Introduction
Join us on this journey to deepen your yoga practice, connect to your unique teaching voice and experience true inner transformation of the body, mind and heart.
Julia Forest
Julia Forest – Yoga Practice & Lifestyle
Shad Qudsi
Permaculture & Lifestyle
Kylie Roswell
Lead Yoga Facilitator
Eran Dolev
Ayurveda & yoga teacher
Course details
Duration and effort
- 200 hours
- 4 weeks on location
Mentorship
- Live instruction with expert facilitation
- Multiple One-on-one mentorship with your dedicated mentor throughout the training
- In-depth training 6 days a week
- Daily yoga & meditation practice
- Permaculture Immersion
- Life Design Module
- Daily Philosophy, Anatomy, Posture Clinics & more…
Materials
- All live instruction
- Includes Yoga Teacher Training manual
Accommodation not included in tuition. R&B balance due 30 days before training
Certification
- 200 HR YTT Certificate (Yoga Alliance)
Recommended for
Deepen your yoga practice and embark on a transformational journey to discover how embodying holistic and sustainable practices can radically shift the way you live and engage in the world.
- Yogis interested in deepening their practice
- Changemakers, innovators, activists and teachers
- Yoga teachers seeking to deepen their facilitation and community building skills
- Practitioners interested in new tools and approaches to designing and creating change
Have any questions or regarding the course? Book a discovery call with one of our facilitators via Zoom or Whatsapp (audio) here:
What our students say about this course
Morgan Masters
London, United Kingdom
The wonderful facilitators here have given us such a great framework for understanding ourselves better, understanding our behaviours, and how those ripple out into the world and into our connections with others. This is the best investment I’ve ever made in myself and I couldn’t recommend the experience more to anyone else. My biggest advice is go for it!
Michael Peterson
Pittsburg, United States
Understanding the deeper yogic philosophy, the deeper meaning of the posters, and how to build my own personal practice has been a great learning opportunity. If you are looking to grow, you’re looking to learn, and you’re looking to deepen your practice and connection with the earth, this is the place to come.
Hannah Bowman
London, United Kingdom
Being in YTT for a month has made me realize that’s just scratching the surface of the journey. Rather than it being the end of a journey this is the start of a whole new thing, and I think it’s going to be really really life changing. For me, this experience has been the best thing ever.
Receive our Official Welcome Packet
The welcome packet includes travel support and suggestions, detailed information about our teaching style, insights into the elemental flows and themes of the training, reading lists, and much more!
You will learn
- Receive an internationally recognized certification in yoga teaching and leadership
- Open and close your journey with a traditional Mayan Fire Ceremony
- Learn the fundamentals of our holistic and interdisciplinary approach to yoga
- Visit successful permaculture projects and learn from local wisdom keepers
- Discover the resources, inspiration, and community support you are seeking to create sustainable change
- Nourish your mind, body and spirit through daily yoga, meditation and living in harmony with the earth
- Return home with a renewed sense of purpose and passion, expanded community and heartfelt inspiration
Goals of the course
- Enhance your understanding of the foundational aspects of this ancient practice through asana, pranayama, meditation, kriyas, philosophy, anatomy, a healthy lifestyle and Ayurveda
- Build your personal practice and gather concrete tools to embody the wisdom of The 4 Paths of Yoga, mindfulness, and The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
- Learn the fundamentals of alignment, intelligent sequencing, theme weaving and adaptations for diverse populations
- Find your voice and unique expression as an empowered yoga teacher
- Apply all that you have learned to live in alignment with your life’s calling and embody your true purpose
What’s unique about our approach?
With deep roots in Northern India, our approach blends traditional Hatha, Vinyasa and the fundamentals of therapeutic yoga to support individuals in leading joyful, empowered lives.
Our alignment-based system incorporates mindfulness and traditional yogic wisdom with a modern understanding of the body. We believe yoga is for all people and create safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environments for you to discover your own potential.
Our curriculum is developed around the three pillars of Mind, Body & Earth, believing that they are essential, interconnected aspects of the yogic path.
Syllabus
Module
Alignment + Anatomy
- Gain knowledge in anatomy and physiology relating to the physical/mental benefits of yoga
- Learn form, benefits and precautions of principal asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques) and kriyas (cleansing techniques)
- Gain a greater understanding of the neurological, emotional, and physical effects of yoga
- Deepen experiential knowledge of the breath and its effect on the physical nervous system, our psychology and our spiritual selves
- Understanding of subtle anatomy and alignment guidelines for injury prevention to advance your yoga practice
Module
The Art of Teaching
- Learn the art of sequencing
- Explore various teaching methodologies, including modifications for age, focus and common injuries/conditions
- Become skilled at creating various class-styles: beginner, intermediate and an introduction to prenatal yoga
- Gain experience through a teaching practicum and receive feedback in a supportive environment
Module
Leadership + Self-empowerment
- Gain the tools and resources to create and inspire change in yourself and your community
- Release self-limiting beliefs and step into your power as a leader!
- Connect to your inner teacher and learn how to leverage your skills and strengths with your unique purpose
- Better understand how to design and manage a project in alignment with your values, skills, passion and leadership style
Module
Philosophy + The Yogic Path
- Discover the subtle energy of yogic anatomy and how the chakras work
- Explore ashtanga philosophy (the eight-fold path)
- Study and discussion of the yoga sutras of patanjali
- Learn about ayurveda, nutrition, and the yogic diet
Module
Service + Community
- Address issues of diversity, social justice, inclusion, and safety in a variety of contexts
- Learn how to nurture compassionate relationships, healthy families and a peaceful, sustainable world
- Discover the benefits and challenges of introducing yoga and mindfulness practices to diverse communities
- Learn and experience participation-based tools that support community impact projects through hands-on teaching
- Engage with the community that our work supports by participating in local social empowerment projects, addressing ecological and malnutrition concerns in the local mayan community
Module
Earth Care
- Explore the potential of matching ecological integrity with human needs through permaculture design and sustainable living practices
- Connect with nature to inform your journey
- Learn the foundational principles of permaculture
- Learn practical tools and apply sustainable project design to support a local community project
- Co-create a community-lead reforestation project with the local mayan community
Field Trip
Trip to Quixaya
Quixaya is an intentional permaculture community in Guatemala, designed and implemented by indigenous Mayans on a large piece of land.
Over 1200 people thrive in this 400-acre community, centered around a clean river. Participants will experience Guatemalan culture, explore the community, swim, and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch during a full day trip that begins with a private boat ride on Lake Atitlan.
This program includes
- In-depth training 6 days a week
- Daily yoga, meditation & philosophy classes
- 1 day each week of unscheduled time to study and explore
- 4 weeks of accommodations at Atitlán Organics' Bambu Guest House (community living focused on harmonious relationships with the planet)
- 3 delicious, organic farm-to-table vegetarian meals per day
- Permaculture immersion and community-led service project
- Leadership + life-design module
- Full day field trip to Quixaya
- Field trips to local permaculture projects
- Mayan Fire Ceremony and Cacao Ceremony
- Illustrated Yoga Teacher Training Manual
- 200 hour Awakened Spirit Yoga Teacher Certification (YTT)*
*received upon successful completion of the program
Sample daily flow
6:30 am
Meditation
7 am
Yoga & Movement practice
8:30 am
Breakfast
9:30 am
Yoga Philosophy
10.45 am
Yoga Lab, Anatomy or Methodology
1 pm
Lunch
2 pm
Yoga Philosophy or Permaculture
4.15 pm
Yoga Lab, Therapeutics or Methodology
6 pm
Dinner
7:15 pm
Evening activity (meditation, circle, movie or reflection) Every other night.
*In the third week, we will spend half days participating in a permaculture service project in the community.
What our students say
about this course
“Do it, it will probably be the best thing you ever decided for in your life. Commit to gifting yourself 4 weeks of self-work and self-growth.”
-Marc
Graduate of 200 HR Yoga Teacher Training in Guatemala - October 2022
“Thank you for providing a life changing, safe space these past four weeks. I am incredibly grateful for this profound experience and the transformation that comes from it moving forward.”
Kendra
Graduate of 200 HR Yoga Teacher Training in Guatemala - October 2022
Accommodation
Join us in Guatemala
What you'll love about Lake Atitlán
In Tz’utujil (one of the local Mayan dialects) there is no word which equates to ‘leaving’ – that is to say, visitors to Lake Atitlán are always returning home and we certainly feel that way each time we are greeted by the warm eyes and kind hearts of this community. With a rich, colourful and resilient history woven into the tapestry of everyday life (not to mention the amazing tapestries of daily dress) we are honoured to be welcomed into the village of Tzununá to share 4 weeks together, living respectfully among this community, the local traditions, and wisdom kept here.
The lake herself is the subject of much folklore with alluring blue waters and mystical origins, calling many to the healing shores of this ancient volcanic crater. Our training takes place at the stunning Bambu Guest House, a brand new, eco-friendly building designed in accordance with sustainable principles, proving that natural building can be luxurious.
Wake up here to an awe inspiring sunrise over Lake Atitlán, as the sleepy Mayan village below comes to life. Enjoy the natural vegetation and lush surrounds from the yoga platform before nourishing your body with local, organic, vegetarian fare prepared with produce from the Atitlán Organics farm (a 5-minute stroll away). The farm-to-table restaurant is run by three young, local, aspiring chefs named Antonio, Maricela, and Petrona who are as amazing as they are passionate about what they create and we love being guests at their dinner table!
With several accommodation options each equipped with a bathroom, balcony, comfy beds, super hot water, wifi, and amazing views of Lake Atitlán, it’s easy to settle into this dreamy landscape. Access to the lake is a 10-minute walk from Bambu, and the neighbouring town and eclectic travel hub of San Marcos is a 5-minute boat ride from there or 15-minute tuk-tuk (rickshaw).
Tuition + Accommodation
$2800 + ($1295-1495)
Once you register by placing your deposit or paying in full for the tuition, we will follow up with your R&B remaining balance – due 30 days prior to the training date.
Room & Board Cost
- $1295 for shared room(6 person)
- $1495 for shared room (3 person)
Includes
4-week YTT course including all classes, workshops, field trips, training manual, plus choice of room & board.
Does not include
Airfare, shuttle to the Lake & required reading texts. Choice of room & board paid separately with shared and dorm options available.
** Inclusivity Scholarship opportunities are available for this training! Click here to see if you’re eligible to apply. Contact us for payment plan options.
Talk to us
Any questions regarding the course? Do not hesitate to contact us because we understand that this is a significant decision. We are happy to assist and explain anything.
Frequently asked questions
Awakened Spirit Yoga is a yoga school with an integrative, holistic and contemplative focus. We have deep roots in traditional hatha, vinyasa, therapeutic yoga and social and environmental activism. Our heart-centered approach explores yogic wisdom and mindfulness through all levels of relationship: embodied learning, self-study, environmentalism and meditation. You will learn all aspects of yoga: meditation, asana, pranayama, philosophy, mindfulness and yogic cleansing techniques.
We recommend a minimum of 1 year of regular practice before beginning any YTT program.
Yes, you will be a certified yoga teacher after completion of the training. Yoga is a lifelong study. Although our programs provide all the tools and practical experience needed to support your teaching development, we recommend to continue attending classes and assisting teachers in your community. It takes time to integrate all that you will learn in our courses. We encourage you to teach, attend and assist classes after completing the course to get the most out of the program.
Yes! We have an extended lunch break daily and 1 day off per week for study, integration and personal time.
Accommodation is not included in the tuition cost of YTT’s and is booked and paid for directly through the retreat centre. Upon registering, you will receive a link to book your accommodations directly with Bambu Guest House.
In order to prioritize our high standards for quality, we accept 10-20 students per YTT program.
Airport pick up can be requested through info@awakenedspirityoga.com. Details about pick up times are provided in your confirmation of enrollment email as well as the Trip Preparation Document sent after the deposit has been made to secure your spot in the course. Do not purchase airfare until your application has been accepted.
Yes, depending on availability. You can make your reservation directly through the retreat centre.
At the end of the course, you will receive your 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Certification. This course is approved by Yoga Alliance, so as a graduate of this program you will qualify to register as a teacher with the Yoga Alliance organization if you choose to do so.
Questions about traveling to Guatemala
La Aurora International Airport is a 4-4.5 hour drive from Lake Atitlán. Some people plan to go directly from the airport to training, which starts at 4pm on the first day, while others choose to stay in Antigua for a night to decompress, and then go to the Lake the next day.
If you are interested in arriving earlier, you may be able to stay directly at the Bambu Guest House Retreat, if they have availability. If you are interested, please email us at info@awakenedspirityoga.com and we will connect you with our lead facilitator, Shad Qudsi who can confirm availability.
Learn more about the Bambu Guest House Retreat here: https://www.bambuguesthouse.com
We can help set up a shuttle for your arrival. For a shared shuttle, the departure times from the airport are 11am and 2pm. The cost is $25 USD per person, which can be paid at the office when you arrive in Panajachel. From Panajachel, you would then take a boat to our town of Tzununa and then a tuk tuk up to the Bambu. A private shuttle will get you from the airport at any time and will take you right to our doorstep. The cost of the private shuttle is $120 USD and you can pay here upon arrival. The trip takes about 4-4.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Full participation is required to complete the program and to receive your Yoga Alliance certification. Three hours of missed classes with a valid reason will be excused without makeup. Any additional hours missed will require communication with a facilitator and an action plan as to how hours can be completed. Additional costs may incur if one-on-one facilitator time is required to make up hours.
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