500-Hour Advanced Studies / Teacher Certification Program

February 2011 - October 2012
Blue Mounds, Wisconsin

To view sessions in the current 500-hour program, click here.

The mission of the 500-hour program is two-fold: to deepen our personal understanding of yoga, and develop the skills to teach yoga in one-on-one settings. The two goals are convergent, rather than divergent. The more deeply we understand the yoga, the more clearly we can see our students' paths unfold. This 500-hour program will investigate both of these avenues.

Click here to download the full program brochure

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Training Dates
The training is offered in four 7-day intensives (Monday through Sunday). Each intensive can be taken on its own. To receive 500-hour certification the intensives must be taken in order. Each intensive costs $1300. The entire training is $4800.

The Structural Perspective
February 7-13, 2011
Using the skills/knowledge of anatomy from the 200-hour program, we will develop a far more comprehensive & detailed understanding of how stress & strain is transmitted throughout the body. We will use this knowledge to better understand our own postural/structural pathologies, as well as developing tools to better assist our students in realizing their potential through yoga.

Breath and Function
October 17-23, 2011
Building on our existing knowledge of respiration, we will develop a greater understanding of healthy breathing, identify common pathologies, and develop strategies for our students to regain respiratory efficiency/vitality. This intensive will also include a significant exploration into the art of seeing. Seeing is an important skill in our personal yoga practice, our personal relationships, and our teaching skills.

Organ Systems and Optimum Vitality
February 6-12, 2012
The organs allow us to convert the outside world into energies useful to our bodies, minds & spirits. Through assimilation and elimination, our health and vitality are integrally related to the function of our organs. Hatha Yoga offers time-tested techniques to tone, nourish and detoxify the organs. In this retreat, we'll develop strategies applicable to the practitioner and their students.

The Art of Seeing
October 15-21, 2012
A good teacher is a keen observer. Novice teachers will ask "How did you see that?" and often wonder how a master teacher observes the connections that lead to healing. In this retreat, you will learn the meridians of connective tissue that link the various parts of the body. By developing an understanding of fascia, the yoga therapist gains the tools that facilitate healing, rather than simply relieving symptoms.

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Location
The training is offered at the Blue Mounds Dharma Center at 2979 Main St, Blue Mounds, WI 53517, near the Blue Mounds State Park, hiking trails, a pool, and several restaurants.

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Required Reading Material
Five texts are required in the 500-hour Advanced Studies Training. The following are widely distributed and you can find them at most (online) booksellers:

• Anatomy Trains by Thomas Myers
• Anatomy of Hatha Yoga by David Coulter
• Eastern Mind, Western Body by Anodea Judith
• Anatomy Coloring Book (third edition) by Kapit and Elson

The following texts are available through the Alignment Yoga store:

• Dancing the Flame of Life by Dona Holleman
• Alignment Yoga: An Intelligent Approach to Ancient Wisdom
  by Scott Anderson (Coming soon!)

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