Week 1: Introduction to Gentle Yoga & Restorative Yoga (7 Hours)

Webinar 1:
Gentle Yoga Fundamentals (1 Hour)

• Understanding the foundations of Gentle Yoga: slow-paced, mindful movements

• The difference between gentle yoga and restorative yoga

• Breathing techniques (pranayama) to promote relaxation and awareness

• How to design a gentle yoga class with therapeutic benefits

• Teaching adaptations for beginners and students with physical limitations

 

Recorded Class 1:
Gentle Yoga Practice (with Focus on Breathing and Mindful Movement) (1 Hour)

• Full gentle yoga class that emphasizes slow, mindful movements and breath awareness.

• Students will practice the techniques taught in the webinar.

 

Recorded Class 2:
Gentle Yoga Practice (with Focus on Breathing and Mindful Movement) (1 Hour)

• Full gentle yoga class that emphasizes slow, mindful movements and breath awareness, with a different theme.

• Students will practice the techniques taught in the webinar.

 

Webinar 2:
Restorative Yoga Essentials (2 Hours)

• The principles of restorative yoga: deep relaxation, use of props, and long-held poses

• How to teach restorative poses effectively: supported poses for relaxation and stress relief

• Adaptations for students with injuries or chronic conditions

• Sequencing and pacing a restorative yoga class

 

Recorded Class 3:
Restorative Yoga Practice (1 Hour)

• A restorative yoga session focusing on supported poses, breathwork, and deep relaxation

• Use of props like blankets, bolsters, and blocks to create a restful, nurturing practice

 

Recorded Class 4:
Restorative Yoga Practice (1 Hour)

• A restorative yoga session focusing on supported poses, breathwork, and deep relaxation - with a different theme

• Use of props like blankets, bolsters, and blocks to create a restful, nurturing practice

 

Week 2: Meditation, Yoga Nidra & Integrating Practices (5 Hours)

Webinar 3:
Meditation Techniques for Yoga Teachers (1 Hour)

• Introduction to 20 various types of meditation: mindfulness, loving-kindness (metta), body scan, emotional healing, including recorded downloadble meditations as well as printable PDF scripts

• The benefits of meditation for stress management, mental clarity, and emotional balance

• How to guide students into meditation, create a conducive environment, and overcome challenges

• Using breath and body awareness as anchors in meditation practice

 

Recorded Class 5:
Guided Meditation Session (1 Hour)

• A guided meditation class that incorporates breathwork and mindfulness techniques

• Emphasis on setting intentions and cultivating present-moment awareness

 

Webinar 4:
Introduction to Yoga Nidra (2 Hours)

• Understanding the philosophy of Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep)

• Benefits of Yoga Nidra: deep relaxation, stress reduction, trauma healing, and emotional release

• Structure of a Yoga Nidra practice: body scan, breath awareness, visualization, and intention setting (sankalpa)

• How to guide a Yoga Nidra session and create a safe environment for deep relaxation

 

Recorded Class 6:
Yoga Nidra Practice (Full Session) (1 Hour)

• A full-length guided Yoga Nidra session (45 minutes)

• Experience of deep relaxation and self-awareness through Yoga Nidra techniques

 

Week 3: Integrating Practices, Sequencing, and Teaching Skills (7 Hours)

Webinar 5:
Combining Gentle Yoga, Meditation, and Yoga Nidra into One Class (2 Hours)

• How to integrate gentle yoga, restorative yoga, meditation, and Yoga Nidra into a cohesive class format

• Creating a balanced class sequence that flows smoothly between movement, breath, meditation, and relaxation

• How to pace and structure a class to create a sense of progression and restfulness

• Adapting practices for different student needs (e.g., seniors, stress relief, chronic pain, mental health challenges)

 

Recorded Class 7:
Complete Gentle Yoga + Meditation + Yoga Nidra Session (1 Hour)

• A complete class integrating gentle yoga, a short meditation, and a Yoga Nidra practice

• Focus on creating a restorative experience for students through mindful transitions and pacing

 

Recorded Class 8:
Complete Gentle Yoga + Meditation + Yoga Nidra Session (1 Hour)

• A complete class integrating gentle yoga, a short meditation, and a Yoga Nidra practice, with a different theme & sequencing

• Focus on creating a restorative experience for students through mindful transitions and pacing

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Webinar 6:
The Art of Teaching Gentle and Restorative Practices (2 Hours)

• Teaching techniques: how to guide with clear, compassionate language

• Using your voice, body, and energy to create a calm, nurturing atmosphere

• Understanding the emotional and psychological impact of gentle practices

• Verbal cues and hands-on adjustments for restorative poses and gentle yoga

• Creating a safe, inclusive space for all students, regardless of ability or experience

 

Recorded Class 8:
Gentle Yoga Class with Meditation and Restorative Focus (1 Hour)

• A full class combining gentle yoga with meditation and restorative techniques

• Emphasis on cultivating a calm, restorative environment and clear communication with students

 

Week 4: Practice Teaching and Personal Development (6 Hours)

Webinar 7:
Teaching Practicum Preparation (1 Hour)

• Guidelines for preparing and delivering a successful practice teaching session

• How to create a class sequence that integrates gentle yoga, meditation, and Yoga Nidra

• Providing feedback: self-reflection, peer feedback, and receiving constructive criticism

 

Practice Teaching:

• Practice teaching in small groups or one-on-one, either online or in-person (5 hours)

  • Teach a 60-minute gentle yoga class.

  • Teach a 60-minute restorative yoga class.

  • Teach a 5 minute meditation with pranayama.

  • Teach 2 x 1 hour Yoga Nidra class.

  • Record your session or receive live feedback from your lead instrucutor

  • Submit your teaching video along with your reflection on the teaching experience for instructor feedback

 

Self-Study & Required Reading (5 Hours)

 

Required Reading

• Each module will have a downloadable PDF, as well as podcasts that will be required for you to read / listen to, along with module questions to ensure your understanding of the information provided.

 

Recommended Reading

• “The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice” by T.K.V. Desikachar

• “Yoga Nidra: The Art of Transformational Sleep” by Julie Lusk

• “The Relaxation Response” by Herbert Benson

 

Self-Reflection (1 Hour)

• Journal your thoughts and experiences from your personal practice of gentle yoga, meditation, and Yoga Nidra

• Reflect on how these practices can be applied in teaching and how they deepen your understanding of yoga's healing potential