Cultivate a way of ‘being’.

While meditation encompasses various techniques, its essence lies beyond mere technique. At its core, meditation teaches ‘letting-go’ and cultivates  a way of being. It is a way to connect with the centre of our being, where we gain perspective, balance and renewal.

There are numerous methods of meditation just as there are different types and aims of meditation. Some seek liberation, others self-awareness, and others relief from stress. The path of meditation offers all of these and more.    

This meditation course is designed to support you on your path. It offers a comprehensive and integrated  approach that will not only guide you in establishing a personal meditation practice but also empower you to share these practices with others. Whether you are a teacher looking to help students in your classes to reduce stress, or a qualified practitioner seeking to explore meditation more profoundly to support you in your work and life, this course will provide you with the necessary skills.

The course will share accessible techniques from the classical Yoga tradition, along with other  traditions and approaches to delve into the mind, to open the heart, and point you to your true self. Rooted in teachings of wisdom and practical methods , it will provide guidance while emphasising the individual journey, a path filled with meaning, a path with heart.

Aims and Objectives.

· Promoting comprehension of Yoga and wisdom teachings on meditation to achieve holistic well-being and integration.

· Instilling a deep understanding of yogic meditation methods and their underlying principles.

· Cultivating an understanding of Yoga psychology.

· Fostering a natural unfolding of the teachings within the student.

· Awakening the heart to follow the Yoga Path.

· Building embodied confidence, through learning and practice to teach a diverse range of meditation methods.

Who is this course for?

The course is for qualified Yoga teachers and qualified practitioners (counsellors, psychotherapists etc.) who have a regular yoga practice and wish to teach methods of meditation to individuals or groups. While prior experience in meditation is not required, it is beneficial.

This course is for you if:

• You wish to deepen your understanding of meditation.

•You wish to deepen self- understanding.

•You wish to help individuals or groups on a mental, emotional, energetic, and spiritual level.

• You are looking to find a deeper sense of peace, happiness, joy and balance.

Course Structure:

All teachings will be accessible to teachers genuinely interested in enhancing their understanding of meditation and its benefits.
There will be plenty of time over the course period to practice teaching of meditation. To consolidate all, at the end of the course, you will lead a short meditation practice in class.

Professional Accreditation:
This course is accredited by The Yoga Alliance Professionals UK (40 hours of learning/CPD), students need to participate in all assigned activities and tasks to receive certification upon completion.

Recommended Reading: we will recommend a small selection of books on meditation to support your training, which we will refer to during class, and discuss as part of the online teaching.

Course Themes:

• GETTING READY - THEORY AND PRACTICE

  You will learn the necessary preparations for the journey, including right attitude, the eightfold path of Yoga, physiological aids, sitting methods, meditation mudras, creating a meditational space, self-enquiry, keeping a meditational journal, managing expectations, dealing with hindrances; all underpinned by a guided Yoga asana and meditation practices each day.

• HEARING: HEALING SOUND
  We will explore the use of  sound to prepare for  meditation, including, mantra, silence, healing sounds, and chakra resonance. We will explore the mantra OM and other mantras, and how to introduce  chanting in a non-religious context, and deep listening practice.

• BREATHING: NURTURING THE MIND
  We will  delve  into the connection  between breath and meditation, exploring how breath connects body, mind, and spirit. Topics include breathing physiology, rhythms, meditations, the mantra of the breath, and mudras for calming the mind.

• YOGA PSYCHOLOGY: LOOKING DEEPLY
  We will gain an understanding of Yoga psychology and the different levels of mind, , including waking, dreaming, and unconscious states, and the higher mind.. We will explore habitual  patterns of thinking, psychological afflictions, wrong identification, and a healthy sense of self.

• SPACIOUSNESS: THE FIELD OF AWARENESS
  Yoga teachings draw on the subtle connection between ‘Spaciousness’ and Awareness. We will learn what is meant by such concepts as ‘awareness’ and ‘the witness’ and how they are the key to detachment from troublesome thoughts and emotions.

• OPENING THE HEART: CONNECTING
  Exploring the ethical basis of meditation, how positive emotions and wholesome living improve meditation, and how compassion and loving-kindness enhance well-being through meditation, balancing the practice.

• GROWING THROUGH THE CHAKRAS
  We will gain an understanding of how the chakras relate to meditation and states of awareness; and will learn how to create a holistic practice around these centres.

• MEDITATION PRACTICES
  We will learn and teach diverse meditation techniques from various traditions including the  Yogic and Buddhist traditions. Explore practical applications in class and self-development, viewing meditation as beneficial to modern health.

• WISDOM TEACHING
  Meditation has roots in a wisdom tradition for spiritual growth. Key teachings from various sources like the Yoga Sutras and modern adaptations will be explored to understand the rationale, evolution, and relevance of meditation practices.
  You will learn meditation by understanding yourself and enhancing your clarity and being to support your self-discovery journey.

• TEACHING MEDITATION
  Throughout the course, you will practice seated meditation and mindfulness, engage in self-enquiry, and compassion, and learn to teach these skills to others confidently. The practical application of teachings will guide how you structure meditation classes, develop versatile teaching skills, and adapt techniques to various needs. Group discussions will support your learning process. This is a great service to others.