Level 2: Yin Yoga & Taoism
Now enrolling for Fall 2022
Registration for Fall 2022 has closed.
Ancient Wisdom for Contemporary Practice
Taoist metaphysics and the Chinese Meridian System are the keystones of Yin Yoga, which is especially effective for nourishing and invigorating life force energy, called Qi. Sometimes referred to as “the spark in the machine,” Qi animates the body while also providing the material basis for the body itself. Optimal Qi flow is essential for wellbeing and vitality.
Qi circulates through channels called meridians, which some researchers believe are housed within the body's ubiquitous connective tissue. As with acupuncture and acupressure, you can manipulate Qi-flow with the floor-based Yin Yoga postures. Through this gentle form of “exercise,” you can balance the energy system and improve your sense of vitality and wellness.
In this live online course, you’ll learn how to use the insights and wisdom of Taoism and the Chinese Meridian System to assess your current physical, energetic, emotional, and mental wellbeing and design Yin Yoga practices that address your unique needs. Teachers will also learn how to apply these theories to design transformational Yin Yoga classes.
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Learning Objectives
Taoism and Chinese Medicine can, at times, seem really complicated. The truth is that not everything is applicable to lay people or within the scope of practice of yoga teachers.
While this course is comprehensive, we'll focus just on the aspects of these teachings that are applicable and practical for yoga teachers and practitioners alike*.
History & Philosophy of Taoism - Learn about the history, core beliefs, and practices that promote wellbeing and longevity.
Yin & Yang Metaphysics - Develop a sophisticated understanding of how the interplay between Yin & Yang energies permeate all aspect of life and how to assess your own harmonies and imbalances.
The Three Treasures: Jing, Qi, & Shen - A human life is comprised of these essential ingredients. Learn about the ways in which our lifestyle serves to enhance or deplete them. We'll also explore the ways in which a yoga practice can support them.
Chinese Meridian Theory & Practical Application for Yin Yoga - Learn the functions of the internal organs through the Chinese Medicine lens, the location of the meridians that circulate Qi, and develop an understanding of how Yin Yoga can support better organ function.
Qi Cultivation - Learn Taoist visualization and breathing practices that nourish and enhance the energy body. You'll also learn when and how to incorporate them into Yin Yoga classes.
Design Personalized Practices Through Self-Assessment - Learn techniques to assess your own or a client's needs to design highly personalized practices.
Create Yin Yoga Class Plans That Harmonize the Energy Body - Learn a variety of ways to put theory into practice and design thoughtful experiences for your students.
Five Element Theory & Application - How to apply seasonal and elemental considerations to your personal practice and teaching.
*This course is open to any Yin Yoga teacher that has already studied Yin Yoga asana with Jennifer O'Sullivan or another qualified teacher. Practitioners, it's highly recommended that you have a strong familiarity with Yin Yoga postures before registering for this program. This course does not cover how to do specific poses, but rather focuses on how to put them together for enriching practice experiences.
"This class really helped me understand the connections between the theory of Taoism, the manifestation and functions of Qi, Five-Element Theory, and Yin Yoga. I started to use some of the concepts in my own practice and have started to gain a deeper understanding of my own energy in asana. Rather than just doing a routine practice, I now ask myself what by body, my emotions, and how environmental factors can be addressed each time I take to the mat. "
- Susan R., Yoga Practitioner
"Another illuminating course from Jen! Her Taoism and Yin course covered history and philosophical foundations of Yin Yoga as well as practical ways of incorporating these principles in teaching Yin classes. My teaching is definitely enriched by this course. "
- Patricia J. Yoga Teacher
"Super interesting course. I wanted to go more in-depth with my Yin Training and succeeded. Really good info on how you could integrate Chinese Medicine into your Yin practice. "
- Carla P., Yoga Teacher
Your Investment Includes...
Jennifer brings a compassionate approach and talent for making complicated material accessible and interesting. You'll get lifetime access to the following:
-
50 hours continuing education credits with Yoga Alliance US
- 39 contact hours via Zoom
- 11 non-contact hours (readings, quizzes, and homework assignments)
- Printed manual
- Private, virtual community to post questions and reflections and to stay in touch with classmates
- Access to Jennifer's weekly virtual Yin Yoga class on Mondays evenings for duration of course ($60 value)
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Office hours with Jennifer via Zoom
- Lifetime access to course recordings
Dates
Level 2: Yin Yoga & Taoism has been carefully designed to highlight the advantages of online learning while minimizing the shortcomings. You'll find that the program will feel spacious and your virtual experience will be humane.
The live, synchronous portion of the course is comprised of 3, non-consecutive weekend modules.
Weekend 1: Sep 9 - 11, 2022
Weekend 2: Sep 30 - Oct 2, 2022
Weekend 3: Oct 21 - 23, 2022
Times
Each weekend follows the same schedule. All times below are listed in EDT (NYC/DC). Time Zone Converter
Fridays: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Saturdays: 9:00 AM - 3:00* PM
Sundays: 9:00 AM - 3:00* PM
*Includes 30-minute lunch break and additional breaks throughout the day.
Participants are also encouraged to join several weekly opportunities free of charge through the duration of the course including:
Monday Yin Yoga: 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Office Hours: TBA
(Enrollment is limited to ensure a more personalized experience.)
"I have been teaching Yin Yoga for three years now and felt that I needed to go to the next level in terms of my understanding. Jen's course provided me with just what I was looking for. She presented a sometimes confusing subject in a comprehensive and clear way. The lectures were informative and really interesting. Jen clearly loves her subject and is a very generous teacher. I would highly recommend this course. "
- Yvonne P., Yoga Teacher
"I thoroughly enjoyed this course and learned so much from all the webinars, written material and resources. Jennifer's vast knowledge of Yin Yoga and Taoism is exceptional. She is a patient and responsive teacher who has truly immersed herself into these subjects. "
- Joanna A., Yoga Teacher
Your Instructor
Jennifer O'Sullivan has been teaching yoga and meditation in the Washington, DC area for over 18 years after completing her first training in 2004. She has studied with exemplary yoga teachers from a number of disciplines but is most influenced by Don and Amba Stapleton of Nosara Yoga Institute and Sarah Powers. Jennifer is one of only 22 teachers to be endorsed by Sarah Powers to teach Insight Yoga, a heart-centered approach that weaves together yin and yang Yoga, Taoism, Buddhism and spiritual psychology.
Jennifer has completed nearly 1000 hours of Yin Yoga, biomechanics, and fascia physiology training and education with some of the most renowned teachers including Sarah Powers, Paul Grilley, Biff Mithoefer, Tom Meyers, and Jules Mitchell.
She is also greatly inspired by the mindfulness teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh and Bhante Gunaratana with whom she has sat several retreats. Jennifer received the Five Mindfulness Trainings (precepts) and her spiritual name from Thich Nhat Hanh. She continues her Buddhist studies through various centers across the US.
With more than a decade of experience offering innovative in-person and online yoga programs, Jennifer sees herself a force-multiplier, educating yoga teachers around the world to share depth practices that truly transform lives.
Payments
Space is limited to ensure a personalized experience for all who attend. Register early to secure your spot. To allow time to mail printed manuals, registration will closes two weeks before the first program session on August 28.
Sliding Scale Pricing: Recognizing that the cost of accessing yoga trainings was always inaccessible to many folks and that the global pandemic continues to diminish many teachers' livelihood, I’m now offering tiered pricing to help create better access to those with financial hardships.
There are now three options. True Price reflects the actual cost of delivering the program. Supported is for those who face financial constraints. More spots become available as enrollments grow. Pay-It-Forward is for anyone who'd like to help me offer more discounted and scholarship spots in this and future programs.
If you don't see the Supported option available, it means that all the spots have been taken. However, more spots may open up. Get in touch to be notified if/when more spots are available.
For more information on sliding scale pricing and how to know where you land on the scale, please refer to Alexis J. Cunningfolk to whom I owe a debt of gratitude for their nuanced perspective and sample language.
Pay In Full: To register in full, click the "Enroll" button to sign up and pay online using all major credit cards plus Pay Pal and Apple Pay.
Payment Plan: You can secure your spot in the course by putting down a non-refundable deposit of 30% based on any of the price tiers. Payment must be paid in full two weeks before the course starts. Get in touch to discuss this option. I have to send you to a special link to start a payment plan.
BIPOC Scholarships: There are a limited number of partial scholarships (70% tuition reduction) available to BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color) teachers. More spots become available as enrollments grow. There is no longer an application process to access this, but Scholarship recipients will need to pay their portion in full to secure a spot on the program. Choose BIPOC Scholarship when registering to receive the reduction. If you don't see this option, it means that all the spots have been taken. However, more spots may open up. Get in touch to be notified if/when more spots are available.
Tax
Persons in the UK and EU may be subject to VAT which will appear during the checkout process. Persons residing in some US states will be charged sales tax per state legislation.
Refunds
Refunds are offered according to the following schedule:
- No Refunds after August 28, 2022
- Aug 13 - 27, 30% refund
- August 13 - 26, 50% refund.
- Before August 13, 75% refund.
This course is closed for enrollment.
"Jen's passion and knowledge is extremely motivating and heartfelt!"
- Stacy J., Yoga Teacher