BLACK LOTUS YOGA

This is the core teacher training for Black Lotus Yoga, the new vinyasa system designed to be shared and practiced in the Mysore style. Here we explore the Black Lotus system inside and out. We learn how the system works, how the postures are arranged, how the sequences build upon one another, and how to work with them in the most enriching of ways—to explore the miracle of the breathing body.

The program is designed to give you a rounded understanding of the Black Lotus system, together with formal training in sharing the practice with others. Not only will you learn the finer points of the Black Lotus system, but you will learn how to use verbal cues and manual assists on a wide array of students, from the Foundations Sequence up through the Second Series. Upon completion of the course, you will be encouraged to guide classes at your own level of proficiency and help others develop a Black Lotus practice of their own.

You will also be invited to join our online support community for new Black Lotus teachers, which includes a monthly online group session with Ty, where you can discuss your teaching experiences and trade insights with others. This is part of your ongoing education in Black Lotus Yoga, and will invaluable support on your way to becoming an recognized teachers.

You can join this training without the intention to teach, but the program is designed specifically for aspiring Black Lotus teachers. The idea is to create a community of capable practitioners who embody the spirit of Black Lotus Yoga and can teach the system in an authentic way.

program

The program comprises a balance of practice and formal training, through which we explore the following themes:

• subtle breath

• internal alignment

• bandha and mudra

• the dynamics of psychical release

• the mind/body continuum

• common imbalances

• scaling the sequencing

• adapting postures

• verbal cuing

• manual assisting

• holding space for people of all kinds

• staying grounded

• defusing power dynamics

• beginning pranayama

• yoga philosophy

structure

We begin each day with a two hour Mysore session, in which we explore the Black Lotus practice where it counts—on the medium of our own breathing bodies. This is not only our practice time, but our time to experiment with what we are learning. Here we practice the first three sequences in all available shades, so we can grasp the patterns that underlie them, and begin to imagine how they may feel on different bodies.

After a short break, we gather for an extended workshop session, where we study the energetic principles behind the practice, the logic of the sequencing, the specifics of internal alignment, and of course, the art of teaching. The topics for these sessions vary by the day, but move methodically through the Foundations, First Series and Second Series, in that order, exploring each posture and movement pattern from the inside, and considering particular issues that arise when we teach.

After another short break, we gather once more to practice pranayama, chanting, and philosophy.

schedule

The program spans four complete practice weeks (Sunday-Friday) with Saturdays off for resting. A usual day will be as follows:

7:00-9:00 - mysore

9:00-9:30 - break

9:30-11:30 - alignment/assisting lab

11:30-12:00 - break

12:00-1:00 - pranayama/philosophy/chanting

Guided classes will be held on Fridays, and we will end early on those days as well.

the yoga

Black Lotus Yoga arose spontaneously, from a creative power that had been awakened through traditional practice, and was ready to blossom into another form. Blossom it did, into this vibrant vinyasa system, which stands before us now, dripping with creative potency, wanting to blossom further through you, and through anyone who wants to embrace it.

In learning Black Lotus Yoga, you become part of this organic blossoming. You invite the same creative power that shaped the practice to awaken within you, to unfold its petals as an expressive opening in your own life.

The power of pollination is not unique to Black Lotus Yoga. It belongs to all yoga lineages that retain real potency, and encourages them to form new shoots. This is what yoga does when you surrender to its natural movement—it quickens your creative force and opens you from the inside.

In learning Black Lotus Yoga, you are learning something whose origin lies deep within your body. You are becoming an apprentice to the body, and learning to open yourself to your own natural unfoldment. You are becoming part of a new branch of an old lineage, with dee, earthy roots.

requisites

To take this training, you must be established in a regular asana practice, and be comfortable in a Mysore style practice room. Also, you must have an open mind and be ready to look at your relationship to your own body and mind with open eyes. Further, you must be mentally stable and have some real emotional resilience. If you are fragile, or have difficultly relating to other people, this course is not for you. Some experience with Black Lotus Yoga is essential. You must have some idea of what you signing up to learn! Beyond that, there are no requirements of technical proficiency, aptitude or credential. All who meet the above requirements, and want to look deeply into the Black Lotus system, are welcome to join.

venue

This training will be held on the covered and shaded rooftop of a large villa in Mandrem. We will be visited by monkeys and tropical birds of all kinds. There is a pool at the villa, where you can relax during breaks and decompress in the afternoons. The villa is a 15 minute walk to Mandrem beach. There are diverse accommodation options in and around Mandrem, so you are sure to find something that works for you.

accreditation

To be an accredited Black Lotus Yoga Teacher, you must complete at least three months of formal training in Black Lotus Yoga, including this course. In addition, you must complete either the philosophy immersion (which happens in the same place just before this course) or the online program called Into the Depths. You must also teach Black Lotus Yoga for a minimum of one year, because there is no substitute for experience! Once you have completed these requirements, you can apply for accreditation.

cancellations

Regardless of reason for cancellation, deposits will not refunded. Deposit amounts may be transferred to another retreat or workshop, minus a €40 administrative fee, and must be used within one year. Please consider your schedule carefully before booking.

Refunds will be calculated as follows:

• Up to 60 days before start of event, 75% of your payment (excluding deposit) minus €40 admin fee

• Up to 59-31 days before start of event, 50% of your payment (excluding deposit), minus €40 admin fee

• Within 30 days of event, there will be no refund and no deposit transfer to another retreat/workshop.