2025 Yin, Restorative & Yoga Nidra Teacher Training KELOWNA

Name: 2025 Yin, Restorative & Yoga Nidra Teacher Training KELOWNA
Start: 2025-04-19T14:00:00-07:00
Location: Benvoulin Heritage Chruch

Schedule

Sat, 19 Apr, 2025 at 02:00 pm

UTC-07:00

Location

Benvoulin Heritage Chruch | Kelowna, BC

*You don't have to be a Yoga Teacher to take this training*
Welcome to your Yin , Restorative and Yoga Nidra Teacher Training Certification. If you are already a yoga teacher and want to be more specialized in a specific area, this course is designed for you. If you are not a yoga teacher and are looking to be a yin, restorative or nidra yoga teacher specifically, this course is for you as well.
Please read the following carefully if you feel called to this training with Ananda and her guest speakers.
This course is not just going to focus on Yoga (although is an in-depth focus), this course will also cover the subconscious emotional releases that come up while in a yoga therapy session.
We hold emotions (energy) in our tissues / energy centres and this course will help you understand how to hold space for students having energetic releases in their yoga therapy practice. This course will also teach you how to invoke these emotional releases and share space with students within the process of letting go.
We will use the sacred practice of passive yoga therapy ( for both body and mind ) as a tool to support the inner child and spirit of the recipient while guiding them with breath-work, supportive postures and subconscious communication.
Please be aware that Ananda's teachings are based in spiritual consciousness practices as she opens herself as a channel to hold space for her clients. If you feel the call to go deeper beyond the physical body and channel your teachings from spirit, this training will be for you.
MORE ABOUT YIN YOGA THERAPY:
In this 40 hour yin therapy training, you are invited to learn the techniques of yin yoga in a way that will allow you to share this practice with others. First and foremost is the experiential practice and relationship to your body. When you can identify shifts and embody understanding in your physical body first, then you will be better able to facilitate the same in your students.
Yin Yoga: An In-Depth Description
Yin Yoga is a slower-paced, deeply meditative practice that emphasizes holding poses for extended periods of time, usually between 3 to 5 minutes or even longer. Unlike more dynamic and fast-paced styles like Vinyasa or Ashtanga, Yin Yoga targets the deep connective tissues of the body—such as the fascia, ligaments, tendons, and joints—rather than the muscles. The intention of this practice is to increase flexibility, promote joint health, and cultivate a calm, mindful state of being.
The practice is often described as “passive,” in the sense that it relies on gravity and time rather than active muscular engagement. While the poses themselves might appear simple, the prolonged duration of the holds and the deep work in the tissues require both physical and mental endurance. Yin Yoga is not only a physical practice but also a meditative journey, encouraging introspection, mindfulness, and self-awareness.
In this Yin Yoga teacher training, you’ll dive deep into both the physical and philosophical aspects of Yin Yoga, with an emphasis on teaching students how to slow down, cultivate mindfulness, and access deeper layers of the body and mind through passive, long-held postures. The training will not only teach you how to guide others effectively, but it will also deepen your own practice and understanding of this healing style of yoga.
Core Principles of Yin Yoga
Long-Held Poses
In Yin Yoga, poses are typically held for several minutes—generally between 3 to 5 minutes, and sometimes even longer. The extended time in each pose allows practitioners to move beyond muscle stretching to focus on the deeper layers of the body, including the fascia and connective tissues. The idea is that the longer you hold the pose, the more the body can release tension and open up, promoting both flexibility and mental stillness.
Targeting Connective Tissue
While many forms of yoga focus primarily on muscles and muscle flexibility, Yin Yoga targets the deeper connective tissues, such as fascia, ligaments, and tendons. These tissues are less elastic than muscles, so they respond to long, sustained pressure. By holding poses for extended periods, Yin Yoga helps to improve flexibility and mobility in these deeper tissues, which is crucial for joint health and the prevention of injury.
Passive Stretching
Unlike active stretches (which require muscular engagement to hold a position), Yin Yoga relies on passive stretching, where the muscles relax and the body sinks into the pose with the help of gravity. This passive approach allows the body to open in a gentler, more sustainable way, which can lead to greater flexibility and a deeper sense of release over time.
The Use of Props
Props are commonly used in Yin Yoga to support the body, ensuring comfort and stability during long-held poses. Common props include:
Blocks: For elevating the hips, knees, or head.
Blankets: For cushioning or providing warmth.
Bolsters: To offer additional support and alignment.
Straps: To gently extend the reach of the arms or legs, ensuring that the body remains relaxed while still in the pose.
The use of props helps prevent strain and allows the practitioner to relax deeply into each posture.
The Yin and Yang of Yoga
Yin Yoga derives its name from the concept of Yin and Yang, a fundamental principle in Chinese philosophy. Yin represents the passive, receptive, and slow-moving aspects of life, while Yang represents the active, dynamic, and forceful aspects. In the context of yoga, Yang practices (such as Vinyasa or Ashtanga) emphasize movement, strength, and endurance, while Yin practices focus on stillness, relaxation, and deep stretching.
In a balanced yoga practice, both Yin and Yang elements are necessary for overall well-being. Yin Yoga complements more active, Yang-based practices by helping to restore balance and promote recovery, making it an excellent counterbalance to high-energy exercise or intense physical activity.
In Yin Yoga, each of these poses is typically held for a prolonged period of time (3 to 5 minutes or more), giving the body ample opportunity to open, release tension, and deeply stretch the connective tissues.
How Yin Yoga Differs from Other Styles
Yin Yoga differs from other styles of yoga in its emphasis on long-held, passive poses targeting the connective tissues, rather than on flowing movements or muscle engagement. While Yang yoga styles (like Vinyasa or Power Yoga) focus on strength, flexibility, and stamina through dynamic, active poses, Yin Yoga encourages slowing down, tuning into the body, and holding postures to release deep-seated tension.
Yin Yoga also typically does not involve breathwork as the central focus (though breath is still important) and doesn't require the same level of cardiovascular activity or strength-building. It is much quieter and introspective compared to the more energetic styles of yoga.
In essence, Yin Yoga is a meditative, deep-stretching practice that invites practitioners to slow down, listen to their bodies, and cultivate a sense of peace and mindfulness. It’s a practice of patience, allowing time for the body to open and for the mind to settle. Yin Yoga complements a busy, active life by creating space for relaxation, healing, and profound self-awareness.
RESTORATIVE YOGA THERAPY:
Restorative yoga is a gentle, calming practice designed to promote deep relaxation, stress reduction, and healing through slow, supported postures. It is often described as the antidote to the fast-paced, high-energy nature of modern life, focusing on slowing down, releasing tension, and encouraging mindfulness. The key elements of restorative yoga include the use of props, long-held poses, and a focus on breathwork. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of what restorative yoga entails:
Purpose and Intention
Restorative yoga aims to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the "rest and digest" response. By engaging this system, restorative yoga helps counteract the effects of chronic stress and anxiety. It’s not about pushing your body into new poses or challenging your flexibility. Instead, the goal is to allow the body to release tension and rest deeply, both physically and mentally. It’s often used as a form of recovery or self-care, helping to balance out more intense physical activities or demanding mental workloads.
Postures and Poses
Unlike other forms of yoga where poses are held for a short time and typically involve muscle engagement, restorative yoga poses are supported and held for extended periods—usually between 5 to 20 minutes. The postures are gentle, often requiring little to no muscle activation. The emphasis is on comfort and stillness. Common restorative poses include:
Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle Pose): Lying on your back with the soles of your feet together and knees spread wide, often supported with props under the knees and back.
Supported Child’s Pose: Sitting on your knees with your torso resting on a bolster or blankets, arms extended forward or alongside the body.
Legs Up the Wall (Viparita Karani): Lying on your back with your legs propped up against a wall, usually supported by blankets or cushions.
Supported Savasana: A variation of the traditional corpse pose, where you lie on your back with props like bolsters and blankets to ensure total relaxation.
Use of Props
Props are integral to restorative yoga, helping to fully support the body in each posture and promote deep relaxation. These props allow you to stay in poses for long periods without straining. Common props include:
Bolsters: Large cushions that provide support under the knees, back, or chest.
Blankets: Used for warmth or cushioning, often folded to support different parts of the body.
Blocks: Provide gentle elevation, often under the feet or hips.
Straps: Can be used to gently stretch and support certain poses, or to create ease in the body’s alignment.
Eye Pillows: Soft cloths filled with a light material (like flaxseed) that help soothe the eyes and promote relaxation.
The use of props allows the body to open without effort, and it helps bring the body into alignment, making it easier to relax deeply.
Breathwork and Mindfulness
Breathing is a key component of restorative yoga. The practice often involves conscious breathing techniques that help soothe the nervous system and promote a sense of calm. Slow, deep breathing (like diaphragmatic or Ujjayi breath) can help shift focus from the mind to the body, grounding practitioners in the present moment. Some restorative classes also incorporate guided meditations or body scans to help increase body awareness and reduce mental chatter.
The mindfulness aspect of restorative yoga is about staying present, listening to your body, and cultivating a gentle, non-judgmental attitude toward whatever sensations arise. It encourages awareness of how the body feels in each moment, which can deepen the relaxation process and create a sense of peace.
A Restorative Yoga Session
A typical restorative yoga session is slow and deliberate, with each pose designed to encourage deep relaxation. The teacher will often guide the class through a series of postures, encouraging participants to adjust props as needed to ensure comfort. The pace is unhurried, and there is little to no instruction about achieving the "perfect" shape of a pose—rather, the focus is on allowing the body to settle into the posture, breathe deeply, and simply be.
Classes often begin with a centering exercise, followed by a series of supported poses, and may end with a longer relaxation or meditation period. Music is often soft and unobtrusive, further enhancing the calming atmosphere.
Difference from Other Yoga Styles
While restorative yoga shares some similarities with other forms of yoga, such as Hatha or Yin yoga, it’s distinct in its emphasis on complete support and relaxation. Unlike Yin yoga, which also holds poses for extended periods but focuses on stretching connective tissue, restorative yoga is more about allowing the body to rest and recover, rather than stretching. It also doesn’t involve the physical exertion or dynamic movement often seen in more active styles like Vinyasa or Ashtanga.
In essence, restorative yoga is a practice of slowing down, creating space for stillness, and restoring balance to both the body and mind. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, recover from physical strain, or simply find a peaceful moment in your busy day, restorative yoga offers a sanctuary for healing, relaxation, and self-care.
YOGA NIDRA THERAPY:
Yoga Nidra: An In-Depth Description
Yoga Nidra, often referred to as “yogic sleep,” is a state of conscious relaxation that combines deep rest with mindfulness, promoting profound relaxation, healing, and rejuvenation. While it’s not technically a form of physical yoga, Yoga Nidra is considered a powerful practice for achieving mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The practice guides you into a deeply relaxed state, often resembling sleep, but with the mind remaining awake and aware.
What is Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra is a guided meditation practice that induces a deep state of relaxation, helping to release tension from the body, mind, and spirit. The term "Nidra" translates to "sleep" in Sanskrit, but the practice is not about falling asleep. Instead, it involves consciously guiding the body and mind into a state of deep relaxation while maintaining awareness.
The practice typically involves lying on your back in a comfortable position, usually in Savasana (corpse pose), and following a series of verbal cues from a teacher or recording. The aim is to guide you through a process that allows you to enter a state between wakefulness and sleep—sometimes referred to as the "hypnagogic state"—where you experience complete mental and physical relaxation, heightened awareness, and a sense of stillness.
The Stages of Yoga Nidra
A typical Yoga Nidra session follows a set sequence of stages designed to progressively guide the practitioner into a state of deep relaxation. These stages include:
1. Setting an Intention (Sankalpa)
The practice often begins with setting an intention, or Sankalpa. This is a positive affirmation or resolve that you focus on during the practice. The intention could be related to personal growth, healing, or a specific goal you wish to achieve. By planting this intention in the subconscious mind, it can create positive shifts in your life.
2. Body Scan
The next stage involves a body scan, where you mentally bring awareness to different parts of the body. This scan is typically done systematically from the tips of your toes to the crown of your head, or in the reverse order. The goal is to relax and release tension from each area of the body, promoting deep physical relaxation.
3. Breath Awareness
In this stage, practitioners are guided to observe their breath without attempting to change it. Awareness of the breath—often with a focus on the rise and fall of the abdomen or the sensation of breath entering and exiting the nostrils—helps quiet the mind and deepen the relaxation process.
4. Sensory Awareness and Visualization
At this point, the guide may encourage you to become aware of various sensations, both internal and external, such as sounds or feelings of temperature, or even subtle energies moving in the body. Some practitioners also engage in visualizations—imagine peaceful and calming scenes, colors, or symbols, which help deepen the meditative state and further quiet the mind.
5. Emotional and Mental Awareness
During this phase, the practice encourages observing emotions, thoughts, and mental patterns without judgment. You may be guided to notice any areas of tension, stress, or discomfort in the mind and body, allowing these feelings to dissolve naturally. This stage is about learning to witness your thoughts from a detached perspective, creating a sense of emotional and mental ease.
6. Deep Relaxation (Yoga Nidra State)
The culmination of the practice is when the body and mind reach a deeply relaxed state, often referred to as the "yogic sleep" stage. In this state, the body is in a form of deep rest similar to sleep, but the mind remains conscious and aware. This deep relaxation allows the body to heal, replenish energy, and reset. The breath becomes slow and steady, and the mind enters a state of deep tranquility.
7. Sankalpa Reaffirmation
At the end of the session, practitioners are encouraged to revisit the Sankalpa or intention set at the beginning of the practice. This reaffirms the intention on a deeper, subconscious level, making it more likely to manifest in your waking life.
8. Gradual Return to Wakefulness
The session concludes with a gradual return to wakefulness. The guide may slowly bring your attention back to the physical body, starting with sensations like hearing sounds or noticing the temperature of the room. You are gently encouraged to move your fingers and toes, stretch, and slowly open your eyes. The transition is meant to be smooth and deliberate, maintaining the calm, centered state from the practice.
The Benefits of Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra has a wide range of benefits for the body and mind. Here are some of the key benefits of the practice:
1. Deep Rest and Relaxation
Yoga Nidra allows the body to reach a state of rest that is deeper than ordinary sleep. It is said to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps reduce the levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), lowers heart rate, and promotes deep relaxation. In this state, the body can undergo repair and rejuvenation, improving overall health and vitality.
2. Stress Reduction
One of the primary benefits of Yoga Nidra is its ability to reduce stress. It helps release the mental and physical tension accumulated from daily life, reducing anxiety, nervousness, and general stress levels. The practice can also help to improve the body's ability to manage stress over time by training the mind to be more relaxed and resilient.
3. Improved Sleep Quality
Yoga Nidra can improve sleep quality and help those who suffer from insomnia or other sleep disturbances. By regularly practicing deep relaxation and clearing mental clutter, the body becomes more accustomed to restful states, which can carry over into nighttime sleep.
4. Emotional Healing and Balance
Yoga Nidra allows practitioners to access the subconscious mind, where deep-seated emotions and unresolved issues can be processed. The state of deep relaxation helps release emotional tension, promote self-awareness, and create emotional balance. It’s often used as a tool for healing trauma, managing grief, or working through other emotional challenges.
5. Enhanced Creativity and Focus
By quieting the mind and connecting with the subconscious, Yoga Nidra can lead to greater clarity, creativity, and focus. It is an excellent practice for anyone looking to increase mental clarity, sharpen their concentration, and enhance cognitive function.
6. Increased Mindfulness and Awareness
Yoga Nidra fosters mindfulness, as it encourages the practitioner to remain conscious and aware during the entire practice, even when in a deeply relaxed state. This mindful awareness can then extend to other areas of life, helping individuals to become more present and engaged in their daily activities.
7. Spiritual Growth
Yoga Nidra is often considered a spiritual practice because it can help foster a deeper connection with oneself. It’s a time to explore and connect with one's higher self or inner peace. The practice can also help dissolve the boundaries of the ego and promote a sense of oneness and interconnectedness with the universe.
Who Can Benefit from Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra is accessible to nearly everyone, regardless of age or physical ability. Because it requires no physical exertion and is done lying down, it is particularly suitable for:
Beginners to meditation or yoga who are looking for a gentle entry into the practice.
People with high-stress levels or anxiety who need a tool to relax and calm the mind.
Those experiencing insomnia or sleep disturbances, as it can help promote deep relaxation and improved sleep quality.
Individuals recovering from physical or emotional trauma who need a healing practice to address stress or emotional blocks.
Busy professionals or caregivers who struggle to find time for rest, as Yoga Nidra provides a way to achieve deep rest in a short time.
Athletes looking for a way to relax and recover from physical exertion.
Yoga Nidra vs. Meditation
While Yoga Nidra shares similarities with meditation—especially mindfulness meditation—it is distinct in that it involves a conscious state of relaxation where the body is in a deep rest. Meditation often requires active focus, while Yoga Nidra guides you to a state where the mind can remain passive yet aware, drifting between wakefulness and sleep.
The Experience of Yoga Nidra
The experience of Yoga Nidra can vary from session to session. In some practices, people report vivid visualizations, emotional releases, or a profound sense of inner peace and stillness. Others may fall into a deep, restful state and feel refreshed upon waking. Regardless of the individual experience, Yoga Nidra generally leaves practitioners with a sense of relaxation, clarity, and well-being.
In essence, Yoga Nidra is a powerful tool for deep relaxation, mental clarity, and emotional healing. Whether you are looking to reduce stress, improve your sleep, or simply create a space for deep rest and rejuvenation, Yoga Nidra provides a unique and accessible path to achieving profound states of rest and inner peace. By guiding you into a conscious sleep-like state, Yoga Nidra offers both physical relaxation and mental clarity, making it a valuable practice for overall well-being.
A Yoga Nidra teacher training will give you the tools to not only guide others through this deeply relaxing practice but also to understand its profound effects on the mind and body. You will learn the art of leading with your voice, how to craft and adapt guided sessions, how to create a safe and welcoming environment for your students, and how to apply the practice for healing, stress relief, and personal transformation. By the end of the training, you’ll be well-equipped to guide your students into deep relaxation and help them tap into their own subconscious wisdom and healing potential.
In this course you will learn:
Primary Principles of Yin practice
Anatomy – Connective tissue & fascia
Theming & Sequencing Classes
History & Philosophy of Yin Yoga
Polarities of Yin/Yang Yoga
Student Safety
Conscious Meditation Techniques
A Catalogue of Yin Poses
Inner Child Healing Communication
Opening up as a channel to Source
In-Depth Training in the Chakras
Building Confidence and Spacial Awareness
Voice Projection, Softened Ques & Light Language Techniques from Vocal Artist Ashley Lord
Anatomy of the Fascia and how to work with it by Yin Teacher Danah Corrigan
Critical Alignment Release
Nidra Meditation Guidance
Meridian Movement and Release through Yoga and Breath
Restorative postures, theming and sequencing
Adjustment protocol and applications
Business marketing for your class or ceremonial offerings from Sacred Bliss Owner Ananda Cait
Applied Knowledge to become Confident in your Teachings
and more...
What’s included:
ALL Yin, Restorative and Yoga Nidra Manual & Handouts
40 hours of Teachings & Applied knowledge
Sacred Space to Undergo Each Training Session
Guest Speakers Application Workshops with Voice Over Artist and Yoga Teacher Ashley Lord and Yin Yoga Teacher Danah Corrigan
You will be required to purchase and bring the following:
2 x Yoga Blocks
2 x Bolsters
1 x Yoga Strap
Therapy Blanket
Yoga Mat
Optional Eye Mask
Optional Meditition Cushion
Journal
40 Contact Hours in class with Lead Trainer and Specialty Voice and Anatomy Teachers
8 hours of mandatory personal study/practice
Training Fee: $1125 plus GST /HST
Training Dates: 4 Consecutive Weekends April 20 - May 12, 2025
Each session is 5 hours long with one 30 min nutrition break.
MORE ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR :
Ananda Cait has trained in Iyengar Yoga, is certified in Ashtanga Vinyasa, Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Restorative Yoga, Prenatal Yoga and Critical Alignment Yoga Therapy. She has been teaching for over 13 years and now owns and runs her own yoga therapy studio as well as provides Reiki Trainings internationally and domestically. She also runs The Sacred Bliss a conscious events management company in Kelowna for over 5 years. Ananda has recently also opened a Sensory Touch Therapy spa in Kelowna to help those with PTSD, ADHD and Anxiety attacks.
Her ability to open as a channel for Source to work through requires her to be humble, continue to learn and listen and feel into what each healing session is asking of her in order to be a bridgepoint. Her education and experience in this work has continued to allow her to hold a powerful, safe container for others wanting to heal deep-seeded trauma. Although she takes her practice quite sincerely, she knows this practice must be able to evolve with what we are learning everyday about subconscious healing and the body.
If you're wanting to go deeper beyond the physical healing aspect of Yoga Therapy, Ananda is the teacher you will garner an abundance of knowledge from.
If you have any more questions about your instructor, you can reach out to her at [email protected]
MORE ABOUT YOUR VOICE TEACHER, ASHLEY LORD:
BREAKDOWN OF LEARNINGS:
April 19,20 :
2-7 PM : EACH DAY
YIN YOGA TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM
April 26,27:
2- 7 PM :EACH DAY
RESTORATIVE YOGA TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM
MAY 3, 4 :
2- 7 PM : EACH DAY
YOGA NIDRA TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM
VOCAL TRAINING, QUES AND PHYSICAL ADJUSTMENT TRAINING
MAY 11,12 :
2-7 PM: EACH DAY
SPIRITUAL AWARENESS COORDINATION THROUGH ALL 3 PRACTICES
IN-DEPTH LOOK INTO BUSINESS MARKETING A YOGA OFFERING