Yoga Teacher "Empowerment" Training
Details of Weekend Intensives/Immersions

Designed & Directed by Robert Cuozzi E-RYT

September 14 - 16 - Overview & Orientation:  Taking Your Seat in the Yoga Teacher Empowerment Training w/ Robert Cuozzi - So, you want to teach yoga, or deepen your practice and understanding of something that has been of enormous value in your life. Perhaps you want to share your love of yoga -- its emotionally and spiritually uplifting quality; its ability to calm your mind and soothe your spirit;  its physical benefits, such as a stronger, leaner, more agile body, greater endurance, and improved overall health. You have chosen this program to help guide you to realization of something you have longed for.  You've got a story and we've got a program, and during this orientation weekend we will share in: Introductions, Aspirations, Definitions, Explanations, Q&A, Teaching Philosophy, Asana Practice with Analysis, Practice Teaching & More.  We will also go over the overall philosophy and the nitty gritty (homework, reading, etc.) of the training in order to get settled and comfortable on our jouney.  Lots of practice, journaling, group discussion, contemplation and some lecture.  Some discussion on vinyasa yoga within Krishnamacharya lineage; Practical aspects of teaching Hatha in 21^st Century America as a physical and spiritual practice.  And More.

October 5 - 7 - The Eyes, Voice, Hands & Heart of Vinyasa Yoga with Cyndi Lee - A weekend Teacher Training Intensive at The Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY.  Locals to the Capital Region may commute, or stay on campus at Omega.  Out-of-town Trainees may contact Omega Directly.  This is a weekend class trip!  Cyndi -- founder of OM yoga -- is a truly inspiring teacher who combines joy, insight, playfulness and humor with the profound, yet totally accessible, teachings of the yoga and Buddhist traditions.   The weekend is an introduction to OM yoga teacher training and lays the philosophical and practical groundwork for us to teach with confidence, insight, spontaneity, and compassion. Through asana investigation, working in partners, journaling, and actually getting up and teaching on the very first night, we will begin learning how to use our hands, voice, eyes, and heart to help students be physically safe, mentally engaged, and totally inspired. We will continue our training throughout the weekend with a more in-depth experience, including daily asana, teaching, and meditation practice; Buddhist study; learning to create warm-up vinyasas and three sun salutation templates with multi-layered variations; and developing thematic content for our classes. Gaining insight and experience in how to weave the tools of voice, language, space, rhythm, and touch with mindfulness, caring, and precision, we transform our personal passion for yoga into a powerful offering for others.

November 16 - 18 –  Tantric Hatha Yoga:  An Introduction to the Forces of Life Energy, with Everett Newell E-RYT (http://wpyoga.com/hsh/divinemotion.htm).  Two days of very special Master Class Workshops with a dynamic senior student of Rod Stryker.  Everett will be teaching on the subtle, yet sublime energetic aspects of Tantric Hatha Yoga.   Experience ancient, empowering, on-the-mat practices that will take you on an energetic journey into your prana vayus, gunas, doshas and more. Tantra -- sometimes translated as "technology -- is an ancient science designed to purify, uplift and fine-tune your energetic being in profound ways.  Tantric Hatha Yoga utilizes diverse yogic methods, such as bandhas, kriyas, pranayamas, mudras, asanas and more -- to bring you experientally closer to your radiant essence.   Classes will focus specifically on The Gunas, The Prana Vayus, The Doshas, and The Nadis.

December 14 – 16 - Discovering the Art of Skillful Sequencing (Vinyasa Krama), Part I: Laying the Foundation w/ Robert Cuozzi -- The experiential weekend will consist of focused and intense morning practices of asana and meditation.  Throughout the intensive we will deepen our understanding and experience of asana and sequencing through practice, lecture and group discussion.   How do concepts such as upaya (skillful means), as well as fundamental anatomical, physiological, yogic and Buddhist principles come into play when creating effective and unique class sequences?   We will also investigate and discuss the "goals" of practice from the perspective of Tantric, Buddhist, Classical Yoga and "practical life" orientations. 

Friday Evening Practicum – Beginning in January each required weekend module will begin with a Friday practice session being taught and assisted by 2 of your classmates.  We will have time to discuss and encourage one another in finding our true voice as a teacher.

January 11 - 13 - Discovering the Art of Skillful Sequencing (Vinyasa Krama), Part II: Disintegration into Integration (A Detailed Inquiry of Asana) w/ Lauren Tooln, RYT and Robert Cuozzi E-RYT

This weekend will combine lecture, practice, demonstration, practicum, and journaling.  Sessions will be divided by asana "family" or "type," detailing the energetics, biomechanics and practical execution of forward bends, back bends, laterals, twists, extensions and forward bends.  We will explore the movement and interplay of the spine, muscoloskeletal system and breath while profoundly deepening our understanding of the form and structure of yoga asana.

February 1 – 3 - Vinyasa Krama, Part III:  Putting it All Together with Robert Cuozzi E-RYT

This weekend will combine lecture, practice, demonstration, practicum, and journaling.  Our purpose is to bring together, or synthesize, all of the modules experienced to date.  In doing so, we will artfully weave a coherent tapestry including the various and diverse threads of knowledge, experience and practices explored thus far.  How is Hatha yoga as a system of "wholeness" par excellence, for both body and mind?  And what tools have we gained to effectively share this science with others?  We will draw together our knowledge of prana vayus, gunas, nadis, biomechanics, OM yoga philosophy and much more to create a coherent, unified array of "possibilities" that all lead to the same destination:  Yoga!  This weekend will also point towards the upcoming "refinement" weekends,  which will enable trainees to deepen their experience and understanding of both practice and teaching.

March 28 – 30 – Yoga Anatomy & Physiology with Jenny Otto E-RYT.  This weekend will explore the reciprocal relationship between the foundation and the upper body or torso from the viewpoint of anatomy and physiology.  "The Foundation" will take you through a mind- and consciousness expanding journey through your physical, mental and spiritual "foundation."  We will deeply explore the function of the "sacred bone,"  noting the ancient Indian Tantric physiology recognition of the pelvis as the area housing our fundamental energy (spiritual, physical). 

"The Heart of Sensing, Feeling and Listening"   will  journey through the upper body and its reciprocal relationship to the foundation. The position of the upper body not only telegraphs our mood to the world but has a profound effect on our breathing and our sense of well being.  Working within the template of contemporary anatomy, physiology coupled with asana practice, alignment and technique, we will explore the function of the upper body not only in your asana practice, but also in your physical, emotional and spiritual life.  One example is the position of the shoulders, which not only telegraphs our mood to the world, but has a profound effect on our breathing and our sense of well being. There will be an emphasis on the neck, shoulders, arms and hands.  Lots of Q&A time as well as insights into connective tissue and its function in asana as yoga therapeutics.

April 18 - 20 - It's More than Just a Good Workout: On and Off The Mat with The Yoga Sutras, with Robert Cuozzi E-RYT and special guest Alanna Kaivalya -   To many, The Yoga Sutras are an inscrutable, ungraspable text relevant only to cave-dwelling mystics and sadhus.  To others, it is an inspired, timeless teaching offering a universally accessible map from suffering to living liberation.  In a series of two weekends we will examine, discuss, journal, and take an experiential journey through key elements of the Sutras.  We will look at how to transform these ancient teachings into a living tradition, practical to our lives, relationships, careers, and deeply held longings for purpose and meaning in our lives.  Filled with simple and accessible wisdom, how can we  penetrate, experience, embody and convey the essence of The Yoga Sutras our students? Some brief history on Sutras and Patanjali, and key defining concepts, such as Vrittis, Nirodha, Svarupe, Atman, Purusha, Dukha, Kleshas, Ahamkara, Abhyasa, Vairagham, Yamas, Niyamas, Samkhya, etc. 

May 2 – 4 - Weekend Meditation Intensive:  Mindfulness/Awareness Theory  & Practice with Acharya Eric Spiegel (Robert Cuozzi E-RYT will be co-staffing this program).  Held at the Albany Shambhala Meditation Center,  879 Madison Avenue.

Friday,  7:30 PM
Saturday,  9-5 PM
Sunday, 8, 9-1 PM

Shambhala Training Level I: The Art of Being Human marks the beginning of the Shambhala Training path which teaches students of any tradition effective tools for meditation. This first level focuses on the basic technique of mindfulness meditation.  By settling our minds, we begin to see the magic of the world beyond our habitual filters, and experience the quality of basic goodness, which can neither be created nor destroyed. The weekend includes an introduction to sitting meditation practice, talks by a director, individual meetings with a meditation instructor, and group discussion. We welcome people of all religious traditions as well as those who do not follow a particular spiritual path.  The Shambhala Training Program was founded by Chogyam Trungpa and the principles on which it is based are explained in his book: Shambhala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior.

May 16 - 18 - The Do's & Don'ts of Teaching Yoga:  Exploring The Art  & Ethics of Teaching with Lauren Toolin, RYT (with Robert Cuozzi E-RYT) - This weekend intensive will thoroughly cover teaching methodology, including principles of demonstration, observation, assisting/correcting, instruction, teaching styles, qualities of a teacher, the student's process of learning, and business aspects of teaching yoga.   Special 2-hour section will also cover ethics for yoga teachers and the “role” of teacher vis a vis appropriate boundaries, authenticity, creating safe space and more.

June 13 - 15 - Surviving the 21st Century in One Piece:  The Art & Science of Relaxation,  Meditation & Restoratives.  With Robert Cuozzi .   As a species, if we are to survive the fast-paced, multi-tasking 21st Century, we will need to adopt new methods for dealing with stress.  It is that simple.  These days everyone knows that most contemporary physical and emotional disorders from back pain, PMS, Adult Attention Deficit Disorder (AADD) and insomnia to social phobias, infertility, depression, heart illness, autoimmune disorders (lupus, fibromyalgia, adrenal fatigue, chronic fatigue) and cancer are either born from, or exacerbated by chronic or acute emotional and environmental stress.  Without healthy nervous systems we cannot properly rest, digest, and immunologically respond to pathogens in an effective manner.  As responsible yoga teachers, we must address our own over-stressed bodies and minds, as well as those of our yoga students.  This weekend will offer you and understanding of the "stress response," the "relaxation  response" and how to bring your students into deep states of calm and well-being using Restorative Yoga and breathing techniques.  We will also investigate the therapeutic aspects of restoratives for those who cannot enjoy a traditional, more physically demanding asana practice.  If time permits, we will also look at the philosophical and metaphysical underpinnings of restorative yoga and relaxation.  More specifically, if realizing our "true nature" (arguably, the ultimate aim of yoga practice) is characterized by inner-calm, stillness and a sense of our interconnectedness with all things, then how can we experience that if we are sleep-deprived, anxious and preoccupied with to-do lists, over-achievement, striving and the "project mentality?"  And if our greatest, most boundless place of manifestation arises from a relaxed and centered body/mind, then how can restorative yoga and meditation bring us closer to the effortless realization of our greatest dreams? 

 

 

ELECTIVE WEEKEND - February 15 - 17  (Boston) or June 6 - 8 (NYC) - The Gunas with Rod Stryker

The teachings that are our guide posts for the entire weekend are the Gunas (the three attributes of nature).  Throughout the workshop, each class includes dynamic movement, holdings, and heightened variations of classical Asanas. Each session will also include breathing, concentration techniques, and theory. Together, all these modalities map the journey to the body's hidden storehouse of power and capacity. The aim of each class is to inspire, inform, invigorate and renew.

Saturday morning:
In this Vinyasa, Asana, and Prana master class, we explore Asana as a tool for energetic cultivation. The backdrop of highly effective sequencing is knowledge of the five Prana Vayus. These teachings are not separate from Asana. Instead they are the heart of Asana’s transformational effect. The intention of this class is to highlight: the richness of practice, yoga’s view of the body as an instrument to awaken self-knowledge, and methods for awakening the fullest potential of Asana.

Saturday afternoon:
Rajas Guna: Empower, Stimulate and Expand
Through theory and practice we activate the dynamics of a complete practice and learn how to use the forces of nature to our advantage, both on and off the mat. Experience the yogic approach to overcoming our inner and outer limitations. By activating the system through specific postures, we stimulate and enhance a passion for life and our motivation to grow. Emphasis is on backbends, lateral postures and hand balances.

Sunday morning:
Tamas Guna: Stability and Grounding
Stability is the core of yoga. Steadiness in the midst of change and confidence in the midst of uncertainty are the hallmarks of internal and external riches. Emphasis is on standing postures and forward bends.

Sunday afternoon:
Sattwa Guna: Freedom and Illumination
Sattwa is the balance that leads to clarity, calm and the light of understanding. It enables us to see the treasure in ourselves and in the opportunities in the world that may otherwise remain hidden. Emphasis is on twists, balancing poses, and refinement of the breath.

www.ParaYoga.com

ELECTIVE WEEKEND -  March 14 – 15 –An Anusara Weekend with Deb Neubauer E-RYT  http://saratogaspringsyoga.com 
Friday, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Taking Your Seat: The practice of standing and seated hip openers for all levels.

Saturday Class I, 10 am - 12:30 pm
Building the Radiant Body: The practice of backbends and inversions for all levels.

Saturday Class II, 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Opening to Grace: An afternoon seated and contemplative practice. Includes seated hip openers, forward bends, seated twists, meditation and pranayama.

Sunday, 10 am - 12:30 pm
The Rainbow Bridge: Embodying Grace.
An enthusiastic upscale practice including arm balances and back bends for all levels.

ELECTIVE WEEKEND -  May 31-June 2 - Ayurveda, Yoga & Consciousness with Dr. Robert Svoboda

“Bhuta Vidya” is the branch of Ayurveda that studies pathologies of the mind. Bhuta Vidya explores how the past affects us in the present and, pending the choices we make in the present, how it directs our futures. This workshop will explore vayu (wind), nadi (corridor/channel), marma (vital point), Svarodaya (knowledge of the breath), sound and mantra, in the context of the Five Maha Bhutas (coarse elements) and the subtler Bhutas that are the focus of Bhuta Vidya. Knowing how limitations of the personality arise and resolve, and how space (akasha) can be “re-educated” by “weaving” energy into new personal realities, is Yoga. This workshop will enhance the student of Yoga, Ayurveda and anyone interested in general health and wellbeing offering perspectives on ways to optimize life.  

For information: www.openskyyoga.com yogawave@rochester.rr.com 585.244.0782

Location: 5 Arnold Pk. behind Zen Center

Times: Friday evening 5:30-8

Saturday noon to 5:30 with a tea break

Sunday 9:30-1

Fees: $220 whole seminar

Friday only $50, Saturday $120, Sunday $80

15% discount for students and seniors

No refunds unless you find somebody to take your place.

Core Curriculum Faculty