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  Sacred Heart Yoga

Sacred Heart Yoga

200HR YOGA FOUNDATIONS AND TEACHER TRAINING IMMERSION
 WITH GREG KAPS
​
January 2 - January 29, 2019
The Yoga Barn, Ubud, Bali

Register for the 2019 Training!



Take part in a heart-centered and transformative month long process of self inquiry, self development and self discipline;
​diving deep into your personal yoga practice and learning​ the foundational elements of
​living and teaching the ancient system of yoga.
The Practice
The Attitude
The Teachings
The Art of Teaching
The Heart

About the Training​

​The Sacred Heart Yoga: Yoga Foundations and Teacher Training Immersion is a transformative month-long course designed to establish a thorough foundation in all the essential elements of living and teaching the ancient system of yoga. 
 
The underlying theme of the training will be to connect with the heart and rediscover the sacredness within ourselves, each other, and the world.

It is almost impossible to sum up the breadth of wisdom and experience that one acquires in a one month yoga training; not only pouring from the teachers and the eternal well of yoga teachings themselves, but from the innate wisdom held in each participant and from the organic unfolding of group wisdom as well. 
 
This is a brief attempt to highlight the main points, themes and feeling of the Sacred Heart Yoga training. Please take time to read, consider and reflect. We understand that choosing a training is a big decision, and we encourage each person to find the training that is right for them.
 
“I offer whatever I can, in the hopes that it may serve you on your path. Hari Om” ~ Greg

The Practice

“Our Sadhana (practice) is the source of our liberation; the training ground for the arena of life”
 
A considerable portion of the training is dedicated to the understanding and development of our daily personal yoga practice; our Sadhana. Practice is the source of direct experience (living wisdom) and the foundation for lasting positive transformation; therefore it is the main focus of our training.
 
We will build a solid foundation in: Asana (traditional yoga postures), Kriya (physical and energetic purification techniques), Pranayama (breathing techniques), Mantra (sacred sound recitation), Meditation, and Kirtan (Sacred, heart-opening, group chanting).
 
All these techniques work together in a systematic way to bring overall health, harmony and happiness to mind, body and spirit.
 
With continuous and dedicated practice we receive the initial physical and mental benefits of yoga. Once the benefits are experienced, faith and confidence in ourselves and the practice becomes established. This confidence and faith serves as the inspiration for life long continuous practice, which allows the yoga to integrate over time, into subtler and subtler levels of our being. In time there is no separation between the yoga on our mat, and the yoga of life, between the philosophies and the actions…..it is all yoga; one integrated, harmonious life.

A strong foundation is the root system which allows the great tree of yoga and its fruits to grow over time.

The daily morning practice will consist of:
  • 30 - 45 minutes of Kriya, Mantra, and Pranayama
  • 1.5 hours of Asana 
  • 45 - 60 minutes of Kirtan and Meditation 
  • Total of 3 hours daily Purna (complete) Sadhana 
 
Note: Students will be given the opportunity to participate in purification Kriya (Neti, Trataka) during the course. These are not mandatory, but highly recommended as a supportive method of physical/psychological detoxification.
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The Attitude​

Accompanying the development of our experience on the mat will be the deepening and integration of our knowledge of yoga philosophy and ethics, with the study of essential sacred texts, philosophical discussions and practicing mindful compassionate conduct.

Our thoughts are the seeds of all of our actions. Our yoga practice has the potential to be the grounds for conscious positive shifts in our mental/emotional patterns. We practice being compassionate and lighthearted with ourselves when we fall out of a pose, feel discomfort in our bodies, or when we catch ourselves engaged in negative internal dialogue; over time that compassion spreads to all aspects of our lives.
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My revered heart teacher, Yogrishi Vishvketu
At least for the duration of the course, we ask that students follow the principles of Ahimsa (non-violence). This will be expressed in non-violent (non-judgemental, non-competitive, non-aggressive) conduct towards ourselves and one another, being mindful about not consuming violent/aggressive media, and the recommended observation of a vegetarian diet. This creates a peaceful, supportive and safe atmosphere, both physically and mentally, which is conducive to real growth on our path. 
 
The overall goal is to cultivate a lasting attitude of peacefulness, compassion, gratitude and humility on our mat, and hopefully extending that attitude into life.

The Teachings​

It is important to us that we preserve the authentic teachings of Yoga. We have seen the pitfalls of what can happen when systems are mixed ("Shamanic Yoga and Tai Chi Fusion with Massage & Eastern Medicine Training" for example). Students can become confused, never getting firmly established in any system. “Many shallow wells dug, but never reaching water.”
 
For this training we will focus on the teachings and philosophies of the classical Indian Yoga system; providing a balanced foundation in the six branches of yoga, with Hatha Yoga as a base. For the duration of this training we ask that students allow themselves to fully immerse in this holistic and complete system, and create a very strong foundation free from external influences. This way you can be sure that the result of the training is from yoga and yoga alone. It will build great clarity and confidence in your yoga practice in its authentic form. You can pursue other teachings, mix, evolve and create any way you like in the future, but for the rest of your life you will have this solid foundation in authentic yoga.

The Art of Teaching

Refining the art of teaching yoga takes time and practice, and the best teachers are also the best students. We can't guide others through an experience we haven't been through ourselves; the most authentic teachers teach from their own direct experience. The real core of your teaching will be the direct experience you accumulate on your mat over time, going through your own inner process, and overcoming your own limitations. This experience will allow you to really put your own voice and perspective into whatever you are teaching, because it has meaning for you.
 
Our goal is to help you learn, refine and practice the techniques and skills required in transmitting authentic yoga teachings, clearly, effectively, and humbly, through your own unique personality.
 
You will build a strong foundation in: Sequencing, Voice training, Physical and Energetic anatomy, Time management, Safe alignment and posture variations, Adjusting, Developing compassion for your students, Teacher-Student ethics, Transformative space holding, and much more....

The Heart​

As important as it is to focus on ourselves and on our own personal growth, it is a scientific fact that dissatisfaction in life has direct correlation to how much time we spend thinking about ourselves. While supporting individual health and evolution, this training will also support a conscious movement away from self-centered thinking patterns, towards self-less thinking patterns; a movement towards loving kindness.
 
We will do this by:
  1. Being mindful of our engagements with one another in our shared yoga space in a temporary spiritual community (Ie: helping each other with clean up/set up, respecting shala (studio) etiquette, respecting and supporting each others’ process, etc)
  2. Taking heart opening trips to Spiritual sites in Bali and making daily gratitude offerings
  3. Spending time in nature; nourishing our relationship with Mother Earth
  4. Repeatedly realigning ourselves with the principle of yoga as a form of service to others
  5. Blast our hearts open again and again with daily Kirtan (many are surprised to find this to be their favorite part of the course. Pure Bliss!)
  6. Taking part in Karma Yoga. 5% of Sacred Heart Yoga profits go directly to a local, Bali-based charity. Additionally, the group will spend an afternoon working with a local charity, giving back to Mother Bali. Bali and its people have offered a healing sanctuary for countless travelers and spiritual seekers; we are happy to be able to give a little bit back.
 
The ability to reach beyond ourselves and offer into the world is the heart of Sacred Heart Yoga. When we feel connected with our fellow human beings, fellow creatures and the world, our natural instinct is to act in ways that uplift and support them, as they are now part of our extended family; our extended self.

Daily Kirtan

Kirtan is the practice of heart-centered group chanting with sacred mantras. It is quite simply the quickest way from the head to the heart. It emanates uplifting vibrations throughout our entire being, clears energetic blockages, calms the mind and nervous system, deeply connects the group, and expands the heart center in the most joyous and simple way possible: singing! Kirtan works on every level of our being, from the densest, most physical, to the subtlest, most intangible, and beyond. It allows us to deeply integrate the physical and intellectual aspects of the training with the emotional and spiritual realms of our being. We will practice Kirtan every day and sing our way to bliss! 
 
Everyone, Everything, is Sacred
 
This training is designed to support the simultaneous development of all the mentioned aspects of our being. There is no pressure to adopt any philosophy or change our lives. This is simply an opportunity to go deeper into the personal development of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of yoga lifestyle and teaching; and for those willing, an opportunity to truly shed layers, transform old patterns and find inspiring new ways of being. 

Who is this training for?

We wish to cultivate a sincere and authentic community of dedicated practitioners, contributing to the most supportive environment for individual growth as possible. If you are interested in a “yoga vacation” or a “quick certificate” without actually investing effort, we invite you to consider another training, as you might find yourself out of alignment with the overarching group energy and themes of the training.
 
However, if you are sincere about building a strong and thorough foundation in the holistic system of yoga, and have the desire to one day share the gift of authentic yoga teachings with others, we encourage you to join this once in a lifetime experience.
Studentship vs Bendiness
Some students feel that they are not ready as they have the idea that they need to be able to do advanced Asana in order to take part in a teacher training. This could not be further from the truth. Greg has taught students with great physical limitations who have ended up becoming some of the most inspiring teachers. Our bodies will change throughout life; it is our Spirit, our attitude towards life that lasts. If your heart is in it, if you are humble and sincere about meeting yourself just as you are and going deeper on your yogic journey, then you are ready.
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​The Transformation: What to expect in a month long training
You can expect your body to change; for some subtly and for others considerably, as you will be doing a full yoga practice seven days a week and posture clinics six days a week.
 
It is normal for us to get aches, stiffness, fatigue, to release toxins, and to have fluctuating energy levels and moods. It is all part of the process. An attitude of Ahimsa (non-violence) towards ourselves is important. Make sure to give yourself the nourishment you need (Ei: massages, proper nutrition, tiger balm etc. Proper sleep, hydration and relaxation are key).
 
Gently, Gently. One day at a time, and pace yourself, while working at your edge. The rewards are priceless.
 
Any transformative process of such intimate nature brings us face to face with aspects of our being that may have gone unobserved, or even vanished from our awareness. Yoga, by its very nature, expands our awareness. We work with all the Koshas (layers) of the human being, from the grossest dense material layer, to the most subtle spiritual layers, and everything in between. This experiential process often challenges our comfort zones and awakens within us deeper unprocessed energies. Sometimes students find these emotional releases overwhelming and want to give up, returning to the safety of previous comforts and patterns. We understand and have great compassion for everyone undertaking this courageous journey inward, and remind you that at the deepest level, you are taking this training to make a shift in your life, and to move away from those limiting energies and patterns that, although have been reliable companions throughout your life, are no longer serving you. Releases mean the practice is working and you are releasing old energies.
 
We find consistently that moving through these experiences students find a profound inner wisdom and vitality begin to emerge; a sense of intuitive knowing, clarity, and strength as we let go of the layers that have obstructed us from feeling our authentic selves. Our radiant, true nature shines through!
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Group Alchemy and Support
The group energy that forms throughout the month is truly magical. It allows for an environment of safety, non-judgement and comradery that enables each individual to experience breakthroughs. We allow ourselves to be vulnerable, and through our shared vulnerability find a deep sense of connection and shared humanness….. This develops lifelong connections and true compassion.
Attitude of Receptivity and Acceptance
​We invite all participants to be open and willing to surrender to this timeless process of self-discovery that so many have undertaken before, and that ultimately leads us to peace, harmony and contentment with our authentic selves.
 
Above all know that although the course may challenge you with new experiences, you are fully supported and accepted wherever you are, and that wherever you are is perfect.

Sample Daily Schedule
** Subject to Change**

Daily schedule six days per week, seventh day off after morning practice.
6:00–9:00               Daily Sadhana (practice) - Includes Kriya, Mantra, Asana, Pranayama, Meditation & Kirtan
 
9:00–10:00             Break
 
10:00-12:30            Yoga Philosophy, Mantra/Sanskrit, Western & Energetic Anatomy, Awareness Development, Teaching Methodology

12:30–1:00               Pranayama & Mantra Techniques
 
1:00-2:30                Break
 
2:30-5:30               Posture Clinic, Practice Teaching, Art of Adjustment
 
5:30-6:30               Restorative, Yin, Yoga Nidra, Group sharing
 
One evening per week we will will have an evening deepening practice (Ex: Trataka, Sound Healing, Conscious Movie)

Detailed Curriculum

This is a complete curriculum based on the standards set by Yoga Alliance.
The training meets and exceeds the 200hour Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher certification (RYT200)
1.  Techniques, Training and Practice: 100 hours +
 
- Detailed guidance in foundational Asana, Pranayama, Kriya, Chanting, Mantra, Meditation and other traditional yoga techniques
- Analytical training in how to teach and practice the techniques
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2.  Teaching Methodology: 25 hours
 
- Communication skills, space holding and group dynamics, time management
- Establishing priorities and healthy boundaries
- Addressing the specific needs of individuals and special populations

- Principles of demonstration, observation, assisting and correcting
- Teaching styles

- Qualities of a teacher
- The student learning process 
 3.  Anatomy and Physiology: 20 hours
 
- Physical anatomy and physiology
- Energetic anatomy (Chakras, Nadis, etc)
- Postural benefits & contraindications
- Safe alignment and movement patterns
 4.  Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle and Ethics for Yoga Teachers: 30 hours
 
- Yoga philosophies and traditional texts (Yoga Sutras, Hatha Yoga Pradipika & Bhagavad Gita)
- Yoga lifestyle, Precept of non-violence (Ahimsa), Yamas & Niyamas, Dharma and Karma
- Ethics for yoga teachers, teacher – student relationships and community
- Teaching yoga as a means of being of service to others (Seva)
 
5.  Practicum: 10 hours
 
- Practice teaching as the lead instructor (does not include assisting, observing or giving feedback)
- Observing others teaching, receiving and giving feedback
- Assisting students while someone else is teaching
 
6.  Elective Hours: 15 hours + 
 
- Energy clearing, grounding and healing practices
- Spiritual site experiences
- Behind the scenes of teaching yoga
- Self-inquiry
- Supportive lectures
- KIRTAN (Heart opening sacred chanting)
 
 TOTAL HOURS: 200 hours +

Faculty


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Greg Kaps
Lead Teacher
Sadhana, Bhakti, Philosophy, Techniques, ​Teaching Methodology
​Greg has been studying, practicing, and teaching Yoga full time since 2003. His deep passion for yoga was fueled in his early twenties due to its ability to bring health, lightness and peace of mind in a time of deep personal suffering. Originally drawn to the physical aspects of the practice, Greg went very deep into the exploration of Hatha Yoga, taking certified teacher trainings in various styles and becoming very proficient in advanced Asana. He developed his practice through advanced and deepening courses, ever refining his personal practice and the art of teaching.
 
It is said that yoga expedites one’s Karma, and as fate would have it, through an unquenchable thirst for ever more advanced Asana, deeper experiences and an underlying attitude of “not enough”, Greg’s practice led him to a debilitating back injury in 2011. What seemed to be the end of the world, at the time, was actually the beginning of a whole new chapter of compassion, humility and understanding of suffering. Greg began to listen to his body rather than push it. He practiced acceptance and compassion with himself and it slowly spread outwards into his actions and attitudes towards others and the world. Gently gently, slowly slowly, he reestablished his personal practice, integrating through direct experience the philosophies he’d been reading for years, but not applying.
Having gone deeply into the yang, being forced to go into yin, and then integrating both with patience allowed Greg to grow into a truly balanced teacher. He has developed the detailed physiological, practical and alignment knowledge of all levels of Asana and yogic techniques, but also the spiritual insights that can only come from moving through suffering and reaching peace, compassion and contentment on the other side. Greg emphasizes safe alignment, mindfulness and an attitude of compassion towards ourselves in practice. This is the foundation that, over time, grows strong roots and a stable base for the deeper practices, spiritual insights, and contentment to blossom.
 
Greg traveled and taught throughout Southeast Asia for years, based at Asia’s premier Yoga studio - Pure Yoga. Through the grace of earlier years, and this incredible opportunity, he was able to study with many world renowned teachers such as: Yogi Vishvketu (Akhanda Yoga), Paul Dallaghan (Ashtanga Yoga and Pranayama), Patrick Creelman (Anusara Yoga), Devinder Kaur (Kundalini Yoga), David Swenson (Ashtanga Yoga), Shiva Rae (Vinyasa Yoga), John Friend (Anusara Yoga), Bikram Choudhury (Bikram Hot Yoga), Richard Freeman (Ashtanga Yoga), Geshe Michael Roach (Tibetan Heart Yoga), Sarah Powers (Yin Yoga), Paul Grilley (Yin Yoga), Ana Forrest (Forest Yoga), Andrey Lappa (Universal Yoga), Seane Corn (Power Vinyasa), Lama Marut (Buddhist Studies) and more. He has also assisted, co-led and led teacher trainings, immersions and retreats for many years developing a deep love for aiding in the transformative journey of others. 

Greg holds over 1800 Yoga Alliance certified hours, plus hundreds more hours of workshops and retreats. He has been trained in the following styles:
 
500 Hour – Bikram Hot Yoga
500 Hour – Advanced Hatha Yoga
200 Hour – Anusara Yoga
200 Hour – Ashtanga Yoga
300 Hour – Kundalini Yoga
100 Hour - Advanced Pranayama
 
Greg's other two passions, besides maintaining an innate playfulness in life, are Kirtan (group sacred chanting) and all things related in supporting Mother Earth. Greg attended a three month permaculture residential immersion at the Permaculture Institute of Australia in 2011 and incorporates that system in all aspects of life…and his own home garden.
 
Greg now teaches a wide variety of classes, workshops and teacher trainings at Yoga Barn Ubud, and is inspired each day to share this beautiful practice and path with all who are willing to learn, from a space of kindness, compassion and humility.
 
Om shanti, shanti, shanti

A true Bhakti yogi, Murni experiences yoga from a perspective of devotion and self discipline. Born in Gianyar, Bali, Murni was raised with a deep cultural and spiritual understanding of devotion. Connection to that ultimate divine energy, in all it's names and forms (Spirit, Divinity, the Universe, God ... ), has been deeply woven into every aspect of her life. This base connection to Spirit has allowed her yoga to blossom, uninhibited by doubt or misunderstanding of the true nature of yoga.

Murni has been a part of the BaliSpirit family since 2002 and the Yoga Barn since its inception in 2007. Originally sitting focused behind a desk, concentrating on administration and graphic design, Murni has grown into an incredibly disciplined yogi. Her love affair with the practice of yoga started when she would drop in to classes in between her administrative hours. Over time that has evolved and now Murni only works in between her hours of yoga practice. She took her first 200 hour teacher training in 2011, and soon after completed a 500 hour training. Since then, she has continued studying various forms of Yoga, and delving deeper into the study and practice of Bhakti.
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​Ni Made Murni
Lead Teacher
Asana Techniques and Bhakti
A dedicated practitioner, Murni is also dedicated humanitarian. Alongside the co-founders of The Yoga Barn & the BaliSpirit Festival, Murni plays an active role as a volunteer teacher for the outreach program AYO! Kita Bicara HIV/AIDS, an HIV education program aimed at Balinese Youth. Through "EduSpirit" workshops inclusive of journaling, role-playing, active meditations and yoga, this program encourages awareness, discussion & understanding about the HIV/AID epidemic in Bali.

Murni has passion for the challenges she faces on and off the mat, and the wisdom to utilize that experience as a teacher. Murni's classes are designed with purpose, are uplifting and offer something to students of every level. With an ever-present smile that shines straight from her heart, Murni is an inspiration as a yoga teacher, a woman, and a human being!

Tanya had series of a powerful spiritual experiences that began nearly twenty years ago. In an attempt to orient herself, coupled by a fierce desire to know truth, she dedicated her life to exploring yoga and the nature of transformation and self-realization. Having studied through the lens of both Eastern and Western systems, and having partnered academic study with intense dedicated practice - she offers a unique understanding of yogic philosophy.

Tanya has been teaching yoga full-time, internationally for fifteen years. She teaches and practices with an integrated approach of the Hatha, Raja, Bhakti, Karma, and Jnana paths; her primary Hatha influences are derived from Anusara, Power, Vinyasa, and Yin.

Tanya teaches the balance, integration and expression of both the masculine and feminine principles in our body-heart-mind-life practice. In addition to yoga, she has also been using freeform dance and song as a natural spiritual practice as long as she can remember. Through both yoga, freeform dance and singing, she has explored the use of movement, breath, sound, and awareness to liberate energy, expand consciousness, and enable the 'direct experience of being' as a tool of revelation.
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​Tanya Kaps
Guest Teacher
Jnana Yoga
​​Philosophically and experientially, professionally, and personally, Tanya has dedicated her adult life to exploring the nature of consciousness and liberation as it relates to the human experience in the times we are living. Her inspiration and therefore teaching is infused with the perennial teaching: live with presence and with love in our heart, that we may see the divine in all beings, in one self, in all moments; as this is both the means and the ends of Self Realization.
​

Further details...

Course Price:

3000 USD if paid in full before November 15th, 2018
3300 USD* if paid after November 15th, 2018
* your space in the course can be reserved with a 500USD deposit, the remainder of the payment is due December 3, 2018, 30 days before training begins. 
​
Included in the cost of this course:
 
- 200 Hour Yoga Alliance certified course* 
- All course handouts
- Sacred Heart Yoga: Teachers Handbook
- Excursions to Spiritual and Nature sites in Bali
- 2 Massage vouchers
- 1 Neti pot and salt
- Opening Day Lunch
- Graduation Dinner


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Please Note:  This is a NON-RESIDENTIAL training. Rates do not include flights, accommodation or food.
             Find some suggestions for booking accommodations on our FAQ Page.
​

*Does not include registration fee for certified teachers wishing to join Yoga Alliance

Donation and Service

Bali has exploded in the world consciousness recently. With all the attention and foreign investment, the culture and beauty of this unique and precious island is slowly being lost. As the local people and Mother Earth give so much to visitors from around the world, it is our honor and privilege to be able to contribute something significant back to preserving them.
 
5% of Sacred Heart Yoga - Yoga Teacher Training profits are donated to a local charity ​

Register for the 2019 Training!

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Sacred Heart Yoga
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