October 1st- March 31th (Thanksgiving week off, Christmas through New Year break)
Welcome to an inward journey to your own practice as well as tools to help others. This teacher training is two-fold with self-development at the center and extending the practical tools learned to assist others.
Program Vision: Our vision is to co-create waves of serenity rippling through students of meditation and extending through our communities.
Our mission: To share the wisdom and teachings of the Dhayana limb of yoga to promote greater health and wellness in the communities we serve.
Program Goals:
*Equip others providing healing arts in the community with a basic background and practice of meditation.
*Incorporation of meditation and mindfulness resources into [these] other settings within the community.
*To provide education and experience to students interested in deeper meditation practice.
*To educate students in best-practices of how to teach a basic meditation class.
* To expose meditation practitioners and teachers to a wide variety of traditions, practices, and techniques.
Learning Goals: Students will learn:
- The history, methods, and practice of meditation.
- Specific meditation practices utilizing; mantra, breathing, Tonglen, movement, Metta, as well as guided meditation and tools for such practices.
- Mindfulness meditation as well as Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction.
- Contemplative practices of centering prayer in the Western Tradition.
- Group meditation dynamics and practice.
- Common trials and tribulations of the 21st century meditator.
Requirements to enter the program:
*A willing heart.
*The willingness and physical ability to sit quietly during practice, with or without accommodations/support. (Chairs and other seating will be provided).
*The willingness to find your own personal truth through listening, pondering, and meditating (three major doorways of truth). Willing to discuss with others and participate actively in the sangha meditation practice group.
*Be a novice – experienced meditator and/or in a profession where meditation practices will add to your work with others (yoga teacher, masseuse, reiki practitioner, counselor, therapist, social worker, addictions professional, nurse, clergy person, etc.).
*Speak to each other about things that matter in a respectful open-hearted way and respect the group process.
* Be willing to hold space for others, keep the moment open, regardless of your own attachment or beliefs about a given topic.
* Follow the ethical requirements of yoga alliance, IMMA, and the group during the norming process.
* Pay all tuition and fees.
Sara E. McNeil, MA, RYT-500, Reiki I
Sara has a BA in English and philosophy and a masters of arts in English. Practicing meditator for 10 years, with formal training in her 200 hour and 300 hour yoga teacher training, participating in online trainings by Tara Brach and Christine Weber as well as Jai Dev Singh and Simrit Kaur. Hari Kirtana Das Gita study and sangha member. Master Philosophy Trainer in the Yoga East Healing Arts Yoga School.
Sue Nesler, MS, MA, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT, NCC
Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a certificate in family studies. Masters of science in rehabilitation administration and master of arts in mental health counseling. MBSR certificate received in 2019. Has been meditating since 1983. Taken workshops and seminars with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and other Art of Living teachers. Member of Ananda Los Angeles. Taught several retreats on yoga and meditation in the US, Mexico, and Canada. Author of Life’s Journey; meditation workbook for addiction recovery.
The Reverend Robert A. Towner, BA (Philosophy), M-Div (foundational theology).
Meditating since 1979. Ordained priest since 1977. Participated in 4, 8 day silent centering prayer retreats. Accredited to teach centering prayer. Robert has taken 2 great pilgrimages, one to the Hemal in Nepal, and to the Isle of Iona in Scotland. Teacher of Comparative Religions at Southeast Missouri State University. Active member of 12-step recovery for 40 years.
40 contact hours. 20 non-contact hours to include homework and practice.
Homework includes reading, meditation practice, a midterm evaluation, a final non-comprehensive evaluation, and a final 5-10 minute video reflecting a class/syllabus you would lead when you begin teaching.
Cost: $485 , $100 non-refundable deposit to hold you place in the program, payment programs available for the $385 remainder. $35 discount for Yoga East YTT graduates.
email yogaeast1@gmail.com to schedule a meeting and register for the program.
