Category: YAI blog

Yoga Basics: Warrior 2

Yoga Basics: Warrior 2 pose

Virabadhrasana II 

Warrior 2: A totally iconic yoga posture! We want you to know how to align yourself properly so you practice safely. 

Warrior 2 is a great pose for building strength and confidence. It is heating, energizing and grounding. 
In the video below, Yoga Academy International founder Lauren Rudick takes you step by step through warrior 2 pose. 

Warrior 2 strengthens the legs, is therapeutic for sciatica and flat fee. It tones the arms and helps build focus. It helps open the hips and build flexibility in the groins and adductors. 

Be careful in this pose if you have ankle, knee, hip or groin injuries. Remember, always consult with a doctor before taking on a new exercise regimen. 

Want more?

We want to invite you to practice with us from the comfort of your home.

FULL ACCESS to our online studio for only $98 for the entire year.

We have classes in English, French and Norwegian and have just added almost a dozen new practices.

 
Hundreds of practices available – unlimited yoga for all levels – beginners to super advanced – continuing education for yoga teachers

Whether you are brand new to yoga, super advanced or on your yoga teaching journey, we have practices and classes for you. Our online instructors have been handpicked for their teaching style, commitment to practice and specialty in their individual yoga discipline. We have classes ranging from 2 – 90 minutes waiting for you!

Membership is just $98 per year!

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Train with us in person...

200hr yoga
teacher training

in playa maderas
Taking place on the spectacular cliffs of Maderas Beach, this 200hr Yoga-Alliance Registered Teacher Training is the perfect foundation for becoming a professional yoga teacher.
learn more

Ashtanga Yoga intensive

in Lembongnan, Bali
THIS is an amazing course with KPJAY Authorized level 2 teacher Tina Bock! Tina has spent years studying in Mysore, India under Sharath Jois and takes a very traditional but fun approach to Ashtanga Yoga. This program is an ELECTIVE MODULES THAT MAKES UP OUR ADVANCED 300HR YOGA TEACHING CERTIFICATION.
learn more

questions for us? 
Get in touch now!

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Get social with us!

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What we eat in a day at Yoga School…

What we eat in a day at yoga teacher training

How is the food actually like at yoga school?!

Is everything vegan? Can I have coffee? Will I be hungry every day!?

These are the questions we get asked most often regarding the meals at yoga teacher training.  

Our trainings are mostly plant-based but we do offer eggs, dairy and fish, all locally sourced for those who incorporate animal products into their diets. 

We can (and do) accommodate ANY and all dietary needs. Believe us, we’ve seen it all and NO ONE goes hungry at yoga teacher training. 


We thought we’d have our students tell you all about the food at Yoga Academy International.

Check out the video below to find out what we eat in a day at yoga school!

UPCOMING TRAININGS:

200hr yoga
teacher training

in playa maderas
Taking place on the spectacular cliffs of Maderas Beach, this 200hr Yoga-Alliance Registered Teacher Training is the perfect foundation for becoming a professional yoga teacher.
learn more

questions for us? 
Get in touch now!

Facebook-f Instagram Youtube

Get social with us!

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There has been a problem with your Instagram Feed.

Meditation for loneliness and isolation

Sometimes life just feels lonely.

It’s okay to feel this way.

Join Yoga Academy International founder, Lauren Rudick for a beautiful guided meditation to help you when you’re feeling lonely or isolated.

Feeling alone?

We all go through times where we feel alone, isolated or disconnected from the world. 

Sometimes life just feels lonely. 

It’s okay to feel this way. 

Join Yoga Academy International founder, Lauren Rudick for a beautiful guided meditation to help you when you’re feeling lonely or isolated. 

Find a comfortable seat, close your eyes and press play on the video below (it’s audio only). 

or

Click here to download this meditation

Come back to this meditation any time you feel lonely or separate from the world. 

Remember that you are loved.

Remember to be kind to yourself in dark times.

Remember that these feelings will pass. 

Remember that feeling better is often just a few deep breaths away.

UPCOMING TRAININGS:

immersive 200hr yoga teacher training

in playa maderas
Taking place on the spectacular cliffs of Maderas Beach, this 200hr Yoga-Alliance Registered Teacher Training is the perfect foundation for becoming a professional yoga teacher.
learn more

Luxury Yin yoga teacher training

in Marrakech, Morocco
THIS 60HR PROGRAM IS A COMPLETE TRAINING ON ITS OWN. IT IS ALSO ONE OF THE ELECTIVE MODULES THAT MAKES UP OUR ADVANCED 300HR YOGA TEACHING CERTIFICATION. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TRAINING YOU WILL BE A CERTIFIED YIN YOGA TEACHER AND COMPLETE PART OF YOUR 300HR YTT.
learn more

Ashtanga Yoga intensive

in Lembongnan, Bali
THIS is an amazing course with KPJAY Authorized level 2 teacher Tina Bock! Tina has spent years studying in Mysore, India under Sharath Jois and takes a very traditional but fun approach to Ashtanga Yoga. This program is an ELECTIVE MODULES THAT MAKES UP OUR ADVANCED 300HR YOGA TEACHING CERTIFICATION.
learn more

questions for us? 
Get in touch now!

Facebook-f Instagram Youtube

Get social with us!

How to draw mandalas

How to draw Mandalas

Mandala drawing is a form of mindfulness

What is a Mandala?! It is a geometric configuration of symbols. In Buddhism and Hinduism mandala designs represent the universe. That being said, mandalas are not religious in nature and do not equate themselves with any particular spiritual background. Mandalas are seen all the time, everywhere in our every day lives. Flowers, ripples in a pond, even molecules under a microscope are mandalas.

Aside from the aesthetic quality of having them around, drawing mandalas can be a very calming and meditative experience. In the video below, Yoga Academy International founder/director Lauren Rudick shows you how to draw mandalas and how to use mandala drawing as another type of meditation. 

I bet without even realizing it you’ve made mandalas before… every cut out snowflakes as a kid? Or maybe your high school doodles some how made mandala shapes. Drawing mandalas is a wonderful way to release yourself from the monkey mind- the mind of to-do lists, schedules, worries or fear. Turn on your favourite relaxing music, light some candles, take a few deep breathes, and let you subconscious mind take over as you draw a mandala.

In tibet, Buddhist monks spend days and days creating intricate mandalas out of sand for their festivals. Then when courtyard doors are open, wind gusts through and blows the mandalas away. This might seem tragic, but it helps us remember that everything is temporary. We can appreciate beauty in front of us without missing it when it is gone. Mandala drawing reminds us to stay present and stay content with what is, right here, right now. 

This should be RELAXING. You don’t need to give yourself rules or plan ahead! Just start from the centre and work your way outward. Start small. Move slowly. Be kind to yourself. Let mandala drawing take you to a quieter and more peaceful place inside of you.

Xox

Lauren & Team YAI

Like netflix, but yoga.

Want unlimited access to yoga classes, meditations, dharma talks and tutorials in multiple languages?! Ya. You do.  

We want to invite you to practice with us from the comfort of your home.

We have classes in English, French and Norwegian and have just added almost a dozen new practices.

 
Hundreds of practices available – unlimited yoga for all levels – beginners to super advanced – continuing education for yoga teachers

Whether you are brand new to yoga, super advanced or on your yoga teaching journey, we have practices and classes for you. Our online instructors have been handpicked for their teaching style, commitment to practice and specialty in their individual yoga discipline. We have classes ranging from 2 – 90 minutes waiting for you!

Membership is just $98 per year!

[register_form id=2]

UPCOMING TRAININGS:

200hr yoga
teacher training

in playa maderas
Taking place on the spectacular cliffs of Maderas Beach, this 200hr Yoga-Alliance Registered Teacher Training is the perfect foundation for becoming a professional yoga teacher.
learn more

Ashtanga Yoga intensive

in Lembongnan, Bali
THIS is an amazing course with KPJAY Authorized level 2 teacher Tina Bock! Tina has spent years studying in Mysore, India under Sharath Jois and takes a very traditional but fun approach to Ashtanga Yoga. This program is an ELECTIVE MODULES THAT MAKES UP OUR ADVANCED 300HR YOGA TEACHING CERTIFICATION.
learn more

questions for us? 
Get in touch now!

Facebook-f Instagram Youtube

Get social with us!

The training that happened while the world was stopped

…As a group we decided to press on with the training. We had all come a long way to make this training and some of us were unaware of what to do next. So we agreed that in class time we would continue our journey in to mindfulness. In classes we went on as per usual. On breaks, we organized and arranged next steps. It feels now like that training was a lifetime ago. It feels like we maintained a tiny haven of paradise in a far away place where the rest of the world’s problems simply did not exist.

The training that continued while the world was stopping...

If you’ve been following along on our journey, you’ll know that we were in the midst of a Chakra-Vinyasa yoga teacher training while the world was wrapping it’s head around a global pandemic. It was just a few days after the training started that travel bans started to come in to effect, business closed, government regulations were put in to place, and the world seemed to halt while we were all in Nicaragua. 

The situation was uncertain to say the least. On our breaks our eyes were peeled to news sources, texting and calling friends and family back home and just trying to get updates on what was going on. It felt like we were in a far far away dreamland, away from all the chaos. 

As a group we decided to press on with the training. We had all come a long way to make this training and some of us were unaware of what to do next. So we agreed that in class time we would continue our journey in to mindfulness. In classes we went on as per usual. On breaks, we organized and arranged next steps. It feels now like that training was a lifetime ago. It feels like we maintained a tiny haven of paradise in a far away place where the rest of the world’s problems simply did not exist. 

Hopefully we will be able to return soon to our beloved Yoga Teacher Trainings in paradise. In the meanwhile, here’s a recap of the Chakra-Vinyasa experience. 

 

We are still committed to offering you the highest possible standard in yoga education.

Take this time to advance your home practice with us.

Go deeper into themes and practices you’ve always wanter to.

Prepare yourself for next steps in your yoga career once we return to our regular lives.

Learn from our internationally renown teachers right from the comfort of your own…quarantine. 

online yoga courses

Ashtanga Yoga for newbies

Join internationally renown Tantric Yoga Teacher Nancy Goodfellow as she introduces you to this amazing practice! This course is challenging, uplifting, insightful and deep. It is perfect for a yogi ready to learn more, go deeper- mind, body and spirit and gain more understanding of the ancient traditions of yoga. Nancy guides safe and structured Tantric practices that include explanations of.why Tantra is practiced in this way, mudras, mantra, meditation and so much more. Contains over 3 hours of guided asana practice and more than 10 hours of video content!
LEARN MORE

Turn your life upside down

Turn Your Life Upside Down is a 4-week 4-module course designed to get you knowing what your passions are, what makes you come alive and then take the steps toward living that dream! Lauren Rudick takes you on a journey into yourself. This course contains 5 guided yoga practices, 7 guided meditations, a fully illustrated e-book and journaling exercises.
Join Lauren in living a lifestyle of passion. Turn Your Life Upside Down!
learn more

The Tantra Course

Join internationally renown Tantric Yoga Teacher Nancy Goodfellow as she introduces you to this amazing practice! This course is challenging, uplifting, insightful and deep. It is perfect for a yogi ready to learn more, go deeper- mind, body and spirit and gain more understanding of the ancient traditions of yoga. Nancy guides safe and structured Tantric practices that include explanations of.why Tantra is practiced in this way, mudras, mantra, meditation and so much more. Contains over 3 hours of guided asana practice and more than 10 hours of video content!
LEARN MORE

Uplift your Yoga Career

Uplift your yoga career is everything a yogi needs to know to elevate a great career in yoga, raise your income and create an awesome yoga following. The full course includes guides on getting jobs, marketing, social media, creating workshops and growing a loyal following in yoga.
learn more

Like netflix, but yoga.

We are still continuing to offer membership to our online yoga studio at significantly reduced rates. 

Our online studio and online courses are NOT the same. The studio is streamable online content with various teachers. The courses are an opportunity to go WAY deeper into a particular discipline or style. 

During stressful times like these that we need wellness and mindfulness practices the most.We are giving you almost free access to our entire online studio library. It’s like Netflix, but yoga for Just $1 per month.

We want to invite you to practice with us from the comfort of your home.

FULL ACCESS to our online studio for only $12 for the entire year. Use code yoga12 to sign up today.

If you are already subscribed, feel free to share page with others who need heart opening meditations, yoga practices to keep them physically fit and well and yin yoga to reduce stress and stiffness.

We have classes in English, French and Norwegian and have just added almost a dozen new practices.

 
Hundreds of practices available – unlimited yoga for all levels – beginners to super advanced – continuing education for yoga teachers

Whether you are brand new to yoga, super advanced or on your yoga teaching journey, we have practices and classes for you. Our online instructors have been handpicked for their teaching style, commitment to practice and specialty in their individual yoga discipline. We have classes ranging from 2 – 90 minutes waiting for you!

Membership is just $98 per year!

[register_form id=2]

But what about our 
yoga trainings abroad?

We are keeping a close watch on how the situation is changing day by day. At this point in time it is highly likely that our YIN YOGA TEACHER TRAINING  at the end of April will be postponed for 1 year. We will continue to watch the COVID-19 situation closely and make a final decision by April 1, 2020. Good news- you now have time to sign up at save up for it! This luxury training is amazing and we can extend a payment plan to you over 12 months. This means for less than $200/month you can get to this INCREDIBLE luxury experience.

We are still saying optimistic that our 200hr YOGA TEACHER TRAINING this July will run as scheduled. We are hopeful and keeping faith that we will be able to stop the spread of this virus shortly and continue to create magical experiences in paradise. 

UPCOMING TRAININGS:

200hr yoga
teacher training

in playa maderas
Taking place on the spectacular cliffs of Maderas Beach, this 200hr Yoga-Alliance Registered Teacher Training is the perfect foundation for becoming a professional yoga teacher.
learn more

Ashtanga Yoga intensive

in Lembongnan, Bali
THIS is an amazing course with KPJAY Authorized level 2 teacher Tina Bock! Tina has spent years studying in Mysore, India under Sharath Jois and takes a very traditional but fun approach to Ashtanga Yoga. This program is an ELECTIVE MODULES THAT MAKES UP OUR ADVANCED 300HR YOGA TEACHING CERTIFICATION.
learn more

questions for us? 
Get in touch now!

Facebook-f Instagram Youtube

Get social with us!

update: COVID-19 & Yoga Academy International

Covid-19 & Yoga Academy International

Current status, upcoming plans & What you can do right now: 

It is with honesty and transparency that Lauren shares with you exactly where we are at right now with Yoga Academy International, what precautions we are taking where we are right now and our plans for the future. 

We are hopeful that we can continue to connect with you, our beloved community, and that soon enough you’ll be back here with us at our epic yoga teacher trainings! 

We are still committed to offering you the highest possible standard in yoga education.

Take this time to advance your home practice with us.

Go deeper into themes and practices you’ve always wanter to.

Prepare yourself for next steps in your yoga career once we return to our regular lives.

Learn from our internationally renown teachers right from the comfort of your own…quarantine. 

online yoga courses

Ashtanga Yoga for newbies

Join internationally renown Tantric Yoga Teacher Nancy Goodfellow as she introduces you to this amazing practice! This course is challenging, uplifting, insightful and deep. It is perfect for a yogi ready to learn more, go deeper- mind, body and spirit and gain more understanding of the ancient traditions of yoga. Nancy guides safe and structured Tantric practices that include explanations of.why Tantra is practiced in this way, mudras, mantra, meditation and so much more. Contains over 3 hours of guided asana practice and more than 10 hours of video content!
LEARN MORE

Turn your life upside down

Turn Your Life Upside Down is a 4-week 4-module course designed to get you knowing what your passions are, what makes you come alive and then take the steps toward living that dream! Lauren Rudick takes you on a journey into yourself. This course contains 5 guided yoga practices, 7 guided meditations, a fully illustrated e-book and journaling exercises.
Join Lauren in living a lifestyle of passion. Turn Your Life Upside Down!
learn more

The Tantra Course

Join internationally renown Tantric Yoga Teacher Nancy Goodfellow as she introduces you to this amazing practice! This course is challenging, uplifting, insightful and deep. It is perfect for a yogi ready to learn more, go deeper- mind, body and spirit and gain more understanding of the ancient traditions of yoga. Nancy guides safe and structured Tantric practices that include explanations of.why Tantra is practiced in this way, mudras, mantra, meditation and so much more. Contains over 3 hours of guided asana practice and more than 10 hours of video content!
LEARN MORE

Uplift your Yoga Career

Uplift your yoga career is everything a yogi needs to know to elevate a great career in yoga, raise your income and create an awesome yoga following. The full course includes guides on getting jobs, marketing, social media, creating workshops and growing a loyal following in yoga.
learn more

Like netflix, but yoga.

We are still continuing to offer membership to our online yoga studio at significantly reduced rates. 

Our online studio and online courses are NOT the same. The studio is streamable online content with various teachers. The courses are an opportunity to go WAY deeper into a particular discipline or style. 

During stressful times like these that we need wellness and mindfulness practices the most.We are giving you almost free access to our entire online studio library. It’s like Netflix, but yoga for Just $1 per month.

We want to invite you to practice with us from the comfort of your home.

FULL ACCESS to our online studio for only $12 for the entire year. Use code yoga12 to sign up today.

If you are already subscribed, feel free to share page with others who need heart opening meditations, yoga practices to keep them physically fit and well and yin yoga to reduce stress and stiffness.

We have classes in English, French and Norwegian and have just added almost a dozen new practices.

 
Hundreds of practices available – unlimited yoga for all levels – beginners to super advanced – continuing education for yoga teachers

Whether you are brand new to yoga, super advanced or on your yoga teaching journey, we have practices and classes for you. Our online instructors have been handpicked for their teaching style, commitment to practice and specialty in their individual yoga discipline. We have classes ranging from 2 – 90 minutes waiting for you!

Membership is just $98 per year!

[register_form id=2]

But what about our 
yoga trainings abroad?

We are keeping a close watch on how the situation is changing day by day. At this point in time it is highly likely that our YIN YOGA TEACHER TRAINING  at the end of April will be postponed for 1 year. We will continue to watch the COVID-19 situation closely and make a final decision by April 1, 2020. Good news- you now have time to sign up at save up for it! This luxury training is amazing and we can extend a payment plan to you over 12 months. This means for less than $200/month you can get to this INCREDIBLE luxury experience.

We are still saying optimistic that our 200hr YOGA TEACHER TRAINING this July will run as scheduled. We are hopeful and keeping faith that we will be able to stop the spread of this virus shortly and continue to create magical experiences in paradise. 

UPCOMING TRAININGS:

200hr yoga
teacher training

in playa maderas
Taking place on the spectacular cliffs of Maderas Beach, this 200hr Yoga-Alliance Registered Teacher Training is the perfect foundation for becoming a professional yoga teacher.
learn more

Ashtanga Yoga intensive

in Lembongnan, Bali
THIS is an amazing course with KPJAY Authorized level 2 teacher Tina Bock! Tina has spent years studying in Mysore, India under Sharath Jois and takes a very traditional but fun approach to Ashtanga Yoga. This program is an ELECTIVE MODULES THAT MAKES UP OUR ADVANCED 300HR YOGA TEACHING CERTIFICATION.
learn more

questions for us? 
Get in touch now!

Facebook-f Instagram Youtube

Get social with us!

What we are doing about COVID-19 at Yoga Academy International

It is during stressful times like these that we need wellness and mindfulness practices the most. We are keeping a close watch on how the situation is changing day by day and currently do not plan to cancel any of our yoga teacher trainings abroad…

What we are doing about COVID-19 
at Yoga Academy International

Stay mindful, healthy and choose love over fear

yin yoga Childs pose

Hi Yogis!!

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, many people are avoiding gathering in large groups, including at yoga studios.

At YAI, we believe that it is during stressful times like these that we need wellness and mindfulness practices the most.

As such, we want to give you almost free access to our entire online studio library. It’s like Netflix, but yoga.

In transparency- the way our online platform has been coded, you need to enter a credit card number in order to make an account, so we are giving it away, almost free.

Just $1 per month.

We want to invite you to practice with us from the comfort of your home.

As such, we are offering FULL ACCESS to our online studio for only $12 for the entire year.

Use code yoga12 to sign up today.

If you are already subscribed, feel free to share page with others who need heart opening meditations, yoga practices to keep them physically fit and well and yin yoga to reduce stress and stiffness.

We have classes in English, French and Norwegian and have just added almost a dozen new practices.

 
Hundreds of practices available – unlimited yoga for all levels – beginners to super advanced – continuing education for yoga teachers

Whether you are brand new to yoga, super advanced or on your yoga teaching journey, we have practices and classes for you. Our online instructors have been handpicked for their teaching style, commitment to practice and specialty in their individual yoga discipline. We have classes ranging from 2 – 90 minutes waiting for you!

Membership is just $98 per year!

[register_form id=2]

Here's a sneak peak at some of our classes...

But what about our yoga trainings abroad?

We are keeping a close watch on how the situation is changing day by day and currently do not plan to cancel any of our yoga teacher trainings abroad.

We are confident that by the time our YIN YOGA TEACHER TRAINING rolls around at the end of April and our 200hr YOGA TEACHER TRAINING in July, this situation will be contained and past us.

We will of course be in contact with you if that changes.

Stay healthy, stay informed, stay safe.

We love you!!

xoxoxo
Lauren & Team Yoga Academy International

UPCOMING TRAININGS:

immersive 200hr yoga teacher training

in playa maderas
Taking place on the spectacular cliffs of Maderas Beach, this 200hr Yoga-Alliance Registered Teacher Training is the perfect foundation for becoming a professional yoga teacher.
learn more

Luxury Yin yoga teacher training

in Marrakech, Morocco
THIS 60HR PROGRAM IS A COMPLETE TRAINING ON ITS OWN. IT IS ALSO ONE OF THE ELECTIVE MODULES THAT MAKES UP OUR ADVANCED 300HR YOGA TEACHING CERTIFICATION. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TRAINING YOU WILL BE A CERTIFIED YIN YOGA TEACHER AND COMPLETE PART OF YOUR 300HR YTT.
learn more

Ashtanga Yoga intensive

in Lembongnan, Bali
THIS is an amazing course with KPJAY Authorized level 2 teacher Tina Bock! Tina has spent years studying in Mysore, India under Sharath Jois and takes a very traditional but fun approach to Ashtanga Yoga. This program is an ELECTIVE MODULES THAT MAKES UP OUR ADVANCED 300HR YOGA TEACHING CERTIFICATION.
learn more

Yoga Practice & Meditation for Self love

Remember: The most important relationship you’ll ever have is the one you have with yourself!!

So here are a quick meditation and super gentle yoga stretch practice to help you cultivate more self-love.

Whether you’re single or have found your special someone(s) cultivating self-love is ALWAYS a good idea.

Cultivating self love

A meditation & Yoga Practice

Hi Yogis!
Sometimes the holidays can make us feel extra single if we are single… or sometimes they leave us with weighty expectations and disappointment from our partner(s). Remember: The most important relationship you’ll ever have is the one you have with yourself!!

So here are a quick meditation and super gentle yoga stretch practice to help you cultivate more self-love.

Whether you’re single or have found your special someone(s) cultivating self-love is ALWAYS a good idea. Practice with Yoga Academy Founder/Director Lauren Rudick right now! 

Meditation for self love with Lauren Rudick

Super gentle yoga stretch for self-love with Lauren Rudick

Want more? Join our online yoga studio!!

Hundreds of practices available – unlimited yoga for all levels – beginners to super advanced – continuing education for yoga teachers

Whether you are brand new to yoga, super advanced or on your yoga teaching journey, we have practices and classes for you. Our online instructors have been handpicked for their teaching style, commitment to practice and specialty in their individual yoga discipline. We have classes ranging from 2 – 90 minutes waiting for you!

Membership is just $98 per year!

[register_form id=2]

Here's a sneak peak at some of our classes...

- The quality of the teaching and education was truly fantastic.
Sonya H
- Yoga Academy International is an amazing and powerful experience. There are the immediate benefits!
Hari Khalsa
- he standard of education is really high, which. A good mixture of practice, theory, anatomy, history.
Suzi W

Your membership includes full unlimited access to

Guided Yoga Classes

Flows ranging from 5-90 minutes with our internationally renown instructors

Pose Tutorials

Learn safe alignment. Achieve those mind-blowing yoga tricks. Become a more thorough and informed teacher for your students.

Dharma Talks

Lectures on yoga philosophy. Deepen your understanding of yoga. Communicate better with your community.

Guided Meditations

Calm your mind. Find peace in your soul.

Continuing Education for Yoga Teachers

Grow your yoga career. Expand your knowledge. Learn how to harness your media and your message to become an international yoga teacher. 

New Classes added every week!
Join our online studio today.

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The story of Goddess Lakshmi

Lakshmi was born from the stirring of the primordial milky ocean by the gods and demons.

The name Lakshmi is derived from the Sanskrit word Laksya, which means aim or destination.

Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and prosperity of all forms, material and spiritual.

Who is Goddess Lakshmi?

Do you know the origin story of Goddess Lakshmi? 

WANT TO BECOME A YOGA TEACHER? CLICK HERE!

Lakshmi was born from the stirring of the primordial milky ocean by the gods and demons.

The name Lakshmi is derived from the Sanskrit word Laksya, which means aim or destination.

Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth and prosperity of all forms, material and spiritual.

Like most Hindu mythology, Lakshmi’s origin story has many different versions and is always embellished with many surreal, magical or even unbelievable elements. Lakshmi’s story begins with a meeting between Sage Durvasa and Lord Indra. 

Sage Durvasa, with a lot of respect, offers Indra a garland of flowers. Lord Indra takes the flowers and rather than humbly placing them around his own neck, he puts the garland on the forehead of his elephant Airvata. The elephant takes the garland and throws it down on the earth- after all, he is an elephant. He didn’t know better! 

Durvasa gets angry at this disrespectful treatment of his gift and he says to Indra, “you have an inflated ego and in your arrogance, you have disrespected me!” Durvasa curses Lord Indra, stating that his kingdom will be ruined just as he ruined the garland by throwing it onto the ground in his excessive pride.

Durvasa walks away and Indra returns to his home. The changes in Indra’s city start to take place following Durvasa’s curse. The gods & people lose their vigour and energy, all the vegetable products and plants start dying, men stop doing charity, minds become corrupted, and everyone’s desires become uncontrollable.

With the Gods getting weak in Indra’s home town, the demons invade the realm of the Gods and defeat them. Everything became chaotic.

This is the reason that both Gods (light) and Demons (darkness) reside in us and are representative of the good and evil within us.

After being defeated, the Gods went to Lord Vishnu (the preserver of the universe) who suggested they churn the ocean to restore the power back to the Gods. The work of churning this primordial ocean will bring back the elixir of immortal life to the gods.

The churning is symbolized by a literal tug of war between the Gods and Demons in the story.  Being a vast body, it would take all of the gods and all of the demons to churn the ocean. So the gods took a snake and wrapped it around Mount Madura. They then sunk the whole mountain into the milky sea. With the gods at the tail end and the demons at head, they both pulled, uncoiling the snake, causing the mountain to spin and the primeval sea to swirl. 

From this churning many things rise up out of the ocean, including Lakshmi AND the elixir of immortal life.  Goddess Lakshmi rises out of the waves, fully grown, gorgeous and on a lotus flower. Eventually through some tricky slight-of-hand the elixir of immortal life also is returned to the gods and order in the universe is restored. 

One of the lessons in this story is that when we get arrogant or angry, it leads to an inability to perform good work. We will lack mental peace, willpower and have a meaningless life. It also shows us that we sometimes have to work with our adversaries, finding compromise and collaboration in order to restore order for a greater good.

Online yoga teacher trainings:

Recently, we had a fun pool party where our yogis channeled their inner lakshmi and celebrated feelings of abundance and prosperity in the midst of yoga teacher training. 

Mantras for proSperity

Using mantra

You can use Lakshmi mantras or even English affirmations to help cultivate abundance and prosperity in your life. Reminding yourself that the universe has everything you need to succeed and thrive helps cultivate feelings of abundance. Chanting to Lakshmi, saying her name in song and even using English affirmation can help you be affirmed that you deserve wealth and prosperity in all forms. 

In our lives we deserve to feel wealthy with friends, love, prosperous in our professional and personal lives and that there is financial abundance available to us at al times.

Below are some of our favourite mantras to help you cultivate abundance and prosperity, drawing on the image of Lakshmi and the lessons of her story. 

OM NAMO LAKSHMAYE NAMAHA

 

ABUNDANCE IS MY BIRTHRIGHT

 

I DESERVE PROSPERITY

Want to come and play? Join one of our yoga teacher trainings!! 

 

WANT TO BECOME A YOGA TEACHER? CLICK HERE!

FREE yoga flow to stimulate your inner fire

Yoga flow to stimulate your manipura chakra

 How can you stimulate your inner fire? 

The 3rd chakra or manipura chakra helps connect us to our inner fire. Manipura means lustrous gem in Sanskrit. This chakra helps connect us to the tapas or burning enthusiasm that keeps us moving forward and excited about our life. The 3rd chakra is often represented by the element of fire. Manipura chakra governs our will power, our ability to make empowered choices and our self-confidence. The 3rd chakra also relates to our digestive system.  

Building heat and inner fire in the body makes us feels strong from inside to out. When we connect with our inner strength, we feel empowered which in turn helps us feel more confidence and leads us to make choices that keep us on our path. In this yoga flow, Kezia Tatton, Yoga Academy International lead teacher takes us through an accessible yet challenging practice to heat the body up and stoke the fide of the 3rd chakra. 

Want to know more about how you can stimulate, calm and heal your chakras? 

The chakra system is an incredible tool to help us get to know ourselves better. Through the lens of the chakras, as yogis we can dive deep down into our psyches and unveil many of the stories, belief systems and illusions we tell ourselves. By using the chakra system to interpret the mind-body connection we can uptake practices both on and off our yoga mats to find tremendous healing. By understanding the chakra system better we can help our yoga students, family and friends feel better too. 

Learn how you can rev up, soothe and balance your manipura and the rest of your chakras at our upcoming Chakra Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training. 

This 1-week retreat style course is for yoga teachers who want to go deeper in to their own practice and their teaching. This is for those of you who are looking for a more enriching and soulful experience. 

Chakra Vinyasa 
Yoga teacher training

in Playa Maderas
Take a deep and soulful journey into the chakra system!  After completing this training you will be a certified Chakra-Vinyasa yoga teacher and complete part of your 300hr YTT.
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More about our yoga teacher trainings...


Chakra vinyasa
yoga teacher training

 
at Maderas Beach

December 1-8, 2019

Learn More!
This 60hr program is a complete and wholistic training on its own. It is also one of the elective modules that makes up our advanced 500hr yoga teaching certification. After completing this training you will be a certified Chakra-Vinyasa yoga teacher and complete part of your 500hr YTT.

Immersive Chakra Yoga Teacher Training

Chakra Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training. A 60hr immersive training for teachers. Beach front. Stay & meal included.

Go on a soulful journey into the chakra system...

Our chakra-Vinyasa yoga teacher training is an immersive, retreat style experience for yoga teachers. this 1-week training includes your stay and meals. Enjoy our oceanfront retreat centre, jungle and ocean view yoga spaces, meditation platforms, virtually private beaches and miles and miles of unspoiled paradise.

This is a full and complete course on its own. It is also a module of our Yoga Alliance registered 300hr YTT. 

Inquire now!

Chakra-Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training

Sample daily schedule:

 

  • 7:00 – 8:30am morning chakra-themed yoga flow
  • 8:30 – 9am beach meditation and mindfulness exercises
  • 9 – 10:30am Breakfast break
  • 10:30am – 1pm Chakra Vinyasa Yoga Theory
  • 1pm – 3:30pm Lunch Break
  • 3:30pm – 6:00pm Workshops, discussion, practice teaching, mindful communication skills
  • 6pm – 7:00pm Sunset & Dinner break
  • 7pm – 8:30pm evening satsang (Q&A, philosophy chats, dance parties)

Curriculum

This Chakra-Vinyasa yoga teacher training will touch on:

  • History and origins of the chakra system
  • How to understand chakras from a Western perspective
  • Where Chakras meet science
  • How the chakras can help us better understand ourselves- mind, body and spirit
  • Mantras to awaken each chakra
  • Hindu deities and their stories as they relate to the theme of each of the seven chakras
  • Yoga Asana that calm, balance and stimulate each chakra
  • How to sequence yoga asana classes for the chakras
  • Rituals and practices to get in touch with your system, chakra by chakra
Reserve my spot!

Location

This teacher training includes your stay + 3 meals per day at our retreat center at Maderas Beach, Nicaragua. Located just outside of the lively beach town of San Juan Del Sur, Maderas beach is a safe and quiet haven.  Our oceanfront private villa is the perfect setting for a month spent in paradise! You’ll get sunset views every evening from our dipping pool and our yoga shala boasts a 180 degree view of the ocean and the surf break! We also have a jungle yoga deck and 82 acres of hiking trails on this private property to explore.

Every morning you can meditate on the cliffs of this dramatic coastline that gives way to perfect beaches for walking and some world-class waves for surfing. This place is serene and stunning.

GETTING HERE: Maderas beach is located just 2-houra from Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR) airport and 2-hours from Managua Airport (MGA). Flying in to either airport. We can have our partners at the retreat center organize your transfers to us at Maderas Beach.

Inquire now!

Accreditation & Tuition

Yoga Academy International is a recognized and registered yoga school with Yoga Alliance. When you graduate our course you will be a certified chakra-vinyasa yoga teacher. This course also counts as 60hrs toward Yoga Academy International’s 500hr YTT. On completion of 3 elective modules + our core module, you can register as RYT-500. 

Tuition for this program is $1765USD. Your chakra-vinyasa yoga teacher training includes:

  • 9 nights at our private, oceanfront retreat center
  • 3 locally sourced healthy meals daily
  • Daily Asana and Meditation practice
  • An opportunity to live your yoga, lifestyle and ethics
  • Campfires, singing, dancing, stargazing
  • A safe, sacred space for you to grow in to the most authentic and happy version of yourself
  • Mentorship and personalized guidance

* please note, there is 1 day off mid-way through this training. Meals will not be included on the day off. This is your opportunity to support local restaurants and visit the area!

There are no extras or hidden fees associated with our program. We invite you to come as you are and we will provide you with everything you need. Payment plans are available.

Get in touch with us about this training
NOT JUST AN AVERAGE YOGA TRAINING; IT WAS AN ENRICHING LIFE EXPERIENCE. I LEARNED SO MUCH ABOUT THE MANY ASPECTS OF YOGA AND MEDITATION. AS WELL AS MORE ABOUT MYSELF. I RECEIVED THE TOOLS TO LEAD A MORE EMPOWERED AND CONSCIOUS LIFE. THE GENUINE LOVE, GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT FROM THE SKILLED INSTRUCTORS AND MY FELLOW STUDENTS WAS APPARENT ON A DAILY BASIS AND SO APPRECIATED. I ENJOYED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS COMPREHENSIVE AND WELL-PLANNED PROGRAM. GREAT VARIETY OF KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, AND LASTING FRIENDSHIPS. I’M FOREVER GRATEFUL.
MS
Sweden
WHAT AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE! THE QUALITY OF THE TEACHING AND EDUCATION WAS TRULY FANTASTIC. THE STAFF ALONG WITH ALL OF THE EXPERT GUEST SPEAKERS WERE SUPER SUPPORTIVE AND KNOWLEDGEABLE. I FEEL WELL EQUIPPED AND EXCITED TO GO OUT INTO THE WORLD AND SHARE WHAT I HAVE LEARNED. I ESPECIALLY LOVED THAT WE WERE ENCOURAGED TO EMBRACE OUR OWN STYLE OF TEACHING. THE STUNNING AND MAGICAL LOCATION WAS THE CHERRY ON TOP!
Sonya H
Australia
I feel very lucky to have stumbled on to the gift of this practice, and I love that now I get to introduce it to others. I get to encourage the uncovering and discovering that inevitably comes along with it, not only during the asanas, but during those unexpected quiet moments of stillness…those golden moments where you find yourself going inward, and you find yourself. I’m SO excited to continue being a student of yoga…to continue being a teacher of yoga…to keep moving on this path
JulieAnn Delude
USA
PLEASE NOTE: A NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE IN THE PROGRAM. A 50% BALANCE OF PAYMENT IS DUE 30-DAYS PRIOR TO THE START DATE OF THE TRAINING. THE REMAINING BALANCE IS DUE 10-DAYS PRIOR TO THE START DATE OF THE YOGA TEACHER TRAINING. A FULL REFUND, MINUS THE DEPOSIT FEE WILL BE OFFERED FOR CANCELLATIONS MADE MORE THAN 60-DAYS PRIOR TO THE START DATE OF THE TRAINING. CANCELLATIONS OF LESS THAN 60-DAYS ADVANCED NOTICE WILL BE REFUNDED 50% OF THE TEACHER TRAINING PRICE. REFUNDS WILL NOT BE OFFERED ON CANCELLATIONS MADE LESS THAN 30-DAYS IN ADVANCE. REFUNDS WILL NOT BE OFFERED ON DISCOUNTED RATES.

yoga alignment classes at yoga academy international

Yoga Alignment class

at yoga academy international

At Yoga Academy International we strive to offer THE BEST yoga education possible. We believe in empowering our students with knowledge, love, community and support so that they can go on to inspire their communities when they complete their training.

We take a work hard, play generously approach in our trainings. We believe in good clean fun and we like to have LOTS of it while we learn yoga theory.

In our 1st week of our immersive 200hr yoga teacher training program we learned about the bandhas and how to apply them to our yoga poses. We learned how to properly align ourselves and use muscular effort in just the right way to build a strong, solid and stable foundation… 

Then we all frolicked in the ocean. Check out the video below! xoxo  

Join us at the program that our students are calling “heart centred”, “empowering”, and “paradise”…

 

UPCOMING TRAININGS:

200hr yoga
teacher training

in Greece
Taking place on the spectacular cliffs of Amorgos Island, this 200hr Yoga-Alliance Registered Teacher Training is the perfect foundation for becoming a professional yoga teacher.
learn more

Like netflix, but yoga.

We are still continuing to offer membership to our online yoga studio at significantly reduced rates. 

Our online studio and online courses are NOT the same. The studio is streamable online content with various teachers. The courses are an opportunity to go WAY deeper into a particular discipline or style. 

During stressful times like these that we need wellness and mindfulness practices the most.We are giving you almost free access to our entire online studio library. It’s like Netflix, but yoga for Just $1 per month.

We want to invite you to practice with us from the comfort of your home.

FULL ACCESS to our online studio for only $12 for the entire year. Use code yoga12 to sign up today.

If you are already subscribed, feel free to share page with others who need heart opening meditations, yoga practices to keep them physically fit and well and yin yoga to reduce stress and stiffness.

We have classes in English, French and Norwegian and have just added almost a dozen new practices.

 
Hundreds of practices available – unlimited yoga for all levels – beginners to super advanced – continuing education for yoga teachers

Whether you are brand new to yoga, super advanced or on your yoga teaching journey, we have practices and classes for you. Our online instructors have been handpicked for their teaching style, commitment to practice and specialty in their individual yoga discipline. We have classes ranging from 2 – 90 minutes waiting for you!

Membership is just $98 per year!

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Get in touch now!

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