The Himalayan Institute is offering a 200-hour Teacher Training Program beginning January 10, 2014. Certification classes will be held one weekend per month, with July and August off, through December 2014.  Moondog Yoga, a fresh, upbeat yoga studio in the heart of Quakertown, will present the program. Owner and instructor June Hunt received her 200 teacher training certification through the Himalayan Institute Teacher Association and is currently pursing her 500-hour certification.

Participants will learn how to practice and teach all major classes of asanas, including the principles of structural and energetic alignment; anatomy and physiology for yoga teachers; yoga model of the subtle (pranic) body; structuring and sequencing classes; and will practice teaching in small and large groups. Next, they will learn how to practice and teach pranayama, pratyahara and meditation through systematic breath training; pranayama practice and teaching; relaxation techniques and teaching; and theory and practice of meditation. Finally, students will learn to understand and apply yoga philosophy and yoga psychology by studying the Yoga Sutra, the Bhagavad Gita, the yogic model and functions of the mind and the Introduction to Sanskrit.

To take part in the training program, participants must be at least 18 years of age and have at least two years prior experience in hatha yoga and a regular practice.

A leader in the field of yoga, meditation, spirituality and holistic health, the Himalayan Institute is a nonprofit, international organization dedicated to serving humanity through educational, spiritual and humanitarian programs. The Institute and its varied activities and programs exemplify the spiritual heritage of mankind that unites East and West, spirituality and science and ancient wisdom and modern technology. Its peaceful wooded 400-acre campus in the rolling hills of the Poconos in northeastern Pennsylvania is a refuge from the stress of today’s hectic world and offers a place to rest, reflect and renew. 

Dedicated to a tradition of excellence in teaching the Institute offers yoga teachers comprehensive and systematic training in classical yoga. The Institute teaches yogic techniques for body, breath, mind and spirit in 200-hour and 500-hour certification programs. Programs include meditation, asana instruction, training in pranayama and relaxation techniques, therapeutic yoga and yoga philosophy and psychology. It is a registered school with Yoga Alliance, meeting the requirement for national registration at both the 200- and 500-hour levels. 

Through its internationally acclaimed Yoga International website (YogaInternational.com) and educational platform, individuals can connect with practitioners of yoga, meditation and Ayurveda. Beginners and seasoned pros will find immersive residential and self-transformation program, full-length online seminars, spiritual excursions, correspondence courses, inspiring articles, healthy recipes and more. The art of joyful living lies at the core of the Institute’s teachings. In fact, all of the programs lead to one common goal: living a peaceful and happy life.

Moondog Yoga, is located at 44 Front Street, Quakertown. For more information including cost and financing options, call 267-374-4046 or visit MoondogYoga.com.