Sonoma Ashram Yoga Teacher Training
Are you ready for a truly unique experience?
Often times it takes something unfamiliar to shift our perspective, to help us wake up, connect to who we are and what we desire to become.
Transformation can occur during an extraordinary trip to a special place.
It can transpire in the company of amazing people.
It can be an astonishing process, an immersion of all things body, mind, and spirit.
It call be all three plus more.
I am inviting you to take a leap, to travel with me to an authentic ashram, immerse yourself in yoga, transform your own life, and be a part of transforming other lives.
I'm so excited to offer this one of a kind training, this one of a kind experience. I've got lots to share so let's start at the beginning.
Are you ready to come alive?
So many of us are just "getting by" every day. We wake up and go to a job that we're not passionate about where we spend one third of our day. Come home to cook, clean the house, help kids with homework, and hopefully find a little time to connect with a partner, family, and friends.
We long for the day that we will have a fulfilling job, eat foods that fuel our body efficiently, appreciate and love our body, create experiences that bring happiness, and develop relationships that nourish us on a deeper level.
Many feel the urge to wake up and live a life filled with joy, gratitude and compassion. If only they could find the time, the will power, and the practices to help them do so.
This isn't a typical 200 hour yoga teacher training. It's so much more.
Can you recall how you feel after a great yoga class at a studio? A general sense of well-being, a deep feeling of peace and joy, renewed and inspired, and a feeling of being connected to yourself and those around you.
Now imagine spending 15 days deepening your yoga practice in a rich and diverse spiritual community. Truly, what could be a better place to participate in a yoga teacher training than an ashram? You'll be surrounded by the beautiful land of Sonoma, living alongside people committed to living life with meaning and purpose, engaging in healthy routines, while exploring the art and science of yoga. Perfect? Yes, I think so!
I am inviting you along on a two week immersion of all things yoga. When I say yoga, I mean not only the postures but the full essence of yoga. You will practice, learn, and teach yoga, pranayama, and meditation. Those things are quite obvious.
But you'll do even more. During these fifteen days you will get to know yourself on a deep and intimate level. You will reaffirm who you are and what you want from life. You will leave with accessible practices that will support your body, mind and spirit back at home. You will feel nourished by the people around you and the sweet splendor of Sonoma Ashram. You will create strong, lifelong bonds with those embarking on this journey with you.
2012 Curriculum Overview:
Asana (Posture)
- Focus on Hatha & Vinyasa
- Adapting poses for individuals
- Variations of poses
- Use of yoga props
- The art of sequencing
- Physical and subtle body
History/Philosophy
- History of yoga
- Study of yoga sutras
- Major styles and schools of yoga
- The importance of seva, selfless service
- Yoga "off the mat"
- Compassionate communication in class and in life
Teaching Methodology
- Assistant and adjusting
- Effective cueing
- Multi-tasking and demonstrating
- Developing confidence
- Working with private clients
Pranayama (breathwork) and Meditation
- Use of pranayama during class
- Major meditation techniques
- The use of mantra and mudra
- Value of pranayama and meditation
- Practical practices to explore daily
The Business of Yoga
- Getting clear on your unique teaching gift
- How to begin as a yoga teacher
- Fundamentals of marketing, branding, and advertising yourself and your classes.
- Creative business planning
What is an Ashram?
An Ashram is a place of shelter from the heat of life. An Ashram is also a place in the community where living our highest ideals is encouraged with emphasis on love, kindness, tolerance, acceptance, forgiveness and maintaining our inner peace. The company of those practicing such ideals provides a nurturing environment where a person is able to find clarity and peace. Such a company is helpful in forming healthy habits, and bringing a steady practice into one's life. An Ashram provides the foundation for self-growth.
About Sonoma Ashram
The Sonoma Ashram is the one of the absolute sweetest places I've ever encountered. Words truly fail to convey the magnificence of this gem that sits in Sonoma. The environment is perfect for leaving behind the outer world and reconnecting to the inner world.
Everything about the Ashram supports students in connecting with and attaining their fullest potential, both spiritually and worldly. Such a place is needed to unwind and unplug from the daily to-dos in order to immerse oneself in what it means to be not only a yoga teacher, but to live a healthy and harmonious yogic lifestyle.
You'll enjoy comfortable rest in the simple rooms. You'll practice and learn yoga in a temple. You'll enjoy healthy, delicious, vegetarian meals that mostly come from the garden onsite and prepared with love. Best of all, you'll be in the company of Harihar Ramji (affectionately referred to as Babaji) the Indian Guru who resides at Sonoma Ashram. When Babaji asked his guru what should be the focus of his Ashram in the West, he said, "In India, we have many leprosy hospitals, schools and medical clinics for the poor. But the leprosy of the West is restlessness, and it is very contagious. Here in the West, you should establish centers of peace and stillness where people can come and experience the Divine residing within in the form of peace." The Sonoma Ashram is such a place.
Learn more about Sonoma Ashram at www.SonomaAshram.org
 I took these photos on my last trip to Sonama Ashram |
Now that you know more about the program and the location, is this you?
I believe that there is a "right" program for each of you interested in teaching yoga. Meaning that what we have to teach will be right for some, but not for all. Take a look at the following values and see if they fit you. Fitting doesn't have to mean that you've perfected it, but it does mean that you are interested and open to it.
Personal growth. You have the desire to continue to grow, discover, and apply what you learn. I'm not so much concerned if you are a "yoga master". Perfection of the poses does not lead to enlightenment or perfection in teaching. You should be knowledgeable about the basic yoga poses as I find it's just way too much to start from scratch AND expect to learn how to teach.
Connection. You see yourself as a part of a greater good. You trust, believe, or at least suspect that we are all interwoven in some way even if you're not exactly sure how.
Contribution. You sense the power that lies within the practice, philosophy, and psychology of yoga. You have a desire to make a difference in the lives of others by sharing yoga. I firmly believe that having more yoga teachers out in the world will lead to a happier and healthier planet.
Compassion. Embarking on the path of becoming a yoga teacher is a process. There will be intense, emotional, and challenging times. Our training days will be greatly fulfilling and demanding at times. Compassion for yourself (and those training alongside you) will be needed.
Frequently Asked (and thought) Questions
This is the place where I try to answer some of the questions running through your mind. I understand that embarking on the path of becoming a yoga teacher is a big decision. You are committing to leaving your home for two weeks; spend money, time, and energy with people you've never met before. I get a little panicky whenever I commit to things like this, so I'm assuming there is a little apprehension on your part.
Let me give you a few more details and hopefully reassure you:
What will a day of yoga teacher training in Sonoma look like?
For our training, we will have a group of asanas (poses) in which we focus on each day. Breaking the poses down in this way really helps in the learning process. Here is a sample of a day focusing on standing poses:
| 7:15- 9:00 | Yoga & Meditation |
| 9:00 – 9:30 | Breakfast |
| 9:30 – 12:30 | Posture Lab & Practice Teaching: Observing, cueing, assisting and practice teaching standing poses. |
| 12:30 – 2:30 | Lunch & Personal Time |
| 2:00 – 3:00 | The Art of Sequencing |
| 3:00 – 4:00 | Subtle Anatomy |
| 4:00 – 5:00 | Yoga Philosophy |
| 5:00 - 6:00 | Yoga |
| 6:00 – 7:00 | Dedicated time for seva (service) |
| 7:00 – 8:30 | Dinner and time with Babaji |
Of course we'll have some breaks throughout the day and there will be some flexibility with the schedule. Hopefully this gives you a general idea.
How proficient in yoga do I have to be to participate in the program?
I am more interested in your desire in wanting to learn something new than I am in seeing a perfected headstand. An advanced yogi is not one that can master all the complex poses, but bring to their mat a sense of curiosity, joy, compassion, and a willingness to learn and grow.
However, you should know that the training process is quite vigorous. Our training days will span 12 hours over the day. This will not be 12 hours of asana. That would be so mean!
How many participants do you accept into the training?
I am only accepting 12 students. It's important that each student gets the amount of time and attention needed for something as important as yoga teacher training.
What is the typical age?
Students have ranged in age from 18-64 years of age.
What if I get there and don't like anyone?
This is a legitimate question. I think most of us will agree that yogis are most often pretty cool people. Most yogis come to retreats and trainings with open hearts and open minds. I've participated in and led a number of trainings and while I might always have a little fear, I find that I get along great with the other participants and we end up having so much in common. In fact, I've met some of my greatest friends in yoga trainings.
To help ease into the training we'll have a few group phone calls and be hanging out online. So when you do meet in person, you'll already feel like you know everyone. It will feel more like a reunion!
Training for two weeks and for twelve hour days, that sounds intense….maybe a little too intense for me.
Trainings of any sort can be fairly intense. And exhausting. I've taken this into consideration as I've planned for our two weeks. Each day of the training there will be free time every day in which you can nap, take a walk and witness the beauty around you, or simply sit alone and replenish yourself in the many sweet spots onsite (including a small magical meditation room overlooking a lotus pond).
Throughout our training there will also be periods of time in which we do some creative work that you can find your own space to ponder, plan, brainstorm, and write. There will be many soothing soulful places for you to choose from. These places will replenish your mind, body, and spirit daily.
Is there any work outside of the training that I will have to do?
Before we gather in Sonoma there will be some reading and writing assignments as well as required yoga classes taken with a registered yoga teacher. These hours are included towards your 200 hours of training.
What do I bring?
Before our training, I'll send you a detailed packing list of the things you'll want to bring to Sonoma.
How do I get to Sonoma?
Sonoma is only about an hour north of San Francisco. Here are directions to Sonoma Ashram: http://www.sonomaashram.org/contact_us_driving_directions.php Of course I'll be available to help you arrange getting to Sonoma.
Will I be qualified to teach yoga once I am finished with the training?
Yes! With 100% attendance and the successful completion of the program you will be ready to teach and share the joys of yoga. This program is a thorough, professional training for becoming a yoga teacher.
What you get when you sign up for the training:
Prior to the training:
- Half a day of calls to meet other participants, ask questions, and get basic information to get started on the path of a teacher.
- Exclusive access to online forum and resource center
- All the details you need for a comfortable trip to Sonoma
- PDF with details on how to physically and mentally prepare for the training
- Online access to training manual
- Comfortable accommodations (single and double, first come first served basis so register early)
- Three healthy, fresh, and delicious vegetarian meals daily
- Daily yoga, pranayama, and asana practice
- Training sessions to prepare you for teaching yoga
- Private meetings with Sharon to discuss challenges/concerns
- Graduation ceremony
- Certificate of completion
- One private 60 minute call with Sharon for specific feedback and guidance on your teaching
- One 60 minute group call
- Access to online forum after the training (you can continue to support each other after you leave the training and begin teaching)
Costs & Payment Plans
Do you want to be at this yoga teacher training but aren't sure how you can financially swing it?
Perhaps a payment plan would help? It's made the difference to me in being able to participate in programs myself, so I wanted to make this an option.
Students who sign up for the training can elect to pay in full or make four monthly payments.
| BEFORE JULY 15, 2012 | AFTER JULY 16, 2012 |
| $3,500 | $3,800 |
| PAY $500 DEPOSIT HERE | |
Ready to embark on a life changing journey? Great! Here's how it works…..
Step 1: Pay a $500 deposit.
Step 2: I'll send you to an application.
Don't worry; I just want to make sure that together we'll be a good fit. We'll be making a commitment and spending a lot of time together. It will be wise for both of us to make sure we'll work well together.
Step 3: I'll schedule a 10-20 minute phone call to follow up with the application.
You can ask me some questions. I can ask you some questions. It will be helpful for me to get to know you, learn a little about your expectations, and the direction you'd like to go with your yoga career. If for some reason it turns out that we're not a good fit, I'll happily refund your $500 deposit. Since we're only accepting eight people for this training, we want to be sure that it's the right eight people.
Step 4: Payment
You can pay the tuition in full, or split it into four monthly automatic payments. The first payment will be due one month after your deposit is paid. If you have questions, let me know.
Step 5: The fun stuff!
This is where I send you all the information that you need and together we start getting ready for training!
Summary
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Cancellations? What if the unthinkable happens and you have to cancel?
- If you cancel one month prior and we have can fill your spot we'll refund everything minus the deposit.
- If you cancel less than one month and we can fill your spot we'll refund half of your money.
- If you cancel less than one month and we can't fill your spot we can't make any refunds.
I want to be as fair as I possibly can while honoring my own commitments as well as those to other teachers, students, and the commitment I have with Sonoma Ashram.
I'm looking forward to sharing this transformative experience with you. If you have any questions, call me at 859.433.7787 or email barefootworks@hotmail.com.
Namaste,
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More about your guide for yoga teacher training: I was among the first in my Appalachian family to go to college. Receiving my MS is to this day one of my proudest accomplishments. However I soon discovered it was not my path to work a nine to five job for someone else. I knew that my path must be one I forged myself. And I haven’t looked back. A strong desire to live a creative and authentic life and a deep love of yoga was the inspiration for Barefoot Works Yoga, which was established in 2004 and the opening of the studio came in 2006. I teach group classes at Barefoot Works, lead workshops and retreats, and direct our 200 hour yoga teacher training. All of which occur locally and internationally in amazing locations. Seriously, I am forever amazed that I get to make a living doing what I love and am passionate about. I nearly pinch myself daily. Away from the yoga mat and studio you can find me cooking delicious vegetarian food, writing on my blog, reading non-fiction, walking in the cemetery by my home, sipping coffee, dreaming of upcoming travels and dancing wildly everywhere from Big Sur, to Tulum, to the entry foyer of my 100 year old home. |
Hi. I’m Sharon, the really happy owner of Barefoot Works Yoga. I educate and inspire people to live their very best life. Yoga, Life Coaching, and Ayurveda (a fancy word for the art and science of self care) are the tools that I use for transforming body, mind, and heart. 
