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Joyflow Yoga Teacher Training

*If you are interested in next years training beginning in September 2010, please inquire.

A 200 hour level program nationally registered by the Yoga Alliance since 2001
Director: Debi Lewis E-RYT 500, PRYT
(601) 613-4317 | joyflowdeb@bellsouth.net

Welcome to the First Yoga Teacher Training in the state of Mississippi.

Joyflow Yoga Teacher Training is an intensive study course for those wanting to deepen their understanding of Yoga, as well as prepare students to be able to teach others safely, successfully, and compassionately. This year's training is divided so that those who are not interested in teaching can enjoy a series of informing and inspiring Saturday workshops (open to everyone). Those who are interested in becoming certified through Joyflow are required to attend all sessions, the full weekends, in addition to the practicum; and those who are interested in simply learning more about the whole Yogic path can have the opportunity of participating on Saturday only.

Joyflow training has been accredited by the Yoga Alliance since 2001, and has since graduated eight classes of teachers. The curriculum of Joyflow Yoga Teacher Training reflects Debi’s background in a variety of traditions as well as her belief that the discipline of the practice should be combined with a playful self-acceptance. She strives to bring out the best in her students and encourages them to be creative and teach from their inner experience.



Debi Lewis, ERYT 500 is the primary instructor. Guest teachers will be invited on other topics such as Anatomy, Nutrition, Kirtan and Ashtanga yoga.

  • Asana practice—an overview of all postures. Physical & Energetic benefits. Learning asana names in Sanscrit. An introduction into the major lineages of yoga which have influenced Joyflow vinyasa: Iyengar, Ashtanga, Viniyoga, Kundalini & Kripalu.
  • Yoga Philosophy: Vedanta & Tantra, Yoga Sutras, The Eight-Limbs of Yoga, Bhagavad-Gita, Ethical principles of teaching and living your Yoga, Mantra & Yantra
  • Energetic Anatomy, Chakras, Ayurveda, Gentle & Restorative Yoga
  • Yoga of the Mind, Pranayama and Meditation, The Secret, Setting Goals while Practicing Non-Attachment, Affirmations, Yoga Nidra
  • Yoga of the Heart, Bhakti Yoga, Mantra, Kirtan - Devotional chanting, Partner Yoga
  • Enneagram of personality development & how to use yoga and Enneagram together for healing and insight.
  • A Healthy Lifestyle, Daily Challenges to Living your Yoga, Yoga Kriyas, Nutrition, Cross-training, etc...
  • Deeper into Spirit, a more in-depth practice of the Meditation & Pranayama techniques covered in prior sessions. Experiencing Silence - experiencing Your Self.
  • Saturday intensives will reflect the Theme throughout the day; The Joyflow Teacher Training will support this Theme throughout the weekend with more "hands-on" and teacher specific information and experiential practices, including additional topics, such as:

  • The basic structure of a Joyflow Vinyasa class and how to sequence, with a theme or for different benefits. Applied Anatomy & Physiology.
  • Asana variation for students with different needs, use of props, practicing hands-on adjustments and other teaching techniques.
  • Reading individuals physically and emotionally, and tailoring your teaching to them accordingly.
  • Owning your Knowledge and Exploring your Diversity: Power Vinyasa, Restorative yoga, Gentle yoga, Chair yoga, Yoga for Seniors, Children.
  • Learning to use voice, pacing and inflection as you command the class as teacher.
  • The Business of Yoga: taxes, licenses, insurance

Prerequisite experience

To become a yoga teacher it is important to first be an experienced student. A minimum of two years of prior regular yoga practice is highly recommended, if you aspire to becoming a yoga instructor. If, and only if, you live in an area where good instruction is not available, this experience can be gained through workshops and conferences, self-study, DVDs / tapes, online classes and personal practice. Expect that this training will be challenging and inspiring physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

Teaching Practicum

Joyflow Yoga Teacher Training includes a 30-hour practicum:

*These may be at Joyflow, but they do not have to be. Options are available.


  • Observing 7 classes—with notes & discussion afterward with teacher.
  • Assisting 7 classes—practicing giving adjustments and assisting teacher.
  • Teaching 7 classes—at least 3 to be observed, in person or via tape. At least one class to be a basic beginner class. Other classes may be your specialty, if appropriate. We will arrange for teaching opportunities at Joyflow, but elsewhere is also an option.
  • Final Written Exam

Commitment

  • Eight in-depth weekends, spanning 8 months. Attendance is mandatory for certification. Please be on time for each session. If you do not think you can do this please do not take on this commitment in your life at this time. If you do have to miss any part of the training you will have to make it up with me or do an extra assignment to learn the material.
  • Attendance at least 2 classes weekly at Joyflow yoga throughout the training. If you are local, I offer a discount of$60 per month for unlimited classes during the training. If you live out of town, we will find local alternatives.
  • A regular daily personal practice, which includes asana, pranayama and meditation. Daily journal writing to record your practice, insights and thoughts as you develop your personal yoga practice.
  • Doing a one full day silent retreat on your own with journal record of experience.  
  • Completion of required reading and videos. Several 1-2 page reports and other homework will be assigned throughout training.


Dates

  • September 10-12
  • October 15-17
  • November 5-7
  • December 3-5
  • January 7-9
  • February 18-20
  • March 4-6
  • April 1-3
  • May 6-8 Make-up weekend if needed.

Hours

  • Friday 5:30-9:00pm
  • Saturday 8:30-1:00 and 2:30-6:00pm
  • Sunday 9:00-11:30 and 1:00-5:00pm

    Total Contact Hours: Each weekend = 18 hours for a total of 144 contact hours. Each hour is important. Other contact hours are received in practicum.
    The remaining hours are considered non-contact and refer to your self-study, homework and practice, for a total of 200+ hours.

Required Texts for Teacher Training

  • Teaching Yoga by Mark Stephens
  • Light on Yoga by BKS Iyengar
  • Cool Yoga Tricks by Miriam Austin
  • Yoga Anatomy: Leslie Kaminoff
  • Yoga: the spirit and practice of moving into stillness by Erich Schiffman
  • Ashtanga Yoga by David Swenson
  • Heart of Yoga by Desikachar
  • Discovering your Personality Type by Riso & Hudson
  • How to Know God (Yoga Sutras of Patanjali) by Isherwood
  • Bhagavad-Gita —any translation
  • Joyflow Manual by Debi Lewis
  • Subscription to Yoga Journal or Yoga & Joyful Living magazine—print or online.

These are the required texts, although there will be other resources suggested as well, depending on your interests.

Registration For Teacher Training

Applications are currently being accepted. Space is limited (class size: max-15, min-10); apply now to reserve your space. All payments will be held until we begin the training. Please register before September 1st so that the correct number of manuals can be made.

  • Tuition for Teacher Training was $1700. To allow more of you to participate I am temporarily dropping the tuition a bit. A deposit of $200 is due before September 1st and the balance to be divided in seven payments of $200 due each month from Sept 2009 – March 2010; that totals $1600.
  • Or receive a discount for payment in full by September 1st—$1400.
  • Teachers who have paid in full for the training may retake the full training for half price $800 or join us at an hourly rate of $10.
  • Books maybe purchased individually or through Joyflow. All Book Package is $170.
  • Student prices on classes at Joyflow— $60 per month Unlimited or $80 for 10 classes (exp 3 mos).

Make checks payable to:

Joyflow Yoga

7048 Old Canton Rd, 2F, Ridgeland, MS 39157