Old Common Yoga Teacher Training and Enhanced Yoga Program

Has Yoga become an integral part of your life? Do you find yourself wanting to learn more, and perhaps to share Yoga's lessons and benefits with others?

If so, Loretta Tharp and Lauren Toolin invite you to take part in the Old Common Yoga Teacher Training. Lauren and Loretta are two of the most dedicated and experienced instructors in South Central Massachusetts and have combined their more than 20 years teaching experience to offer this one-of-a-kind training. The Old Common Yoga School is registered through and complies with all requirements of the Yoga Alliance at the 200 hour level. Upon satisfactory completion of the course, you will be eligible to register with the Yoga Alliance, the premiere national yoga network.

Infused with the classical teachings of yoga, yet made approachable and applicable for modern day life, this program will explore Yoga's philosophy, lifestyle, practices and teaching methodologies aimed at furthering your personal yogic journey and your ability to guide others through your teaching.

This program is for you, if you:

• Have a passion for yoga and a strong desire to enhance your knowledge and practice
• Want more balance, happiness and health in your life
• Seek new friendships
• Have a desire to be a serious teacher and share your yoga knowledge with others
• Understand that yoga is more than just a fitness program

In this ten-month, life changing course, you will explore and come away with:

• Study of the seminal philosophical texts of Yoga: The Bhagavad Gita and The Yoga Sutra
• What is a yogic lifestyle and How to live it
• Increased observation, listening and communication skills
• A working knowledge of the yogic body, from both the Western (anatomical) and Eastern (energetic) perspectives
• Sanskrit for Yoga
• How to assess and communicate to a classroom
• How to develop an integrated, safe and uplifting class plan
• Sequencing for multiple experience levels
• Asana Labs
• Pranayama: breath work and the subtle body
• Partner Work, Practice Teaching and Assisting in a public class setting
• An introduction to working therapeutically for different injuries and conditions (including pregnancy)
• Restorative Yoga the Stress Cycle
• Principles and Practices of Meditation
• Special Topics with outstanding guest teachers
• Ethics and the Business of Teaching Yoga

The Enhanced Yoga Program is an in-depth studies series for those who do not intend to teach, but are interested in furthering their knowledge of Yoga and deepening their personal practice. Participants at this level will attend and participate in all curriculum outside of specific student teaching responsibilities.

FAQ's

How is the Program structured?

OCYTT is a ten month, 200 plus hour course scheduled over ten month, from October 2009-June 2010. We will meet Friday nights and for full days on Saturdays and Sundays. The tentative schedule is as follows:

Friday 2 hours (7:00 - 9:00)
Saturday 6 hours (9:30 - 5:00)
Sunday 4.5 hours (9:30 - 3:00)

Monthly Schedule Dates
October: 30, 31, Nov 1
November: 13, 14, 15
December 4, 5, 6
January 8, 9, 10 & 29, 30, 31
February 5, 6, 7
March 19, 20, 21
April 9, 10, 11
May 14, 15, 16
June 4, 5, 6

What is expected of me?

• Practice! Your individual practice is the key to the wellspring of health and wisdom that is yoga. You will be expected to practice a minimum of five days per week, for at least 20 minutes, and you will also journal as a tool to gain additional insight.
• Attendance at all trainings and workshops is mandatory in order to receive a certificate of completion/to graduate.
• Completion of all reading and writing assignments in a timely manner. No exceptions.
• Attendance in at least 20 weekly classes with either of the co-directors during the term of the course. A reduced class fee will be available.
• Active participation and attentiveness at all trainings will enhance your experience in the course and will also help you to find your voice.
• Take and graduate from a CPR course
• Show improvement in your personal asana practice and demonstrate an ability to understand asana dynamics
• Be able to lead a basic yoga class

What is the time commitment involved?

This course is purposely designed to create a shift in how you live your life and how you view your personal evolution. It will require a strong commitment on your part to study and practice consistently and with determination to affect positive growth and change in your life. Making Yogic studies a priority will require planning and flexibility on your part. Expect to spend at least a few hours per week reading and writing, and up to an hour (5x/week) practicing. You will also need to commit to attending one yoga class per week and all weekend trainings.

What is the cost?

$2300 if all money is paid 60 days before classes start
$2500 if all money is paid before or on the start date
$2700 if a payment plan is used (4 installments)
$1,800 for the Enhanced Yoga Studies Program

Tuition will not include the cost of books (reading list to be provided upon registration)