The Seat of the
Compassionate Teacher
Yoga Teacher Training September 2025 - May 2026
At Sthira Sukham Yoga, our biggest focus is the art of holding space. Teaching fancy poses and building up a sweat are all well and good, but ultimately in this wild world, what everyone really needs is a little more compassion, plus space to move, breathe and simply exist as they are, without needing to change a thing.
The Seat of the Compassionate Teacher is all about learning how to hold that space for others. Becoming an inspiring Yoga teacher doesn’t happen over night, and truthfully, it doesn’t happen over just a few months either. In traditional terms, it would take years to step into the seat of the teacher, but here in the west, trainings have been whittled down to an arbitrary 200 hours. Our training goes well beyond the standard curriculum required, so that you walk away with the skills you need to feel confident as you step into this next chapter of your life.
Learning to hold the space for others is important, but learning to hold the space for yourself is the key. So while we focus on the ins and outs of teaching, ultimately the goal is to deepen your own understanding of not only the practices, but of yourself as well. Whether you imagine yourself at the front of the room facing students, or simply want to sit in the back with a better understanding, we’ve got you covered.
Our Curriculum
Asana
We’ll take a holistic approach to the postures of Yoga, not only focusing on safe and healthy alignment, but how to adapt them to fit everyone’s needs. From the mat, to the wall, to a chair, there are endless ways to explore. You’ll also get a deeper understanding of both the physical and the energetic anatomy of the poses, as well as how to bring them all together with classic sequencing techniques.
Meditation
We’ll explore meditation from both a personal perspective as well as that of the facilitator, giving you the experience you need to not only deepen your own practice, but to guide others in their journey too.
Pranayama
Unlocking the power of Prana through the vehicle of breath is a big part of what we do in Yoga, so you’ll get a chance to expand your own practice, as well as the knowledge you need to help others do the same.
Physical Anatomy
We’ll study the basics and beyond as we dive deep into the human body and how the practices of Yoga impact it all the way down to the cellular level.
Energetic Anatomy
Ancient Yogis weren’t all that concerned with the muscle groups or bones in the body, but rather the energetic systems that governed the movement of Prana throughout the body, so we’ll spend lots of time exploring the Chakras, Nadis, Koshas, Prana Vayus and more.
Yogic Philosophy
While in the west we get caught up in the poses, philosophy is actually the heart of Yoga, so prepare for a deep dive into the major concepts expounded upon in the not only Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, but the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and beyond.
Teaching
Becoming a skilled guide takes time, but our goal is that you leave this training with a solid foundation for all that you need to start your journey as a teacher. We’ll focus on how to hold the space for your students through inclusive language, effective sequencing and adaptability.
Training Materials
Leading up to the training, you’ll receive a list of books that we’ll explore during our time together. Please plan to have all the books purchased before we begin, with the one exception being your copy of the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali. During our first weekend, you’ll get a chance to peruse several different translations of the book, so that you can choose the one that resonates the most with you.
At the beginning of our training, you'll receive a detailed binder filled with essential information on yoga postures, philosophy, anatomy, teaching methodology, and more.
You’ll also get access to the private teacher training section of our website where you’ll find the upcoming weekend’s schedule, homework & readings assignments, and additional resources.
To Bless the Space Between Us
In the out-of-the-way places of the heart, where your thoughts never think to wander, this beginning has been quietly forming, waiting until you were ready to emerge.
For a long time it has watched your desire, feeling the emptiness growing inside you, noticing how you willed yourself on, still unable to leave what you had outgrown.
It watched you play with the seduction of safety and the gray promises that sameness whispered, heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent, wondered would you always live like this.
Then the delight, when you courage kindled, and out you stepped onto new ground, your eyes young again with energy and dream, a path of plentitude opening before you.
Though your destination is not yet clear you can trust the promise of this opening; unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning that is at one with your life's desire.
Awaken your spirit to adventure; hold nothing back, learn to find ease in the risk; soon you will be home in a new rhythm, for your soul senses the world that awaits you.
~ John O'Donahue
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Have questions?
A Note on Yoga Alliance
You may be wondering if our program is certified through an organization entitled Yoga Alliance, which touts itself as a governing body in the world of Yoga. We have made the active choice to NOT register with this organization, as we do not agree with their claims, actions and behavior in the world of Yoga. In truth, there is NO governing body for the world of Yoga. Yoga Alliance is merely a voluntary registry system that requires big fees for little to no support. After more than a decade in the world of professional Yoga, we feel that continuing to prop up this organization does not align with the principles and ethics of Yoga. We can assure you the our program far surpasses the requirements of a standard Yoga Alliance 200 hour program, and we are more than happy to share the comparison of what they require, versus what we offer. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.