SOMA

-We go deep! Our comprehensive 9-month, 300-hr model goes beyond the surface into topics that most other programs don't. Our longer format allows a more sustainable pace and integration of the material, compared to shorter programs. -We connect! We foster an intimate learning environment with continuous mentorship that inspires learnings and relationships that last beyond program completion. -Our predominantly South Asian faculty weaves cultural integrity and commitment to the historical and present day contexts of yoga. We support our students to hold the complexity of what it means to practice and teach with integrity to yoga’s roots. -You will learn a very advance skill of teaching: guiding true beginners, adapting practices to differing needs, through a trauma healing, decolonized lens.

This is a hybrid program. We’ve intentionally selected which sections will be in person and which will be online according to the content. This allows for both hands on, experiential learning and flexibility. If you live far away then you can participate virtually for all sections except for the monthly, 3-day long immersions, which must be taken in-person. Ideally you'd also join in-person for the Practice and Integration Fridays that follow the immersion weekends and the extra Saturdays, coded in purple on the calendar. All other sections can be livestreamed so that you can participate through Zoom. Please reach out if time zones don't line up or if you can make most but not all immersion weekends and we can see if it's possible to put together an alternative learning plan. Check out the schedule here to see if you can make the immersion weekends in-person (they are highlighted in pink) .

It has become convention based on Yoga Alliance standards (see more about that below) for yoga programs to start at 200 hours and then to follow up with a 300 hour program. However, with decades of experience in teacher training programs, we believe that 200 hours is not enough to go beyond the surface. Yoga’s transformative and liberatory potential requires deep and engaged study to actualize and truly be in integrity these practices. We believe that 300 hours offers the space needed to truly transform and are thrilled to spend this consistent, dedicated time with our students! Our program offers 300 hours of learning with the vast majority dedicated to contact hours with faculty plus lots of opportunities for self-directed study and practical application. There's something for every kind of learner. Our program is appropriate for those who've never taken a training and for those who've already trained. We've accepted both types of students, and folks with both types of experience have benefited greatly from the content. See more in the next FAQ...

This program goes beyond the level of foundational yoga teacher trainings and has a unique perspective. We focus on adaptive practices, trauma healing, critical engagement with power dynamics and social justice, and a deep, consistent engagement with yoga philosophy. Ditch the scripts and memorized class sequences. Learn how to critically engage, ask questions, develop your unique voice, and engage with authenticity, vulnerability, and bravery. We've had students with previous training who have greatly benefited from SOMA School. We are happy to connect you with graduates who had previous training experience before joining us so you can hear from them about how this training deepened their teaching skill and understanding of yoga. If you aren't sure if this is the right next step, then let's chat! Reach Zeyah, co-director and core faculty, at zeyah@thebymc.com

Back in 2016, former owner and BYMC founder, Lisa Mae Osborne, made the decision to divest from the Yoga Alliance (YA) after a decade of being registered with them. We align with her decision and this is why: YA was created primarily by white people in the West who are self appointed leaders at YA and claim to be authorities in yoga. Historically, the standards they’ve set for yoga teacher trainings have clearly aligned with a cherry-picked and white-washed version of yoga. YA then uses these faulty standards to make money off of teachers and schools by suggesting that they are not qualified unless they pay for a YA certification. Disgustingly, this includes South Asian teachers and schools in South Asia. This is an example of neocolonialsm, capitalism, and metaregulation at work. ​ After much critique and divestment by many yoga schools and yoga teachers, YA has displayed an effort to critically examine their practices and have worked with some high integrity people through the process. While things seem to be improving in some regards, many of the underlying issues are not resolved. Until we feel that involving ourselves with YA is ethical, we will continue to work outside of their system, while providing education that not only meets, but surpasses their standards. We can provide a breakdown of program hours and curriculum topics in case that's needed for hiring or applying for further education after our program.

Many yoga studios in the West want to know that you have a 200-hour teacher training certificate, which you will - actually, it will be a 300 hour certificate, once you complete our program. However, you will not be a Yoga Alliance certified teacher. We are happy to provide information about how our program meets Yoga Alliance standards if you attempt to work at a studio that requests YA certification. Know that there are plenty of ways to share these practices with your communities: one-on-one private lessons, at your place of work, in schools, at organizations, businesses, and other establishments, and in studios and yoga centers - without a YA certification. Having a YA certification has no bearing on the legality of your ability to teach or your ability to get liability insurance, for example, or anything else.

Yes! To earn a certificate, you must meet the attendance requirements, demonstrate competence in the material through homework assignments and complete final projects and practicum. The program must be paid in full. This certificate will state that you've completed our 300 hour yoga school and teacher training and are prepared to guide foundational yoga classes according to our standards.

You're encourage you to apply if: • You’ve been practicing yoga cumulatively for at least one year OR have a weekly practice for 6+ months. Practice can be asana, meditation, and/or pranayama. ​​​​​​ • You're enthusiastic about engaging with critical race theory and examining dynamics of power and oppression.  • You have a network for logistical, physical, and emotional support during this intensive course of study. ​ • You have a genuine wish to deepen your understanding and practice of yoga.​​​​​ No previous yoga teacher training is required, however, those who've already had training are welcome! Reach out (mailto:zeyah@thebymc.com?subject=Is%20this%20training%20right%20for%20me%3F)to see if this training is right for you. ​​​ You have thoroughly reviewed the program information here on our website, including the entire FAQ (https://www.thebymc.com/teacher-training)section. ​ You can commit to the program: • Attend all scheduled sessions (if you know you have to miss certain sessions, please include the specific dates in your application) • Dedicate time outside of sessions for review and reflection (about 3 - 5 hours of study / week) • Take a weekly yoga class at The BYMC

You are expected to attend the entire training. If you know you will be unable to attend any of the scheduled classes,(https://thebymc.com/teacher-training#schedule) please indicate that on your application so we can determine if you are still eligible for the program. Our attendance policy allows for limited absences due to emergency or illness. Some content can be made up through paid one-on-one tutoring with our faculty, but we cannot guarantee this.

Highlights of our 300-hr curriculum include: • Yoga Philosophy & History • Yoga for Trauma Healing • Experiential Anatomy • Sanskrit Studies • Pranayama • Meditation • Asana Practice and Alignment • Teaching Methodology for Beginner Students • How to Design a Class • Creative Use of Props • Yamas and Niyamas - Ethical Precepts of yoga • Subtle Body: Chakras, Bhandas, Nadis, Prana, and more • Decolonizing Yoga • Introduction to Restorative Yoga • Introduction to Yoga for Bigger Bodies • Introduction to Prenatal Yoga • Rehab Science • Daily Ritual and Practice​ Here's a little more detail: TRAUMA HEALING Dedicated space for collective meditation, access to yoga asana classes at the studio, and pranayama practices support your capacity to develop a consistent personal practice, in community. This is a place to explore, experiment, and practice practice practice, so that you can carry what you learn long into the future. YOGA PHILOSOPHY Yoga philosophies have been developed over millennia and offer wisdom for practical, modern-day living. These philosophies embrace the vast diversity of lived experiences and support your own personal and spiritual growth. The ethical insights and spiritual guidance provide pathways for personal and collective care, transformation, and liberation. EXPERIENTIAL ANATOMY Anatomy comes alive through all the senses as we use visuals, movement, touch, and discussion to explore the world underneath our skin. We'll draw from various wisdom streams, including exercise science, yoga, and bodywork. From this comprehensive foundation, learn to craft thoughtful classes to support health and wellbeing. TEACHING METHODOLOGY Learn to share these practices with others from a heart-centered, grounded, and skillful place. We'll cover how to structure anatomically-informed classes, adapt practices to the varying needs of students, and use props skillfully. You'll focus on how to teach true beginners so you can increase access to this vital practice. YOGA ENERGETICS Go beyond the gross anatomy of the body to connect with the subtle body - the yogic map of how body, spirit, and mind are organized. Learn about prana - vital life energy - nadis and chakras - how that energy flows - and yoga practices of pranayama and bandhas to support a healthy and well balance life. ACCESSIBILITY AND ALIGNMENT Learn details about how to practice yoga postures - Asanas - in a way that is accessible and meet the needs of the individual. We use props to help feel alignment and support people so they can breathe more fully and enjoy a long and nourishing path of praciticing yoga. DECOLONIZING YOGA Yoga can be an antidote for the ways that systems of power play out in our bodies and minds. In this training, we'll invite you to go deep and consider how cultural appropriation, colonialism, white supremacy, and other forms of oppression show up in ourselves and these practices. We will dive into Yoga History, Cultural Appropriation and Orientalism, and other present day power dynamics in yoga including Hindu Nationalism, Caste, Colonialism, and White Supremacy. This depth supports you to access and share the potency of these practices. PERSONAL PRACTICE Dedicated space for collective meditation, access to yoga asana classes at the studio, and pranayama practices support your capacity to develop a consistent personal practice, in community. This is a place to explore, experiment, and practice practice practice, so that you can carry what you learn long into the future.

Yes! This program will enrich your personal practice and offer healing and learning that isn’t possible in drop-in yoga classes. While there is a large component of the program dedicated to honing teaching skills, we believe that this ultimately deepens one’s own personal practice - a true measure of understanding anything is your ability to teach it

Our application is lengthy so carve out time to sink in with it. It's meant to get your wheels turning as many of the questions hold the spirit of what you'll be learning in the program. While we want in depth answers so we can get a sense of you, we also don't want you to get too hung up on it. So, if you notice you're getting caught up on the writing, take a deep breath, and remind yourself you don't have to know everything and you can keep it simple. Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis. Our first priority application deadline is June 1st, however, you can apply sooner than that. Space is limited in the program and we consistently fill up, so the earlier you apply, the better. Once you submit your application and it has been reviewed, we will reach out for an interview if we think you have potential for being admitted to the program. Expect to hear from us within 1 - 2 weeks of submitting your application. The interview is a time to ask your questions and for us to get to know you better. After the interview we will get back to you within 1-2 weeks with your acceptance status. If you're accepted, your spot in the program will be held once you submit your signed contract and non-refundable $700 deposit. Note, the deposit comes out of your tuition - it is NOT an additional charge. At some point, if you haven't already, please take a class from Zeyah or Tara, who are the co-directors of the program. That way you'll get a sense of them and their teaching and make sure they are people you'd want to learn from. You can attend one of our weekly yoga classes (schedulebliss.com/bymc)(in-person or on Zoom) or purchase one of our classes on our on-demand library.(https://the-bhaktishop-yoga-center-online.thinkific.com/)

Much of our teaching team identifies with one or more of these identities and we each have the personal experience of asking this question to ourselves and the programs we’ve been a part of. It is important to us to shape the program content and culture in a way that acknowledges power dynamics. That said, we know that in any group dynamic, harm will likely occur. We will pay special attention to harm and repair within our group and will also provide optional affinity space for students from BIPOC communities, held by TAs who hold these identities.

It's an all too common tendency to appropriate soundbites from yoga philosophy in order to ignore and collude with systemic oppression. This is called spiritual bypassing... in other words, using spirituality to evade engaging with real world problems and power dynamics. On a related point, spiritual bypassing is also used to evade our own personal struggles, needs and boundaries. Yoga at its very core is about liberation, so we embrace it full heartedly as an invitation and a resource to engage with the personal and collective conditions that cause suffering and to resist and dismantle systems of supremacy.

Not compared to many of the trainings out there. We value slowing down and practicing mindful movement with lots of adaptations and use of props. With that said, this immersive program will require you to practice a lot and it will be physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging. By the nature of the program you will learn what a sustainable daily practice looks like for you and learn from your fellow trainees about how that might look differently for others. If you have specific access requests or needs, please reach out! zeyah@thebymc.com

Our center is ADA accessible with bathrooms and doorways large enough to accommodate most wheelchairs. Please reach out for more information about specific dimensions. Our space has high ceilings and sound can be echoey. We use mics for amplification. A portion of the classes will be online, so this is something to consider if you are sensitive to screens. We can turn on live captioning during Zoom meetings for anyone who needs it. We ask that our indoor physical practice spaces remain fragrance free. As for accessibility with learning, we allow many of our review and reflection prompts to be submitted in writing or voice note. In some cases, an art project instead of written words can suffice as well. If you have any specific access requests, please let us know as soon as possible so we can try to accommodate.

We ask that folks not come to class when sick and/or when testing positive for Covid-19. We encourage folks to mask at any time they wish, however this is not required. We will monitor the public health situation and monitor local public health guidelines.

Thank you for this generous interest and desire to support! You can help create meaningful shifts by redistributing wealth so more people can contribute to the sharing of yoga. If you are a student of the program, you can opt to to pay an Amplifier Rate, which can be any amount above the regular tuition. This increases the number of Collective Care spots we're able to offer, which are spots dedicated to Black and brown folks who couldn't otherwise access the training. Our supporters are vital to the ecosystem of our training - by choosing this option you are multiplying access to yoga by supporting folks to bring these practices into their communities - thank you! For community members not interested in taking the program, please make your donations here.(https://www.thebymc.com/community-practice-fund) Reach out if you have any questions or have issues with this donation link!