Join Bianca Scalisé (@Bianca.Scalise.Yoga), Stephanie Góngora (@Casa_Colibri) and Erin Kelly (@ErinKellyArt)  for a 4 day, 25HR Exploring Meditation Training at Flō Retreat Center in Uvita, Costa Rica! We’ll be staying on the beautiful South Pacific coast of Costa Rica! Bliss, beaches, and ALL the yoga and assists you could ever wish for at Flō Retreat Center, Steph’s personal paradise just outside of Uvita, Costa Rica.

An intimate and community-building experience (capped at 28 participants), this 25 HR YTT is the perfect setting for those wishing to continue and expand upon their meditation and yoga journey. In this module we dive into all aspects of meditation from the traditional to the more modern and taboo.  Expect to experiment with a wide variety of meditation practices and dive into the science of what is happening in our brain and body during these practices.

The 25HR Module – Exploring and Guiding Meditation – can be a stand-alone training for those specifically looking to learn more about meditation, or part of the Authentic Movements Modular 500HR Program. We recommend coupling it with our 50 Hr Creative Sequencing Module taking place right before (Feb 8 – 14).

The first 3 days of this module will be full, but gratifying and then you have ONE FULL FREE DAY (Feb 18th) to explore and play! What better place to immerse yourself than our beautiful river & waterfall hide-away?

Upon completion, graduates who have previously completed and registered for a 200HR Yoga Alliance approved teacher training program will be eligible to apply this 25 hour training toward their 500HR Yoga Teacher Registry as part of our 500HR Module-Based Training. (Yoga Alliance Registered).

Please make sure you apply for our 500HR Module-Based Training BEFORE attending the module as credits cannot be retroactively added!

Note: Hours are earned not bought and the 25HR certificate is contingent on attending all courses, as well as passing the online written + in-person practicum exam to ascertain that you’ve digested the provided information. 

*****Training Dates*****

 

Arrival = Friday Feb 14th 2020, after 2pm

Training = Saturday Feb 15th – Monday Feb 17th, 2020

FREE Day = Tuesday Feb 18th, 2020

Departure = Wednesday Feb 19th, 2020, before 12pm

It is highly recommended that you arrive at Flō Retreat Center on FRIDAY FEB 14TH (after 2pm) to give yourself time to check into your room and prepare. Your lodging for the night of Feb 14th is included in each Accommodation Package. Similarly, lodging is covered the final night (Feb 18^th) and all trainees must be checked out by 12pm on Wednesday Feb 19th, unless other arrangements are made for a longer stay.

 

*****TRAINING PRICING*****

In an effort to provide valuable, but accessible continued education, Authentic Movements offers a variety of flexible payment options that include variations in payment structure as well as bundle discounts for those looking to do both the 50HR training + the 25HR immediately following. Please review the options below, and email us at [email protected] if you have any questions.

• PAID IN FULL 25 HOUR EXPLORING & GUIDING MEDITATION Only: $1000.00 USD
• PAYMENT PLAN 25 HOUR EXPLORING & GUIDING MEDITATION Only: $300.00 USD deposit to reserve spot with $700 balance due on or before Dec 1st, 2019

Looking to attend BOTH the 25HR Exploring Meditation Module AND 50HR Creative Sequencing module? ($2000 USD). Not only do you get to stay at Flō between segments (with 3 meals a day), but we are offering a $300 discount off the total price. 

• PAID IN FULL 50HR Creative Sequencing + 25HR Exploring Meditation: ($2000 + $1000) – $300 discount = $2700.00 USD
• PAYMENT PLAN 50HR Creative Sequencing + 25HR Exploring Meditation: $700.00 USD deposit to reserve spots in both module with $2000.00 USD due on or before Dec 1st, 2019

 

 

Please note that all $300 deposits ($700 for the combo package) are nonrefundable & nontransferable. If you’re utilizing the pay in full option, then $300 or $700 of your payment becomes that nontransferable/nonrefundable deposit. All payments are nonrefundable/nontransferable after Dec 1st, 2019. See below for full refund policy. 

 

PRICES FOR TRAINING & ACCOMMODATIONS INCLUDE Include:

• Lodging @ Flō Retreat Center – Check in Feb 14th, 2020 (after 2pm), check out Feb 19th, 2020 (before 12pm) – unless staying for both modules
• 3 Day Intensive 25-Hour Teacher Training Module + 1 FREE day of explorations with optional office hours!
• Course Book w/ Syllabus
• THREE Freshly Prepared Meals Each Day (Vegan, Veggie, Omnivore Options – Dinner Provided Feb 14th, Breakfast Feb 19th
• Daily Coffee/Tea/Fruit
• Daily Flow Classes in a Variety of Styles
• In depth Courses on Meditation techniques, Science & Neuroscience of meditation, Psychology of Meditation, Latest meditation research and MORE
• Practice crafting and verbalizing a variety of meditation experiences
• Free Tank Top
• Room Service Charge & Tax
• Assuming eligibility and satisfactory completion of all hours/tests, ability to add this 25HR continued education module toward our 500HR module program. (Yoga Alliance Registered)

Additional Items (Not included):

• Round trip airfare (suggested airport -SJO).
• Transfer to/from airport (we can assist with booking this)
• Snacks
• Optional Excursions including taxi rides up/down the mountain

WHO IS THIS TRAINING FOR?

This 25 HR Advanced Yoga Teacher Training is for anyone wanting to further their exploration and implementation of meditation into their personal practice and/or teaching. We believe that being confident in your ability to thoughtfully craft and dictate intentional and unique meditations makes for a teacher who can effectively guide their students deeper into self.  Going through this YTT will provide you with key techniques to take away and apply to your students as well as a deeper understanding of the subtle body and mind so you will feel empowered to apply your techniques to a range of students, beginner- advanced.

This meditation focused yoga teacher training looks at the more subtle practices and the science behind how they can be used more therapeutically. We will look at how and when to use various styles of meditation as well as the science behind how they affect our physiology and energetic body.

We will also cover how to introduce your students to meditation, common misconceptions, hindrances and the when, why, and how of meditation as well as a look at some of the current research around meditation practices. We will examine the science behind the physiological and psychological benefits as well as the concept of neuroplasticity and how it relates to a yoga and meditation practice.

This week involves an introspective practice of self inquiry through daily practices of meditation, mindfulness, and yoga asana. Participants must have a strong desire to cultivate a meditation practice or already have a regular meditation practice. We welcome the seasoned or novice meditator as long as both come with an open mind. Each day you can expect morning and afternoon meditation practices intermingled with light flow and restorative yoga. Come prepared for a brain full of information as well as time spent on more subtle personal discoveries.

This training is open to everyone although we do recommend at least 1-2 years of regular, solid yoga, and/or meditation practice. You don’t have to be part of our 500 hour program or have an approved application to attend a module however keep in mind that we cannot retro-actively assign module credits if you later decide to enter the program. Which means that if you’re eligible for the 500HR program (meaning you already have a 200HR certificate from a registered school, even if you personally haven’t registered), we recommend you apply before submitting payment to a module. There is no cost for application, and no time limit to complete the training. If you’re not interested in the 500HR program, there is no need to apply! Simply put down your deposit to snag your space!  Not sure if you’re the right fit for this training? Email us here!

500HR Module BASICS

500HR Application

 

Sample Schedule

*6:00am – 7:00am – Coffee/Tea + Fruit

*7:00am – 7:30am – Meditation/Mantra/Journaling/Pranayama

*7:30am – 9:30am – Morning Flow Class

*9:30am – 10:30am – Breakfast + Break

*10:30am – 2:00pm – Lecture + Workshop + Teaching Methodologies

*2:00pm – 3:00pm – Lunch + Break

*3:00pm – 5:00pm – Lecture + Workshop + Teaching Methodologies

*5:00pm – 6:00pm – FREE TIME

*6:00pm – 7:30pm – Restorative/Yin/Slow Flow

*7:30pm – 8:30pm – Dinner

This schedule may vary on a daily basis, and there may be a bit more free time on some days as well as some short and helpful homework assignments.

We ask that students do not bring cell phones to class and please be on time to avoid delays. Some morning or evening studio time will be silent time to allow those with a meditation practice to create a calm and comfortable space. While those looking to register with Yoga Alliance for the 500HR program will need to attend all sessions to accumulate the required hours, we ask that you honor your body and simply observe whenever needed.

Note: This training is a sober event. We ask that all attendees refrain from drinking or drug usage (including marijuana) during the full course of the training dates. Authentic Movements attracts quite a few students who are sober and/or in recovery, and we aim to create a safe space for all attendees. Thank you for understanding. 

The Authentic Movements 25HR Exploring Meditation Module will offer a safe community space to explore and practice the basics behind expanding our connection to our inner and outer worlds. The module will be broken up into a variety of daily parts that build on each other and allow time for both practice and implementation of skills taught.

Personal Practice/ Experience

This module offers the unique experience of practicing a variety of meditations in close proximity to one another so you can feel the different mental, emotional and physical impact of each unique technique.

From the centering results of traditional mindfulness meditations to the emotional releases that come with more taboo dynamic meditations we will journey through the multidimensional subtle body. As we do, we will take care to process our experiences through writing and verbal sharing so that we better understand the practices and perhaps ourselves.

 

Exploring the Science of Meditation

During lecture periods expect to read, watch and discuss the latest research on meditation. We will be taking a look at meditation from a more objective standpoint as we explore what is happening within the physical body. We will observe research on changes in brainwave activity, heart rate and blood pressure during meditation.

 

Practice Teaching

After integrating the techniques in ourselves we will practice guiding our peers through a variety of meditations to get comfortable with leading them. We will discuss when, where why and how to incorporate the various practices into our regular classes/ workshops for different desired effects.

 

Daily Asana Practice

This may be a mentally and emotionally intensive few days due to the nature of some of these mediations. Take it with ease. We will use our asana practice as a much-needed moving meditation of grounding into our physical bodies. We will do both flow and restorative daily.

 

Here are just SOME of the topics we will be covering

• History of Meditation
• Purpose of Meditation
• Common Meditation Myths
• How Meditation affects the brain – A peak into the Neuroscience of Meditation
• How Meditation affects our physiology – Can meditation change our bodies?
• Introducing your students to meditation
• Sequencing different styles of meditation into yoga classes – When, why & how

 

Styles of Meditation to be Covered

• Traditional Meditations such as, Mindfulness Meditation, ZaZen, Contemplation Meditation & TM (Transcendental Meditation) & more
• Active Meditations – Dive into the healing world of meditations which inspire emotional catharsis and a sense of wonder such as, Osho inspired Dynamic, Tantric Meditation
• Meditations for a specific outcome such as Tonglen, Ho’oponopono, Death Meditation, Visualization Mediations for Manifestation & more

Flō Retreat Center is on 40 acres of land located in Uvita, Costa Rica (South Pacific Coast) and is home to Steph Góngora and her husband Dr. Ben House (plus a variety of furry creatures – wild and otherwise).

Situated only 2.5KM up the mountain from Central Uvita, Flō is secluded and peaceful, yet convenient and accessible (by 4×4 car please). The long winding private drive to the main building plantel translates to extreme privacy in both the practice and living space. Wake up to monkeys and toucans playing in the trees above you, and fall asleep to the soothing sounds of crickets and tree frogs.

The main two story building has a common area for eating and working + large communal kitchen and shared bathrooms on the first floor. Eat breakfast overlooking the salt pool and watch the ocean tides out on the distance. Turn your head slightly in either direction for just-as-stunning jungle and foliage views. The perfect place to sip tea, catch up on some emails (“jungle wifi” available), or just swing in a hammock and relax.

The second floor of the main building holds a large portion of the lodging space with two dorm style rooms (3 bunks, 6 people each), and two double rooms, which can be fitted with queens (for a couple/friends/partners) or one set of bunks in each. The dorm rooms share a large bath between them, and the double rooms have beautiful ocean view sliding doors. All rooms will have access to a wrap around deck and come equipped with screens, ceiling fans, and AC units for hotter jungle nights.

Stroll slightly toward the cacao grove next to the main building, and you will run into the beautiful yoga studio. Mostly open air (with screens for bug blocking), this space will provide ample area to explore the practice on your mat. Full use of blocks, blankets, straps, and wheels will be offered during this intensive, and it’s a quick walk to the main house for bathroom breaks or snacks.

Keep walking toward the jungle, and you will enter the sacred cacao forest. Here the laden cacao trees shade our Cacao Forest Cabinas, small but efficient bungalows housing 4 attendees each. Shaded, quiet, and peaceful, these adorable tiny houses come equipped with screens, AC, and have access to a communal shared bathroom in each cabina.

But what about when you’re not practicing?! The days will be full, but in your free time, we encourage you to cool off in the pool, or take the short 1/2 KM walk down to the river, where you can explore one of the property’s SEVEN waterfalls, splash in one of the multiple natural swimming holes, or just explore the jungle walking paths. Town is an affordable cab ride (again, 4×4 recommended) away, where you can access grocery stores, beaches, national parks, restaurants, farmer’s markets, and souvenir shopping.

All rooms come with: linens, ceiling fans, screens, access to fridge, outlets, river temp showers, locking doors/windows. 

Space is reserved with either a $300 nonrefundable deposit (or $700 for both modules) or the paid in full amounts for this training alone ($1000) or the discounted combination of both this training and the Creative Sequencing 50HR ($2700). If you’re paying in full, please note that $300 USD (or $700 USD) of your payment becomes your non-refundable, non-transferable deposit, while the rest of the funds are eligible for our refund & cancellation policy, as described below. All payments are nonrefundable/nontransferable after Dec 1st, 2019.

Rooms are reserved on a first come/first serve basis. Once we receive your deposit, we will reach out to see if you prefer a dorm/double/cabina slot depending on which options are currently open. If you are only interested in 1 specific type of room, we encourage you to reach out before submitting your deposit to make sure that room is still available. 

In order to be eligible for your 25HR certificate to put toward either miscellaneous continued education or our 500HR Module Based Program, you must complete all required hours, both in person, and privately (homework) for this teacher training. Bianca, Erin, and Steph have no responsibility or obligation to provide a certificate to those with missing hours or whom them feel have not put in the necessary effort and attention as well as passed all forms of the practicum.

You will receive a confirmation email after your deposit and/or application within 48 hours confirming your space in the training.

 

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

Bianca, Erin, and Steph are dedicated to providing affordable continued education. Because of this, we are interested in offering limited partial scholarships toward all modules. If you are interested in a scholarship and are unable to utilize the current payment methods, please email the questions below to [email protected] for our consideration. While we cannot accept all scholarship requests, we will do our best to be accommodating, and will always work toward additional offerings.

TO APPLY for a scholarship, please answer the following questions via email:

• Full Name
• Are you currently a registered & teaching yoga instructor? Tell us a bit about your movement practice/teachings.
• HOW MUCH of a discount do you need to make this accessible? 
• How do you plan to utilize this opportunity in your life?
• How will a reduced price help you make this work?

Scholarship Recipients will be notified within 7 business days whether or not we can accommodate their request. We may also be open to smaller deposits and a flexible payment schedule.

***Once the program begins, there are no refunds of fees, no exceptions.***

Videography and Photo Release: There will be Photographs and video taken during training and used for promotional purposes. By signing up for this retreat, you are agreeing to allow any photographs taken of you to be used by Steph Gongora, Erin Kelly, Bianca Scalisé, Casa Colibri, Flō Retreat Center, and/or Authentic Movements.