For over 50 years, the Integral Yoga Academy has transformed thousands of Yoga practitioners into accomplished Yoga instructors. Our seasoned approach to teacher trainings allows students to not only gain the skills necessary to instruct a beginner level Hatha class, but grants the space to integrate Yoga into daily life. Even if you aren’t necessarily interested in teaching Yoga, there are still many reasons to take teacher training (TT).
1. You want to invest in your health and well-being
For four weeks, you’ll be immersed in a supportive environment, focusing solely on your health and your studies. You’ll enjoy fresh, organic food straight from our farm. You’ll even get to learn about the medical benefits of a yogic lifestyle from Dr. Amrita McLanahan, Yogaville’s resident doctor. She spent over 20 years with Dr. Dean Ornish reversing heart disease in patients, and is a senior disciple of Sri Swami Satchidananda. You will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions (and get answers!) about your own personal health issues.
2. You want to learn about the subtle aspects of Yoga
Yoga goes far beyond just the physical asana (posture) practice. Through the study of Yogic philosophy, training in pranayama (breathing practices), eating of a balanced vegetarian diet, and your daily practices, you will learn about the deeper aspects of Yoga, and experience them for yourself.
3. You want to develop discipline
Most of your days in TT will start at 6 am and end at 9 pm. The schedule is rigorous, and requires intense dedication and focus. You’ll make it through with the help of your teachers and peers, but along the way you’ll acquire a new level of spiritual strength and discipline you never thought possible.
4. You want to make lifelong friends
Your group will wake up before the sun rises together, eat meals together, study together, and practice together. You’ll witness each other grow and change throughout the month, and before you know it, you’ll be calling each other family.
5. You want to deepen your personal practice
Buddhists refer to the teacher, the teachings, and the spiritual community as “the three jewels” which allow one to progress on the spiritual path. While at Yogaville, you’ll have access to all three for an entire month, allowing you to take your practice to the next level.
6. You want to cleanse and purify your body and mind
Part of your curriculum includes the study and practice of kriyas (cleansing purification techniques). Eating a balanced yogic diet combined with daily Hatha and meditation practices and kriyas will clear your mind and allow your body to operate with optimum health and vitality.
7. You are at a transition point in your life
Did you just graduate? Are you taking a gap year? Are you recently retired or going through a career change? Life’s transitions can cause confusion and stress. Dedicating four weeks of your life to TT during a time of uncertainty can help you walk into the next phase of your life with confidence and clarity.
8. You want enlightenment
Well, we can’t guarantee you’ll reach nirvana in 200 hours, but you will get closer to the goal. As the Zen master Suzuki Roshi said, “Enlightenment is an accident. Spiritual practice makes us accident-prone.” Why not dive deeper into something that brings you happiness? Expand your knowledge of what you are passionate about and share that enthusiasm with others. We hope to see you at Yogaville soon!
Upcoming 200-hour Integral Yoga Teacher Trainings
