Yoga Nidra is the art of conscious deep relaxation that allows you to begin to experience the flow of prana in your physical and subtle bodies. You can then identify and release blockages to the flow of prana and ultimately, bring healing to the body and mind and expand consciousness. During this course, students will experience Yoga Nidra and learn how to teach it to others. Topics covered include the history, physiology, science, and practice of Yoga Nidra.
Training Objectives:
Upon completion of the Yoga Nidra course, graduates will:
– be able to teach Yoga Nidra in group and private settings
– use Yoga Nidra for Self-healing
– have an understanding of the physiological basis of Yoga Nidra
– Have an understanding of the history of Yoga Nidra
Course overview:
During this 30 hour course, students will learn the philosophy, mythology, science and practice of Yoga Nidra and be prepared to lead classes for others. Students will be guided through several sessions and also practice-teach several sessions. All students leave with an evidence-based packet to bring into conventional settings. The class schedule varies by location. However, the program includes lectures, practice sessions, and circles to discuss each session along with Q & A.
Upon completion, students will be prepared to offer this service to their community.
Curriculum:
We invite you to stay longer and also take Marc Halpern’s Healing Your Life course or Andrea Deerheart’s Navigating Life’s Transitions Course March 22-23, 2025.
Dr. Marc Halpern is the founder and President of the California College of Ayurveda. An Ayurvedic Doctor, Doctor of Chiropractic and a Sivananda Yoga Teacher, he is a leader in the development of Ayurveda in the West. His efforts toward building the profession in the United States have earned him awards in both the United States and India. In 1998, he co-founded the National Ayurvedic Medical Association and the California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine and was instrumental in establishing the standards for Ayurvedic Education. Dr. Halpern has written five textbooks plus the popular book, Healing Your Life; Lessons on the Path of Ayurveda. His newest textbook released in 2023 is Classical Yoga Therapy. Dr. Halpern is also the creator of the #1 best-selling meditation recording the United States; Yoga Nidra and Self-Healing.
Dr. Andrea Deerheart, founder of The HeartWay, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, dedicates her life to embracing living and honoring death. With extensive experience in guiding individuals through the complexities of life and death both physically and spiritually, she has become a beacon of care and healing. Her teachings delve into aging, well-being, cultural mythology, death and dying, along with compassionate care, grief, and loss. Dr. Deerheart is also celebrated for her innovative use of Yoga Nidra in end-of-life care, a technique fostering deep relaxation and self-awareness. As a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) and certified End-of-Life Practitioner/Death Doula, she is the acclaimed author of “Yoga Nidra: Graceful Transitions” and “Elli’s Ride: Death beyond Imagination,” and has crafted textbooks for End-of-Life Practitioner Training. Her expertise is further enriched by her role as a Mythologist and Certified Classical Yoga Nidra Instructor.
Graduates of this course will receive a certificate co-signed by the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat and Dr. Marc Halpern.
This training qualifies for 32 hours of Approved Professional Development with the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT), National Ayurvedic Medical Association (NAMA),and Yoga Alliance (YA).
Daily Schedule (subject to change):
Your course schedule has been designed by the presenter to provide a holistic educational experience, and includes course presentation time, meal times, and free time for you to enjoy the beach and the grounds and participate in the ashram’s daily programs. Lines in bold type indicate required course times. Please note that a break is taken every day during the afternoon session to allow for beach time.
Morning and Evening Satsang: community gatherings for meditation, chanting & teachings; sometimes a silent beach walk.
Yoga Asana & Pranayama Classes: available on outdoor ocean and bayfront platforms (beginner and intermediate levels offered twice daily).
DAY 1
6:00 – 8:00 am Morning Satsang
8:00 – 10:00 am Yoga Asana & Pranayama Classes
10:00 am Brunch
11:00 am Ashram Orientation Walk
11:30 am Inauguration Ceremony
12:00 – 6:00 pm Course Session
6:00 pm Dinner
8:00 – 10:00 pm Evening Satsang
DAYS 2 – 4
6:00 – 8:00 am Morning Satsang
8:00 – 10:00 am Yoga Asana & Pranayama Classes
10:00 am Brunch
11:00 am – 12:00 pm Karma Yoga
12:00 – 6:00 pm Course Session
6:00 pm Dinner
8:00 – 10:00 pm Evening Satsang
DAY 5
6:00 – 8:00 am Morning Satsang
8:00 – 10:00 am Course Session
10:00 am Brunch
11:00 am – 12:00 pm Karma Yoga
12:00 – 4:00 pm Course Session
4:00 pm Graduation Ceremony
* Regular ashram schedule the rest of the day
Ceremonies
It is the ashram tradition to open and close with a ceremony to bring auspicious blessings on each course.
11:30 am Inauguration Ceremony on first day of course
4:00 pm Graduation Ceremony on last day of course
Ashram Orientation and Tour
7:00 pm Guest Orientation on first day of arrival (meets at Reception)
11:00 am Ashram Tour and History on the first day of the course only (meets at Reception)
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