am
* Open to all levels

Full Program Morning Intensive Practice

• 9.11-10.3, 2010
• 20 practices (off dates: 9.16, 9.22, 9.28)
• Regular price: NT$11,225 (NT$562 per session)
• 20% early-bird discount: NT$8,980 (NT$449 per session).
  Discount ends 7.31, 2010
• Additional 10% discount for those who also sign up for Adnan and Basia’s Level 2 Immersion

Q1. How much yoga experience do I need to attend?
A: At least one year of regular practice

Q2.: What kind of yoga is taught?
A: Yoga is observing "what is" through asana, Pranayama, introspection, meditation, diet, healing practices and more...

We will study classical postures - as well as not so classical. We will study traditional sequences and not so traditional.

We will cover the fundamentals of yoga practice, its application and experiment with tools to teach any style you choose.

We will have an overview of few more known styles. The most important point is to truly know the techniques, the craft of the practice then you will be able to become an "artist". More detail to come.

Q3. How can you have different levels of students in the same class?
A: You have two people in the class - you already have two levels. Teaching multi-level class is an art; an art we will cultivate though study, practice and experimentation. It is truly an adventure. The skills develop here will be transferable to many aspects of life: personal, business, emotional - you name it! You always have to work with what is - and what is is often not black and white - being able to maneuver between the two will make you a great teacher, communicator, and facilitator.

Q4. When will I find out if I have been accepted into the program?
A: After you submit your completed Teacher Training Application, you will be contacted via phone call within approximately 7 working days. Your payment will be processed upon acceptance, and final payment date is 1 week after the acceptance.

Q5. What if I miss a class?
A: To obtain a diploma of completion you must attend 100% of the classes to comply with Yoga Alliance requirements. However, absences due to illness will need to be discussed with the program director.

Q6. What is the Yoga Alliance?
A: Yoga Alliance is an organization that was started in 1999 as a way to create recognized standards for yoga teachers and yoga teacher trainings. More and more yoga studios are requiring their teachers to register with the Yoga Alliance, either at the 200 or 500 hour level. Yoga Alliance registration, however, is not a legal requirement for teaching yoga. Currently there are no legal certification requirements to be a yoga teacher.

Q7. Will I be qualified to teach yoga once I complete the 200-Hour Teacher Training Program?
A: With the successful completion of all the requirements of the program, including contact hours, homework, and exam, you will receive your Diploma evidencing your training at the 200-Hour level. You may also register with the

Yoga Alliance (www.yogaalliance.org) at the RYT-200 level (Registered Yoga Teacher 200). Graduates of the 200-hour program usually begin teaching in small studios, gyms, with private clientele (friends and family), etc. Many new teachers decide to continue their Teacher Training education and participate in professional programs such as workshops and other forms of teacher trainings as a way to further solidify their skills, knowledge and style as a yoga instructor. More information on SPACE workshops can be found on our website: www.withinspace.com.

Q8. What is SPACE Certification?
A: SPACE creates a pathway for teachers to achieve a benchmark that represents high level of education and skill: the SPACE Certification process. SPACE grants certification to those teachers who are recognized as knowledgeable and mature, creative, thorough and compassionate. These are teachers who can hold a room, see students’ bodies, offer appropriate modifications and adjustments, and create a well-organized and intelligent sequence of poses. These certified teachers also have an understanding of yoga philosophy and its depth as well as technical skill with asana and Pranayama. SPACE Yoga Certification is an emblem of this comprehensive knowledge.

Diploma:
Upon successful completion of the SPACE 200-Hour Teacher Training, trainees will receive a Diploma from SPACE Yoga as an acknowledgement of the successful completion of the course. Receipt of a SPACE Yoga diploma is the first step toward Yoga Alliance certification as well as a doorway into teaching. With this diploma new teachers can begin the process of refining their skills as a yoga teacher at many local gyms and small yoga studios, as well as with private clients.

Yoga Alliance Certification:
Trainees will also receive their Yoga Alliance 200-Hour Certification (RYT200) as soon as they apply for it and pay a registration fee. Yoga Alliance 200 Hour Certification offers the added benefit of a listing on their website and the recognition of an international certifying body. Yoga Alliance certification is also a requirement for employment at many gyms and yoga studios.

SPACE YOGA Certification:
SPACE YOGA Certification Assessment represents the students have passed the tests that consists of a written exam on all aspects of yoga: philosophy, anatomy, sequencing, as well as a practical exam to assess teaching skills in which applicants are asked to teach a 10-minutes sequence of asana in front of the teachers.

Applicants who are deemed representative of SPACE YOGA standards receive a certificate. SPACE YOGA Certification is an important achievement in the evolution of a teacher as it represents a vote of confidence from a highly respected yoga teacher training program. It also opens the door to many new career opportunities including the possibility of one day leading teacher trainings.

Although the great majority of students who attend complete this program and are certified, we reserve the right to withhold certification from any student who fails to develop the necessary skills. If it is determined that you have not successfully met the certification requirements, you can meet with the teacher trainer who will determine the appropriate steps needed to complete certification. In most cases, this process takes from three to six months but may take up to a year to complete.

I’ve been practicing yoga consistently since 1999. When I first tried Ashtanga in 2006, I fell in love with it right away. There were some aches and pains that appeared during the process of practicing. At the time, I was wondering if I should continue and what effect would that have on the body. However, with continuing practice, they all went away on their own. And slowly I realized the ease and lightness my body felt after each practice fuels my desire to continue. During this period, I wanted to find a reputable Ashtanga teacher training to understand its essence, so I can pass on this great tradition. Paul taught asana from the anatomical perspective to avoid injury. By understanding our physical structure, then by using the breath to guide the asana, we can feel the physical ease and comfort, as well as other benefits. With Paul’s love and focus, I’ve learned a great deal from him. The biggest gain was to understand the importance of kriya (cleansing action), Pranayama, chanting, meditation and yoga philosophy and how they help everyday practice to become even more refined and we can welcome each day with more confidence. I’m grateful for Paul’s teachings and to myself for the chance of doing this TT, for the opportunity to transform.

If my yoga practice is a garden flower, then Paul is the gardener whose been providing me water and fertilizer.

The asana practice was explained in terms of anatomy and science, allowing me to clearly understand that each asana had its own purpose and benefit. Particularly in the Ashtanga fixed sequence, the alignment of each pose all has its own meaning and that no poses should be overlooked or considered easy.

Paul transmitted the wisdom of Yoga Sutra through chanting. He also reminded us that Yoga is to settle in our life’s surroundings and we should face each moment with a humble and open heart and not to neglect the inspiration received from being present.

I’m very glad that I participated in Paul’s teacher training; it is a very complete and disciplined training. I’m grateful for all that they have given: the asana practices, Pranayama, how to safely adjust and the ancient wisdom.

Namaste

What Paul imprinted on me the most is his straightforward, down-to-earth interpretation on the selected Yoga Sutras appropriate at this stage. He left me a ‘tool’, which I can always turn to for answers whenever I reach a bottle neck. I now regularly reflect on my thought, actions and words, observing the effect they have on me and others. Good yoga philosophy teachers are elusive to find. Only has that person experienced and conquered the truth, can he/she brings so much insights and wisdom, and Paul is one of the very few. With regard to Paul’s asana and Pranayama teachings, need I say more?