Yojita Yoga Teacher Training + Spiritual Expansion Program Schedule

Saturday, Nov 7th - 12-5

Opening Ceremony / Ritual

What is Yoga? 

What are the  Yoga Sutras?

Introduction to  the Tree of Yoga: Yoga’s 8 limbs ~ Ashtanga Yoga

• Describe the Yamas & Niyamas

  • Touch upon the foundation of Yoga: ahimsa (non-violence) + talk about trauma sensitive teaching + holding space for groups + adaptations + agency/choice/rest

• Asana (postures), Pranayama (conscious breathwork) , Meditation, Samadhi (liberation), etc

• Overview of the importance of Meditation

Describe Panca Maya Kosha - the 5 Sheaths

• the Koshas as a Format for practicing and teaching Meditation 

• applications for Nada Yoga (the Yoga of Sound) & Yoga Nidra (Sleep of the Yogi)

Panca Maya Kosha Practice 

- EXTENDED PRACTICE - an exploration of the styles we will be learning about

~ 5 sheaths woven into the practice 

Sunday, Nov 8th - 2-6pm TT  (SET optional) - mary

Exploring the possibilities  of asana + vinyasa 

Intro to adaptations / modifications

Discussion:  Breath + the Spine

Intro to creative sequencing (for personal practice AND designing classes) 

Exploring intentions of the postures + counterposes

PRACTICE with all 5 movements of the spine 

VERY brief intro to the history of Yoga

Discussion & self study: Cultural appropriation

Effects of colonization of India + Yoga’s arrival to the west

The importance of reverence + honoring yoga’s roots

Thursday, Nov 12th in person -  TT + SET - Mary 

Yoga Sutra Study: Exploring the Yamas + Niyamas ~ 1st Yama - Ahimsa - Non-violence

Incorporating non-violence into our personal practice & teaching

Intro to Forward Folds - energy of langhana - deepening, releasing + basic alignment 

Intro to the Chakras + exploration practice 

Thursday, Nov 19th online - TT - Mary 

Delving into creative sequencing: exploring the arc of class design

Art time! Drawing yoga stick figures to plan your practices 

More about adaptations, modifications, props

What are “peak postures”?

What are “release valves”?

Intro to “T diagrams”  + more yoga stick figure drawings

How to draw a sequence 

No Class Thursday, Nov 26th (holiday break)

Thursday, Dec 3rd - online TT - Mary 

Forward Fold deep dive - anatomy, form, technique,  alignment,  contraindications

Forward Fold Practice for Relaxation 

Saturday,  Dec 5th - in person - TT + SET  Tara - 

Overview of the importance of Meditation, the 4 Styles of Yogic Meditation, the Koshas as a Format for practicing and teaching Meditation

Calming & Relaxation Meditation:

Anna Maya Kosha~ Restorative Yoga & Mudras that Relax, Ground & Center

Prana Maya Kosha~ About Prana and Pranayama, Tips for Success, Dirga (or Dirgha) Pranayama, Sounding Breath/Extended Exhalations 

Mano Maya Kosha~ Grounding & Centering, English Mantras, Simple Vedic Mantra

Vijnana Maya Kosha~ Intro to Yoga Nidra, Guided Relaxation, Creative Visualization and Guided Imagery

Anna Maya Kosha~ Combine all techniques for an in depth practice and rest in effects

Thursday,  Dec 10th - in person - TT + SET Tara - 

Process and discuss any questions from 12/5

Yoga Sutra Study: 2nd Yama Satya -Truth

Incorporating Satya into our personal practice & teaching

Thursday,  Dec 17th - online - TT -  Tara - 

Further Exploration of Grounding & Centering + Restorative Yoga

Pranayama techniques that calm the nervous system and relax the body

Thursday,  Dec 24th - holiday break 

Thursday,  Dec 31st - holiday break

Saturday, January 2nd - GANESH + New Beginnings - New Years Workshop - optional ceremony + celebration (special price for TT) 

Thursday,  January 7th -  online - TT -  Tara (SET optional)

Mudras: Yoga of the Hands

Saturday, January 9th - in person - TT + SET - Mary 

New Year Muladhara Root Chakra & Forward bend practice 

Exploring Nada Yoga ~ The Yoga of Sound: Sanskrit 101

Yoga Sutra Chanting + pronouncing asanas 

Guest Instructor - Dr. Sam Lezon of Sportworks Active Chiropractic

- Yogic Anatomy Part 1 (SET optional for anatomy study)

Thursday,  January 14th - in person - TT + SET - Mary 

Exploring the energy of expansion ~ Brahmana

Basic alignment for home practice + teaching 

Backbend-focused practice for boosted energy

Thursday, January 21st - online - TT - Mary

Backbend deep dive: anatomy, technique,  alignment,  contraindications

Thursday, January 28th - online (recorded) - TT - Mary 

How to teach backbends, exploring  adaptations + modifications

Thursday,  February 4th - online - TT - Mary 

Backbend practice

Forward Bend & Backbend Q + A

Small group practice teaching

Saturday,  February 6th - in person TT + SET  - Mary 

Exploring the 2nd Chakra - Svadhistana - Sacral 

Svadhistana Chakra Practice 

Incorporating Chakras into your personal practice + teaching 

Guest Instructor Dr. Sam Lezon - Yogic Anatomy Part 2 (SET optional for anatomy study)

Thursday, Feb 11th - in person TT + SET - Mary 

Yoga Sutra Study: Exploring the 3rd Yama - Asteya - non-stealing

Twists - exploring the energy of  integration, digestion,  supple spinal column, embodied core

Twist practice for integration + calm

Thurs, Feb 18th - online - TT - Mary  

Twist deep dive:  anatomy, technique,  alignment,  contraindications

Thurs, Feb 25th - online -  TT - Online (recorded) - Mary 

How to teach twists, exploring  adaptations + modifications

Thurs, March 4th - TT - Online (recorded) - Mary 

Intro to adaptations for Prenatal Yoga

Saturday, March 6th - 12-5pm cst - TT + SET - Tara 

Exploring Mindfulness, Vipassana and Insight Meditation: 

Anna Maya Kosha~ Yin Yoga and Mindful Mudras

Prana Maya Kosha~Nadi Shodana, Nyasa Finger Meditation

Mano Maya Kosha~ English, Vedic and Buddhist mantras

Vijnana Maya Kosha~ Yoga Nidra with Opposites

Ananda Maya Kosha~ Combine all techniques for a full practice and rest in effects

Thursday, March 11th  - TT + SET - in person - Tara

Yoga Sutra Study: 4th Yama Brahmacharya - moderation/non-excess 

Exploring the 3rd chakra ~ Manipura ~ Solar Plexus 

Process and discuss any questions from Mindfulness Meditation

Thurs, March 18th - online - TT - Tara

Further Exploration of Yin Yoga: Its Variations & Modifications 

Thurs, March 25th - online - TT - Tara

Further Exploration of  Pranayama and Mindful breathing practices 

Thurs, April 1st - online - TT - Tara 

 Yoga Nidra, Body Scans & Loving Kindness Meditations 

Saturday, April 3rd - 12-5pm cst - TT + SET -  TARA 

The Art & Science of Yoga Nidra ~ It’s Purpose & Practices 

Thursday, April 8th - OFF FOR OUR SPECIAL HOLIDAY OF TARA’S BIRTHDAY!!

Thursday, April 15th - TT - Online - Mary   

Intro to Lateral Bends ~ anatomy, technique,  alignment,  contraindications

Practice and breakdown  - Forward bends, backbends, twists & lateral bends

Offering modifications + ideas for sequencing

Thursday, April 22nd TT - Online - TT - Mary 

How to teach lateral bends, exploring adaptations + modifications

Thursday, April 29th TT - Online - TT - (recorded) Mary

Creative sequencing - practice goals and intentions: how to fit the puzzle together

with forward folds,  backbends, twists + lateral bends

Saturday, May 1st - 12-5pm cst - TT + SET - Tara

Exploring Tantric Philosophy, Energy Body  & Tantric Meditation:

Anna Maya Kosha~ Moving Kriyas &  Hara Activators

Prana Maya Kosha~ Kapalabhati, Bhramari & Kriya Yoga

Mano Maya Kosha~ Bijas, Extended Bijas & Bhuta Shuddhi 

Vijnana Maya Kosha~ Yoga Nidra with Bhuta Shuddhi

Ananda Maya Kosha ~ Combine all techniques for an in depth practice and rest in the effects

Thursday, May 6th - TT + SET - Mary  

Exploring the energy of Lateral Bends ~ Practice for deep breathing + rejuvenation 

Exploring the 4th Chakra - Anahata - Heart Chakra -

Movement Practice, Ritual & Ceremony to tend to the Heart

Exploring the 5th Yama Aparigraha ~ non-clinging/non-possessiveness

Thursday, May 13th - TT - + SET - online  Tara 

Further Exploration of Tantric Philosophy + Practices: Kriya, Pranayama, Bijas

Thursday, May 20th  - TT - online Tara

:  Process and discuss any questions from Tantric Meditation

Thursday, May 27th  TT - online - Mary

Exploring Extensions + Balances

Extensions + Balances Deep Dive:  anatomy technique,  alignment,  contraindications

Downward-facing dog alignment 

Thursday, June 3rd TT - online (recorded)  Mary 

How to teach extensions+ balances:  exploring adaptations + modifications

Creative sequencing brainstorms, discussion,  practice teaching 

Practice exploration with forward folds, backbends, twists, laterals, extensions + balances

Saturday, June 5th  - 12-5pm cst - online - TT + SET -

with Dr. Asavari Manvikar of Minnesota Ayurveda Institute

  Introduction to Ayurveda (daily schedule subject to change)

Ayurveda, the 5,000-year-old system of natural healing, emphasizes the harmony between mind, body, and spirit. By understanding your unique body constitution (Prakriti), you can create a sustainable lifestyle that promotes long-term health and wellness.

• Introduction to Ayurveda – Explore the history and core principles

• Doshas & Prakriti Analysis – Discover your unique constitution

• Ayurvedic Nutrition – Learn mindful eating and the six tastes

• Daily Routine (Dinacharya) – Align habits with natural rhythms

  Seasonal Routine (Ritucharya) – Adapt to seasonal changes

  • Introduction to Ayurvedic Herbs & Spices – Practical applications for healing

Thursday, June 10th - TT + SET online - Dr. Asavari Manvikar

Completing the introduction to Ayurveda as outlined above

Thursday, June 17th - TT - online  TT - Tara

Questions and discussion the techniques of Tantric techniques and meditation

Thursday, June 24th - online - Tara (SET Optional)

Hindu Deities, Archetypes & Western view 

July off - Summer Break

Thursday, August 5th -  Online - TT -   TBD

Teacher to be determined depending on students’ integration & requests

 Saturday, August 7th - 12-5pm cst - TT + SET - Mary

Exploring the energy of the 5th chakra -  visshudha - throat

Intro to Inversions 

Pranayama - exploring  breath capacity with self-study 

Yoga Sutra Study: Exploring the 1st niyama - sauca - purity

Thursday, August 12th TT + SET -  Mary

Exploring the 2nd niyama - santosha - contentment 

More on the energetics of the breath & pranayama ratio technology 

Gentle inversion exploration

Thursday, August 19th -  online - TT - Mary 

Inversion deep dive: anatomy technique,  alignment,  contraindications

Thursday, August 26th - online - TT -  recorded - mary 

How to teach inversions:  exploring adaptations + modifications

Creative (and safe!) sequencing - exploring how to sequence inversions

Thursday, September 2nd - online - TT - TBD

Teacher TBD depending on student integration & requests

Saturday, September 4th - 12-5pm cst TT + SET  - Tara  

Exploring Bhakti Yoga & Devotional Meditation:

Anna Maya Kosha~ Devotional Flow & Shakti Flow

Prana Maya Kosha~ Breathing with Source

Mano Maya Kosha~Devotional Mantras

Vijnana Maya Kosha~ Yoga Nidra & Devotional Guided Relaxation

Explore: 9 limbs of Bhakti Yoga, the Three Paths of Devotion, Bhagavad Gita and Neem Karoli Baba and the devotees of the counter cultural movement

9/9/27 - Thursday, September 9th TT + SET - Tara 

Exploring the energy of the 6th chakra - ajna - third eye

Yoga Sutra Study: Exploring the 3rd niyama ~ Tapas

Questions & Discussion on the topic of Devotional Meditation

9/16/27 - Thursday, September 16th - TT - Tara

Further Exploration of Devotional & Shakti Flow

9/23/27 - Thursday, September 23rd - Tara

Further Exploration of Devotional Pranayama

9/30/27 - Thursday, September 30th - Tara 

Further Exploration of Devotional Meditation & Yoga Nidra 

10/2/27 - Saturday, October 2nd, 2027 - 12-5pm cst - Mary 

Yoga Sutra Study: 4th Niyama - Svadhyaya - self-study

The Business of Yoga (and creative entrepreneurship in general!) 

Intention setting & creative explorations of yoga as a lifestyle

Sharing your gifts of yoga as an offering to the world

10/7/27 - Thursday, TT + SET - October 7th - Mary 

Exploring the 5th Niyama - Isvara Pranidhana - Surrender

Unifying our year ~ connecting our dedication and consistent effort over this committed period of time, with zeal and enthusiasm,  while surrendering the fruits of our labor …  

10/14/27 - Thursday, October 14th - No class - work on practicum

10/21/27 - Thursday, October 21st - No class - work on practicum 

10/28/27 - Thursday, October 28th -  Practicum (in person if possible)

11/4/27 - Thursday, November 4th - Practicum (in person if possible)

11/6/27 - Saturday, November 6th 12-5pm  - Graduation!

In person private ceremony for our TT SET + celebration for friends & family 

CONGRATULATIONS!!!