This Restorative Yoga and meditation Teacher training is done in 4 modules called “Fundamentals” (1, 2 , 3 & 4). “Fundamentals” need to be followed in order. Each module includes assignments: readings, observing classes, practicing teaching and assisting.
A certification is given after fully completing each Fundamental.
Fundamentals 1 – Introduction to Restorative yoga
* How Restorative Yoga was developed
* Restorative Yoga as a counter cultural yoga practice
* RY as the practice of “Being”
* The Benefits of RY and how to apply them to daily life
* The pillars of Restorative Yoga
Restorative Yoga floor orientated poses and Yin Yoga Poses
*Description and daily practice: Forward bends, back bends, twists, side bends, inversions
The use of “props” in Restorative Yoga and its modifications
* Understanding of the use of props in RY
Breathing exercises in a Restorative Yoga practice to support the holding of the poses and the cleansing process
*Pranayama during the practice of RY
* “Sigh” breath and its benefits
* Anxiety, stress and the practice of “sigh” breath
Mindfulness the meaning of letting go during the RY poses
* Theory and practice of Mindfulness
* The meaning of letting go
Meditation and Meditation techniques
* Differences in Meditation and Meditation techniques
* Meditation within the context of the 8 limbs in the Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras
*Learning and practice of different techniques of passive and active meditations
* The benefits of Meditation
* Own meditation practice
Recommended books
“The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali – Translation and Commentary by Sri Swami Satchidananda”
“Relax & Renew: Restful Yoga for Stressful Times” by Judith Hanson Lasater
“The Orange Book” by Osho
“Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga” by Rolf Gates & Katrina Kenison
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Fundamentals 2
* Review of Contents Fundamentals 1
Restorative Yoga and Yin Yoga poses
* Description and daily practice: Forward bends, back bends, twists, side bends, inversions and their modifications
* Own practice and its understanding by the body mind system
Visualization: Directing the power of the Mind towards healing and
wholeness
* The thoughts as creative forces
* Activating the intuitive force that lies within you
* The subconscious mind
* Visualization: technique and practice
Exercises of Self-Inquiry: Working with the Zen koan “Who Am I?”
* The Self-Inquiry method: Practice and Purpose of Self-Inquiry
Alignment & yoga Adjusting through touch in Restorative Yoga
* Introduction to mindful touch
* Adjusting in RY: the difference with other styles of Yoga
* Intuitive touch and adjustments
* When to adjust and how to approach the student/client
* Guiding adjustment as an alternative to “hands-on”
* Using props to assist instead of “hands-on”
Practicing & developing teaching skills
* Verbal instructions and tone of voice
Recommended books
“Relax & Renew: Restful Yoga for Stressful Times” by Judith Hanson Lasater (revision from Fundamentals 1)
“Awakening the Spine” by Vanda Scaravelli
“Yoga Nidra” by Swami Satyananda Saraswati
A book on “mindful touch” from the student’s choice
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Fundamentals 3
*Review of Contents Fundamentals 2
Restorative Yoga and Yin Yoga poses
* Description and daily practice: Forward bends, back bends, twists, side bends,
inversions and their modifications
The use of music during a yoga practice
* The effect of music
* Setting the tone of a class using music
* The use of music in a RY class
* The use of music in your own practice
* The use of music in Yoga and its controversies
* Practicing and sharing a RY class with music
Observing other teachers in Restorative Yoga and Meditation classes
* The Art of receiving and giving feedback
* Guidelines and preparing a RY class
Healthy Lifestyle: Restoring and re-setting the body into its natural ways of healing
* Taking responsibility for your health as a yoga teacher
* Having a balanced lifestyle as a responsibility as a yoga teacher
* Yoga as a lifestyle
Recommended books
Watch the documentary: “(Official Movie) THRIVE: What On Earth Will It Take?”
A book of the participant’s choice on Meditation techniques
“Eating for Beauty” by David Wolfe
“Chakras & the Archetypes. Uniting Energy Awareness & Spiritual Growth” by Ambika Wauters
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Fundamentals 4
*Review of Contents Fundamentals 3
Practice of Yin Yoga asanas and Restorative Yoga Asanas
* Each day includes asana practice, talks and Q&A.
General Anatomy in the practice of Yin and Restorative Yoga
* Subtle and physical anatomy and physiology of the Yin and Restorative Yoga practice
* Meridian theory and the movement of “chi” or “prana” in the body
* The nervous system
* Relevant modifications, contraindications and adjustments in Yin and Restorative Yoga practice
Methods for Body Cleanse & Detoxing process
* Body Detox for a clean energetic body
* How and why to do a Body Cleanse
* The detoxing process and its benefits for a yogi
* Natural healing foods and Super Foods to tune into higher vibrations
* The importance of a high vibrational diet and its connection with the yoga
practice and a yogi’s life
* What foods are healing and how to adapt them to the specific environment
* Creating the set-up to live in high vibration
Environmental awareness and the contribution of yoga teachers to a more kind and friendly planet
* Proposals to contribute to an environmental friendly planet as a yoga teacher
* The path of “green yoga”
* The teaching of Yoga in different environments
Body movement and emotional release: from movement to stillness
* Movement and dance as healing techniques
* Movement and dance as meditation techniques
* The skills of meditation, and the balancing nature of savasana and conscious relaxation
Reflection and the practice of Silence and Meditation
* Learning the practice of Silence and “non-doing”
* Incorporating Silence to your daily life
Main essential skills of a yoga teacher in the practice and teaching of
Restorative Yoga
Recommended books
“Light on Yoga” by B.K.S. Iyengar
“The Heart of Yoga. Developing a personal practice” by T.K.V. Disikachar
“Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit” by Donna Farhi
“The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga: The Philosophy and Practice of Yin Yoga” by Bernie Clark and Sarah Powers
“Yin Yoga” by Paul Grilley
“Insight Yoga” by Sarah Powers and Paul Grilley
