Meditation Teacher Training
This is a 6 month program starting in October with breaks for Thanksgiving and from Christmas to New Years Day.
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 to provide 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:
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The history, methods, and practice of meditation.
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Specific meditation practices utilizing; mantra, breathing, Tonglen, movement, Metta, as well as guided meditation and tools for such practices.
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Mindfulness meditation as well as Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction.
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Contemplative practices of centering prayer in the Western Tradition.
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Group meditation dynamics and practice.
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Common trials and tribulations of the 21st century meditator.
Requirements to enter the program:
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*A willing heart.
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*The willingness and physical ability to sit quietly during practice, with or without accommodations/support. (Chairs and other seating will be provided).
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*The willingness to find your own personal truth through listening, pondering, and meditating (the three major doorways of truth). Willing to discuss with others and participate actively in the sangha meditation practice group.
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*Be a novice – experienced meditator and/or in a profession where meditation practices will add to your work with others (yoga teacher, massage therapist, reiki practitioner, counselor, therapist, social worker, teacher, addictions professional, nurse, clergy person, etc.).
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*Speak to each other about things that matter in a respectful open-hearted way and respect the group process.
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*Be willing to hold space for others, keep the moment open, regardless of your own attachment or beliefs about a given topic.
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* Follow the ethical requirements of Yoga Alliance, IMMA, and the group during the norming process.
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* Pay all tuition and fees.
Sara E. McNeil, MA, E-RYT-200, RYT-500, YACEP, Reiki Master, MTT Program Director
Sara E. McNeil has a BA in English and philosophy from Tulane University and an MA in English from Vanderbilt University. A lifelong student of contemplation and a practicing meditator for 12 years, her formal training comes from her 200-hour and 300-hour yoga teacher trainings and sitting with a community sangha. McNeil has participated in online trainings with Tara Brach, Jai Dev Singh, Simrit Kaur, Kristine Weber, Hari Kirtana-Das, Jillian Pransky, Tias Little, and through various Embodied Philosophy programs. She is the master philosophy trainer in the Yoga East Healing Arts Registered Yoga School.
Sue (Greenwood) Nesler, M.S., M.A., 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.
Edie Bird
Meditating for over 40 years, pastor and priest in Christian tradition since 1989. Studies in Hesychasm (Stillness) and Prayer of the Heart with Praxis Institute, also studies with the Ridhwan School. Been teaching meditation and contemplative practices since 1990 after training at Shalem Institute.
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.