Curriculum

100 hours - Yoga Technique, Training & Practice
Asana, Pranayama, Meditation, Mantra, Kriya & Chanting

This is the largest portion of the curriculum, including sunrise Satsang, followed by daily Asana practice. Early morning Satsang will always include a form of meditation, and will also often include various traditional yoga techniques, such as Mantra, Kriya (cleansing techniques) and Pranayama (breathwork) drawing inspiration from Katonah Yoga®. The daily Asana practice is 90 minutes of rigorous, intentional, breath-based vinyasa.

30 hours - Teaching Methodology
The Sacred Fig Principles of Teaching & Personal Development

The Sacred Fig Teaching Methodology is unique in it's approach. Yes, demonstrating, assisting, and adjusting students is certainly covered. But we also weave in personal development, confidence building, & group dynamics. Finally, we'll cover voice, rhythm, tone, and pace. The Sacred Fig Education is specifically geared to direct trainees to discover their authentic voice.

25 hours - Anatomy & Physiology
Applied Physical & Energetic Anatomy

The Sacred Fig approach to the human body is that of Movement Optimism. Our anatomical curriculum is far from a traditional anatomy snooze-fest. You'll learn about exercise science and ground-breaking anatomical theories in a real-life setting. We cover both the human physical anatomy (skeletal, muscular, respiratory, & cardiovascular systems) as well as energetic anatomy (prana, chakras, nadis, bandhas). You'll also leave with an understanding of fascia & it's role in shaping our bodies. All the anatomical principles learned in the training are applicable to movement practice in a real-life setting, in terms of optimal load.

30 hours - Yoga Philosophy & Ethics
From The Yoga Sutras to Modern-Day Mindfulness

The Sacred Fig has a non-traditional approach to Yoga Philosophy. Expect a robust dialogue on key concepts from The Yoga Sutras and Bhagavad Gita, but that's just the start. As one could dedicate years to yoga philosophy, we hone-in on key traditional philosophical concepts. We also explore the crossover of present-moment awareness techniques, mindfulness practice, and current science as it relates to a yoga teacher. 

20 hours - Practicum
Practice Teaching, Video Feedback & Dropping The Comfort Zone

Using accelerated learning techniques that we have developed over the past decade, trainees will practice teaching in a variety of settings & scenarios (including small & large groups, and plenty of surprise scenarios). We utilize technology, for example, via video feedback, as another layer to the learning process. The Sacred Fig Practicum is regarded at the forefront of Yoga education, using a thoroughly considered approach to teaching that greatly expands the potential and speed in which one learns.

Daily Schedule

This rigorous 200 hour teacher training program takes place over 22 days. Over the course of the training, expect one rest day, as well as one afternoon off. Below is a typical schedule, which tends to vary slightly each training, according to the specific needs & pace of each individual group. The days will naturally vary, as each day builds upon the next. Check in at Cocoon starts at 3pm on October 4th, and check out on October 25th is 10am. Plan to land in Lisbon before 12pm on October 4th, and depart Lisbon no earlier than 4pm on October 25th.

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Sunrise Satsang. Satsanga Sādhanā is a transformative 45-minute seated practice that intricately weaves together meditation, mantra, prānāyāma, and kriyā techniques. This music forward practice integrates various lineages, including Katonah Yoga®, and has been synthesized by Tony Lupinacci. Each class is framed by a Sankalpā or intention. By tailoring the rhythm of the breath to the beat of the music students are invited on an immersive exploration of the self.
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Asana. Rigorous, intentional, breath-based vinyasa, led by The Sacred Fig senior faculty. After practice, there's just enough time to enjoy dip in the freshwater lake before breakfast.
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Nourish. Enjoy a healthy breakfast of living foods. Expect eggs, avocados, local fruits, yogurt, homemade granola, homemade jam, fresh bread. Meals are vegetarian, and there's options for everyone. Food is often organic & local. Cocoon's roasts their own coffee & sources quality herbal teas.
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Morning Session. In our morning sessions, we often start by critically discussing broader concepts like 'alignment, stretching, or balance', in the context of our physical yoga practice. We'll look at real bodies in the asanas, and dive deep into whats happening both physiologically & energetically. In these sessions, our senior faculty artfully distill complex anatomical, bio-mechanical, and philosophical ideas into lively discourse on what it means to do Yoga.
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Nourish. Nutritious vegetarian lunch.
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Integrate. Use this time to study, or enjoy a nap by the lake. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a massage, or take some quiet time to yourself.
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Afternoon Session. The afternoon session include teacher breakout sessions, energetics of the body & movement, alignment of key poses, and physical adjustments.
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Nourish. Delicious vegetarian dinner.
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Evening Session. Evening sessions are specifically geared to be more experiential, spontaneous & appropriate for the hour. We will not have evening sessions each night. Expect anything from film screenings, to dance parties, and embodied leadership night sessions. Some evenings will not have required sessions, while others may run slightly longer than the scheduled time.
Take Rest.

Investment

Accomodations

A shared room for the duration of the course

Food

3 farm-to-table vegetarian meals per day, for the duration of the course, including spring water, our very own farm-roasted coffee, and herbal teas

Amenities

Access to the entire 275 acre property, including lake, bicycles, animals, and wifi

Tuition

200+ hours of Yoga Alliance education

The Sacred Fig Reader, covering a rigorous + thoughtful curriculum based on accelerated learning principles.

Access to online training materials

Additional

World renowned faculty - all experts in their fields
Access to The Sacred Fig global community of yogis
Support & mentorship from The Sacred Fig faculty, including post-training guidance
Recognition as a graduate from The Sacred Fig Yoga Education Program
Surprises along the way :)

Schedule some time to talk through the details