100-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Syllabus

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

• The practice of RY and the 8 limbs in the Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra

Restorative Yoga floor orientated poses and Yin Yoga Poses

*Description and daily practice: Forward bends, back bends, twists, side bends, inversions

• Own practice and the understanding by the body mind system

The use of “props” in Restorative Yoga and its modifications

* Understanding of the use of props in RY

• The use of props adapted to different body structures and needs
• The use of props as a “message” to the nervous system

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

• The connection of Mindfulness & letting go in the practice of RY

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

• Meditation techniques suitable for different personalities

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

• How Restorative Yoga was developed

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

• Yoga Nidra and its practice in RY

Exercises of Self-Inquiry: Working with the Zen koan “Who Am I?”

* The Self-Inquiry method: Practice and Purpose of Self-Inquiry

• The Life changing question “Who Am I”

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”

• Knowing your self: main tool for kind touch and “hands on”

Practicing & developing teaching skills

* Verbal instructions and tone of voice

• Guidelines toward focus and attention

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

• Own practice and its understanding by the body mind system

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

• The use of music in a Meditation practice and RY class

Observing other teachers in Restorative Yoga and Meditation classes

* The Art of receiving and giving feedback

• Constructive comments and supporting others to hold space
• Creating classes and teaching to a group

* 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

• Yoga off the mat

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

• Practical ways to support others to live in higher vibrations

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

• The practice of active meditation techniques to support emotional release

Reflection and the practice of Silence and Meditation

* Learning the practice of Silence and “non-doing”

* Incorporating Silence to your daily life

• What is a Silence retreat and its benefits in your everyday 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