Program Structure

The Cultivate Yoga 300-hour program was established as a response to support a collective community with an ever-growing interest in the ancient message of humanity combined with modern knowledge and practical application of yoga. Our team comprises lecturers, Yoga Alliance approved trainers and professionals, along with two weekend offsite visits:

Offsite Visit #1: Paranitya Narasimha Ashram & Temple (optional)

• Spiritual home in the heart of the Finger Lakes (Elmira, NY) - 4.25 hours from Cleveland

• Vegetarian food and lodging provided at the Clarion Hotel (one overnight stay)

• Includes chanting, fire ceremony, yoga practice, kirtan events, and more

• One-on-one philosopical time with Swami Chidananda to discuss the Bhagavad Gita

Offsite Summer Visit #2: Prabhupada Palace of Gold - New Vrindaban Temple (optional)

• Considered the “Taj Mahal” of the West; located in West Virginia - 3 hours from Cleveland

• New Vrindaban is known worldwide for simple living and spiritual education

• Includes trail hikes of the 133-acre site, and visits to the peacock and cow sanctuary

• Group chanting in the main temple, on-site cafe, and lake meditations

• Vegetarian food and lodging provided

• Your temple tour ticket is covered by Jen; overnight stay is out of pocket (prices online)

Offsite Summer Visit #3 Cleveland Museum of Art (required)

• Free exhibits to offer seekers deeper learning into philosophy and spiritual education

• Guided tours of ancient Indian + Southeast Asian art and their connections to yoga

• Touring in the morning, lunch with the group, and exploring creativity in an experiential manner

Techniques and Training: (120 hours)

• In-depth study of various yoga styles: Hatha, Ashtanga, Jivamukti, Yin, and Iyengar 

• Learn biomechanics of sun salutations, standing, balance, seated postures, twists, inversions, backbends, and relaxation based postures

• Learn advanced pranayama inclusive of opening chants, retention techniques, principles, benefits, and contradictions

• Deeper application of Ayurveda (sister science of yoga) and its principles specific to how we fuel our bodies with proper prana, food, social relationships, energetic balancing, and practical hygiene methods for cleansing and detoxification

• Bhakti Yoga and Chanting: understand the 6 guidelines of chanting, basic Sanskrit pronunciation, impact it has on the brain/memory, purpose and intent of chanting mantras and ślokas

• Thorough understanding of various meditation methods: Vipassana, Transcendental Meditation, Japa Meditation (Mantra meditation) and many more; how to incorporate at home and in daily living

• Deeper understanding of the subtle energetic body: Chakras, Nadis, Vayus, Koshas, Kleshas, and Yoga Nidra

• Review the links between Iyengar Yoga, Jivamukti Yoga, and Ashtanga Yoga specific to alignment, modifications, props, chants, and meditations

Teaching Methods: (10-15 hours)

• Learn to enhance your qualities as a teacher and deepen your Sādhanā: daily home practice that includes your rituals/routines for sustaining and nourishing your mental and physical energy

• Learn the principles of accurate demonstration, observing, teaching, and correcting students through physical adjustments, conscious communication, and creating safe environments for active learning

• Learn to teach different yoga classes: beginners, kids, vinyasa, yin, and restorative (limited attention will be outlined for chair yoga and pre-natal yoga)

• Understanding the business of yoga: liability, marketing, diversity, employment considerations, modern software applications, etc.

• Understand how to create an inclusive and diverse yoga community through local partnerships, non-profit organizations, grant seeking, and more.

• Understand online and offline marketing and its impact on culture appropriation

Yoga Anatomy & Physiology: (40 hours)

• Yoga Therapy and Applied anatomy specific to functional movements, controlled articular rotation (CARs), hands-on assisting, learning different body types, body systems, mitigating injury, and adaptability

• Linking Physiology to Yoga: understanding nervous system regulation, stress responses, cranial nerves, and energy activation through biomechanics, breathwork, and nutrition

• Learn proper asana modifications specific to yoga anatomy, joint stabilization, and biomechanics for all body types and specialities (e.g. pregnancy, disability, trauma, aging populations, etc.)

• Learn how to offer firm and secure hands-on assists with proper intent, safety, and security combined with direct, clear verbal cues

Yoga Philosophy/Lifestyle/Ethics (50 hours)

• In-depth study of yoga philosophy and sacred texts specific to: Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutras of Patañjali, Amṛtasiddhi, and Hatha Yoga Pradipika (Guest Speaker: Swami Chidananda)

• Yantras & Mantras: understand how these tools aid in meditation, support visualization, integrate common practices, and increase memory capacity while enhancing spiritual goals

• Myths & Mythology: Understanding the links between yoga postures and various energy forces/Gods/Goddesses specific to analogies and daily self-improvement.

• Developing your teaching skills in relation to the Ashtanga limbs and origins of yoga, and how those values can be applied in our modern society.

• Emphasis on cultivating a deeper yogic lifestyle by knowing your values “on and off the mat”, ethics, personal development and daily self-reflection.

Practicum: (50 hours)

• Practice teaching, mentoring, and feedback sessions

• Offer hands-on assisting in Cultivate Yoga weekly classes (min. of 30 hours)

• Observational sessions of your cohort groups

Non-contact Hours: (30 hours)

• 20 hours online with the Yogic Studies Platform (2 classes = 20 hours, YS 101 & 105) - all materials included, $100/student value; no extra costs.

• 10 hours attending other yoga classes, followed by a write up on your observations, experience, “ah-ha” moments, and more.