Yin Yoga Teacher Training Module Ι with Maria Levantinou

​Yin Yoga Teacher Training
Module I (70 hrs)
The Essence of Yin, Philosophy, Anatomy and Functional Approach

Yin Yoga is addressed to every person who wishes to get to know themselves better.

The approach to Yin Yoga is gentle and the challenge is unprecedentedly gentle. You are not asked to do something right, only to notice HOW you behave when you do! HOW your action can happen naturally, free from criticism and perfectionist tendencies.

In this gentle way, the more you observe you, the better you get to know you. The more you understand you, the more you grow. The more you evolve, the more you get in touch with the most fundamental experience of your existence...joy!

In Level A (70 hrs) of the Certified Yin Yoga Teacher Training (200 hrs), we understand the basic philosophical, anatomical and energetic principles of Yin Yoga, developing a sense of safety when teaching to others.

What you will learn

• Theory and practice of the basic Yin Postures
• Variations of the Yin Postures, functionally adapted to the particularities of each trainee.
• Compensation practices, contraindications and the importance of transition between Yin Postures.
• The use of props in Yin practice
• The benefits and therapeutic dimension of Yin Positions
• Yin yoga and/or Restorative yoga
• The power of breathing in Yin Yoga
• Yin Yoga and Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Chi Kung, the cultivation of energy, opening the basic channels of hands and feet
• Yin Yoga, a meditative exercise

Functional Anatomy - Physiology

• Anatomy & Kinesiology of the musculoskeletal system / Skeletal differences
• Functional or aesthetic approach?
• Functional approach to the basic Yin Positions
• Understanding your personal physical structure
• Compression Points, Limitations and Range of Motion
• The Importance of Connective Tissue in the Practice of Yin Yoga
• Anatomical benefits of exercise and how it can improve the health of every person

Yin Yoga and Traditional Chinese Medicine

• Meridians: The Cornerstone
• Inspirational points and their incorporation into Yin practice

Learning Teaching Techniques

• Yin and Yang Characteristics
• Communication techniques tailored to each person's personality
• Understanding and experiencing the Essence of Yin Yoga and communicating it effectively
• Ability to plan a Yin Meeting and comfortable adapting given the circumstances as well as the requirements
• What it means to create a safe place for a Yin Meeting and how to maintain it
• Techniques of verbal guidance of Yin positions & the use of voice
• The Function of Breathing in Yin
• Observation as action (yang) in a seemingly passive (yin) exercise

Philosophy

• The Basic Principles of Yin Yoga.
• Yin, Yang and TAO
• The Harmony between Yin and Yang physical expression of man
• The concepts of acceptance and compassion in the path of Yin Yoga and their application in daily life

Dates:
18-19 February, 11-12 March & 18-19 March 

Saturdays (15:00-21:00) & Sundays (10:00-18:00)

Cost:
- Early bird (Bookings until 31 December): 550€
- Late Bird (Bookings after 1 January): 600€ (until 31 December): 600€.

*On Saturday 14/1 there will be a Yin Yoga class for anyone who wants to get a taste and answer any questions. More information: https://nedayogashala.gr/events/yin-yoga-class-yin-yoga-teacher-training-presentation/

Maria Levantinou
Maria is the founder of The School of Yin Yoga and trains and certifies Yin Yoga Teachers by the Yoga Alliance International ( YAI ) of India. She is the creator of E.Y.T, ( Emotional Yoga Therapeutics ), a system that balances mind, body and emotions, ideal for the needs of modern life. Her spiritual journey first began through the theatre, where she was given the opportunity to experiment on the mind, body and breath connection at the Department of Theatre Studies of the National Kapodistrian University of Athens. After completing her Master's Degree in Aesthetic Philosophy (M.Ph.), her contact with yoga came as an absolute natural necessity. She traveled to India and trained in the Satyananda Yoga system as well as Ayurvedic Therapeutic Massage.

Her desire for an honest conversation with the body, taking into account the particularities of each person, led her to Italy and to the intuitive teaching of Diane Long, a direct student of Vanda Scaravelli. Along the way she met Biff Mithoefer, and completed all three Yin Yoga trainings ( Yin Yoga Teacher Training, I. Taoism, Anatomy and Sequencing, II. Embracing the Yin Path and III. Storytelling ). She continued her Taoist studies and Traditional Chinese Medicine by studying with her teacher I.Faitakis the Distant Acupuncture Method of Dr.Tan. She continued with her further training in Bahiranga Yoga Therapy Instructor Course (RYT 500) next to Michalis Evaggelidis and with him she also trained in Nada Yoga (Yoga of Sound). Her personal apprenticeship with her beloved teachers Angela Farmer and Victor van Kooten, activates her curiosity and creativity every time she visits them, encouraging imagination and free expression of the body according to its own nature and choices.

Her love of experimentation and exploration of movement as well as body dynamics found fertile ground, together with Florence Peake, in the Skinner Releasing Technique (SRT), an innovative approach to dance, movement and the creative process. Inspired by the spiritual tradition of Taoism and driven by her need for a harmonious connection with the body, its presence in space, the memories it carries but also the imagination it possesses, she creates "Dancing with the Elements", experiential groups of free movement, expression and self-awareness.

In 2009 she met her radical teacher Dr. Carlos de León and since then she has been studying and practicing with him in different spiritual traditions such as Vajrayanna, Hindu Tantra, Dzogchen, Kaballa, and Somatic Psychotherapy. He continues to train and practice in the above traditions, Shamanism, and the 7 Lotus Chi Kung system with Michael Mourtzis. Among her spiritual teachers are HH 17th Gyalwang Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje, Namkai Norbu Rinpoche, Khandro Rinpoche, Swami Shankarananda, Chandrashekhar Nanda Nath. Maria Levantinou continues her personal apprenticeship and training in the field of somatic psychotherapy at the Gestalt Foundation Psychotherapy & Training Centre.