Structure of Training:
This training is offered in two stages. The first two weeks of the training focus on developing the teacher’s own direct experience of integrated embodiment. In the third week this material is then incorporated into a template 8-week course, showing how the material can be practically applied in a class setting. No partial attendance is allowed for the 21-day training. Both Stage I & Stage II must be completed together.
Stage I of Training: (Weeks 1 & 2)
The body organizes itself around patterns. In this unique training module, we investigate the development of human movement patterns from infancy to adulthood, learning to see and understand body structure and movement from this more comprehensive perspective. The training will progress sequentially through each stage of development. As we explore the physical organization of each pattern (as well as the psychological states that accompany them), we will look at the specific application of each pattern for teaching and practicing Yoga, as well as the problems that occur when certain patterns are absent, poorly developed or overused. Instead of overwhelming the student with a “check-list” of corrections and details, we can guide our students through the cohesive support of patterns that evoke whole body integration.
Participants can expect to come away with a more acutely honed ability to see and understand body structure and movement, a precise language to understand and verbalize what they see, and hands-on techniques and principles that will help them elicit healthy movement patterns in their students. Past participants have found that incorporating these principles into their instruction has helped their Yoga students develop a more dynamic and fluid practice, as well as greater stability, balance and increased range of motion without injury.
This training is a movement toward a new model for the teacher/student relationship within the Yoga tradition. We assess each technique in terms of the independence it affords the student. We will look at cultivating a way of interacting that allows for a free flow of communication between student and teacher as equals, and the development of the student’s own inner reference system. As a result, the student learns to question information continually, analyze it in terms of his or her own experience and to formulate a way of practicing that reflects individual needs and goals.
Stage II of Training: (Week 3)
The focus of Stage II is on learning to apply basic movement principles within the context of an 8-week beginning level Yoga course. We will look at the essential movement skills, postures and breathing practices that should be a part of any fundamental course as well as intelligent use of movement sequences so that material can be learned in a step-by-step fashion. We will also study the adaptation of postures for those with special problems – particularly common spinal conditions. You will come away from this module with an 8-week course plan that has been developed over two decades in Donna’s own public classes. An integral part of the Stage II module will be spent in small teaching practicum groups where participants are given specific assignments and an opportunity to improve teaching skills in a supportive environment. Many participants have found this one of the most valuable parts of the training, as even very experienced teachers rarely receive peer review on their teaching. Emphasis is placed on both giving and receiving constructive feedback in the spirit of supporting each other to become better teachers.
There will also be opportunities within the third week to become familiar with common anatomical terms with an emphasis on the more prevalent spinal conditions that present in public classes.
Depending on Donna’s interest at the time of the training, as well as the special skills of our teaching assistants there will be several elective talks and topics offered.
The training fees include a training manual and a certificate of completion for the 150- hour training.
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