She has written a book, is an accomplished singer/songwriter and musician, and is celebrated across the globe as one of today’s greatest yoga teachers. As if that weren’t enough, Alanna recently launched her own teacher training program, the Kaivalya Yoga Method. Since Alanna lead my 200 hour teacher training at Pure Yoga a few years back, I have been her biggest fan. She has the ability to engage her students, make them laugh, and make them see yoga as something that is happening right now, something that we are all capable of. I highly recommend studying with her.

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Alanna and talk to her about the Kaivalya Yoga Method. Check our interview below, and if you are interested in learning more about TKYM, click here. The first program kicks off April 1st in NYC.

Interview w/ Alanna Kaivalya

Michaela Best: First of all, congratulations on the creation of The Kaivalya Yoga Method, what an incredible accomplishment. What was the inspiration behind developing your own teacher training system?

Alanna Kaivalya: Thank you! I’m really excited about this process, which has arisen pretty organically in response to students’ requests that I develop a training and a method for them to study and learn what I’ve learned over the years. Having worked with and developed teacher trainings across the country, I now have an eager body of students who want to be able to take their teachings to the next level. What’s interesting for me is that this process has demanded that I do the same. As I started to think about doing my own training, naturally, I had to figure out what to call it. Then, once I named it, I needed to quantify the specifics of what it would include. While it hasn’t necessarily been easy, it has been effortless, and it seems like that’s the sign that it’s the right time for The Kaivalya Yoga Method to be brought to life.

Michaela Best: That’s so exciting! How does the Kaivalya Yoga Method stand out from other 200-hr programs, and what sort of students would benefit most from participating in it?

Alanna: One of the things that became clear to me over the years was that there is only so much that can really fit in to an initial 200 hour teacher training program. While these programs are great ways to begin a teaching career, the serious teacher eventually needs to get another injection of wisdom and knowledge to take their teachings up a notch. That’s who this training is for – those who’ve been teaching for a while and feel they’ve plateaued and want to develop further their knowledge of anatomy, adjustments, philosophy, sanskrit and sequencing and learn how to tie all these things together into a masterfully artful class backed by substantiated knowledge. What I’m looking to provide is the platform for mastery, understanding and intelligence in teaching. I’m hoping to give the folks in the training what they need to be able to open their eyes to individual students (even in group classes) and truly see what they need to be happier and more free in their bodies and heart.

Michaela: That’s great, there is definitely a need for that sort of refresher. Is the program appropriate for individuals without any prior certification as well?

Alanna: It could be! I’m honestly looking for committed students with a solid history of yoga practice and study. This training will require a kind of “spiritual maturity” because we’re not covering basics, per se. There is an application process so that people will get a feeling of whether this is a good fit for them, and also so that this training can be filled with students who are ready to make a leap into the depths of yoga. What’s important to me at this early juncture is cultivating the right group of individuals – individuals who are interested in teaching yoga and seeing students without boundaries and beyond hierarchy – to help substantiate and grow this method. It’s an important, exciting time, and I can’t wait to develop a team of people in April who are excited about sharing yoga in this uncomplicated and profound way.

Michaela: Yes of course – that leads us right into our next question: what are your visions for the future of the Kaivalya Yoga Method? How do you see this program growing in years to come?

Alanna: My vision is to facilitate the growth and training of responsible, educated and compassionate teachers. The Kaivalya Yoga Method isn’t about creating a formatted kind of experience, but rather giving teachers the foundation and structure they need to create authentic, important and intelligent classes for students informed by the fact that they have the tools they need to live this practice. Maybe most important is this: Yoga is not an external experience. We cannot throw it out to students without having run it through our own bodies and hearts first. It’s not rote or experimental, but rather known and experiential. While each of the TKYM teachers will need to fortify all they learn with me through their own dedicated practices, they’ll have a comprehensive set of tools to be the kind of teachers that help students find more peace and freedom….because they’ve had that experience themselves. It’s an optimistic vision, but one that I believe there is room for. I’m hoping to relinquish hierarchy and dogma in favor of cohesiveness and integrity. I think if these principles are the foundations than the future will be shaped by those on my team – TKYM teachers who can hold space for students to transform and evolve in a responsible, effective and safe way.

Michaela: Fabulous! Anything else you’s like to tell our readers?

Alanna: Just that on the heels of all the hubbub about the recent New York Times article, this seems like a good time for all of us to examine how and why we teach and practice. This kind of inquiry can result in profound insight. I hope to facilitate both the inquiry and the insight with those who study with me, and extend that wisdom to the students whose lives we may have the opportunity to touch. This is an exciting time in our yogic culture. Yoga has taken hold of the west and is here to stay so I think we have to be conscious and cautious of how we continue to make our mark on the world.  This idea brings me back to a quote from one of my favorite movies, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (the Gene Wilder version) – “We are the music makers, we are the dreamers of the dream.” This is true, and so what dream are we going to create together and how will that music sound? We have this great responsibility as yogis to be those who affect the greater world through our actions because we’re so aware of them, and this awareness is best when fueled with heart and compassion.

Check out this video below to learn more about the Kaivalya Yoga Method:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to learn more about the Kaivalya Yoga Method & to apply today!

The first 200-hr program will be held in New York, NY April 1st – 25th. Check out all the details below:

The Kaivalya Yoga Method 200-Hour Teacher Training

Dates: April 1 – 25, 2012 (Monday – Friday, orientation on April 1, 4 – 7 pm) | Times: 9 am – 7 pm | Location: Simple Studios, 134 West 29th St (2nd floor, between 6th and 7th avenues)

“If you truly learn something, how you express it is different than how you learned it.” - Krishnamacharya

Description of Method:

The Kaivalya Yoga Method focuses on the whole person and seeks to unite all aspects of one’s being through specific yogic techniques including skilled hands-on adjustments, intelligently sequenced vinyasa, sanskrit chanting and mantra, meditation and a continuous focus on the highest aim of yoga – freedom and happiness.

This Method is a technique for creating the condition for the state of yoga to arise naturally, as it is already inbuilt and yogic practices lay the groundwork for this realization of yoga to occur. As the name indicates, The Kaivalya Yoga Method is a means for liberating oneself from any ideas of disintegration or disunity. In short, it is a method for realizing happiness, but in a modern-day context. Without dogma. Without hierarchy. With generosity, authenticity and elegant simplicity.

Curriculum & Course Particulars

The Kaivalya Yoga Method has been formulated after over a decade of dedicated study and research and teaching experience. It is a comprehensive compilation of the fundamentals of yoga directed at creating teachers who can translate this ancient practice for a modern-day audience while staying true to yoga’s highest aim.

Through intelligent sequencing rooted in the Ashtanga Vinyasa method, students of The Kaivalya Yoga Method are taught the core philosophy of yoga from fundamental yogic texts (including The Yoga Sutra and Bhagavad Gita), alongside the mythology and mysticism of yoga that centers on shraddha (faith) which are the values found inside one’s heart.

This is a no-holds barred training. It will provide an extensive body of knowledge to substantiate the practice and give the foundation for a teacher to truly educate and liberate students.

Curriculum will Include:

~ Physical Anatomy (provided by Yoga TuneUp)

~ Intelligent Sequencing based on the Ashtanga Vinyasa system

~ Skilled hands-on adjustments

~ Yoga Philosophy including: Yoga Sutra, Bhagavad Gita, yogic myth from the Ramayana, Mahabbharata, Upanishadic & Puranic texts

~ Sanskrit (provided by Manorama)

~ Subtle Anatomy including extensive work with the chakra system for aligning the energetic body

~ Music/Kirtan/Chant (assisted by Joel Lambdin & guests)

~ Meditation Techniques

~ Non-Violent Communication Techniques (provided by The Center for Collaborative Communication)

~ Successful teaching skills including: vocal training and concise cueing

Sample Daily Schedule

9 am – 11 am: Kaivalya Method yoga class and/or student teaching practice

12 pm – 3 pm: Teaching Methodology and Practicum (work on hands-on adjustments, sequencing, teaching techniques or anatomy)

3:30 pm – 7 pm: Lecture (including subtle anatomy, philosophy, mythology, successful cueing or chanting)

Teachers

Alanna Kaivalya

The founder of The Kaivalya Yoga Method, Alanna has dedicated more than a decade to intense study in all areas of yoga with master-level teachers from around the world. She worked closely with the founders of the Jivamukti Yoga tradition for many years before discovering the power of the Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga system and continuing her studies with teachers around the globe. This has resulted in her accessible modern-day approach that remains true to the heart of yoga. She is authentic, dynamic and skilled in the art of teaching, and has led teacher trainings since 2004, and written several teacher trainings, including Pure Yoga and Yoga Vida in New York City. She is thrilled to finally be offering her own take on yoga: unabashedly, authentically and joyfully.

Manorama (Sanskrit)

Manorama is the Director of Luminous Shabda and Sanskrit Studies. A world recognized leader in the field of Sanskrit & Yoga, Manorama tours the globe training students in the Path of Luminous Shabda which brings Sanskrit, Meditation, and Yoga philosophy together to bridge sacred teachings into every day life for the purpose of Self – and authentic happiness. More information about her can be found at: www.sanskritstudies.org

Aubrey Hackman

Aubrey Hackman is a certified Jivamukti instructor and founder of the Telluride Yoga Festival. Aubrey has made it her life’s work to find excellent teachers and to bring that quality of instruction to others whether through her teaching or yoga festivals.  She illuminates a passion for non-violence and conscious living along with a strong foundation in yogic philosophy, asana, and Sanskrit. She has studied Ashtanga Yoga for 7 years with various teachers and has completed a 500hr Ashtanga apprenticeship under the guideance of Victoria Hoffman.  Additionally, she has completed an intensive 5 week program in Mysore, India with B.N.S. Iyengar and Sheshadri in the Ashtanga Yoga System. In conjunction with her Ashtanga and Jivamukti background, she has spent hundreds of hours with certified Iyengar and therapeutic based yoga disciplines. Her classes range from rigorous, alignment based vinyasa, to therapeutic restoratives created for special needs.

**Additional teachers TBA

Testimonials

“I look back on my teacher training with Alanna as one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. She has the ability to hold your attention, and to make everything fun! Her teachings are always relatable, and I consistently walk out of her classroom feeling better about the world than I did walking in. Plus, she knows her stuff and she’s generally awesome. “ – Michaela Best, YOGANONYMOUS, Los Angeles, CA

“Alanna is a gifted teacher who has dedicated herself to discovering and learning the highest aim of yoga. Not only does she guide you to move closer to your greatest potential but she is there for you every step of the way. I am extremely grateful to her for her wisdom compassion and support”. – Domenic Savino, Yoga Instructor, NYC

“Alanna knows how to apply yoga philosophy to everyday yoga practice so that the big ‘Whys?’ become a resounding ‘Yes, of course!’  Her teaching methods as a mentor are a rare combination of deep knowledge, integrity, support, humor, preciseness and devotion.” – Krister Paakkonen, Yoga Instructor, NYC

“My teacher training with Alanna truly was the time of my life. Now that I am a teacher myself I am forever grateful for her teachings and find myself channeling them on a daily basis. Not only did the teacher training with Alanna give me the tools to teach yoga but it also taught me HOW to teach this beautiful practice. Alanna’s teachings are clear and concise which allow her students absorb the information with ease. She also has an amazing ability to translate these teachings so that they are accessible for the modern yogi living in our changing world. Whether you wish to teach or just expand your knowledge, Alanna will guide you on the right path.” – Jamie Lugo, Yoga Instructor, NYC

Click here for more information and to apply today!

Are you ready to take your practice to the next level? Kindness Yoga is gearing up for their ‘Awakening the Heart’ teacher training program, which allows you to complete the training over a 6-month period of time. More info below from the studio website:

Awakening the Heart of the Teacher

Kindness Yoga is thrilled to announce a NEW concept in yoga teacher development: our six-month Awakening the Heart Training. Unlike most teacher training courses, which pack 200 hours of intense training into six weeks, this revolutionary approach is designed to give you the time and space to awaken your heart—and connect authentically to your true purpose. You’ll build your knowledge base and hone your teaching skills over six months, gradually integrating the new patterns and practices into your daily regimen. Choose from two educational tracks:, both leading to mastery of the KINDA-Hot Yoga series: Awakening the Heart of the Seeker,for practitioners wishing to deepen their practice—and Awakening the Heart of the Teacher, for aspiring yoga instructors.

Kindness has assembled an impressive roster of experienced in-house teachers, local subject-matter experts and visiting faculty. January’s Dharma sessions, for example, will be co-led by nationally acclaimed author and master breath work practitioner Christian de la Huerta and Kindness faculty member Allyson Baker. Advanced breath work is another offering that differentiates the studio’s 2011 course work from typical teacher trainings. “People are moved to teach yoga by a variety of things,” says Harrington. “Christian’s life-changing breath work sessions will be instrumental helping each one of our students reveal his or her authentic dharma, or life’s purpose. It will not only transform their practice—it will make them more inspiring teachers. We are honored to be able to help them get there.”

Six In-Depth Themes for Total Transformation

Studies have shown that it takes 30 days to break patterns or create significant change within our natural rhythms. With this in mind, our curriculum is broken down to six in-depth themes, each to be absorbed over the course of one month—and each offering a powerful blend of physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual study. Like a well-crafted asana series, the themes are structured for maximum benefit, with each subject complementing and building upon the last. Your transformation will include:

November:
Meditation including education in and the practice of four different styles of meditation

December:
Asana explore your practice through the lens of intentional physical and physiological study

January:
DHARMA including intensely healing breath work and exploration of your individual life’s purpose

February:
Communication including verbal/non verbal, physiology and posture, public speaking and more

March:
Living Anatomy a functional and philosophical look at anatomy, including a half-day Cadaver Lab*

April:
Ayurveda an introduction to Ayurvedic nutrition, including a cleanse to complete our transformation

Rates/Registration

Awakening the Heart of the Seeker (135 Hours; $1,500):

Thursdays November 3rd – April 12th

Awakening the Heart of the Teacher (200 Hours; $2,500):

Thursdays November 3rd – 12th + 1 weekend/month

**November 5–6, December 10–11, January 7–8, February 4–5, March 3–4, April 14–15

Click here for more information and to register today!

Pure Yoga’s 200-hr teacher training can take you there! This 9 week teacher training program, led by Kay Kay Clivio and Yogi Charu starts on March 18th. All the details below:

Whether you aspire to instruct, or simply wish to grow your practice to a new level, Pure Yoga’s Teacher Trainings will evolve and enhance your existing yoga routine under the guidance of world-class instructors.

Beginning with the fundamentals of Iyengar-based alignment, explore the dynamics of vinyasa, delve into philosophical studies of the classic texts, and discover your inner power. Our goal is that through the exploration of diverse practices you will experience your one true path.

Curriculum Includes:

•   Focus on practice of asana and alignment technique
•   Introduction to pranayama and meditation
•   Teaching methodology
- Sequencing
- Manual adjustments
- Effective communication skills
- Teaching Practicum and Development
•   Applied anatomy and kinesiology
•   Basic Sanskrit and chanting
•   Yoga ethics and philosophy
•   The business of yoga

The 9-Week Program will be led by Yogi Charu and Kay Kay Clivio.

Also featuring a Yoga Tune Up Anatomy course by Jill Miller.

Pure Yoga is a registered school with Yoga Alliance. Our teacher training programs for Pure Yoga and Nalini Method have exclusive recognition and qualify for the 200-hour Yoga Alliance Certification.

Click here for more information and to register today!

Devotion to yoga and the desire to share with and give back to the world are what motivate the teachings of Maya Yoga with Eddie Modestini and Nicki Doane.  Maya Yoga is the “unsystem” system of yoga.  Maya means “illusion” in Sanskrit so it is never what you think it is!  Eddie and Nicki have developed an approach to yoga that is intent on serving the Individual student.  Yoga is spirit in action, and as Eddie and Nicki teach, they inspire people to find a place of spirit inside themselves, recognizing the profound connection between the Self and Spirit.  In Maya Yoga, the practice is the teacher.  Eddie and Nicki continue to travel to India to keep the connection with the birthplace of their yoga experience.

Nicki Doane

Born on the island of Cyprus in 1969 to diplomat parents, Nicki grew up all over the globe. A wanderlust that her upbringing had instilled in her led Nicki to India in 1991 to study yoga. She went to Mysore to meet Sri K Pattabhi Jois (Guruji) and immediately realized she had found her teacher.

Nicki started teaching in 1992. She cites Pattabhi Jois, along with Eddie Modestini, Gabriella Giubilaro, and Tim Miller among her most influential teachers. She is an authorized teacher of Ashtanga Yoga. Although rooted in Ashtanga, Nicki’s teaching goes beyond the traditional. Her classes combine asana, pranayama, philosophy, and poetry. The emphasis is on awareness: creating integrity within each pose that can be carried beyond the mat into daily life.  Nicki and Eddie have created an amazing studio on their rustic property on the north shore of Maui where they offer yoga retreats and teacher trainings throughout the year.

Eddie Modestini

Eddie has been doing yoga since July of 1983. His first teacher was a woman from the San Francisco bay area named Gayna Uransky. Realizing that he had found his path, he lost no time in jumping in with both feet.

His first introduction to yoga was Iyengar Yoga and he became a certified teacher in a short time. He was part of the first batch of teachers certified on the East Coast. Many of those in his group have gone on to become senior Iyengar teachers. At the time it was very hard to get certified.

Today, Eddie Modestini is what is known as a teacher’s teacher. He has been a yogi since 1983 and has been teaching for that long as well. Eddie has been certified in Iyengar yoga and spent many years studying with Pattabhi Jois, receiving a blessing to teach Ashtanga yoga. He is well versed in both systems and has an amazing eye and holds the ability to read students’ bodies and is a master of yoga therapy. He states, “through the experience of watching yoga heal me, I know that it has the capacity to heal the masses.”

Together…

Their years of dedication and teaching experience has led to a unique gift for imparting information as well as inspiration for the path of teaching. To work with Eddie and Nicki is to take advantage of a genuine opportunity to develop the student/teacher relationship.

Offerings

The Studio

Maya Yoga studio is nestled in the Honokala valley on the north shore of Maui down a winding red dirt road. A multi-colored peace sign nailed to a tree by the side of the road is the only indication that you have arrived. A stone statue of Ganesh, the benevolent elephant headed god, greets you at the steps leading to the studio. You climb the stairs and enter a light-filled, warm space. The early morning sun pours through the wall of windows and reflects beautifully off the cedar floor and walls. The room is breathtakingly gorgeous. Views of the Pacific Ocean and Haleakala Volcano are stunning. You have arrived at your destination — Yoga.

Maya Yoga Teacher Training

The Maya Yoga Teacher Training program encompasses 200 hour & 500 hour Yoga Alliance accredited programs as well as Maya Yoga Continuing Education training. In order to receive Maya Yoga Teacher Certification you must have been teaching for 2 years, complete the Maya Yoga 200 & 500 hour programs, the Maya Yoga Continuing Studies program, as well as an additional 150 hours of studies with Nicki & Eddie (1000 documented hours), all required courework, and pass both a practical and written exam. Maya Yoga is the un-system. In these trainings you will learn the principles and techniques from many different yogic traditions in order to make you a fantastically effective yoga teacher.

Click here for more on TT Programs

“I practice yoga on tour; in fact I’ve had Nicki come out with me for a few tours, and she has given me the ability to take what I’ve learned from her and put it to use when she’s not there.” -Michael Franti

Nicki Doane Maya Yoga Vinyasa Fusion DVD Series

– Core Stength Flow Series–

– Standing Flow Series–

– Bending Flow Series–

Click here to purchase

Nicki Doane Yoga Journal Cover – August 2009

“Eddie and Nicki are gifted teachers who embody the warmth, knowledge, skill and experience that is needed to help anyone deepen their yoga practice and take it to the next level.” – Baron Baptiste, Author of Journey Into Power

Eddie + Nicki’s Upcoming Workshops/Events

March 11th – 30th

Developing as a Teacher w/ Maya Yoga Vinyasa Fusion- 500 hr. Part 1 – Maui, HI

April 8th – 27th

Realizing Your Potential as a Teacher w/ Maya Yoga- 500 hr. Part 2 – Maui, HI

May 10th – 13th

All Day Asana Intensive and Weekend Workshops with Nicki & Eddie at Yoga East – Portsmouth, NH

June 22nd – 24th

500-hr Maya Yoga Teacher Training – Sebastopol, CA

August 3rd – 5th

500-hr Maya Yoga Teacher Training – Sebastopol, CA

November 1st – 20th

200-hr Maya Yoga Teacher Training – Maui, HI

Click here for more info on Nicki, Eddie, and Maya Yoga