Vini Yoga New England
Yoga Teacher Training
The program is for serious students of yoga, as well as yoga teachers who want to develop a basic understanding of the tools and techniques of yoga. Included will the the art of sequencing practices for a particular purpose, structural observation skills, and how to adapt yoga poses to suit individual structural variations and needs.
Deepen your understanding of yoga. The program is designed to help you develop a personal practice based on the principles of Vini-Yoga, an approach to yoga with therapeutic application. You will also develop an understanding and experience to teach yoga to others.
Yoga is a holistic system of spiritual and physical practices. Studies will include Vini-Yoga techniques, anatomy, philosophy, teaching methodology, as well as self-study. Your studies will include:
* Breath as the basis for conscious movement (asana), energy balancing (pranayama) and meditation.
* Sequencing of postures for safe and effective practices.
* Adapting practices to meet individual needs and goals, such as stress reduction, physical conditioning, contemplation, age, disability, etc.
* How to observe different physical structures, and adapt postures to individual bodies.
* Human anatomy from the Western medical perspective and from the yogic "systems" perspective.
* The Yoga Sutras of Pantañjali: the ancient text on the definition, philosophy and practice of yoga.
* How to teach: class structure, communication skills, pacing, and creating context for deeper understanding of yoga.
What Will I Learn?
* Breath as the foundation of practice.
* How to do poses.
* How to sequence poses.
* How to adapt poses.
* How to observe students.
* Human anatomy.
* How to draw stick figures.
* Sanskrit names for poses.
* The eight limbs of yoga.
* The four aims of life.
* The five dimensions the human system.
* The three-fold approach to transformation.
* Ethics and attitudes of a yogi.
* Asana (poses).
* Pranayama (breathing techniques).
* Meditation techniques.
* The definition of yoga.
Frequently Asked Questions
* Will I be able to teach yoga?
If you successfully complete the program you will be prepared to teach if you want to. Yoga is an expanding field that is open to those with entrepreneurial abilities.
* What about homework?
There is reading to be done, and the new challenge of learning to sequence yoga poses and draw stick figures. If you want to get started with the reading ahead of time, call for the book list. You will also be asked to keep a journal of reflections on the meaning of yoga as it applies to your personal experience. In addition you will be supported in doing a daily yoga practice on your own.
* Are there tests?
There will short quizzes that are designed to help you master the material, all pass/fail. You can retake a quiz as many times as it takes to pass with 80% correct.
* Who else will be in the training?
There will no more than 20 people who you will get to know well over the course of the nine months. They will become your sangha, people supporting each other in learning and growth.
* Will it be fun?
Julia Child had a quote on her kitchen wall: "Above all have fun." The teaching will be multi-dimensional: you will learn from listening, moving, reading, verbalizing, seeing and creating.
* What is self-study?
Self-study is an opportunity to get to know yourself by learning how to observe yourself with equanimity. Yoga presents a path for personal transformation. Begin where you are. Set a direction. Take one step at a time.
Requirements to Enter the Program
Be a sincere student of yoga. It is expected that you have been doing yoga in classes or on your own prior to entrance in the program for at least one year.
We also ask that you have taken at least 16 yoga classes in the Viniyoga style, or 6 private yoga lessons with one of our teachers. If you have not met this requirement, you may make arrangements to fufill this requirement as an additional component of your training.
Be ready to study. In addition to classes there will be home study: reading, personal practice assignments, and creating yoga sequences.
To apply to the program complete the application form along with a non-refundable applilcation fee of $50.
To request an application or talk with one of our teachers, please call Karen at 401-421-9876, and leave your full name and address, or email Karen with your information information.
Who is the teacher?
Karen Lee, MAT, E-RYT 500, Yoga Therapist
I am a yogini: that means yoga is the way I live. Yoga has been a path to wholeness for me, a transformation. My life path has had a bit of the nitty-gritty: whose hasn't? It is my passion to pass along the gifts of yoga so that others too can heal and grow.
I have a Master of Arts in Teaching from Rhode Island School of Design, and I am an American Viniyoga Institute (AVI) teacher at the 500-hour level, and an AVI Certified Yoga Therapist, registered with the International Association of Yoga Therapists, where you may view a full profile of her experience, training, philosophy and publications. I am an E-RYT 500 with the Yoga Alliance
View Karen Lee's profile on LinkedIn Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga School at the 200 hour level.
