11/21/2008

About Daren Friesen
My dharma is one of service, helping others to find and expand his/her true path. In this regard, I offer my knowledge of yoga in this teacher training program. I have completed over 10 teacher training programs and am still hungry for more. I have traveled to India on six occasions to study yoga, ayurveda, martial arts (Kalari-Payattu), music (tables), and yoga philosophy (Sutras), though a lifetime of study will never reveal all of the facets and perspectives that yoga has to offer. I've been studying yoga since 1989 (18 years) and have been teaching since 1994 (13 years). This will be the 9th year of teacher training that I have led. I'm excited to have refined what I have taught over the past several programs and hope to offer you an even better experience than before. I started Moksha Yoga Center in August 1999 and just celebrated our 8th anniversary with 40 teachers, 35 volunteers, six full-time staff, and thousands of students. Moksha is now known as a place dedicated to yoga practice, experience, and knowledge.


About Silvia Mordini
I am deeply honored to serve and mentor teacher trainees for a 5th year. I hope your participation in this program helps you meet life's challenges with bold courage and that through yoga you learn to explore yourself more deeply so you can see the beauty, creativity & strength within.

While in the corporate world as a Director, I worked for both Inc 500 and Fortune 500 companies and have 15 years experience specializing in Adult Training & Development. With over 6,500 hours of yoga teaching experience and a personal commitment to life long learning I attend 1-2 teacher trainings per year myself. I hope you join me for the best adventure of your life!

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

This OVER 500 hour program exceeds the required registration for Yoga Alliance

Thank you for your interest in Moksha Yoga Center's 2008 Advanced Teacher Training Program hosted and co-taught by Silvia Mordini, Total Body Yoga. This program is designed to further your understanding of the ancient art and science of yoga. The deeper aspects and techniques of asana, pranayama, and teaching skills will be studied and taught. This program is designed to give you a wide variety of topics, class settings, and experiences and we are committed to giving you the best learning experience possible. We hope you will enjoy the program.

The Instructors are Qualified, Experienced, Dedicated, and Ready to Serve
Daren Friesen is the director of Moksha Yoga Center and has studied with a variety of teachers in the U.S. and India. He is the Owner and Director of Moksha Yoga Center in Chicago.

Silvia Mordini, is the director of Total Body Yoga and leads a 200 hour teacher training program as well.

COST: $2700 Early Bird, Last minute $3,000 *Deposit of $150 towards overall tuition required prior to first day.

APPLICATION

• Have you completed a Yoga Alliance approved 200 hr Teacher Training Program?
• What was the instructor's name?
• At what studio or location was this program held?
• Date and length of program?
• Were you certified? If yes, when?
Briefly describe the content of the program.

1. About You
2. Name, address, city, state, zip
3. Phone numbers (home, work, mobile)
4. Email address
5. Birthdate (you can leave off the year, if you want :)
6. Occupation
7. Family (# children) and partner's name
8. Activities, hobbies, and interests
9. Who can we call in case of an emergency? Please provide a contact, relationship, phone number, and email.
10. List all injuries, past and present.
11. Describe your physical health (major illnesses, surgeries, physical conditions).
12. Tell us about your emotional and mental health.
13. Are you currently taking any medications? If so, please list in detail.
14. Do you smoke?
15. Do you have a close friend or therapist that will agree to listen to any comments or concerns that may arise throughout the course of this program (practice may bring up alot of emotions/issues to service)? Do you have a support network? Does your family suppport this journey you've decided to take?
16. This program requires a signifiant time commitment. Do you have any other major commitments (grad school, 2 jobs, etc) that would prevent you from participating fully?

About Your Relationship with Yoga

1. Why do you want to take this program? What are your expectations for the training? What do you hope to gain, learn, or improve?
2. Do you teach yoga now? If so, please describe in detail.
3. If you plan on teaching after completing the program, why do you want to teach yoga?
4. Do your religious beliefs conflict with the presentation and discussion of Eastern religious and philosophical systems such as Vedanta, Buddhism, and Taoism?
5. How long have you been taking yoga classes and/or practicing yoga? Please describe your practice in detail.
6. Have you taken any classes at Moksha Yoga Center or Total Body Yoga? If yes, with which teachers?
7. Have you studied yoga anywhere else? If so, which style, with whom, for how long - describe your experience in detail.
8. How would you compare self-practice to that with a class and teacher?
9. Would you be willing to establish a daily practice (minimum 15-20 minutes) and maintain it to become a certified teacher?
10. List any other interesting thing(s) you think we should know about you.

Please include a color photo of yourself (email jpg or tif).



Please submit 2 letters of recommendation from your yoga teachers by email or post:

Moksha Yoga Center
Attn: Dawn Hayes
700 N Carpenter
Chicago, IL 60622
dawn@mokshayoga.com




Please review the Agreement & Liability Release and mail a signed copy to:

Moksha Yoga Center
Attn: Dawn Hayes
700 N Carpenter
Chicago, IL 60622
dawn@mokshayoga.com

COURSE DESCRIPTION

"Yoga History & Philosophy
Understanding Union, Relationships & Opposites
This ancient system of health and well-being, reveals a path to develop and expand our fullest potential in body, mind, and spirit. We will look at deeper sources of knowledge in Indian culture, vedic history, and ancient manuscripts such as Patanjali's Yoga Sutra, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the cosmology of Sankhya darshana.

Theory & Practice of Asana, Pranayama & Meditation
Taking a Position of Steadiness and Comfort
The yoga sutras refer to asana as the integration of sthira (steadiness) and sukha (comfort). This important sutra will guide us as we look into the deeper aspects of asana, including alignment, adjustments, and variations. We will explore and deepen our understanding of energetic techniques such as bandhas, dristi, kriyas, mudras, and chakras in order to expand our awareness and understanding of the subtle movement of prana through asana.

Theory & Practice of Teaching
Conveying the Essence of Yoga
The art of teaching is a yoga in itself, requiring sensitivity, compassion, and practice. A teacher must encourage and inspire, being sensitive to the needs of both the individual and the group. The psychology and ethics of the student/teacher relationship will also be explored. Improved teaching skills, including use of language, theme, and music will also be developed.

Theory & Practice of Sequencing
Progression of Movement in Time and Space
An intelligent and efficient movement from one place to the next through time is necessary to reach the ultimate goals of yoga. Topics will include class themes and rhythms, goal poses, mini-modules focusing on opening a specific area such as hips or shoulders, vinyasas and namaskars, yoga therapeutics, and use of music.

Theory & Practice of Adjustments
Instructing the Wisdom of the Body through Touch
The art of teaching is a yoga in itself, requiring sensitivity, compassion, and practice. A teacher must encourage and inspire, being sensitive to the needs of both the individual and the group. How to properly adjust using visual (body language), verbal (voice), and kinesthetic (touch) tools is a key component of this training. Various types of manuals adjustments will also be taught.

Theory & Practice of Ayurveda
Understanding the Knowledge of Life
Ayurveda is an ancient science based on living in harmony with nature. Topics such as lifestyle, daily routine, diet and nutrition will be explored. Esoteric concepts such as koshas, marmas, nadis, and chakras will be discussed.

TRAINING SCHEDULE

Advanced Coursework
Thursdays, March 13 - July 31
Practice Class: 9am-10:30pm
Lunch Break: 11am-11:30pm
Training Class: 11:30am-3pm


One Saturday per month - May 17, June 14, July 12
Training Class: 9:30am-5pm


Yoga Anatomy Teacher Training with Tias Little: Yoking the Shoulder Girdle April 11-14, 2008, 9:30am-5pm daily, at Moksha Riverwest in Chicago


Additional Coursework Required for Certification

Community Classes (4 classes)

Business Course (1 session)
Date/Time TBD

CPR
Date/Time TBD

Karma Yoga (1 class)
arranged at the trainee's initiative / offsite

Private Sessions (3 classes)
arranged at the trainee's initiative / offsite

Apprenticeship (10 classes for 3 semesters - 30 classes total)
arranged at the trainee's initiative

Seva (monthly offering of service)
Note: Seva may be waived for an additional fee of $200

Special Events, Workshops, and Intensives
Select sessions with experienced and master teachers

Kirtans & Concerts
no charge for all Devi2000 kirtans in 2008 at Moksha Riverwest in Chicago

Thesis Presentations Fall 2008


Note: This program requires a significant time commitment (up to 20 hours per week). Consider your availability carefully before registering.

COURSEWORK

Opening Circle


Training Classes


Practice Classes

Weekly Classes: Trainees are required to participate in 2 group classes per week, preferably at Moksha Yoga Center or Total Body Yoga. This requirement is in addition to your daily personal practice. By the end of the year, each trainee must attend a minimum of 5 classes in each of the following styles: Astanga, Vinyasa, Anusara, Hatha, and Basics/Intro, all of which are offered at Moksha Yoga Center and Total Body Yoga. A minimum of 50 practice classes is required for certification. For practice classes completed at Moksha Yoga Center, the database will keep track of your attendance. For practice classes completed elsewhere, please keep a log of your attendance.

Review/Make-up Sessions: Approximately 1-2 review/make-up classes will be scheduled throughout the course. All are encouraged to attend, whether a make-up is required or not. Please bring the topic or lesson that you missed and your questions and inquiries. The format will follow the training class structure. You may also complete make-up classes by attending another program in Chicago or the suburbs.



Apprenticeship


Master Teacher Roundtable (MTR)




Introduction to Yoga & Video Review


Community Class




Devi 2000 Kirtan

Thesis Presentations


Yoga Business Seminar


Annual Holiday Party

Note: Sutras (philosophy) and ethics are a component of the training classes listed above.

CPR


Karma Yoga


Journaling


Seva


Feedback Form



A minimum of 15 hours of yoga anatomy is required for advanced certification including "Yoga Anatomy Teacher Training " with Tias Little (24 hours). Make-up Policy: Tias Little's training programs are offered twice a year at Moksha in 2 parts. You may attend the following semester's course. Anatomy-class fees above are discounted for teacher trainees and are not included in the program tuition.


Workshops with national teachers : 30 hours are required for certification. Workshops are taught by master teachers who often have 20-30+ years of teaching experience and are invited from around the U.S. and the world.
Special Events with local teachers : 8 hours required for certification. Special events are taught by senior teachers from Chicago. Note: Workshops and special events are considered electives in the MYC Teacher Training program, and are offered to all MYC teacher trainees at 20% off. From time to time, some special events are offered at no charge.

Deadline for Certification: You are given one additional year, beyond the year in which the program is held, to complete all certification requirements (Aug 1, 2009). An extension of a second additional year (Aug 1, 2010) is possible with a written request accompanied by a payment of a $250 administrative fee, both due by the end of the first year (due Dec 1, 2009). For those trainees not completing all requirements within 2 years from the end of the program, you may reapply and retake the course at the prevailing fees, rates, and certification requirements. No certification will be issued after Aug 1, 2010.

Disclaimer: The course syllabus, class plan, steps to certification and all other written documentation are intended to be a general guideline and a broad strategy as to the planned execution of the training program. These documents are not a guarantee that all coursework, classes, or programs offered will be completed as scheduled within the year. The certification requirements, topics, programs, classes, standards, number of hours, length of classes and deadlines are subject to change, addition, deletion, rescheduling, revision, or replacement at any time at the discretion of the teacher. These requirements are designed to conform and comply with the Yoga Alliance National Teacher Training Certification Standards. By attending, completing, and/or receiving certification in this program, you will not automatically be offered a teaching position at Moksha Yoga Center or any other yoga center, studio, health club, community center, or the like.

CERTIFICATION STANDARDS

Please click here for certification standards

Agreement, Policies/Ethics, & Liability Release

Class Policies
"Class" is defined as any practice, training, or teaching class in the setting of the teacher training program. "Class" also includes any Moksha Yoga Center or Jewel in the Lotus class, any specially arranged or ad-hoc class, workshop class, special event class, master teacher round table class, introduction to yoga class, yoga sutra study group class, and any and all other classes at Moksha Yoga Center not mentioned above.

• Excessive tardiness will jeopardize your certification status. In addition, if you are late to any class more than three times, you may be asked to leave the program. There are absolutely no refunds under such circumstances.
• Excused Absences: Each trainee must inform the teacher in writing and in advance for classes which will be missed for legitimate reasons, such as weddings, family holidays, or pre-planned vacations. Shopping, movies, lunch with a friend, and "I'm too tired" are NOT legitimate excuses. You are allowed 1 excused absence. Exceptions to the excused absence policy are at the discretion of the teacher.
• Unexcused Absences: After the first unexcused absence, you will automatically become ineligible for certification. You may also be asked to discontinue the program. There are absolutely no refunds under such circumstances.
• Absence due to Illness or Accident: Inform the teacher at least 4 hours before the class begins. The best way to do this is to call the studio and leave a message. Please follow-up with an email at your earliest convenience. This will count as an excused absence.
• Make-up: Trainees must complete a make-up (as described below) for ALL absences, except the first, to become eligible for certification; there are no exceptions to this policy.

Class Conduct
You are expected to act in a respectful way towards the teacher and other students. Please arrive on time, prepared for class with the proper attire, assignments and class supplies. Disruptions to the teaching atmosphere will not be tolerated. Please leave your mobile phone and other distractions outside the classroom. If you behave in a way that disrupts the class, you will be asked to leave the program immediately. There are absolutely no refunds under such circumstances.

Certification Disclaimer
The course syllabus/class plan/steps to certification and all other written documentation are intended to be a general guideline and a broad strategy as to the planned execution of the program. These documents are not a guarantee that all coursework, classes, or programs offered will be completed or duly scheduled and/or completed by the instructor or mentors. The certification requirements, topics, programs, classes, standards, number of hours, length of classes and deadlines are subject to change, addition, deletion, rescheduling, revision, or replacement at any time at the discretion of the teacher. By attending, completing, and/or receiving certification in this program, you will not automatically be offered a teaching position at Moksha Yoga Center, Total Body Yoga, or any other yoga center, studio, health club, or community center.

Liability Release

Voluntary Participation
Before participating in this or any other exercise program, individuals should consult with a physician.

I, the undersigned, acknowledge that I have voluntarily chosen and requested to participate in the yoga class, workshop, event, or activity sponsored by Daren Friesen, Moksha Yoga Center, Silvia Mordini, and Total Body Yoga.

Acknowledgment
I am aware that participation in the yoga class, workshop, event, or activity may be hazardous. I acknowledge that a certain minimum level of physical health, strength, fitness, and flexibility will be required. I represent that I possess the level of health, strength, fitness, and flexibility necessary to participate in these activities. I am voluntarily participating in these activities with knowledge of the risks of injury. I assume all responsibility and liability for any and all injuries I may sustain due to my participation in these activities.

Release
In consideration for being permitted to participate in the yoga class, workshop, event, or activity, I agree that I, my heirs, assignees, guardians, and legal representatives will not make any claim against, sue, or attach the property of, any of the hosts, instructors, organizers, or participants in the yoga class, workshop, event, or activity including but not limited to Daren Friesen, Moksha Yoga Center, Silvia Mordini, and Total Body Yoga, for injury or damage resulting from my participation in such yoga class, workshop, event, or activity. I release all such hosts, instructors, organizers, and participants, their agents and heirs, from any and all actions, causes of action, lawsuits, claims, or demands that I, my assignees, heirs, guardians, and legal representatives now have or hereafter may have for any and all injury, illness, loss of or damage to property associated with my participation in the yoga class, workshop, event, or activity.

I have carefully read this agreement and fully understand its contents. I have signed this release freely and voluntarily. I am aware and agree that it is a complete release of liability for any injuries or damages I may sustain due to yoga classes, workshops, events, and activities with Daren Friesen, Moksha Yoga Center, Silvia Mordini, and Total Body Yoga and all such hosts, instructors, organizers, and participants.


SIGNATURE:__________________________________________________ DATE:__________


PRINTED NAME: _______________________________________________________________

Please print, sign, and submit to Moksha Yoga Center with completed application.

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TUITION AND FEES

• A $150 deposit holds your place in the training and is non-refundable/non-transferable
• Returned checks subject to a $25 return fee
• Seva (selfless service) may be waived for an additional $200 fee

ABSOLUTELY NO REFUNDS AFTER THE FIRST CLASS

The Mundelein tuition includes:

• online teacher training manual
• All teacher training classes as scheduled
• All practice classes with Daren Friesen at MYC
• 20% discount on MYC practice classes from program start date to Dec 31
• All Devi 2000 Kirtans (100% discount)
• 10% discount on all MYC boutique items from time of registration to Dec 31
• 20% discount on all guest Kirtans at MYC to Dec 31
• 20% discount on all workshops and special events at MYC to Dec 31

The Mundelein tuition does NOT include the following:

• MYC or TBY classes beyond those described above
• Yoga Anatomy Workshop with Tias Little
• Required Props (mat, strap, block, neti pot, notebook, journal)
• Required Textbooks - You may purchase all required textbooks at Moksha at 10% off
• Sorry, no discounts on other teacher training programs held at MYC (Shiva Rea, Aadil Palkhivala, etc.)

Tuition Payment Options:

• Full Tuition: $3,000 if paid in full by Feb 15, 2008
• Tuition Payment Plan: $3,300
• This plan must be set up in advance, please talk with a manager to discuss the details
• $1500 due three weeks before the first training class
• Six pre-scheduled payments for $300 each ($1,800)
• A signed promissory note provided by MYC is required

Certification Disclaimer
The course syllabus/class plan/steps to certification and all other written documentation are intended to be a general guideline and a broad strategy as to the planned execution of the program. These documents are not a guarantee that all coursework, classes, or programs offered will be completed or duly scheduled and/or completed by the instructor or mentors. The certification requirements, topics, programs, classes, standards, number of hours, length of classes and deadlines are subject to change, addition, deletion, rescheduling, revision, or replacement at any time at the discretion of the teacher. By attending, completing, and/or receiving certification in this program, you will not automatically be offered a teaching position at Moksha Yoga Center, Total Body Yoga, or any other yoga center, studio, health club, or community center.

READING LIST

Asana, Pranayama, Meditation
Light on Pranayama, BKS Iyengar, Thorsons Publishing Group, 1992
Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Swami Swatmarama, any publisher/commentator


History & Philosophy
The Secret Power of Yoga by Nischala Joy Devi, Random House 2007

Teaching Skills
Teaching Yoga, Donna Farhi, Rodmell Press 2006


Ayurveda
A Life of Balance, Maya Tiwari, Healing Arts Press, 1994
Yoga and Ayurveda, Dr. David Frawley, Lotus Press, 1999
Prakriti: Your Ayuredic Constitution (2nd Edition), Dr. Robert Svoboda, Lotus Press, 1988