Advanced Studies & Yoga Teacher Training Course www.avani-yoga.co.uk Tel: 07901 907 245 or 01737 222 400 Yoga Ananda Holistic Centre, 46 Albert Road, Reigate RH2 9EL debbie@avani-yoga.co.uk
TABLE OF CONTENTS Teacher... 2 Organisation.. 3 Equal Opportunities. 3 About the Course..... 3 Objectives.. 4 Dates, Application process & Fees.. 4 Course listing and description... 4-8 Books of Interest. 8 Conduct Policy. 9 Grievance procedure... 9-11 Application Form... 12-13 Liability Waiver Form... 14-16
Venue - YOGA ANANDA 46 Albert Road North, Reigate, RH1 9EL Phone: 07901907245 or 01737 222400 Email: debbie@avani-yoga.co.uk www.avani-yoga.co.uk SENIOR TEACHER Debbie Avani Debbie first discovered Yoga 20 years ago on the banks of the river Ganges in the holy city of Rishikesh, India and immediately knew she had found what she was looking for. Since then she has visited India annually, both personally and to take students on retreat, delving deeply into meditation and yoga practice which she has found to be a powerful agent of change in her life. She became a qualified Yoga teacher in Mysore, India, and studied many alternative therapies whilst travelling around the world, before finally settling in Southampton to qualify as a registered practitioner and to establish a yoga centre which offered a full schedule of classes, workshops, meditation courses and therapies. Debbie s interest in meditation and Kriya Yoga began in 1998 reading Autobiography of a Yoga by Paramahansa Yogananda. She has been blessed with many wonderful teachers (from east and west) eventually meeting the guiding light in her life Swami Vishwananda who gave her the spiritual name Dhanashri (which means to give all) and initiated her to become an Atma Kriya Yoga teacher and also to lead Om Healing meditation groups. For Debbie her practice is not confined to a yoga mat it permeates her whole life. She has found that the timeless principles of Yoga sometimes confront us with uncomfortable truths, but when we accept the challenge we are provided with unprecedented opportunities for growth.
ORGANISATION Avani Yoga s Advanced Studies & Teacher Training program complies with the Yoga Alliance UK Standards for certification at the 200-hour level. Once a student completes all program requirements, a certificate of completion will be presented which in turn can be sent to Yoga Alliance UK in order to obtain teaching certification. Yoga Alliance UK registers yoga teachers who demonstrate qualifications that meet minimum teaching standards established by the organisation s founding members. Yoga Alliance UK also registers yoga schools whose teacher training programs address those standards; assuring graduates are well-qualified to teach the practice in public. For more information about Yoga Alliance UK and certification, please contact Yoga Alliance UK, 25 Rodney Street, Midlothian, Edinburgh, EH7 4EL / phone 0845 230 7009 or email via the website www.yogaalliance.co.uk EQUAL OPPORTUNITY It is the policy of Avani Yoga to provide equal opportunity in educational programs and activities. In the administration of educational policies or any other program of activity, Avani Yoga does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, national origin, citizenship, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability. ABOUT THE COURSE Teacher Training Courses with Avani Yoga are not only for those who wish to embark upon the rewarding journey of teaching others, they are also open to all serious students of yoga who wish to significantly deepen their knowledge and understanding of this ancient tradition and its deeply relevant offerings for everybody, today. Come to the course first and foremost for your own transformation and Debbie will provide a safe and nurturing atmosphere and an in depth course of study to enable students to deepen their personal practice and become skilled and confident teachers.
COURSE INTENTIONS The intention of this course is to offer a broad and thorough foundation for the teaching of Vinyasa or flow Yoga. Detailed study and practice of Asana forms the foundation of the training programme. Deepening personal practice will be emphasised as this is the key to unlocking the essence of each pose, which in turn gives rise to inspired, creative and joyful teaching. The course will endeavour to help students unravel, understand and evolve their own uniquely personal teaching style that is a reflection and a manifestation of their heartfelt and authentic experience. PROGRAMME & DATES The Advanced Studies & Teacher Training Programme is a 200 hour Yoga Alliance UK certified course. To support your journey in addition to the course you should make time for at least 1 yoga class per week and at least 4 hours of home practice/ study. On completion of the course to continue and support your development regular one day workshops, advanced courses and monthly meditation sessions will be available at Yoga Ananda as will opportunities to become teachers at the centre. The course begins in September each year and ends with a 4 day residential retreat. For current dates visit www.yogaananda.co.uk or www.avani-yoga.co.uk APPLICATION AND COURSE FEE Applications forms can be found at the back of this manual, obtained at the centre or downloaded from the website. It is recommended that each participant has at least 1 year of Yoga experience however each application will be reviewed and all taken into consideration. The course fee for the programme including the retreat is 2,350.00 early bird discounts are available if the deposit is paid at least 3 months prior to course start. A non refundable deposit of 500 is requested with each application that is accepted to secure your place. All chqs payable to Ms. D. Avani or payment can be made via the website. The final balance is due at the start of the course. However a choice of payment options is available if paying the final balance in full is not suitable for you. A payment form will be sent as part of the application process with full details Discounted student teacher insurance is not included in this fee but is available from Yoga Alliance UK and is a compulsory part of the course.
COURSE LISTING & DESCRIPTIONS ASANA This part of the course will explore the relationship of the practice of asana to the true goal of yoga, liberation. Some of the many topics we will explore in Asana include: Asana s function as a part of practice How and why asana can move us toward liberation Physical alignment Energy lines Extension, foundation, opposing forces and core stability Playing the edge (point of resistance) and adapting postures to individual needs The use of props to gain deeper understanding of the mechanics of each pose Breathing and growing into the pose Hands on adjustments Physical, mental and energetic effects of the pose Learning to see and understand bodies The anatomy and physiology of each pose PRANAYAMA As one of Patanjali s eight limbs of yoga, pranayama is a key component of yoga practice. The breath is the very essence of our practice. In asana we use it to reconnect with the feeling of the body we are in, to enliven the poses and to infuse them with energy and awareness. In seated pranayama we use the breath to connect with our inner body of energy and light, learning to harness, expand and direct this inner force for the awakening of greater energy, creativity, openness and receptivity. Trainees will learn the fundamental mechanics of breathing, simple dynamic breath practices to move into energised stillness and subtle use of breath to awaken dormant inner energy flows and centres. Some of the many topics we will explore in Pranayama include: The breathing mechanism The use of dynamic breathing to elicit energised stillness The use of Mudras and Bandhas to harness and direct the breath flow The relationship between breath and mind Internalising breath awareness for specific effects Yogic physiology, the discovery of the Koshas, Chakras, Nadis, Marmas, Pranas and the vibratory power of mantras to dissolve internal blockages
MEDITATION The practices of meditation bring us into communion with spirit, allowing us to rediscover the natural joy of being. In meditation we learn to listen inwardly to the wisdom and guidance that naturally arise from a quiet heart and clear mind. The simple and ancient techniques we learn help us create a pause between our thought and our action, a pause in which we are able to choose a response and shape our lives. The systematic sequence of meditation practice taught to trainees on the course is designed to gently strengthen, focus and quieten the mind. Reawakening our inherent intuition, freedom and spontaneity, bringing a new meaning and depth to everything we do. Some of the many topics we will explore in Meditation include: Creating a sacred space for practice and establishing a seat Moving into stillness Choice less observation Breath awareness Yogic sleep (Yoga Nidra) Feeling the energy we are made of Purification of the chakras Connecting with the inner flow Affirmation and reflections Mantra and Japa Meditation theory The shatkarmas (cleansing practices) to purify our internal space Chanting and Kirtan (devotional singing) YOGA PHILOSOPHY Yoga is timeless and its application is universal. It s a spiritual tradition that represents the cumulative wisdom of sages and seers over a period of more than 5000 years. It has reached us by a flow of grace that has passed from teacher to student uninterruptedly for more than 200 generations. As Yoga teachers and advancing practitioners we align ourselves with those who have gone before us and become a part of this flow of grace. It is therefore important for us to understand the tradition for which we speak and from which we practice. Some of the many topics we will explore in Yoga Phiosophy include: The teachings of Patanjali s Yoga sutras, the Bhagavad Gita and the Hatha Yoga Pradpika The historical development and background of Yoga Application of the teachings in everyday life
The 8 limbs of Yoga Modern schools of Yoga and styles of teaching The underlying unity of various approaches to Yoga practice TEACHING METHODOLOGY The art of teaching is Yoga in itself, requiring sensitivity, compassion and understanding, as well as lots of practice! A good teacher is always learning, loves what he or she is teaching and communicates this love. When we begin to teach, or think like a teacher, our understanding of Yoga deepens and matures. There will be many opportunities during the course to fine tune and play with teaching skills... Some of the many topics we will explore in Teaching Methodology include: How to be a safe and effective teacher The art of sequencing How to structure a class Use of voice, choice of words, body language, touch and timing Observing the needs of students Class themes and intentions Psychology of the student / teacher relationship Teaching ethics Creating a sacred space for your students to practice in ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY Some of the many topics we will explore in Teaching Methodology include: General Anatomy developing an understanding of the workings of the physical body and its systems to gain greater insight into our asana practice. Anatomy of Asana developing an understanding of the functioning of the various bodily systems in asana practice, with special concentration on the workings of the musculoskeletal system. Energetic Anatomy while the physical aspects of the practice have far reaching benefits, the real transformative power lies in the more subtle aspects of our bodies. We will develop and understand the relationship between the various bodies (koshas) as well as the various components of the energy system and how they can be used to move enhance our asana practice.
BOOKS OF INTEREST THAT WILL SUPPORT YOUR DEVELOPMENT (not listed in any particular order) It is purely your personal choice to choose from these or other books not listed, these are the ones that I have found to be very useful on my journey... Moolabhanda - Bihar School of Yoga Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda Hathayoga Pradipika by Swami Muktibodhananda of the Bihar School of Yoga Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha by Swami Satyananda Saraswati Surya Namaskar - Bihar School of Yoga Yoga Niudra - Bihar School of Yoga Prana and Pranayama - Bihar School of Yoga Meditations from the Tantras - Bihar School of Yoga Be Here Now by Ram Dass Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Sri BKS Iyengar The Yoga Mala by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga The Practice Manual by David Swenson The Yoga Tradition by Georg Feuerstein The Heart Of Yoga by Desikachar The Bhagavad Gita Eknath Easwaran The Power of Now Eckhart Tolle The Spirit and Practcie of moving into Stillness Erich Schiffman Vinyasa flow and Standing Poses Ray Long Vinyasa flow and Arm Balances and Inversions Ray Long Vinyasa flow and Backbends and Twists Ray Long Key Muscles of Hatha Yoga Ray Long Chakras Johari Vedantic Meditation David Frawley Ayurveda and the Mind David Frawley
ADVANCED STUDIES AND YOGA TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAMME GENERAL CONDUCT POLICY: Avani Yoga & Yoga Ananda strives to provide an environment conducive to learning, growth, and professionalism. Students are expected to behave courteously and respectfully, to observe Avani Yoga & Yoga Anandas policies, and to devote themselves earnestly to their studies. The following may be grounds for disciplinary action and possible dismissal from the program and/or Yoga Ananda premises: Verbal or physical abuse of any person or conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person at Avani/Yoga Ananda or at Avani/Yoga Ananda-related functions. Theft of Avani/Yoga Ananda property or the property of any member of the Avani/Yoga Ananda community at the premises. Willfull or reckless damage to Avani/Yoga Ananda property or the property of a member of the Avani/Yoga Ananda community. Obstruction or disruption of teaching or other components of academic process. Failure to comply with Avani/Yoga Ananda policy at any time. Possession or use of controlled substances, illegal drugs, or alcohol on Avani/ Yoga Ananda premises. Possession or use of any weapons on Avani/Yoga Ananda premises. Harassment, sexual or otherwise, or intimidation of any member of Avani/ Yoga Ananda community while on Avani/Yoga Ananda premises. This includes any behaviour that creates a hostile or offensive environment for any student, employee, or guest of Avani/Yoga Ananda.
GRIEVANCE POLICY / PROCEDURE: A student who feels his or her rights have been violated should meet with the person against whom they have the complaint outside of class, and attempt to resolve the conflict. If the grievance is with an instructor, the student must first attempt to resolve the matter with the instructor. If this fails to rectify the problem, the student should bring the incident to the attention of the centre Ethical Committee Avani/Yoga Ananda Holistic Centre is a professional organisation that abides by ethical guidelines. If a violation of these ethical guidelines occurs, then the teacher in question may be suspended or expelled from teaching at Avani/Yoga Ananda If a grievance is filed against a teacher who is teaching at Avani/Yoga Ananda, the following process will take place. 1. If a student feels that Avani/Yoga Ananda teacher has violated the Ethical Guidelines, then a formal written grievance can be filed within 7 days of the alleged incident to the Ethics commitee. The Ethics Committee in this instance consists of Rajneesh Sharma and Leon Deith. All ethical grievances against Avani/Yoga Ananda teachers should be submitted via email to info@yogaananda.co.uk or mailed to: Yoga Ananda Holistic Centre, 46 Albert Road North, Reigate, RH1 9EL. 2. Once the grievance is received by the Ethics Committee then a member of the Ethics Committee will call the complainant to review the grievance. Then the grievance will be submitted to the Ethics Committee to determine whether the grievance is substantial or valid enough to warrant a full investigation and review. The Committee has the responsibility to look into any incidents brought to its attention regardless of the informality of the information, provided the information can be documented or supported.
3. If the Ethics Committee determines that the grievance is substantial and valid, then the grievance will be submitted in writing via registered mail to the Avani/Yoga Ananda teacher being charged (the respondent). 4. The Avani/Yoga Ananda teacher will have 2 weeks to reply in writing to the Ethics Committee. A designated member of the Ethics Committee will then contact the Avani/Yoga Ananda teacher to review the response. Any edits to the respondent s initial statement will be sent to the respondent for approval. The final grievance and teacher s response will then be examined in depth by the Ethics Committee. Any witnesses will be contacted at that time. 5. The Ethics Committee will reply to both the complainant and the respondent in writing with the Committee s determination on the case. 6. The following are possible outcomes of the grievance process: a. Determination that the grievance complaint is invalid, so it is dismissed by the Ethics Committee. b. Conflict resolution is made between the complainant and the respondent in lieu of a full review by the Ethics Committee. c. The Ethics Committee counsels and educates the respondent to improve behaviour with students. d. Censure: a stern reprimand based on the outcome of the grievance procedure which does not suspend or terminate licensing agreement. e. Suspension of teaching, which may be for a specified minimum period of time or may be contingent on specified criteria. Expulsion from the Avani/Yoga Ananda Community.
SENIOR TEACHER Debbie Avani Venue - Yoga Ananda 46 Albert Road North, Reigate, RH1 9EL Phone: 07901907245 or 01737 222400 Email: debbie@avani-yoga.co.uk www.avani-yoga.co.uk