Coutney Butler Yoga presents Floating Lotus Yoga R.Y.S.

Green Juice - Detox Drinks

2012-02-26T10:39:00.000-06:00

Hello, Hope this finds you well. Many of my friends and students have asked me for the recipe for Green Detox Juice. I found one similar on Pinterest today. http://www.colourfulpalate.com/2011/03/03/detoxing-tips-and-a-juice-recipe/ . Pinterest is a web organizing site that lets you put all your favorite things in categories to easily find and share. I LOVE IT!!!!
The juice recipe is really easy here but I would encourage you if you don't have all the ingredients: Make it up.
I find as long as you have some fruits and veggies your good. The ginger and lemon are the big cleaners and always having something green is good. If you know me personally you know I'm a big picture gal and I don't get bogged down in details: I work with people who do to balance me out, like a good yogini. So that being said your goal is to get more fruits and veggies.
As one of my favorite GURU's says "Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!" - Ms. Frizzel (The Magic School Bus, PBS)

Purity and Simplicity

2012-02-13T17:44:00.003-06:00

Hello Yogi's,
Hope this finds you well. As some of you know my life has taken a huge change in the past four months and I have been going through a divorce. It's been hard for me to write or even speak much lately, as my humanness and vulnerability seems very present at all times. Often my energy is used up in a day caring for the kids, the house, and work. So when it comes to writing, I want to, I really do, but I just can't seem to put things together. However, there are so many things that touch me and have helped me lately, and so I find it best for me to share those, because sometimes we are in the winter season, when things are quite, cold, and dark and gratefully there are those people out there who are in their spring or summer flourishing right along with generous amounts of wisdom.

This is one of my favorite blogs I follow http://www.bemorewithless.com/ . It's full of helpful info to better your life. My goal in life is to find happiness. Living a simple life, one that has everyday joy is what is important to me. I can say even in my darkest days I find some joy in each one. Maybe it's a cup of coffee, a lunch with a friend, a hug, or very likely my yoga practice.

Both of these post deal with living simply: Be more with less helps us think about how we can change the world, one small step at a time, and find happiness doing so.

Then this wonderful excerpt from Donna Farhi explains Shaucha -Purity so beautifully that it's like reading poetry.

Enjoy,

Courtney

fShaucha--Purity
Shaucha, or living purely, involves maintaining a cleanliness in body, mind, and environment so that we can experience ourselves at a higher resolution. The word pure comes from the Latin purus, which means clean and unadulterated. When we take in healthy food, untainted by pesticides and unnatural additives, the body starts to function more smoothly. When we read books that elevate our consciousness, see movies that inspire, and associate with gentle people, we are feeding the mind in a way that nourishes our own peacefulness. Creating a home environment that is elegant, simple, and uncluttered generates an atmosphere where we are not constantly distracted by the paraphernalia of yesterday's projects and last year's knickknacks. Shaucha is a testament to the positive power of association.

Practicing shaucha, meaning "that and nothing else," involves making choices about what you want and don't want in your life. Far from self-deprivation or dry piety, the practice of shaucha allows you to experience life more vividly. A clean plate enjoys the sweetness of an apple and the taste of pure water; a clear mind can appreciate the beauty of poetry and the wisdom imparted in a story; a polished table reveals the deep grain of the wood. This practice both generates beauty and allows us to appreciate it in all its many forms.

(Excerpted from Yoga Mind, Body & Spirit: A Return to Wholeness)

2012-01-23T11:24:00.000-06:00

Non Grasping

There are times in your life when your own words are not enough.

Today is one of those times. My life has taken a huge turn over the past three and a half months and I've lost something I usually have in large reserve: My ability to speak fluently about the things in my head. It is as if my brain doesn't work with my mouth or my keyboad. So for this particular post on the last of the Yama's I am sharing from what I felt was a heart felt and touching description of Aparigraha. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

With Love,

Courtney

Aparigraha--Not GraspingHolding on to things and being free are two mutually exclusive states. The ordinary mind is constantly manipulating reality to get ground underneath it, building more and more concretized images of how things are and how others are, as a way of generating confidence and security. We build self-images and construct concepts and paradigms that feed our sense of certainty, and we then defend this edifice by bending every situation to reinforce our certainty. This would be fine if life were indeed a homogeneous event in which nothing ever changed; but life does change, and it demands that we adapt and change with it. The resistance to change, and tenaciously holding on to things, causes great suffering and prevents us from growing and living life in a more vital and pleasurable way. What yoga philosophy and all the great Buddhist teachings tells us is that solidity is a creation of the ordinary mind and that there never was anything permanent to begin with that we could hold on to. Life would be much easier and substantially less painful if we lived with the knowledge of impermanence as the only constant. As we all have discovered at some time in our lives, whenever we have tried to hold on too tightly to anything, whether it be possessiveness of our partner or our youthful identity, this has only led to the destruction of those very things we most value. Our best security lies in taking down our fences and barricades and allowing ourselves to grow, and through that growth becoming stronger and yet more resilient.

The practice of aparigraha also requires that we look at the way we use things to reinforce our sense of identity. The executive ego loves to believe in its own power but unfortunately requires a retinue of foot soldiers in the way of external objects such as the right clothes, car, house, job, or image to maintain this illusion. Because this executive ego is but an illusion created by our sense of separateness, it requires ever greater and more elaborate strategies to keep it clothed. Although the practice of not grasping may first begin as consciously withdrawing our hand from reaching for external things, eventually the need to reach outward at all diminishes until there is a recognition that that which is essential to us is already at hand.

This article was written by Donna Farhi on Healthy.nethttp://www.healthy.net/Health/Article/The_Ten_Living_Principles_Yamas_and_Niyamas/2410/2

2011-12-03T07:28:00.001-06:00

Hello Yogis,

I hope this finds you well and you are having peace in your life this Holiday Season.

I've been a bit behind on my writings due to a promotion, divorce, and new found single motherhood. Though my life has thrown me some curve balls and I have dropped them a few times I am so very thankful to have the philosophy of the Yama's and NiYama's to guide me as well as my faith. To me faith is something that is so precious and personal it can be hard to put into meaningful words. The yogic philosophy is faith in action. These are a guide for anyone, believer or non believer, religious or non religious. There is no deity in these words only goodness and kindness. As his holiness the Dalai Lama said "My religion in loving kindness". I would like to add that I personally believe all religion or humanity should manifest itself in "loving kindness".

Brahmacharya:

Brahmacharya is how we use our life force, our energy, to
be balanced or unbalanced. When we are out of sorts our life usually reflects this. Things start to look messy literally and figuratively. For myself and the transitions in my life I have worked very hard to keep a clean house, semi clean car and keep the yard tidy. However on the other side of that I have had to let some things go and walk out of the house with it a little messy or let my kids eat frozen lasagna in order to get my work done. Life will hand you opportunities for practicing balance and moderation, as my dear friend and sister soul mate Stacey said to me the other day "We spend our life chasing balance." Yes we do. The most dedicated, honest, and good people will become off balance.This is where we start to practice moderation, moderation in our actions: Not eating to much, drinking to much, getting yourself into unhealthy relations with others, being mindful of your exercise and sleep. Moderation is good but there is also another powerful tool you can add and that we read about earlier: The practice of Ahimsa or "Kindness" kindness to self, kindness to others, thinking of what others need and what you need is a powerful way to bring balance into your life. So if your life throws you a curve ball find ways, even as small as they are to be kind to yourself and forgiving of yourself. Do the special things in your life to counter the stress and you will find yourself returning to that place we all desire as yogi's to be "The present moment, the oneness with the universe and the oneness with the divine we all hold in our heart."

Asteya

2011-11-02T13:22:00.000-05:00

So have you ever heard "Yoga meets you where you are"? That's how I felt when I started doing my readings for this post, my studies that is. So the word Asteya means "no stealing"...well that's easy right? Nope..because we are not talking about taking a candy bar we are talking about so much more. We are talking about not taking credit for things you didn't do. Well that's one aspect but I would like to be more specific to my own situation because I truly believe when I meet you here with humility these post are more meaningful and maybe will help someone else as much as they help me to study and to write about them.

My friend Stacey said the other day that she can't "not be friends" with her students. That is her nature, you visit her studio, you are her friend. She refers to she and I as "peas and carrots", we just go together. I too am not a person who has many walls, what you see is what you get. The person I am with you is pretty much who I am all the time. Now of course I have personal issues, I get mad, sad, angry, and have even been known to "lose it" with certain members of my family.
Are you wondering how does this relate to Asteya? Well so about an hour after the last post I wrote two weeks ago my husband and I split up. Yup, we separated, since then he has gotten an apartment and we are trying to figure out how to raise four teenagers, share our money, and live apart with little hope of being together again. This is flipping hard stuff, I find my self wanting my children's time, worrying about money, worrying about how to be all I can for my family, my business, my career at the Y. I basically am worried that I don't have enough, enough energy, will power, strength, drive, etc...That is what Asteya is, worry about lack of enough. So each day I read this little book on building a "Buddha Mind" a mind of simplicity, abundance, and love, love for self, love for others. I truly believe if we put our energy towards the positive, if we love ourselves, if we believe that if we put "goodness" out there "goodness" will come back...it will.

Meditation: Today I will "Be for myself" I will love myself, believe the universe will provide for me, I will give freely and trust.

Shanti, Shanti, Shanti, Namaste,
Courtney

In Humility & Truthfulness. SATYA

2011-10-15T12:15:00.000-05:00

Satya - Truthfulness
The second of the Yama's
Yama's are the way we behave towards others, ultimately always coming full circle back to our own behavior and hence how we feel about ourselves.

One of my greatest weaknesses and strengths is my natural gift of "satya". My husband refers to it as "Your an open book!" (This is not always said as a compliment).
I'm honest to a point of showing my innermost secrets and therefor "freaking" some people out, or maybe it could be said that I sometimes cross boundaries that make people uncomfortable because I am so honest about myself, my past, my frailties. It wasn't always this way for me though. As a child I had a rough way to go and I often lied to cover up the truth about who I was and were I came from. Somewhere down the line I realized that I didn't need to have false bravado or be more than I truly was in others eyes, that people would actually like me better if I was just me, all the garbage, scars, ugliness that I had to offer along with the good (it took me a long time and quite frankly a lot of counseling and a lot of yoga to find the good stuff). That ugliness wasn't me of course, it was not the real me. It was the stuff I carried around like a big heavy bag. I was "I", a person just like you. A person with the same feelings we all share: loneliness, happiness, sadness, anger, jealousy, love, kindness, and every other verb we can come up. That's just it, those words are action words, we are nouns. We are tangible, we are existence. People change, people grow. Honesty comes from first being honest with yourself and then with others. I can promise you the people you want to have in your life will love you more for the real you, if they cannot except you for who you are it's because they cannot except who they are.

Mediation on Satya: Today I will come from a place of love and be truthful with myself and others. I will honestly take the time to ask myself what I want and what I want my life to look like. I will act out of that place with love and honesty.

Namaste: The best in me salutes the best in you.
I bow in humility and respect.

Courtney

Yogic Philosophy Made Simple and Applicable

2011-09-22T08:38:00.001-05:00

Yama's and Niyama's in your life and work life:
The Yamas and Niyamas are a common sense path in yoga for daily living in this world.
For the next 10 post I will apply them to daily life and work life.

Yamas:
• Ahimsa (non-violence),
• Satya (truthfulness),
• Asteya (non-stealing),
• Brahmacharya (celibacy) and
• Aparigraha (non-covetousness)

Niyamas:
• Shaucha or purity,
• Santosha or contentment,
• Tapa or austerity,
• Swadhyaya or self-education and
• Ishwar-Pranidhan or meditation on the Divine

Yamas generally refer to how we treat others, however when going deeper it comes full circle to how we treat ourselves effects our actions with others. In life I am doubting anyone reading this is a violent person. However when we put our life under the microscope we can see more clearly how we can apply this. When you go to a restaurant and the waitress is frazzled, do you decide not to leave a tip, or are you rude or angry with him or her ? When you shop at the Holidays and the lines are long, do you get agitated with the people working in the store and the other customers?

We teach people how to treat us, in our behavior we illicit reactions from others. Not to absolve others from their behavior but to open our eyes to how our actions effect others reactions to us. As my sweet Granny used to say "You catch more flies with honey than vinegar." Well that simple statement was Ahimsa, it was my Granny's Southern philosophical statement on non violence.

Each day I struggle with not being disappointed with myself and the things I want to be, do, look like, accomplish, etc...
I'd like to save more money, lose some weight, be more patient. However, in focusing on those things I am only serving to make myself feel bad. So in my mind I will say "I have saved $500, and we have a retirement account. I'm only 10lbs heavier than I was in high school and I have had four pregnancies." Today instead of getting angry when my son was late for school for the 6th time in three weeks I said "I love you Honey" (as he walked out the door to get in his car, knowing the school would inflict the proper consequence).
When we are kind to others and to ourselves we feel a sense of pride and accomplishment for being patient and kind. When we are angry and frustrated we feel defeated. By following the philosophy of Ahimsa we build others up to succeed and build ourselves us for success.

Application:

Others: Today when you face people smile, say something kind, think of how they feel. Consider that the person who is angry, rude, or disrespectful could have more on their plate than they can handle and be extra kind to them despite their behavior.

Yourself: Take time, five minutes or five hours to do something nice for yourself. For me it will be brewing a cup of tea and taking a nice short walk and doing a little yoga before work.

Meditation: Take a deep breath in and silently say to yourself "I am", as you exhale say to your self something positive, such as "love, peace, joy, happy, beautiful, successful." Repeat several times.

Peace and Love.

Pricing - Just do it

2011-09-14T19:15:00.003-05:00

So this makes me a little crazy and I believe it's a bit of information that could really change people's profit's for the better.
I see a service I am interested in and I go to the web page and there is no price. So I have no idea if I can afford the widget or service this business has to offer.
I go with my gut when it comes to business and it has never let me down. Put yourself in the customers shoes. When you are looking to purchase or use something if you can't find a price do you give up?
So I will give an example from tonight that made me think of this. I'm on FaceBook (FB), someone local I adore has a business that I think I might like to use. I'm thinking I can spend a specific amount. They do not have a web page and on the FB page there no information about how the service works or how much it cost. See here is the deal, I really want to give this person business, but I would feel foolish if I called and then I could not afford what they needed. If you have a service that is hard to price, give an example of work you do and a clear statement that prices vary based on whatever your variables are. If you are struggling in a new business and do not know what to charge then "google" or research at least ten similar businesses and look at pricing. Then compare prices in your area. In Arkansas we charge a little less for yoga that the East or West Coast so I have to stay competitive. Ideally you don't want to be the most expensive until you have really built a reputation and you don't want to be cheap just to be cheap. Price fairly. Make sure you give a brief and concise statement about what you offer.

Here is an example from my web page: There is more info on the web page describing refunds and other financial policies, but you clearly know what you are paying for and what it cost. There is more detailed information on the website for specific events and trainings. CourtneyButlerYoga.com

·       Workshops and Intensives (C.E.U.’s available): $20 credit hour. If hosted 75/25(host) split, host advertises on website and current publications.

·       Yoga to go: $15 per person, minimum of $105.

·       Guest teaching with Courtney: $50 per hour, plus the cost of copies up to $15, and mileage outside of Garland County.

·       Personalized therapeutic yoga sessions :$60 per session, 1hr.

Hope this is helpful to someone and increases your revenue.

Courtney

Want to find work or keep your job?

2011-09-13T08:58:00.006-05:00

In yoga teacher training there are many types of personalities. Though I may care and appreciate each person, when it comes to hiring I have to look for very specific qualities. In my work as an employer and as a manager (I own a business and work for a large non profit) I have to make decisions in hiring that can be quite difficult.

What I look for when hiring:

1. Is the person a team player? Does he or she work well with others and have a positive outlook about the organization?
2. How does the person handle conflict? Can he or she understand that in business life problems do arise and it takes patience and tact to work through them and find a solution?
3. Are they dependable? Will show up for work and give plenty of notice when they need to be off?
4. Do they follow the rules of the organization? This is much like being a team player however it goes deeper than this. For instance, we have a rule that when teaching certain poses a teacher must give a modification if the pose has the potential for being dangerous. Do teachers take caution and understand how they can modify?
5. Are the teachers willing to continually learn and improve their skills?

Here are some steps to finding work or keeping your current position:

1. Does the timing of the job fit your schedule? Apply for work only if you know you can be dependable. If you find you need to make changes speak to your boss about a schedule change, they just may be able to accommodate you.
2. In other areas of your life be dependable. For instance do you show up for appointments on time? Do you do what you say you are going to do? This will reflect in your reputation.
3. Be willing to understand that there will be challenges. You will have to try to solve some problems. Expect that others are not trying to make you angry, they are merely doing what they think needs to be done. Simply put be flexible and open minded.
4. Always be a student. Continue to study, ask questions, read books and blogs on your profession.
5. Be willing to admit your mistakes. Apologize, take responsibility and move on. Above all, do right once you know where you messed up, intentionally or not.
6. If you don't know, admit it. On a regular basis people ask me for help with specific health issues. Now there are about 1,999,999 different health issues in the world. If I don't know the answer I say " I'd like to double check to be safe. I'll get back to you." Then do it.
7. Do your work in a reasonable amount of time. Make sure you understand your expectations. If you boss says "I need you to do this." You say, "When do you need that by?" If you find you cannot meet that expectation once you start your project, then speak to your superiors and discuss it. Whatever you do, don't let it sit out there and ignore dealing with it. Likely your superiors are in a place of management because they are "Get it done" types. Always handle things in a timely fashion.
8. Manage expectations. If you have an expectation then ask if you are not sure. Don't let things fester. Deal with your challenges as soon as you can.

Simply Put:

Show up
Smile
Be nice
Study
Care
Work hard
Be honest
Be flexible

Here is a great blog post from Step Morgan on hiring employees.
http://stepmorgan.com/2011/09/the-secret-to-finding-the-right-employees/

From Yoga Student to Yoga Teacher

2011-09-01T17:25:00.000-05:00

You have decided to make a life change and your not quite sure what that will look like but in your mind you have some ideas, dreams, and hopes. Congratulations, that is the beginning. Anything you can picture you can likely do, it may take tenacity and preservation but if you can picture it you are on your way. Here are the details in getting started on your journey and some helpful hints to help you get the most out of your journey.

First Steps:

You will need to have some background with yoga. You need to know you really love practicing before you decide to be a teacher.
Be able to answer the question for yourself -Why do I want to teach ?
Find several schools that appeal to you and research them. What is it you like about the school? Do you like the teachers? The style of yoga? What is their history?
What appeals to you? A small school with less than 15 or so students per class? Or a big school that is more like a college campus?
Ask some teachers who went through the program how they feel about the school.
Once you pick a school then you will want to email or call the Director. Send in your deposit and application. There may or may not be a phone interview. If the teacher knows you then they may skip this part.
Make arrangements to be able to attend "all" of the classes. Most schools do not let you miss any classes, but if you know you may have to miss one or two classes make sure you speak to your teacher and see if you can make it up. Many schools will make you wait a year to repeat the sessions you miss.

Once classes start:

Have what you need the first day.
Bring an attitude of willingness to learn.
Take care of yourself during training. Eat healthy, exercise, sleep, and do your yoga practice.
Do your work on time. I know this sounds like a "DUH" but it's crucial to enjoying your training. Make sure to set time out of your day, week, or month to do homework and assignments so you are not rushed. When I was in school I would get to my kids school an hour early and sit in my car the parking lot, not answer my cell phone and do my assignments in the car- no distractions. It worked for me for the reading and written work.
Go to other teachers yoga classes.

Want peole to show up to your classes?

2011-08-19T09:28:00.003-05:00

As silly as this may sound you would be surprised at the little bit of thought that some people give to scheduling and I will admit it can be trial and error. I have been doing this for over ten years now and there is a bit of a challenge to it. When I started at the college we had classes in the evenings and most of the people who showed up worked a day job. A year later I went to work at a large health and wellness facility and our biggest classes were on Monday mornings. So how do you know when to schedule your classes?

In previous post I covered how to decide when you should teach, that is your first step. What fits into your life style. For the sake of this blog I will use myself and a current graduate as an example, we will call her Sally. I have teenagers whom I take and pick up from school, it is important to me to be available for them early in the a.m. and afternoons. However I can work some weekends because my kids can feed and look after themselves and my husband is off on weekends.
Sally however has small children and her husband is a nurse who works three weekends a month working three ten hr shifts. He is usually worn out on Mondays. Sally would like to work Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, but not all three days as she would like to have some family time. Sally would like to add about $300 a month to her income so she feels at $25 an hour she needs to teach four classes per week. Sally and her husband talk and decide that working on Tuesdays and Thursdays would be ideal. Sally decides to approach her yoga studio and ask to teach a 6:00 a.m. class and a 9:30 a.m. class, giving her a little time to run errands between classes or do paperwork. She approaches the Director whom she has taken classes from in the past. The Director ask her to demonstrate a class, which she does. The Director says she will be happy to ad the 6:00 a.m. class for three months and see how it does but she, the Director, teaches the 9:30 class. Sally gladly accepts and soon finds she has an average of eight folks showing up to take her class within six weeks. The Director is becoming more and more busy and decides since Sally is doing so great by month three that she will let her sub for a month and see how it goes on the 9:30 class with the intent to free up the Directors time if it goes well. Sally loses two students (normal when teachers change out) but gains four so the Director keeps her on and within in four months Sally has exactly what she wanted and is bringing in an extra $400 a month for her family working two weekday mornings and loves her job.

So you may be saying "Huh, how does this apply to getting people to my class?" Well it's only half of the story. One Sally is happy, enthusiasm is key to your success. So then what is the other half, or I should say quarters.
You need to look at your clientele and marketing approach. At a college you cater to students and to retirees who get a discount so you can offer classes for students any time of day and they will likely show because they need P.E. credit. I would recommend between the hours of 8a.m. and 12:00 and 1:00 to 5:00 and then starting again at 6p.m. and then offer classes on M/W or T/Th for an hour at a time. Look at the college schedule and see what classes are offered and talk to the Director of Health and Fitness.

At a health club or yoga studio you can start at 6:00 a.m. and then nothing from 7 to 8:30, start back up 8:30 and end no later than 12:00. There are some exceptions but slow times are usually 7a.m. to 8:00 a.m. for classes and 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m., at 4:00 you get school age kids, around 5:30 start back up and end all classes by 7:30. Depending on your place of business you can have 15 mins of wiggle room here. These numbers are based on many years of experience on my part. For yoga I highly recommend you have 15 to 20 mins before or after a class for people to socialize. A huge part of exercise is the community aspect, hold this to be true "Value the social aspect of your yoga community in order to grow." Push them out within minutes of a class and failure is an option. Give them time to build relationships and they will return.

Happy Scheduling!

Courtney

Green Drinks

2011-08-10T14:35:00.001-05:00

I pretty much survive on these for enough veggies and fruit in my diet.

All you need is a blender and some fruits and veggies.

Start with about 2 cups of water
Ice or frozen fruit
Add any or all :Kale, Spinach, greens of any kind, shitake mushrooms, cucumber, zucchini, sprouts...etc..milder veggies lend to a milder flavor.
Add in a banana for a sweeter flavor
Add in optional: grated fresh ginger and / or lemon juice (fresh is best) sometimes I use lime.
You can add any fruit you like, apples, oranges, pineapple, cherries, berries, mango's.
SUPER TIP: Add powdered Wheat grass, Spirulina, or Super greens to your drink for protein, antioxidants, and more.

I am a fiber freak and I don't want to give it up so I just blend until smooth. You can put leftovers in a glass jar with fitted lid. I drink about four cups a day and it always makes me feel refreshed and healthy.

Running a Yoga Based Business

2011-08-04T10:46:00.001-05:00

So you think you want to run a yoga studio or own your own yoga business?

The next couple of months I will share with you some things to think about before you sign the lease.

In previous post we have discussed:

Who you are as a teacher and who are your present clients: Teach beginners, seniors, Vinyasa flow, children, Power, or a combo.
What is your vision? Do you want to teach in a studio, nursing home, public school, at a retreat center, etc...
What are the best times for you to teach? You have kids and you want to teach while they are at school. Or you work and want to teach one night a week and two Saturday's a month, etc...If you make it hard it won't last.
What part of yoga do you love? I have one teacher who is a great technical writer and she helps me with yoga manuals. I love marketing so I consult and write a blog. One of my teachers owns a studio, one works with kids, one teaches Power Yoga. What do you love to do? It will sustain you.

Okay so now you have it all figure out? Right! Now you can answer these questions below to help you figure out a little more. Just remember "You have the right to change your mind, and you will." It's okay. These exercises are part of the creative process.

Lets' start with the basics of finding space.

First you need to find a space that is open and has good energy.
Does it need to be on a busy street or out of the way? It depends on the space, the noise, and the feel, and the price. Generally you are a destination not a drop in place, but visibility has advantages.

*To see more, such as how to figure your expenses please subscribe by going to our "Services Offered page" you can join for $9.97 a month you can cancel anytime you like. Join and pay online. You will be added to our "Coaching website" within 24 hours and see all the past post in full including a podcast and future podcast and webinars.

Satisfaction = Gratitude

2011-07-21T13:47:00.000-05:00

What I share with my students in teacher training about being satisfied and therefor being successful:

1. You are there to be a teacher, this is not your practice.
2. Be the best you can be, have your own practice.
3. Be authentically you, don't try to be like other teachers. Teach from your heart.
4. Teach what you know.
5. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude.
6. Thank your students, without them you wouldn't be a teacher.
7. Mind your own back yard. In the South any good mama will say to you "Don't be a busy body". Concentrate on what you are doing, working on, etc...don't worry about what others are doing, and don't worry about perceived competition. This will distract you from doing honest work.
8. Celebrate your strengths.
9. If there is an area you feel challenged in ask for help or hire someone with those strengths. Good business people hire or work with a variety of strong people.
10. Be kind in all you do.

To subscribe to the monthly coaching blog for $9.97go to the "what we do page"

LIVE BY WHAT YOU HOLD DEAR

2011-07-11T08:18:00.001-05:00

Came across this in my inbox this a.m. and found it very useful. I love this blog.

When you are faced with a situation where you and your spouse aren’t on the same page, live according to your own integrity and values.
If you want to simplify and your spouse doesn’t, simplify your life.
You want to eat healthy and your spouse only wants fast food? Eat healthy.
I’ll leave you with this: At the end of the day, all you’re responsible for is you.
~ Becoming Minimalist Blog
To see the entire post click here http://www.becomingminimalist.com/2011/07/11/communicating-with-your-partner/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+becomingminimalistcom+%28becomingminimalist.com%29

I love Elaine St. James books, they are simple and to the point. Often I pick her books up and read them over an over again. You can pick one page and glean something useful.
Simple, useful, perfect.

Courtney

Motivation

2011-07-08T19:02:00.002-05:00

"If all it took where know how we would all be rich and beautiful."

This is a quote I heard on a recent coaching podcast and for the most part it's true, yes there are factors in our lives that prohibit us from success. Sometimes the playing field is not always even. However, often we are our own worst enemies when it comes to achieving our goals and dreams.

Are you having trouble realizing your dreams?

In the practice of "yoga nidra" (yoga sleep) there is a portion called "conflict resolution", you visualize your challenge and come up with a solution, no matter how crazy. You will see it through the steps and then visualize a "positive outcome", make sure you see all the steps and then meditate on the result.

Then "surrender" to the vision.

Your goals should be led by your heart and desire, not for others or at the expense of others, but for your happiness and well-being.

Recently in a meeting a young lady said to me "I really wanted to do_________ , but..."

I ask you what comes after your excuses? Can you take five minutes or an hour today to make one step to your dream? Can you make a phone call, research a subject, send an email ? What can you do to move yourself in the right direction? Or are you going to let your fears determine the outcome of your life ? Only you can decide.

After all "If you can't see it in your mind how do you expect to achieve it?"

"Take risk, make mistakes, get dirty!" ~ Ms. Frizzle, The Magic School Bus

Book note: I love this book. I was a little apprehensive because of the cover because I am so visual, my thoughts were "I am not a diva!" however, this is a great book for coaching women to find the work they love.

Upcoming Events and Trainings

2011-06-30T21:25:00.000-05:00

Upcoming Events: REGISTRATION OPEN

Children's Teacher Training for current R.Y.T.'s, July 2011 to March 2012
200 Hr R.Y.T. Certification Starts Sept. 10th 2011 in NLR at Blue Yoga NYLA
Introduction to Hatha Yoga Workshop Sunday July 17th at BYNYLA
Seva Yoga Retreat Oct. 29/30th at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center.

For detailed info on any of these visit CourtneyButlerYoga.com

Setting a Yoga Friendly Environment

2011-06-23T23:32:00.002-05:00

Often it is the simple things we overlook or take for granted when we are setting up our environments to teach a yoga class or to practice at home.

As yoga teachers we often do not have the luxury of being in a beautiful yoga studio. It is great if you are so fortunate but many teachers are in shared rooms, classrooms, basements, gymnasiums, and anywhere there is a large amount of space to spread out and put a bunch of mats on the floor.Often you will not have control over some of these issues however when you do it may well add joy to your teaching and enjoyment for your students.

Here are some basic guidelines for a great yoga environment:

1. Look at the lightening. Can you soften it and still be seen well? Consider a lamp or twinkle lights. Be careful with candles.
2. Ventilation, can you get some air flowing or open a window. This is great if the weather is nice and the birds are singing.
3. The temperature, 70* to 76* is ideal for yoga.
4. Music or no music, it is personal preference, however after teaching over 4000 hours of yoga I find the prefrence of most students is low instrumental music or soft chanting music like Deva Premal.

5. Incense: To burn or not to burn. Most people love the smell, just not in their face. If you can burn them before or after class. If you feel they need to be burned during class move them where they are not wafting through the room. Many folks find it hard to do pranayama with a big gulp of smoke.
Nag Champa are my favorite and I burn them regularly in my home space.

Check your fire codes at work and make sure it is acceptable. The college where I worked for 10 yrs had a no incense or candle policy.

6. Props, if you can not provide clean props its probably better not to use them. Otherwise keep them washed regularly, this includes public mats, use an environmentally friendly spray with a cloth.

7. Be authentic. When you teach your voice and your touch are as important as the air and the lights. You need to be your authentic self, if you are not a sing song person refrain from using that voice. Speak in your normal voice, adding compassion to your tone, make sure you can be heard without yelling.

* So turn the air to the right temp, turn on some soft music, dim the lights, have some nice smells going on that are not overpowering and speak in an authentic yet soothing voice and you will surely have a wonderful class.

Sincerely,
Courtney

Books and Products for Teacher Training

2011-06-17T21:52:00.001-05:00

These books are mandatory for teacher training. I have also listed some of the products that are required, if you have your own blocks, mat and strap that is fine. It is ideal to have a 10ft strap, but a six or eight will work for most postures.
Included here are some of the favorite music and analgesic creams and gels we use also.

How to Hire a Yoga Teacher

2011-06-17T18:54:00.005-05:00

So now you own a studio, coordinate yoga or fitness programs, or have the need to hire a sub or teacher to assist you. There is more to hiring a yoga teacher than just hiring someone who is strong in asana practice.

Here are five tips to assist you.
1. Take a class with the teacher to see if you all jive. Even if you don't do yoga (lets say you are a fitness coordinator), if you enjoy the class, chances are others will too.
2. Check references for dependability. Want to kill a yoga program? Have teachers who don't show up or are using subs more than 20% of the time.
3. Hire Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teachers. They should have a current card with the letters RYT or ERYT 200 or 500.
4. Check for compassion and integrity. Ask around, soon you will know.
5. Take nothing for granted. Looks don't guarantee a good yoga teacher, certifications don't guarantee a good teacher. Check the teacher out and take a class or have someone you trust take a class. There are plenty of teachers out there who are certified but are in yoga for the wrong reasons. Check, it's the only way to be sure.
Instructing Hatha Yoga

CourtneyButlerYoga.com

How to Start Teaching Yoga

2011-06-12T11:38:00.016-05:00

Click the link here.
How to Start Teaching Yoga

This is my first podcast. It's a little raw but it's good info. I am working on upgrading the quality and editing. However the info is very useful for new teachers. Under five minutes.
Topics:

Who are you authentically?
Scheduling
Ideas to find work.

Meditations

2011-06-12T09:47:00.000-05:00

I LOVE this book, LOVE it! My friend Alan gave me this book when he was my student. He later became a wonderful yoga teacher and to this day his practice inspires me. Often teachers and students are looking for something inspirational to share with their students or simply to motivate their personal practice. Here you will find what you need to use in your classes or your home practice.

Recommended Practice: Gentle

2011-06-11T23:27:00.000-05:00

Often students ask if I can recommend a dvd for home. I have always loved the A.M. Yoga d.v.d. with Rodney Yee. It is simple, complete, and works the body all over for a gentle workout. This DVD is often represented to the beginner, however I often recommend it for back pain or for people with fibromyalgia. Once the students feels more confident or days where energy is up a bit, try the P.M. dvd.

No Friday the 13th Class, slight changes to 1hr teaching

2011-04-22T15:30:00.000-05:00

April 25th
Monday
9-Cindee
10:Yogic Diet
11:00 Lunch
30min classes
12:00 Karen
12:45 Hydei
1:30 Winston

April 27th, Wed
9:00 Courtney
Go to Pavilion and set up
10:15 Children's Yoga
10:45 to-11:45 Lunch
11:45 Set up for Chana
12:00-2:30 Chana- Chanting

Monday May 2nd, Pavillion
9-2:30Karen, Anne, Holly 1 hr teach

May 4th Wed.
9:00 Courtney's class
10:15 Set up for teacher panel
10:45-11:45 Lunch
12:00 Discussion time, lecture
1:00-2:00 Teacher Panel
2:30 Dismiss

May 9th
Monday
Meet in Pavilion
9:00-2:30Ameila, Hydei, Winston

May 16th Monday
Any makeup and Graduation 9-11:30
Graduation will take place at 12:30 and we will be done by 1:30

Extending Training

2011-04-19T08:24:00.000-05:00

Hello Dear Yogi's,
Here is our schedule for the rest of the year. We have agreed to add on a few days due to the fact that we just aren't quite ready. I still need test and tuition turned in by the 28th please.

April 20th:
9-Courtney
10- Chart Inversions
11-12 Lunch
30 min sessions
12:Holly
12:45 Amelia
1:30 Anne

April 25th
Monday
9-Cindee
10:Yogic Diet
11:00 Lunch
30min classes
12:00 Karen
12:45 Hydei
1:30 Winston

April 27th, Wed
9:00 Courtney
Go to Pavilion and set up
10:15 Children's Yoga
10:45 to-11:45 Lunch
11:45 Set up for Chana
12:00-2:30 Chana- Chanting

May 2nd
Monday
9:00 Meet in Pavilion
Karen teaches one hour
Finish Children's Discussion
11-12:00 Lunch
12-1 children's teaching
1-2 Anne teaches one hour
2:00 Discussion
2:30 Dismiss

May 4th Wed.
9:00 Courtney's class
10:15 Set up for teacher panel
10:45-11:45 Lunch
12:00 Discussion time, lecture
1:00-2:00 Teacher Panel
2:30 Dismiss

May 9th
Monday
Meet in Pavilion
9:15-10:15Holly
11:00-12:00 Break (eat very lightly)
12:00 Practice Adjustments
1:00-2:00 Amelia
2:30 Dismiss

May 13th Friday
Teach in Pavilion
9:15 Hydei
10:30 Inversions-11:30
11:30 to 12:30 Lunch
12:30-1:30 Winston
Discussion
2:30Dismiss

May 16th Monday
Any makeup and Graduation 9-11:30
Graduation will take place at 12:30 and we will be done by 1:30

Three weeks

2011-04-17T11:08:00.000-05:00

Checklist:

Practice your teaching, thirty min classes start this week, hour classes start next
Finish and turn in your test, all have to be in by the 28th (or before would be great)
Pay your tuition on or before by the 28th
Record your hours and attend all classes in order to graduate.

A few notes on teaching in savasana:
When you are doing meditation, keep it simple, you can do a reading or say something but give at least three minutes of silence. Here is a sample of how I would recommend meditation for a five min session.
Lay on back in savasana
Do a short reading or body scan lasting about a minute to a minute and a half
Remind students of breath: Inhale expand your body exhale sink.
Now we will have silent meditation for three minutes
Roll to left or right side rescue, take a breath, come up to sitting, one to three Namaste breaths.

If you choose to do shoulders: Press down on shoulders between shoulder and neck in the soft area, gently cup hands on neck and carefully pull up, be careful not to pull hair (I struggle with this all the time, some people's necks are more challenging than others). Gently take your thumbs to the third eye and press down for a breath. You can gently move your thumbs over the arch of the brow but it's not necessary. If you do ears always end by doing the pulling up method on the top of the ear. "If in doubt do without" is the best motto.
When working on necks and faces, lets keep it to the third eye area though I and some others love to have our entire face worked on some people feel uncomfortable with a lot of touch, maybe ask your students if you have a small class what they prefer. Everyone is different. Sensory issues are common and many people are not used to being touched.

*It is always okay to just lay them on their back and be quite for the entire time if that feels best to you and your class.

4/15
10:45-11:45 Daniela's class
12Sharp to 2:30 Prenatal with Elana

4/18
9-10Cindee
10:15 to 11:30 (note time) Cindee Chakra's
11:30-12:30 Lunch
30 min classes- condensed class
12:30 Anne
1:15 Holly
1:45 Karen

4/20
9-10 Courtney
10:15 to 11:15 Teaching Children
11:15 to 12:15 Lunch
12:15 Hydei
1:00 Amelia
1:45 Winston

4/25th Go to Pavilion
Our day will break down three people will teach with a 1 hr lunch break.
Start in Pavilion at 9 a.m. Karen, Holly, Amelia

4/27
9-10 Courtney
Practice teach
Chana

5/2
Meet in Pavilion 9a.m. Three people will teach: Hydei, Winston, Anne

5/4
9-10 Courtney
10:15-11:15 Yogic Diet
11:15-12:15 Lunch
12:15 Set up for teacher panel
12:30-1:30 Teacher Panel
1:30 to 2:30 Graduation

:) Congratulations your almost there!

Final Countdown

2011-04-12T22:10:00.001-05:00

Hey Loves,
Please read this post http://zenhabits.net/done/ for extra encouragement in the next three weeks.

Here is the schedule.

Wed 4/13
Yoga with Courtney
Chart poses
Lunch 11-12

Opening/ Warming Up
Middle
End
12-1
Karen
Holly
Winston
1-2
Hydei
Anne
Amelia

4/15
10:45-11:45 Daniela's class
12Sharp to 2:30 Prenatal with Elana

4/18
9-10Cindee
10:15 to 11:30 (note time) Cindee Chakra's
11:30-12:30 Lunch
30 min classes- condensed class
12:30 Anne
1:15 Holly
1:45 Karen

4/20
9-10 Courtney
10:15 to 11:15 Teaching Children
11:15 to 12:15 Lunch
12:15 Hydei
1:00 Amelia
1:45 Winston

4/25th Go to Pavilion
Our day will break down three people will teach with a 1 hr lunch break.
Start in Pavilion at 9 a.m. Karen, Holly, Amelia

4/27
9-10 Courtney
Practice teach
Chana

5/2
Meet in Pavilion 9a.m. Three people will teach: Hydei, Winston, Anne

5/4
9-10 Courtney
10:15-11:15 Yogic Diet
11:15-12:15 Lunch
12:15 Set up for teacher panel
12:30-1:30 Teacher Panel
1:30 to 2:30 Graduation

:) Congratulations your almost there!

April 11-15th and Beyond

2011-04-08T09:35:00.000-05:00

Hello,
We are reaching the end. I am sending you a schedule and a check list here.
Monday April 11th
9-10yoga
10 -11 Sutra's, Chart Poses
11-12 Lunch
12-2:15 I will teach you your parts quickly and then you all will take turns teaching.
2:15 Clean up
2:30 Dismiss
Teach in 6 parts (Please send me this if you have your part, for the life of me I can't locate that paper with the schedule, it may be at work.)

Wed: April 9th
9-10 Yoga
10-11 Surtas' and Charting poses
11-12 Lunch
1-2 Practice teach in groups of threes: 20 mins each

You may use notes and I will help you write them out if you need. When you teach your full hour no notes are allowed except for meditation readings.

1st: Breath work, intention,opening poses
2nd Standing, Balancing, Inversions, : you can make any sequence, as long as it makes sense and is balanced.
3rd: slowing down. floor work,B/B, F/B, twist, bridge, meditation, bringing up
12-1
Karen
Holly
Winston

1-2
Hyedi
Anne
Ameila

Friday
10:45-11:45Danielas class
I will provide some snacks for lunch
12:00-1:00 Prenatal
1:00-1:20 Break
1:20 to 2:30 Prenatal

Checklist:
1.Comprehensive Exam can be turned in at anytime.
2. Keep up with your hours.
3. Attend all the classes, make up hours you miss asap.
4.If you have a payment to make for March please turn it in Monday.
All accounts must be paid in full by April 28th in order to graduate.
You may pay your acct. in full at any time.

If you have questions or concerns please call me. I want to do everything possible to see that you graduate on time.

Love and Light,
Courtney

Updates, homework, what to expect

2011-03-25T09:48:00.000-05:00

Hello Yogi's,

I hope you are having a great Spring Break. We will meet up on Monday. We have six weeks to go before graduation. I have some updates for you and some minor changes.

You can turn in your homework on Wed. However if you haven't finished it all I am going to give you an extra week. I have not been able to get all of the homework graded as my family has all been home for Spring Break and we have had a week long volunteer commitment at the local music festival and in the midst of this I have a wretched eye infection. My plan in to sit in the office / classroom and grade papers and catch up the following Monday. With only six weeks to go if everyone makes all the classes, 13 in all each of you should graduate on time.

Also please make sure all your accounts are paid in full by April 30th, in order to graduate accounts have to be fully paid.

Changes: I do not think it is possible to get through every pose in the book before you practice teach, so I am going to take out a few that are likely not going to be taught in a general population class. You are still welcome to go over them and study them and I encourage you to do that on your own.

March 28th, Light on Yoga worksheet, chart poses

3/30: Chart poses, work on homework together

Topics I will cover during our hour morning meeting time:

Yogic Diet, The Business of doing Yoga (will take several days), Children's yoga. And we have a movie to watch.

Each of you will need to pick out a meditation to read, we will take turns teaching meditation, also you will take turns reading from the Sutra's each day. We will get into a pattern over the next two weeks of reading the Sutra's, Morning Yogic Discussion, Lunch, Afternoon physical practice and charting poses.

Starting April 6th we will start teaching in six parts: This will happen on the 13th also, switching parts:

1st part: Opening, set intention, pranayama

2nd part: Opening Poses

3rd part: Half Sun Salute done 3 times plus Vira 1 and 2

4th part: Full Sun Salute, Tree, Forward Fold, Down Dog

5th part: Childs pose, Forward Fold sitting, Bridge, lying down twist

6th part: Meditation, Rescue position, bring them up for three breaths, and Namaste

Mark your calenders: Friday April 15th from 11:45 to 2:15 Elana will be coming to teach Prenatal.

Wed. April 27th Chana Caylor Prince will come lead the Chanting from 12 to 2 p.m.

Graduation is set for May 4th.

See you Monday,

Courtney

Wednesday

2011-03-08T07:10:00.000-06:00

Hello Yogi's,
We have a busy schedule before us and will be covering a lot of topics.
Remember much of what you learn in 200 hr training will be basic coverage of many topics, there are workshops and further trainings if you should decide to specialize in a certain area. So many of the topics we will cover will be short, such as mantra, mudra, and bandha. If you want to learn more I can guide you to some of those resources.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rw_H8n7ZQEY&feature=related

Wed.
9-10 Class with Courtney
10-10:15 Bathroom and Snack Break
10:15-11:00 Mantra, Mudra, Bandha
11-12:00 Lunch
12-12:30 Finish above topics if need be.
12:40 -2:15 Finish Standing poses.

Monday:
Anatomy quiz and seated postures

Payment info: If you make a payment this week it may not be reflected on your statement. I turn in the checking info once a month and the bookkeeper mails the statements on the 10th. If you have any questions or concerns please let me know.

Namaste,
Courtney

March

2011-02-28T13:47:00.000-06:00

March:
Teacher: Courtney
Each Day 9-10 Practice
10:15 Lecture over specific topics
11-12 Lunch
12-1:00 Asana
1:15 to 2:15 Asana
2:15 pack up
2:30 Dismiss

Topics that will be covered during lecture in March: Sequencing, Mantra, Mudra, Bandhas, Food: Yogic Diet, Meditation. Please read over these topics in The Idiots Guide to Yoga, Instructing Hatha Yoga, and you will need to bring your Anatomy book with you to class. All three books will be used in March. We will also watch the movie "Ashtanga Yoga" sometime in March.

Homework:
3/16 Chapter 1-5 Questions turned in
Paper on Lunch with Bokara.
Your yoga quiz
Over Spring Break you need to read "Light on Yoga" the first 60 pages.

We will cover "Light on yoga" when we come back on March 28th.
We will start practice teaching 3/30.

April topics: Chair yoga class, Business of doing yoga, Children;s yoga, Perinatal yoga, Anatomy quiz do. Cindee will meet with you on the 4/4 to go over the History of Yoga.

Om, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti, Om.
Namaste,
CB

Feb 28th - March 2nd

2011-02-26T00:10:00.000-06:00

Hello Yogi's,
Hope you are enjoying the weekend.
You will be with Cindee on Monday. I will be at the school working next door should you need to see me. Below is my email from Cindee on what she is teaching and the dates.
Any homework can be turned in at any time but all Chapters must be turned in by 3/16. Please do the questions at the end of Chapters 1-5 plus your paragraph on Lunch with Bookara.

Wed.
You will be with me in the a.m. then we will discuss sequencing a class, review opening poses, and chart standing poses. We will also work on meditation.

2/21 Anatomy 10:30 to 2:30 plus asanas page 204, 137, 133, 219, 214 (depending on time)
Monday 2/28 Chakras/ plus asanas page 204, 137, 133, 219, 214 (depending on time)
March 14 10:30 to 2:30 Yoga anchient text/history; Gita and yoga sutras (Patanjali translation).

Plans for 2/18 to 2/23

2011-02-16T17:17:00.000-06:00

Wow, what a crazy day. Thanks for being flexible.
Feeling that we are a little behind but I will catch us up eventually. Please read Chapter 4 on Pranayama and Chapter 5 on Energy and Anatomy. Answer the questions on Chapter 3 to turn in to me on next Wed.

Friday 3/18
10:45-11:45 Daniela's class: You can take for hours
12:00-2:15 Adjustments, Assisting, and Questions.

Monday:2/21
9-10 Cindee's class
10:15 to 2:30 Cindee-Energy and Anatomy
Pack your lunch to eat in.

Wed. 23rd
9-10 Yoga
10:15
Turn in Questions for Chapter 3
Go over chapter 4 Pranayama
11:00 Lunch
12:00 Titans of Yoga Movie
1:30 Discussion on Movie and Finishing up Chapter 4.

Homework will be to Answer Questions in Chapter 3 and 4 for the following Wed.

Have a great evening:)
CB

Feb. 4th 2011

2011-02-04T13:41:00.000-06:00

Hello Yogi's,

Monday: Feb 7th

9:00Cindee's class
10:00Break
10:15Discussion Chap 2
11:00Lunch
12:00Finish Chap 2
1:00Opening Poses Handout,4 rounds of half and 4 rounds of full sun salutes
Read Chapter 3 and answer questions

Wed 9th
9:00Courtney's Class
10:00Break
10:15 Turn in Homework from 1 &2 and Boraka paragraph, Discuss chapter 3 Creating a Class environment
11:00 Lunch
12:00- Titans of Yoga Movie
2:00
Practice cuing a few opening poses
4rounds of half and full salutations.
Homework: Read Chp.4 answer questions

No School on the 14th
Wed. the 16th
9:00Courtney's Class
10:00Break
10:15Discuss Chapter 4 with questions
Lunch
12:00Pranayama session
Cue opening poses
Four rounds of half and full salutes if time allows

Homework for the 21st - 28th Read Anatomy Chapter 5.
Please feel free to read ahead. If we don't get something covered we will work on making it up after the Anatomy sessions are complete.

Thank you,
CB

First Day of School Recap and Homework :Session 3

2011-02-01T10:45:00.000-06:00

Hello Yogi's:
Thank you so much for choosing Floating Lotus Yoga School for your training.

Giving you a little more time on your homework.

Read the Preface and Chapter 1 for Tomorrow
2/2
Schedule
9a.m. to 10a.m. Yoga / Courtney
10-10:15 Break
10:15 to 11:00 Cover Preface and Chapter 1
11:00 to 12:00 Lunch
12-1:30 Enlighten Up
1:30 Break
1:45-2:15 Discuss the movie
2:15 Clean up
2:30 Dismiss

Monday 2/7
Schedule:
9-10 Cindee's class
10:15 Break
10:15 to 11:00 Discuss Chapter 2
11-12 Lunch
12-1:00 - Discuss more of Chapter one and Two
1:00 Break
1:15 to 2:15 Opening Poses handout, and practice cuing one pose.
4 Rounds of Half Sun Salutations
4 Rounds of Full Sun Salutations

Wed 2/9
9-10 Yoga with Courtney
10:15
Turn in paragraph on Lunch with Bokara
Turn in questions chap.1 & 2
Discuss Questions and paragraph
11:00 Lunch
12:00 Titans of Yoga
1:30 Break
1:45-2:00 Discussion
2:00 Four rounds half and Full Salutations

We may have a couple of more students. I can accept students up until next Wed. the 16th and then I will have to close the class.

Fridays that we meet
Feb. 18th
March 18th
April 15th
And I will let you know on the Sunday afternoon in March for Prenatal.

*Keep a log of your hours please in your notebook and take notes daily, dating them as you go. This can all stay in one notebook.

Thanks so much.

Courtney

1st Day of School

2011-01-25T20:04:00.001-06:00

I am so excited to get started.
Please make sure you get all of your books together.

Books:

· Instructing Hatha Yoga,Kappameier and Ambrosini,

· Yoga Sutra’s of Patanjali, AllistarShearer

· Yoga Anatomy, Leslie Kaminoff,

· The Idiots Guide to Yoga, Budilovsky and Adamson

· The Bhagvad Gita, Stephen Mitchell translation

· Light on Yoga, Iyengar

Please have your mat for the first day and be ready to practice. The first day we will have a lunch break or you can bring your lunch. I will have hot tea and spring water for you everyday.

You will practice each day at 9:00a.m. to 10:00 a.m..
We will discuss what to expect on Monday. I look so forward to seeing each of you.

Please call me if you have any questions. Mark your calender for every Monday and Wednesday through mid May.

Courtney

Schools About to Start, Woo Hoo!

2011-01-17T08:17:00.000-06:00

I am very excited about the next teacher training. I really love doing the teacher trainings and for me the weekdays are far less stressful when my kiddos' are at school and I am not worried about who is watching them or feeding them or what they are doing. So in saying that I want to thank you for your interest in the weekday program. Do to the climate of teacher trainings it will probably be the last weekday training for awhile. The demand is much higher for weekend trainings so after this session I will focus on those for a while.

*If you are signed up or are interested there are a few things that have changed or are unique to this training.

Schedule

Starting Jan. 31st we will meet each Monday and Wednesday from 9a.m. to 2:30p.m. . However we have the option to meet on Friday's also from 10:45 to 2:30. We will sit down and work out those Fridays so we can all meet together.
The college is allowing me to have you come and observe me teaching once per semester per student. You may also do some guest teaching under my supervision. The reasoning behind this thinking was that "you" will be the future of teaching in schools, colleges, etc and it will be good experience for you to see what it is like.
These options are going to allow us to finish, hopefully no later than May 11th...very likely by May 4th. Each student has to accumulate 180 hrs of contact training and 20 hrs of study. This schedule allows for us to move through the program at a quick pace and get you out into the world of being a "Certified and Registered Yoga Alliance Teacher!"

Other Big Changes: Financial
floatinglotusyoga.net

This is the first time we are accepting payments. We require that if you are making payments by cash or check that you keep a credit card or debit card on file in the case a student does not pay this protects the school. We have adapted this common policy from other schools around the nation. Running a technical school requires many fees' for accreditation, insurance, staff, rent, supplies, etc. The first day of school we will fill out paperwork that will ask you to please give a copy of a debit or credit card to be on file until you graduate. This will never be shared and you can have the copy back upon graduation (please request it). If you have any questions about this please contact me and we can discuss it. Each of you will also be asked to sign an agreement for your payment plan as it has been worked out with you and the school.

Weekday Training Special in 2011
Includes:
Jan 31 to May 18th, M/W 9-2:30p.m. Fridays from 10:45 to 2:30. Likely one weekend day training will take place for Pre/Post natal training with Elana. We will determine this once we get together and can find a date to suit each of us.

*Full Payment Tuition. Cash or Check. Early Bird Discount :$1975 total
$150 Deposit
$1825 due one week prior to training start date

* Payment Plan $2075

$150 deposit due with registration and payments of $481.25 do 1/31,2/28, 3/30, 4/27
$ 500 down prior to training or the first day of training,1/31, and make thee payments of $575 due 2/28, 3/30, 4/27

*We require a credit card or debit card on file with all payment plans. Please read financial policy carefully.

We will type up a contract for each student with registration, payment plan and credit/debit info. The school honors our commitment to provide you with a quality education in response to your financial and physical commitment of your time.

Graduation is upon us

2010-11-28T09:09:00.000-06:00

To do and graduation:
RYT forms for Yoga Alliance
PDF computer doc for students
Hard Copy for Students
Orignial Cert. for Students

* Courtney-Return the last of the test.
*Students, if you have a test to mail send it asap.
* Saturday 9:30 - 5:30:Teaching Sat. Linda, Karin,Debbie, Leslie
1:30 Depends on time, short class with CB or filling out paperwork
2:30 Set up for grad
3:00 Teacher Panel
4:00 Graduation, catered snacks.

Students: Please turn in your hours, movies, mentoring and test. Always keep a copy for your records.

Reminder: There will be a workshop on Jan. 9th.

Floating Lotus Registered Yoga School

Presents

“The Simple Yogi Workshop”

“Understanding Yoga for Beginners, Experienced Students, and Teachers”

· Understanding the lingo, etiquette, expectations, philosophy, nutrition, breath, postures, meditation.

· Taught by Courtney Butler E.R.Y.T.

· Continuing Ed. Credits for teachers

· Sunday Jan. 9^th 2p.m. to 5p.m.

· $60

· Y members pay $50

· Class is held at the Hot Springs YMCA

Contact: Courtney Butler

262-9297

538-3036

Cdb120@gmail.com

Website: Floatinglotusyoga.net

Yoga to do

2010-11-14T10:42:00.000-06:00

Here is a list of School Sessions, classes, etc...

Nov.14th Sun- School Session, 1:30- 5:30 Chris, Review, Emmy
Nov. 19th- Friday Daniela's class (optional, $10) Mentor with Courtney 11:30-2:00
Dec.4th- Teacher Training Practice 9:30-5:30 Linda, Leslie, Karin, Debbie
Dec. 5th-TTP and Graduation

Take classes with an RYT
Watch Films: Enlighten Up, Ram Dass: Fierce Grace, Titan's of Yoga, Ashtanga NY, Yoga Inc, the link I sent you on hulu to Ram Dass and Houston Smith.
Interview an RYT, or take them to tea

Elana has the workshop in Benton on the 19th and 20th Fri evening and Sat a.m.
I sent attachments to Uma's classes.
Cindee has a class at the Art Church each Friday
Check the YMCA for yoga classes
If you have questions of RYT's in your area I will be happy to help you find them.

Mentoring:I will be open for mentoring once a week, except the week of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, usually on M,W,or F. Will send dates after this week.

Have a wonderful day. Love to you.

Next two trainings

2010-11-09T08:28:00.000-06:00

Hello Yogi's:)
You will see a minor change below on the final day. Karin's grandmother passed away and she is going to go to the funeral. We are sending our love to her and her family, her grandparents recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.
There is also some time that is not scheduled, this is time for you all to ask any questions that are lingering in your minds. Bring your notebooks and pens and have some idea of what you feel like you still need to learn.

11/12-11/14

Friday 6-9

6:20 Mary (gentle)

7:40 Angel

Saturday 9:30-5:30 A.M. Classes in the Pavilion

9:45 Brandi

11:00 Lunch

1:00 Titans of Yoga film
3:00 Pai Yin

4:00 Fill out Yoga Alliance Paperwork

4:30 MS Film (In the style Kundalini)

5:15 Clean up and Dismiss

Sunday:1:30-5:30

1:45 Leslie

3:45-4:45 Emmy (Focus on Depression)

5:15 Clean up and Dismiss

December 12/4 to 12/5

Sat: 9:30-5:30

9:45-10:45 Chris

11:00-1:00 Lunch

1:00-2:00 (open)

2:00 -300 Linda

3:45-4:45 Debbie (gentle)

5:15 Clean up/dismiss

Sunday:
1:00-2:00 (Sharp) Karin Chair Class
2:00 Set up for Teacher Panel and Graduation
3:00 Teacher Panel
4:00 Graduation
5:00 Dismiss

Change

2010-10-16T19:19:00.001-05:00

11/12-11/14

Friday 6-9

6:20 Mary (gentle)

7:40 Angel

Saturday 9:30-5:30

9:45 Brandi

11:00 Lunch

1:00 MS film

2:00 Karin (chair class)

3:45-4:45 Pai Yin (In the style Kundalini)

5:15 Clean up and Dismiss

Sunday:1:30-5:30

1:45 Leslie

3:45-4:45 Emmy (Focus on Depression)

5:15 Clean up and Dismiss

December 12/4 to 12/5

Sat: 9:30-5:30

9:45-10:45 Chris

11:00-1:00 Lunch

1:00-2:00 (open)

2:00 -300 Linda

3:45-4:45 Debbie (gentle)

5:15 Clean up/dismiss

Teaching

2010-10-11T10:10:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

All I can say is "Wow, you all are ready to go." I am so proud. Thank you for a great weekend.

Here is the new itinerary and reminders.

Next event:
Retreat:
Check in will be from 4:00 to 5:00

Dinner at 6:00

7:00 Meet and greet, discussion

8:00-9:15 Therapeutic gentle yoga with Courtney and Meditation

9:15-10:30 Wine reception

Sat:
6:30 Yoga with Elana

8:00 Breakfast

9:00 Seva Tour

10:00 Yoga with Sharla

12:00 Lunch

1:00-2:00 Free time for outdoor activities, rainy day alternate is a movie or chilling out:)

2:00 Yoga with Courtney

4:00 Check out

* I will ask for volunteers to help with Registration, set up and break down of props, set up and clean up of snacks.

November: Everyone has exactly 1 hr to teach

11/12-11/14

Friday 6-9

6:20 Mary (gentle)

7:40 Angel

Saturday 9:30-5:30

9:45 Brandi

11:00 Lunch

1:00 MS film

2:00 Karin (chair class)

3:45-4:45 Pai Yin

5:15 Clean up and Dismiss

Sunday:1:30-5:30

1:45 Leslie

3:45-4:45 Debbie (gentle)

5:15 Clean up and Dismiss

December 12/4 to 12/5

Sat: 9:30-5:30

9:45-10:45 Chris

11:00-1:00 Lunch

1:00-2:00 (open)

2:00 -300 Linda

3:45-4:45 Emmy (chair)

5:15 Clean up/dismiss

Sunday:1:30-5:15

1:30 Paperwork for Yoga Alliance filled out.

2:15 Set up for Graduation

3:00 Teacher Panel (Community teachers are invited to come and talk to you, please prepare questions)

4:00 Presentation of Certificates and Catered Snacks.

5:00 Clean up and Dismiss

Reminders: * The remainder of test can be turned into me at the November class. If you have a balance on the retreat please snail mail it to me or put it in my box at the YMCA no later than the 20th of the month.

Thank you so much. It's been a joy!

Courtney

Correction

2010-09-19T16:22:00.000-05:00

Friday Oct. 8th-
6p.m.
1st Mary
2nd Angel
3rd Chris

7-7:30 Break

7:30-8:30
1st Stacy
2nd Brandi
3rd Leslie

Oct. 9th 9a.m. in Pavilion
1st Debbie
2nd Ashley
3rd Pai Yin

Questions/paperwork/Film/Practicum Discussion

11:30 to 1:00 Lunch
2p.m. Mi Mi guest teaches
3:00 break
3:20
Top ten places
Meditations and Questions
Turn in exams and other paperwork . Make sure binders are complete. School housekeeping.
4:45 Clean up and early dismissal

Oct: 10th Sunday
1:30-2:30
1st Linda
2nd Karin
3rd Emmy

2:30 -2:50 Break

Cover questions, paperwork, special needs population
Ashley's certificate

4:00-5:00 Stacey

Friday Nov. 12th
6: 30p.m. - Mary
7:45- 8:45 Brandi

Saturday 13th: We will go in the pavilion
9:45-10:45 Karin
11: 00 to 12:00 Leslie
2: 15-3:15 Angel
4:00 to 5:00 Pai

Sunday 14th:
1:45-2:45 Debbie
3:30-4:30 Chris

Dec. 4th
2:00p.m. Emmy
4:00p.m. Linda

December 5th
GRADUATION

Oct. 8th -10th

2010-09-13T10:30:00.001-05:00

Teaching Schedule for Oct. 8-10th
Teach in groups of threes.
Friday Oct. 8th-
6p.m.
1st Mary
2nd Angel
3rd Chris

7:30
1st Stacy
2nd Brandi
3rd Leslie

Oct. 9th 9a.m. in Pavillion
1st Debbie
2nd Ashley
3rd Pai Yin

10:30 a.m. Courtney teaches public class
11:30 to 1:00 Lunch
2p.m. Mi Mi guest teaches
3:00 break
3:20
Top ten places
Meditations and Questions
Turn in exams and other paperwork . Make sure binders are complete. School housekeeping.
4:45 Clean up and early dismissal

Oct. 10th
1:30-2:30
1st Linda
2nd Karin
3rd Emmy

4:00-5:00 Stacey

* Reminders

Bring your top 10 places and or people you would like to teach.
Bring your balance for the retreat.
Bring any questions you have or concerns, this is the time as we are reaching the end to make sure we don't' miss anything.
You can turn in your Comprehensive Exam if you have it ready. Please email it or snail mail it to me no later than Oct. 15th.
Bring your meditations, readings, it can be a simple reading.

Moving into Fall

2010-08-30T09:19:00.000-05:00

Hello Dear Yogi's:

Next time we meet on Sept 10th we will start to practice with your cards on Friday night.
I will have a handout on "Adjustments" for you that we will apply, and I will review the bandha's with you briefly.

Please start practicing and memorizing the Half Sun Salute and the Full Sun Salute. R

You will also need to start memorizing the "Arc" of a class:

Here is the order that you can find (similarly) on your "How to Teach Yoga 101" sheet.

Beginning:

Introduce and ask about health concerns
Opening Meditation -Setting your intention
Pranayama
Joint Loosening- Opening Poses

Middle

Salutations
Standing Poses & Balancing
Backbends
Forward Bends
Twist

End:

Inversions
Back Bends and Forward Bends along with twist as counter to Inversions and prep for Meditation
Savasana - Meditation

Namaste:)
You all will start to learn and teach in three parts as stated above. Each of you will have twenty minutes. We will start this on the weekend of Oct. 8th.

Here is your schedule of practice teaching:
Oct. 9th: 4:00 to 5:00 Stacey

Oct: 10th Sunday
1:45-2:45 Emmy
3:30 - 4:30 Linda

Friday Nov. 12th
6: 30p.m. - Mary
7:45- 8:45 Brandi

Saturday: We will go in the pavillion
9:45-10:45 Karin
11: 00 to 12:00 Leslie
2: 15-3:15 Angel
4:00 to 5:00 Pai

Sunday:
1:45-2:45 Debbie
3:30-4:30 Chris

On Sat. Dec. 5th we will review and do any necessary makeup
On Sunday Dec. 6th Graduation Day:): I will teach you a class for fun, then other yoga teachers will be invited to come and talk to you for Q & A. In the afternoon we will have catered snacks and I will help you all fill out your Yoga Alliance Registration forms and you will be presented your Certificate. You may invite your family to come at 4p.m. on Sunday.

Please read for next class discsussion

2010-08-24T11:01:00.000-05:00

Taken from About.com
Beginner Yoga Hatha Yoga Yoga Poses Yoga Exercises Yoga Posture
There are many different styles of yoga being taught and practiced today. Although all of the styles are based on the same physical postures (called poses), each has a particular emphasis. Here is a quick guide to the most popular types of yoga that can help you decode the schedule at your gym and figure out which class is right for you.

HATHA

Hatha is a very general term that can encompass many of the physical types of yoga. If a class is described as Hatha style, it is probably going to be slow-paced and gentle and provide a good introduction to the basic yoga poses.

VINYASA

Like Hatha, Vinyasa is a general term that is used to describe many different types of classes. Vinyasa, which means breath-synchronized movement, tends to be a more vigorous style based on the performance of a series of poses called Sun Salutations, in which movement is matched to the breath. A Vinyasa class will typically start with a number of Sun Salutations to warm up the body for more intense stretching that's done at the end of class.

ASHTANGA & POWER YOGA

Ashtanga, which means "eight limbs" in Sanskrit, is a fast-paced, intense style of yoga. A set series of poses is performed, always in the same order. Ashtanga practice is very physically demanding because of the constant movement from one pose to the next. In yoga terminology, this movement is called flow. Ashtanga is also the inspiration for what is often called Power Yoga. If a class is described as Power Yoga, it will be based on the flowing style of Ashtanga, but not necessarily keep strictly to the set Ashtanga series of poses.

IYENGAR

Based on the teachings of the yogi B.K.S Iyengar, this style of practice is most concerned with bodily alignment. In yoga, the word alignment is used to describe the precise way in which your body should be positioned in each pose in order to obtain the maximum benefits and avoid injury. Iyengar practice usually emphasizes holding poses over long periods versus moving quickly from one pose to the next (flow). Also, Iyengar practice encourages the use of props, such as yoga blankets, blocks and straps, in order to bring the body into alignment.

KUNDALINI

The emphasis in Kundalini is on the breath in conjunction with physical movement, with the purpose of freeing energy in the lower body and allowing it to move upwards. All asana practices make use of controlling the breath. But in Kundalini, the exploration of the effects of the breath (also called prana, meaning energy) on the postures is essential.

BIKRAM/HOT YOGA

Pioneered by Bikram Choudhury, this style is more generally referred to as Hot Yoga. It is practiced in a 95 to 100 degree room, which allows for a loosening of tight muscles and profuse sweating, which is thought to be cleansing. The Bikram method is a set series of 26 poses, but not all hot classes make use of this series.

* Note from Courtney: REMEMBER you only use the name Bikram, Anusaura, Ashtanga, Iyengar, and other styles of yoga if you are trained and certified under those teachers and in those schools, many are copyrighted. Often Hatha Yoga is used as a general term but often denotes a slower paced class. Vinyasa style is not copyrighted and often denotes a faster paced class.

Update

2010-08-20T10:21:00.000-05:00

Hello, If you have not read Mondays post, please do so.
I'm in the midst of doing paperwork and wanted to send out some reminders.

In my Black Box there is a purple plastic file folder, there are copies of nearly everything you have received. When you have time compare with your neighbor to see if you are missing anything, then you can look for extras in the folder. There is always a hole punch in my black box. You are welcome to either of these items at any time.

We have six openings for the retreat. If you are a teacher and you wish to attend please send in your deposit by 8/29. This is the date I have to confirm with Ferncliff. Dep are $70. After the 29th I will open up the open spots to the public as I will need to fill them. This is a small retreat of twenty people.

Emmy and Leslie: The copy of your exam is in your folder.
I emailed out the Comprehensive Exam and Workbook to each of you also.
There are extra copies of the calender in my purple folder.

I will return your test to you by the 29th.

Have a wonderful week. :) Love and Light to you all.

Looking Back, Looking Forward, Being Present

2010-08-16T08:10:00.000-05:00

This weekend we covered:
1. As you go our into the world of teaching handout, basic guidelines for classroom management. And notes on a blue print for the classroom.
2. Had two yoga sessions, one with Daniela and one with Sherry (public class.)
3. Covered Standing poses and back bends with Cindee and got our groove on with some dance:).
4. Covered Sanskrit with Mary S.

Our next weekend we will meet only S/S the 28th and 29th of Aug.
1. Yoga Asana and Meditation will be with Christina, Ashley, and public class with Sherry. We will outline and practice the cards I gave you, bring them back to class please.
2. Sunday Mary will cover Bandha'shttp://dailycupofyoga.net/yoga-resources/sanskritglossary/, Ahimsa (Non Violence) and a Vegan Diet, and Forward Folding.

* A reminder: I spoke to you about building stamina, a great way to do this is to walk fifteen to twenty mins twice a week, then thirty mins once a week, and forty five mins once a week for a total of four walks, rest in between. This is a 5K schedule I use in addition to my personal yoga practice. My personal yoga practice varies depending on whats going on in my life, but it usually includes one or more of the following:
1. Taking other teachers classes.
2. Twenty Mins of personal practice followed by five mins of meditation.
3. Up to an hour of personal asana followed by twenty mins or more of meditation.

Be present and study the first worksheet, your notes on the blue print of a class, and prepare to teach your assigned index card. I hope you have fun with it all and enjoy learning.

Much Love and Light!
Courtney

Aug. 13-15th

2010-08-12T10:27:00.000-05:00

We are smack in the middle of our teaching and after this weekend we will move from theory to practice teaching. We will have you ready :) No worries. Remember "ENJOY THE JOURNEY".

Fri.13 Arrival 6p.m. Test handout, set up, discussions....Daniela will teach 7:15-8:15- Test Due Quiz Due, discussions 8:50 Dismissal

Sat 14th 9:00 a.m. Discussion 10:30-11:30 downstairs for public class with Sherry, Lunch 11:45 to 1:15 ,1:30 -5:00 Standing Poses, Backbends (props/modifications)with Cindee 5-5:30 Courtney, updates

Sun 15th:1:30-5:00Mary will teach on one or more of these topics: Sanskrit, Bandhas, Ahimsa,Vegan lifestyle, 5:30 Dismissal

Our next class Ashley and Christina (a member of our Turquoise Tree affiliate) will be practice teaching.

The Aug. 28 and 29th class will be all about putting the work you have done so far into practice. I'll lead you through it all weekend.

Look forward to seeing you all.

New website address floatinglotusyoga.net

July and Aug

2010-07-14T17:59:00.000-05:00

What a great weekend.
Thank you to all the guest teachers and staff teachers, Sherry Daves, Elana Johnson, and Cindee Zerr Franklin. I believe everyone learned quite a bit and had a great time doing so.

We are over a third of the way through the training and I hope you are enjoying the journey. Here is our Aug. calender.

Aug.
Fri.13 Daniela 7:15-8:15- Test Due Quiz Due, 1 meditation
Sat 14th- Courtney a.m., How to teach quiz/test review meditations
Cindee -p.m. Standing Poses, Backbends (props/modifications)
Sun 15th Sanskrit , Bahdhas: Mary

Aug.
Sat.28th Christina South visits as an assistant.
Sun 29th Practice Teaching weekend.

Namaste,
Courtney

July

2010-06-27T08:28:00.000-05:00

Dearest Yogini's,
We have had a full and productive weekend. I"m so grateful for the positive attitude of each of you. We are about to hit the stride of physical practice over the summer. Here are your assignments and what you can expect over the next few months. Open Dates are for Practicum.

Namaste,
Courtney

July

Fri.9^{th 7-9p.m.} Film on Marketing- Practice Opening, Pranayama, & Centering (Meditation or Body Scan) Setting Your Intention for class.

Sat.10^th9:30 to 11:30 a.m Opening Poses, Three Part, Ujjayi, and Meditation

Sat: 1-5 Sun Salutations (props/ modifications) with Cindee =6

Sun11th Elana : Prenatal yoga

Aug.

Fri.13 Daniela 7:15-8:15- Test Due & Quiz Due

Sat 14th- 9:30 - 11:30 Courtney .- The Business of Doing Yoga

1:00 to 5:00 -Standing Poses, Backbends (props/modifications) Cindee=6

Sun 15^th Sanskrit , Bahdhas: Mary

Aug.

Sat.28^th Forward Bends, Twist, Inversions, Sequencing with Courtney

Sun 29th Mary Diet /Ahimsa/Sanskrit

Sept : Practice Teaching Begins, Practicum

Fri10 Practicum

Sat-11th 9-11:30 Courtney T.B.A.

1-5 Chakra’s, Chanting Cindee

Sun-12^thPractice Teaching

Oct.

Sequencing- Techniques- Benefits –Yoga from the world onto the mat…. And off again.

Fri 8^th

Sat.9^th

Sun.10^th

OCT: 29^th Teachers Retreat at Ferndale Retreat Center 4p.m. Fri to 4p.m. Sat. $135 student cost if you wish to attend. You will receive twenty hours credit for attending. We will go to Ya Ya's for Dinner directly after the retreat.

Nov. These last two weekends will be focused on Practicum and tweaking techniques.

12 Practice Teaching all weekend. Open classes, guest teachers, Teachers Panel etc...

Dec: Graduation Weekend.

^{Due to teachers schedules some classes may be moved when guest teachers are available to visit, or staff teachers are available for extra hours.}

June 25-27th Class

2010-06-10T14:03:00.000-05:00

Dear Yogini's,

I enjoyed our weekend together. I think we can all agree Cindee is a great teacher. Guest teachers who are not E.R.Y.T.'s lead Hatha Yoga classes only.

The next time we meet our schedule will be as follows:

Friday: Guest Teacher Kathryn will lead a class, Kathryn is a former graduate of F.L.Y.
Saturday: Review Anatomy Test, Review for First Quarter Quiz, Etiquette Handout, Workbook worksheets, Yoga Alliance Code of Conduct, Light on Yoga worksheet Review, Yin Yoga Course, How to teach worksheet and application....
Sunday: Finish work that didn't get finished on Saturday. Continue how to teach. Guest teacher Sherry. Continue working on Teaching Techniques.

* If time allows we may watch the movie "Ashtanga N.Y."

Reminder : Yoga You in Cabot is having an open house this weekend. Please record hours if you go so I can count them.http://www.yogayoucabot.com/

If you know of any yoga teachers who would like to attend the "Seva Retreat" please let them know about it. You have an attachment on your email. It is also on the website.http://floatinglotusyoga.weebly.com/workshops-retreats-and-camps.html
Please call if you need anything.

Courtney

Teacher's Retreat Planned

2010-06-01T18:17:00.000-05:00

Hello all:
I have planned a small twenty four hour teacher's retreat. This is not required by the current students, however it is a great way to make up hours and learn from other teachers.
Everything is included and it will take place when the trees should be beautiful.
Student teachers,staff, and the previous grads from F.L.Y. pay $135.
If you have a credit you can apply it to the retreat.

SEVA RETREAT

What:Yoga Teachers Retreat to Share and to Learn
When: Fri. Oct. 29th 4p.m. to Sat. 4.p.m.
Where: Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center in Ferndale Ar
Cost: Deposit of $70 balance of $80 for a total of $150.00

Seva: In the spirit of “selfless service”. For info on Seva go to http://www.divyajivan.org/articles/siva/selfless_service.htm

*This workshop is designed to help yoga teachers build a community, learn from one another, be compassionate, and help to advance others in this world in order to spread the love of yoga and the benefits to others. We will have several yoga classes and fellowship with discussions on topics such as “certification, the economics of teaching, where to find work, specialty areas, etc….”

One price Includes: Lodging in Belden Cabins, four people to a room. The cabins are very nice and new with comfortable new twin size bunk beds, the rooms have bathrooms and heat and air. Each guest will have their own bed, so you can decide where to sleep. Activities and classes will be held in the Community Activities Center next to the cabins. Meals are served in the cafeteria and some vegan and vegetarian snacks will be available in the CAB.

Openings will be for teachers first. If any spaces are left as of Aug. 15th registration will be open to advanced students with a desire to teach.

Price: $150.00
Deposit: $70 to hold your space by Aug. 15th, space is limited to seventeen, plus three teachers. The balance of $80 is due by Oct. 15th.
After September 1st deposits are non refundable. You can transfer your space to another teacher if you can arrange it.
Courtney Butler, E.R.Y.T. 200, Director of Floating Lotus Yoga R.Y.S., and Yoga Coordinator HS YMCA.
501-262-9297
cdb120@gmail.com
Floatinglotusyoga.weebly.com
*Staff and current teacher training students and recent graduates can take 10% off the price

*Detach and Mail to: Floating Lotus Yoga, 120 Wildwood Circle, Hot Springs, AR 71901
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Name:
Address:
Phone:
Email:
Amount Enclosed:

Session 2 June 4-6

2010-05-18T09:29:00.000-05:00

Dearest Yoginis,
Due to a conflict with scheduling Cindee is going to teach Anatomy during our next session on Friday and Saturday and History on Sunday. Eat your fruits and veggies and rest up. It will be an intensive learning experience. I'm looking forward to it, Cindee always has wonderful information and is a delightful teacher. After all these years I still learn something new every time Cindee teaches.

June 4-6F-Sun

Friday 4^th:

6-9 Anatomy Cindee

Saturday 5th

9:30 to 11:30 Physical Practice "How to Teach" with Courtney

11:30 to 1:00 Lunch

1:00-5:00 Cindee - Anatomy

Sunday 6th

1:30-5:30 Cindee- History of Yoga

Should you need a place to stay contact Mary Moore or you can visit my friends vacation home site and room together, he had four houses to choose from at various rates. All are very clean and tidy and close in town.

http://www.1000acresretreat.com/

Preparation

2010-04-19T14:27:00.000-05:00

Hello Yogini's.
Well we are full and I am very grateful to everyone who has signed up for the course. The prior post has all the supplies and books you will need. Here is some need to know info.

1. Please read Chapter 1 in "Yoga for Idiots" book. I do wish it had a better name;)
2. The YMCA is located at 130 Werner Street off Central, near the bypass and St. Joseph hospital. My cell is 501-538-3036
3. Please arrive by 6p.m. and come upstairs, tell the downstairs staff you are with the school.
4. We will meet in the Y-Fi Cafe upstairs and I'll direct you.
5. There is a Comfort Inn Suites next to the YMCA if you should need a hotel. 501-623-1700

Rough Outline of our schedule:
Friday 6-9: Asana Practice 1.15hr. Lecture time
Saturday 9-11:30 Physical Practice, class time, Lunch 11:30-1:00 (you can bring your lunch if you wish)1:00 to 5:00 Classroom time, 5:30 wrap up and assignments
Sunday (when we have Sun. Classes) 1:30 to 5:00 Class time, physical practice ( how much depends on time), 5:30 Clean up and assignments.

Other helpful info:
We will have a few field trips this year and several guest teachers (prior students) as well as your staff teachers.
Your staff teachers are-
Myself - Courtney Butler E.R.Y.T. - Director, all subjects, your primary teacher.
Cindee Zerr Franklin- E.R.Y.T.- Secondary Teacher, History, Anatomy, Asana, and more.
Mary Stiles- E.R.Y.T.- Sanskrit, Bandha's, and Vegan and Vegetarian diets.
Elana Johnson-E.R.Y.T. Pre and Post Natal.
Please visit the web page for more info. floatinglotusyoga.weebly.com

Needed Materials

2010-03-29T15:46:00.000-05:00

What you will need to get started:

Yoga Mat
Strap 6 to 8 ft (8ft is best)
2 large blocks
If you have a massage cream like "Sore No More" or essential oils that can be applied topically..
Blanket (such as a throw)
Three Ring Binder with 10 dividers, pens, pencils and a composition book.
CD's for practice (optional)
Eye Pillow (optional)

Books: There is always great discussion with the students and teachers about what books we should have. One of my goals in opening the school was to provide training at a reasonable price. So some books will be recommended reading and some required. You may want to start looking over the recommended books and dvd's from your local library.

Most of the books required by the school are available on Amazon very reasonably, often I order used books at a very reasonable price.

Required:

Instructing Hatha Yoga- Kathy Lee Kappmeier
Light on Yoga- B.K.S. Iyengar
The Idiots Guide to Yoga - Joan Budilovsky, Eve Adamson, Carolyn Flynn
Yoga Anatomy - Leslie Kaminoff
The Yoga Sutra's:http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=yoga+sutras&cid=10355500855716182456&sa=title
Bhagvad Gita - Translated by Steven Mitchell -http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=bagvad+gita&cid=15097419819960658082&sa=titl

Enrollment Update

2010-03-21T18:46:00.000-05:00

We are quickly filling up. I'm in awe and gratitude of those of you who have registered. We have a few spaces left if you still wish to register you can email me at cdb120@gmail.com . The teachers and I are very excited about the upcoming training.

For the R.Y.T. former students I have some teaching opportunities if you are interested. I'm currently looking for someone to teach children's' yoga over the summer, as well as pre/postnatal, and chair/senior yoga. These will be summer programs sponsored by F.L.Y. and held at the YMCA. Yoga Insurance is required to contract with F.L.Y. L.L.C. Please email if interested a.s.a.p.

Namaste,
Courtney

Happenings

2010-03-01T14:09:00.001-06:00

"Getting Down to the Basics of Yoga" Workshop this weekend. March 6th, 12-4p.m., 301 Whittington, The Art Church. Hot Springs Ar. 501 262 9297 to sign up or email - $60 cdb120@gmail.com

What to expect in a yoga class: etiquette, props, attire, language
Yogic Diet (snacks provided -as well as chai, tea, and spring water)
Philosophy: 8 limbs, yamas & niyamas
Hatha Yoga practice
Partner -Therapeutic practice (non invasive, gentle, basic therapeutic techniques, no partner required to attend.)

Register Now for Teacher Traininghttp://floatinglotusyoga.weebly.com/index.html
Starts May 7th - goes for 10 weekends spread out over 8 months Cost $1975 Deposit $150 Registered with Yoga Alliance

How Can I Serve?

2010-02-15T08:18:00.000-06:00

I sit here on a quite morning with a fire and my coffee enjoying the sun coming through the windows casting light across the room. I have had much to contemplate this week. This week begins the season of Lent, one of my favorite times of the year. Lent brings sacrifice and examination to the forefront of our lives. Now I have never truly stated my full beliefs to any one person when it comes to religion or spirituality because the truth is I don't know the best way to articulate it most of the time, and I'm either with my church friends or my yogi friends, and the beliefs run from Conservative Christianity to Agnosticism. For thirty nine years I have grown up in the Christian faith and it is and will always be the forefront of my life, I know the Bible well. Yet there are many things about the "Church" I don't' agree with. As Gandhi said "I like your Christ, it's your Christians I don't like." I'm often embarrassed by the stand many denominations take in the name of Christianity, yet I do realize some Christians may very well feel the same about me. Yet I believe in God and the Trinity, however I also believe in the tenants of Buddhism, as I see it as a philosophical path not a religious one, yet I know it is a religion for many people. The point of all this is to say that I will observe my faith by being reflective and examining my life deeply over the next few months as I always do during Lent.
Saturday I was studying the Bible to teach a lesson and I had to read a section of all the gospels on the last supper and Peter's denial of Jesus. I came upon the gospel reading that dealt with violence. In three separate parts of the Bible I found where it said paraphrased "He who lives by the sword will die by the sword." I get that, it's ahimsa. That is who I strive to be, a non violent person- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahimsa. Growing up Methodist and now Presbyterian the focus on hell and damnation was never forefront in my life. I live life with the tenant of who God is as the focus as a Christian, as a yogi I observe the yama's and niyamas http://www.healthy.net/scr/article.aspx?Id=2410 as these guidelines parallel the life of a Christian perfectly. The yoga Sutra's a writing of ancient Hindu text http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/yogasutr.htm also give directions of how to live a life of moral and ethical life in line with that of the teaching of God in the Ten Commandments and the teaching of Jesus in the gospels. For me being a yogi and studying many ancient text is perfectly in line with my beliefs and my religion and relationship to God. If we study other religions and the philosophies, and core of the belief systems they observe we can assume that all living beings in many different religions can love and accept one another, and live nonviolent and loving lives towards one another with acceptation and mutual admiration and without judgment and condemnation (which to me seem to be the sword).

I had three funeral's this week. Five people died that I knew, one funeral encompassed three deaths. Some I was close to,others were acquaintances. It bought to the front of my mind how I want to live life. Often I am aware of my mission and then I get caught up in the day to day doing and forget my mission "How Can I Serve?" Happiness is found here, in serving. All we need are the basics, including love. Once our needs are met we can give freely.
The true Christian way is not to publicize your Lenten endeavors but to do it quietly, however I know this is going to be hard and I need support. So I have gathered a group to observe together, all for different reasons. Over Lent I will be following a forty day money fast http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/31/AR2009123103495.html and The Compact http://sfcompact.blogspot.com/2006/01/new-years-resolution.html . My hope is to have more time to focus on what's really important and focusing on what's in my own backyard my family, my home, and my work. My work of sharing the love of yoga with others and letting go of fear. I will be posting to both blogs regularly any insights or experience (good and bad) that I have. If you would like to participate with me email me cdb120@gmail.com

Shanti, Shanti, Shanti, Namaste (Peace for Body, Mind, and Spirit, The divine in me recognizes the divine in you),
Courtney

Graduation Jan. 2010

2010-01-23T16:58:00.000-06:00

My wonderful graduation girls!!!

The End and A New Beginning

2010-01-16T13:00:00.000-06:00

What a wonderful journey it's been. I am blessed to have you all as students but even more so as friends. Thank you for having the faith and trust in me to lead you through this process. You invested your time and dollars in me and I'm forever grateful.

A little follow up on Monday's schedule:

9:00 Arrival
9:15 to 10:15Shelby teaches
10:15 Break,Discussion
10:45-11:45Emmy teaches
11:45 Discussion
12:00 Potluck
1:00 Fill out Paperwork for Yoga Alliance
Ask Questions.
2:00 Graduation

*Prepare any questions you have for me for Monday.

Potluck: Bring a dish to share. I purchased today Pecan Cluster bites (those little snacks we have sometime), cubed cheese,& guacamole.

2:00 Graduation: Something Sweet, with Homemade Chai (this one is a little different than the usual)

*If anyone has any clear plastic cups that they would like to donate to the cause, I hate to buy plastic wear (environmental reasons) and I just plum forgot. Otherwise we can use our coffee cups.

Look forward to seeing you Monday.

Much Love and Gratitude,
Courtney

Being Present in January

2010-01-05T09:47:00.000-06:00

Yogini's: Here is the final schedule. Please read carefully. I have a few test still out and I need them asap. Please put them in my mailbox or give them to me no later than the 11th. I need as many of your hours as possible by the 11th if you have not completed them as of yet. I cannot give out the certificates without the test.

I am teaching 6:30p.m T/Th and Wed.9:00a.m. at the YMCA. If weather is bad call first.

Jan. 7th -open practice, freestyle. GC Library Auditorium, weather permitting. 12-3 p.m.

Jan. 11th:
9:00 to 10:00 Mi Mi
11:00 to 12:00 Sherry
12:00 to 1:00 Lunch
1:45 to 2:45 Jennifer (gentle class)

Jan. 18th
9:00 to 10:00 Shelby
11:00 to 12:00Emmy
12:00 to 1:00 Lunch
1:00 Fill out paperwork for Yoga Alliance
2:00 Graduation (in addition to tea, I will provide Chai,something sweet (Surprise) & salty. You can invite anyone you would like.

This is the time to make a list of any questions or concerns you have, & get with me between practice teaching time.

Much Love to you all. I'm not ready for this to be over, but I'm so proud and happy for each of you!!!!

Courtney

December

2009-12-15T10:00:00.000-06:00

Hello Ladies,
Well we are wrapping up, and I can't believe it's almost over. What a fun day Monday: Thank you for the wonderful teaching Golden,Lucy, and Carol!

This coming week we meet at Jackson House at 9:45. We will split between the kitchen and the thrift store. We will switch midway through so everyone has a chance to see how both are run. I would like everyone to get a chance to work the window in pairs. I don't need to do it so from 12-1 I will pair you up so you can serve food.

Remember to bring a side item for the potluck at Golden's following our trip to JH.

Here is the recipe for the candy I made:

2 bags of good chocolate (I think 12 oz)
3 cups Mixed nuts, seeds, pistachios, and dried fruit if you like

Melt down chocolate in double broiler, or two pans stacked: one has water in the bottom on a light boil, the top pan holds the choc.

Line 2 rimmed pans: 9 by 13 with wax paper.
Pour hot choc. in pan
Sprinkle nuts on top (divided by two pans)
Cool in fridge one hour or freezer for 40 mins.
Take out and break apart.

EASY!

Namaste,
Courtney

Nov. 30th and Dec.7th

2009-11-30T20:04:00.000-06:00

Great Job today teaching today Sherry, Emmy,& Golden!

Your homework is to finish your thoughts on Isvara Pranidhana (Surrendering to God)

If you haven't turned in your first two pages of the test I need them by Monday. Also I need your test by Dec. 21st done in full.

Write down 10 places you would like to share your yoga/teach from the basic to the outrageous: Let your imagination guide you!

I have gone over your hours; Those who are complete early are scheduled to teach first, those that came on a little later will teach later.
Dec. 7th 9:30 to 10:30 Kathryn
1:30 to 2:30 Daniela

Dec. 14th 9:00-10:00 Golden
11:00to 12:00 Lucy
1:45 to 2:45 Golden

Test are due in by the 21st
Dec. 21st 9:45Jackson House and Party at Golden's

Jan. 11th 9:00 to 10:00 Mi Mi
11:00 to 12:00 Sherry
1:45 to 2:45 Jennifer

Jan. 18th 9:00 to 10:00 Shelby
11:00 to 12:00Emmy
1:00 Fill out paperwork for Yoga Alliance
2:00 Graduation

Be prepared to discuss the homework, practice Vinyasa's, have your test, and teach next week. Thank you!

Namaste,
Courtney

Nov 23rd and 30th

2009-11-24T21:40:00.000-06:00

How blessed I feel to have such a wonderful group of women in the Yoga School.
You all are doing a great job teaching. Mary did a wonderful job teaching Sanskrit, I especially enjoyed the chanting.
Cindee will be covering the Chakra's on Monday the 30th.
Remember to journal and be ready to share on: (Cited from Yoga Journal,Judith Lasiter.)
Isvara Pranidhana (Surrendering to God)

Patanjali defines "isvara" as "Lord," and the word "pranidhana" conveys the sense of "throwing down" or "giving up." Thus, isvara pranidhana can be translated as "giving up or surrendering the fruits of all our actions to God."

Many people are confused by this niyama, in part because yoga is seldom presented as a theistic philosophy (even though Patanjali states in the 23rd verse of the Yoga Sutra that devotion to the Lord is one of the main avenues to enlightenment).

In fact, some yoga traditions have interpreted isvara pranidhana as requiring devotion to a particular deity or representation of God, while others have taken "isvara" to refer to a more abstract concept of the divine (much as Twelve Step programs allow participants to define "Higher Power" in their own way).

In either case, the essence of isvara pranidhana is acting as best we can, and then relinquishing all attachment to the outcome of our actions. Only by releasing our fears and hopes for the future can we really be in union with the present moment.

Paradoxically, this surrender requires tremendous strength. To surrender the fruits of our actions to God requires that we give up our egotistical illusion that we know best, and instead accept that the way life unfolds may be part of a pattern too complex to understand. This surrender, however, is anything but passive inactivity. Isvara pranidhana requires not just that we surrender, but also that we act.

Patanjali's teachings demand much of us. He asks us to walk into the unknown, but he does not abandon us. Instead, he offers practices like the niyamas to guide us back home to ourselves—a journey that transforms us and all with whom we come in contact.
Judith Lasater, Ph.D., P.T., author of Relax and Renew (Rodmell, 1995) and Living Your Yoga (Rodmell, 2000) has taught yoga internationally since 1971.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Courtney

Nov. 16th Plans are changing.

2009-11-12T17:27:00.001-06:00

Nov. 16th I am changing some things. My conscious has been bothering me about the a.m. public class.
The class population that is showing up is a very challenging group- somewhat atypical. It is a blessed situation in that you get to see some challenges that you may face. We have three more Mondays and everyone will get the chance to teach but I felt like it would be good for me to teach this class with you all assisting me and watching so you can learn. I will put three student teachers in front doing three versions of the poses. The rest of you will be on the edges observing or participating. We may do chair yoga for half the class. It's just to tough and there is so much learning opportunity here.
If anyone sees' Benny (he comes to Karen's class) tell him about the chair yoga. He loves it and ask me to let him know. I don't have his number.
In the afternoon I will teach a class just for you all, you all will partner up.
Then we will talk about ethics in teaching, marketing, and client dependency. The marketing will be a brainstorming type exercise. I'll guide you through some scenarios, so you need to be thinking about what you see yourself doing with your training, dream up whatever you want, it can be (I want to sub or volunteer to teach kids on occasion, or I want to teach Seniors,etc.....).

You all make me very proud. Having you for my first group has been very special to me.

Courtney

Nov. 9th Teacher Panel

2009-11-06T10:08:00.000-06:00

Hello Yoginis,
Monday you will have an hour to prep with me, then "Free Community Class" From 10-11.
The afternoon will consist of R.Y.T.'s and E.R.Y.T.'s coming to answer your questions about your future in teaching.

We need sign ups for next week : Beginning and Middle of class.
Fourth week: All areas of class.

Your Comprehensive Exam is ready: You will be receiving it Monday. The first thee pages should be in the week before Thanksgiving.

Have a wonderful day.

Assignments and Future Events.

2009-10-15T09:56:00.000-05:00

Assisgnments forOct. 19^th.

9a.m. to 11:15 (lunch 45 mins)

Practice Teaching :

1st Practice:Beginning :Kathryn, Middle: Golden, End: Carol
2nd Practice: Beginning: Daniela, Middle: Shelby, End:Jennifer S.
Beginning = Opening Centering includes transitioning such as meditation with pranayama together or alone, opening poses from top to bottom or bottom to top, and a Half Sun Salute.
Middle: 1 Full Sun Salute, Down Dog, Pyramid R/L, Hikers Pose
End: Forward Fold, Cobra, Childs pose, Bridge, Reclined Twist, Ending Meditation.

You are to prepare a sequence as we did in class. I will need to see it, you will get it back to work on, however you will need to tweak it over the week and be ready to teach it at some point. You can use your paper when teaching for now. Use your sheet on sequencing or look at the above Teaching Practice guideline.

Please read and study these in your books, write your thoughts on each one and be prepared to share:

Yama:brahmacharya

Niyama:Svadhyaya

12-3 Cindee Pranayama, Continue Sequencing, Partner Yoga.

I need confirmation on who is attending the Jackson House on the 21st of December. This is counted as a regular class day. We will probably work from 10:00 to 1:30 and then maybe we can go somewhere and have potluck if you would like. If anyone would like to host something at their home that would be great. I have kids and animals and am not in any shape to do so, or we could go to Nurture and have a potluck there.

I have copies of the Sequencing page and Principals on Teaching by Erich Shiffman, I will bring them Monday. See you at Nurture.

Shanti, Shanti, Shanti, (Peace for you mind, body, and spirit)

Courtney

October

2009-10-11T21:15:00.000-05:00

HelloYogini's:
This month we are primarily gearing up to start practice teaching. Each class day you are assigned a part of class to teach. We are also going to focus deeper on the philosophical side of yoga: The Yama's and Niyama's, two a week will be assigned each week for you to explore.This month one of your other assignments is to journal on Empowerment and Disempowerment.
Starting on Oct. 12 I will be discussing Authenticity with you. Each part of this practice is to bring you to a deeper understanding of yourself and those you interact with. I am really enjoying working on it myself and find every day I need to be reminded, so I am very grateful that I have this class and you all to keep me focused.
Later in the month we will also be focusing on alternate types of Pranayama and have an afternoon study on the Chakra's. On the 26th those going to the Anusaura Workshop will come back and share what they have learned with the other students.

Each day with you all has been a blessing to me. If there is anything you need please feel free to email me. You can call me at the house also 262-9297.

Oct. 12th - Art Church
Oct. 19th - Nurture
Oct. 26- Nurture.

Namaste,
Courtney

What's going on , what's going on.........

2009-09-29T17:48:00.001-05:00

Please continue to study Forward-bends and Back-bends in your book.
Practice out loud, at home, with your family, your pets, whatever, just practice teaching out loud. You might want to record yourself, sometimes it helps if you say the pose out loud while doing it in your head.

Finish your worksheet on the Yama's and Niyama's.

Remember to do one Empowering Act this week, and record it, for yourself. You can share it if you like in class.
I have already been tested on this one today!!! The lessons never end:).

If you feel ready you might try drawing out a sequence. If you are thinking "No way" don't worry, we will be guiding you through this process soon.

I am really trying to pin down the times for the next Teacher Training and am pretty sure it is going to be Spring 2010 to Fall 2010, weekends.

Shanti, Namaste,
Courtney

First you have to crawl......

2009-09-16T17:35:00.000-05:00

Hello Yogini's:
9- 14:Last week I learned something! Have a backup plan. Poor Cindee I am glad she did the right thing and stayed home. Not so glad I turned my phone off. Thank you for staying and having a yoga clinic on your own. Since we had an R.Y.T. on site it worked out really great. Thank you Kathryn!
Last Monday we covered what it means to be certified and registered with Yoga Alliance. Then we did Sanskrit Translation and it went surprisingly well (for me and you!). We also covered Sun Salute A & B.
9-21:Our next session has forward bends and back-bends on the schedule, however we need to start with standing poses due to the fact that we got a bit off schedule, plus I will assist you in charting them. Then we will practice teach.
9-28 I will chart Inversions and Twist, Cindee will come from 12-3 and teach a Clinic on those.

We will be practice teaching every time we meet. You can choose something to practice the week before that way you will feel prepared. Thank you for being good sports last week and pitching in for the improv teaching! You all are going to be fabulous teachers.

Namaste,
Courtney

Where we are and where we are going.....

2009-09-03T11:22:00.000-05:00

The past several classes we have covered:

Pre/Post Natal
A &P
The Beginning of Class, Sun Salutes A & B, and a Vinyasa flow including Tadasana - Mountain), Vira 1,2, and Revolved, Uttanasana (Forward Fold), Adho Muka Savasana (Down Dog), and Balasana (Childs' Pose)

Next Class is Sept 14th. Cindee will be doing a clinic of Asana's and adjustments. I will be in around 10:30 or 11:00.

Starting in November there will be a free class for the community each Monday from 10a.m. to 11:00a.m. Teachers in training will teach. You will be ask to teach the Beginning, Middle (2 mid sections), or ending of a class at some point in November.

Starting Sept. 14th we will meet every Monday until December when we have two weeks off for the Holidays. Then we have two to three meeting dates before final graduation.

Namaste,
Courtney

Licence to Teach Article

2009-08-12T23:58:00.000-05:00

I would like you to read this article and be ready to discuss it the first class in Sept.
http://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/289

We had a wonderful day of yoga Monday with Elana teaching Pre/Post Natal Yoga. I learned so much and had a wonderful time. I must say it is just plain "fun" getting together.

When we meet on the 24th we will be doing a whole day of review from the past eleven classes. I will be preparing you for starting your practice teaching, we will diagram more poses, and review A&P and you will have your test.
Read the prior post to see what exactly you will be covering.

Keep checking this as I will be posting pictures and videos' soon.

Shanti,Shanti,Shanti,
Courtney

July 23rd.

2009-07-22T15:52:00.000-05:00

Dear Students:
Below is a copy of the handout I gave you. Check your email to see if you have gotten a link to the workbook, if you do not have Windows Vista you may not be able to open it. I can get you a hard copy in Aug. It is highly recommended that you fill it out. The additions from this point out will be required as homework for you to use as a guide. Please try to do the "Study of Me?" it is quite insightful.

Elana will work on Post/prenatal yoga on the 10th of Aug. This will be an all day course on this subject. I am going to ask her to teach asana practice for at least one hour.

We will do a class review for A & P on the 24th. For now study your notes. Cindee has requested that you study all your notes, especially what she pointed out in class. I gave Cindee the information I wanted you to know for A&P and she is writing the test.

Namaste,
Courtney

Opening Series Activities:

July 20th A&P Cindee
Aug 10th Prenatal /Postnatal workshop Elana
Aug. 24th.& 30th: Back to school: opening series,

Create an opening series and understand why? See worksheet on Opening Poses
Be able to teach the beginning of class: Focused Meditation or Transition, Pranayama (three part breathing or ujjayi breathing, opening poses, be able to discuss why we do each of these things.
Why do we practice opening meditation?

Why do practice ujjayi breathing?

Why do we practice opening poses, what are the benefits?

• Use clarity of instruction and monitor your volume, speak like making an announcement in a calming and direct tone.
• Give directions of the movement, use descriptive language
• Be able to discuss the major muscles and joints.
• Be ready to teach the beginning of a class and two or three poses for the middle: These poses have been charted: Six poses to learn.
Down dog- Adho Mukha Shavasana
Child’s Pose-Balasana
Mt. Pose-Tadasana
Warrior 1,2,and Revolve: Vira 1, Vira 2, and revolved

We will be moving to the middle of class, charting poses and learning three vinyasas:
Ardah Surya Namaskar-Half Sun Salute
Surya Namaskar-Sun Salutation
Ashtanga Salutation

July 20th class.

2009-07-05T23:14:00.000-05:00

Monday July 20th we will meet for our 2nd session on Anatomy. Cindee and I will put together a review sheet for you. I will be going over more anatomy throughout the course. There will not be a quiz until fall as I had to rearrange some things to fit everything in and want to make sure to get special populations in with Anatomy.
I have to say I really miss our Mondays and am ready to get back to the Monday classes. If you have been to all the classes, or missed only one class and took the workshop with me prior to school starting, and you have thirty non contact hours with an RYT teacher, you will be able to graduate the first Monday in Dec.. However you are welcome and encouraged to continue (and participate) to come to class as most of the students finish up through January.
Please review your poses that we diagrammed and start familiarizing yourself with the instructions in your I.G.to Yoga Book. We will be asking you to give instructions on poses. Don't let this worry you as we will be there to encourage you and help you along.
Hope you are having a wonderful summer.

Namaste,
Courtney

Friday Class

2009-06-18T10:19:00.000-05:00

From Karen: Nurture Day Spa and Yoga:
There is a 2hr Restorative class Friday from 5-7p.m. $15.00 for teachers in training and please have anyone interested pre-register by Thursday at 4:30. 623-YOGA or(9642.)

These hours will count for your 30 non classroom hours. If you need to get some hours here is a reasonalbe and fun way to spend a Friday evening.

Namaste,
Courtney

June, July, Aug. classes and review

2009-06-15T16:09:00.000-05:00

We may have a flip flop on "special populations" and "anatomy". If the teachers can work it out we will have Anatomy again on July 20th and Special Populations on Aug. 10th.
A few of you asked about homework and the short answer was "none," however that was not really correct in hindsight. You should review your books and study your poses. Practice teaching poses at home. We will work more on this together when we resume in late Aug. but for now you can work on saying them out loud, while doing them and while "not" doing them.

You will be given a study guide for the test on anatomy and I will let you know when that is going to be as soon as Cindee and I feel the time is right. I will also be including anatomy in my class on "Special Populations".

So for now: Review those Asanas! *Breath in on extension- exhale on flexion.

Summer school happenings

2009-05-26T19:12:00.001-05:00

Class times:

June 15th: A&P with Cindee
July 20th: Special Populations, Prenatal, Elderly, Physically Challenged. Courtney and Elana
Aug 10th: A&P , quiz, Cindee all day.

Return for Mondays Aug.24, we will go every Monday excluding Holidays.

* Please remember the workshop "Art in Motion" will be held at the Art Church, Sat. June 13th.
If you need me to resend the flier e mail me.

You can get credit towards your R.Y.T. for this.

*Notice the lovely picture of Chana (a fellow yogini and Michelle my co-hort in environmental advocacy.)

Many Blessings,

Courtney

Next Teacher Training 2010

2009-05-12T17:33:00.000-05:00

On a weekly basis I get calls asking when the next teacher training will be. As it stands I am trying to decide if we need to do eight or nine weekend sessions, thirty weekdays (such as every Monday for seven months, or one evening a week for ten months.

Becoming a Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance is a commitment of 200hrs. of training.

It is a time commitment so please give it serious thought. Teacher training is a wonderful expereince should you decide to join.

Please click on the Survey to choose your preferred method of training and we will try to accommodate the most desired time slots.

Namaste,
Courtney

Monday May 11th Assignments

2009-05-09T10:20:00.000-05:00

The Beginning of class will be covered again to make sure you fully understand.

Everyone needs to be able to cover three opening poses.
chart five poses
Go over what you need to do this summer to assure you have enough contact hours met to graduate on time. We will cover upcoming workshops and summer class days.
If we have time we will spend some time going over " The Business of Yoga"
Cindee will come and finish up the Philosophy and History the last two hours of class.

Namaste'
Courtney

If you haven't gone to Yogaalliance.org, you need to go to this site and become familiar. Click on
registered teachers and find out who they are in your area.

May and Summer

2009-04-21T10:13:00.000-05:00

Homework:

look at yogaalliance.org and become familiar.
Study for your test using your key
Review breath cues and opening mediation if you still need to do yours

May 4th:

9 to 11:30: If we have time we will do active practice as an extension of the opening poses, I have asked Cindee to include some active asana's in the afternoon.

Test first

Finish Breathing Cues and Sherry will do the opening meditation.

Everyone will need to teach three opening poses. Keep in simple. This is to get your familiar with speaking in public and cueing.

Cindee will come from noon to 3p.m. to teach.

May 11th.

You will all be expected to do each of these in order, you can combine pranayama and opening meditaion or keep it seperate as long as you cover all aspects.

Opening meditation, pranayama (three part or ujjayi), three opening asanas from the list you were given.

Summer Dates: Mondays 9 to 3:

June 15th: Anatomy and Phisiology: Cindee

July 20th: Elana will teach Prenatal

Aug 10th: A.& P. Cindee with Quiz: Cindee

TBA: Fundraiser for Charity, Yoga with RYT's and ERYT's one weekend day this summer. Will work as Karma yoga and makeup hours.

Over the summer it would be advised to acquire any missed hours you may need. I will be at the YMCA on Mondays and Wed from 9 to 10 and Cindee may have a class on Fridays. Any classes you take with an RYT or ERYT will count towards make up time. You can only acquire up to 30 hrs..

April 20th

2009-04-14T08:20:00.000-05:00

Homework from the 13th Read pgs.132-136 along with your notes on Pranayama.

Read pages 163-171 Postures to Calm the Body and Mind: Tips on Meditation and along with your handouts on Meditation.

Be prepared to give three body cues to breathing. Remember to guide your student in standing, sitting or lying down.
We will finish up 5 min. opening meditation.

Chair yoga (forgot to count chairs, will need to make sure we have 14 to 16 chairs.)

Your goal by the 2nd week of May (your last Spring class until June) is to be able to:

Be able to do an opening meditation.
Be able to give at least three cues to three part of ujjayi breath.
Be able to teach at least three opening poses.

Our intention creates our reality.
-Wayne Dyer

Namaste,
Courtney

April 13th

2009-04-06T18:53:00.000-05:00

April 13th

Beginning of class: Learning the "Beginning of a Class"

9 to noon

Meditation: First Group will share: we will do three at a time.
Pranayama Instruction with handout
Then Joint loosening poses by Mukanda Stiles with handout
Second group will do med. project, last person will lead us into next set
Pranayama, Active Practice with adjustments and corrections, shavasana

Lunch

3rd group meditation
Possibly a surprise, have to see how our time is
Final meditation and go over homework

Homework for the week will be learning how to teach basic three part breathing.
You will receive your study guide
The following week come prepared: You can use notes:
Step 1: How to sit or lay on your back
Step 2: Centering, setting intention, opening meditation (you choose)
Step 3: Basic three part breathing
Step 4: 2 Opening poses

Due to a miscommunication on my part (I initially asked for evenings in the summer and then changed it to Saturdays. I changed it on the calender but not my rental agreement.) Saturdays will not be an option as the studio is not available.
If you all are able could you meet 3 Mondays over the summer at our usual time 9a.m. to 3p.m. ?
Here are the dates available. Please look at your calender and we will do what suits the majority and I will work with those who cannot come on the side.

June 15th or 22nd
July 20th
Aug  3rd  or 10th

"One's philosophy is not best expressed in words; it is expressed in the choices one makes."
Eleanor Roosevelt

April 13

2009-04-05T15:07:00.000-05:00

On April 6th you will be given a handout on Meditation. You will need to come up with a 5 min meditation to teach, also you will want to go over poses to use for meditation on the 13th. You will be expected to share or teach the meditation as you would in a regular class.
April 13th,20th and May 4th, we will cover the beginning of class:
1. Meditation or centering
2. Pranayama
3. Joint loosening poses

May 11th you will have a quiz over what you have learned during these first three months of class, you will be given a study guide on April 13th.

We will also continue to practice a variety of poses, utilizing sanskrit and breaking them down. Please remember to bring your notebook to take daily notes.

Namaste'
Courtney

April 6th class

2009-03-26T11:18:00.000-05:00

*Read the first 60 pages of Light on Yoga : Please pick out a paragraph to discuss with the class.

9:00 We will have discussion for the first hour
10:00 Pranayama, Asana, Meditation
11: 15 Satsang
12:00 Cindee will be teaching on the ancient Text : Patanjali's Yoga Sutra's and the Gita. She may cover some others also.

*The next two classes in April we will start discussing how to teach the beginning of a class from opening meditation to joint loosening poses.
*In May Cindee will rejoin us for Philosophy, Lifestyle and Ethics. You will be given a copy of your first test to take home and will need to study for the test the second May meeting. Then we will break for a while until our summer series picks up in July and Aug. Please look for that soon.

March 16th change of plans

2009-03-15T16:17:00.000-05:00

Monday March 16th.
9:00a.m.to 12:00 Class time with a focus on the handout "Teaching a Class 101."
We will be incorporating some physical practice,meditation, demonstration,corrections, etc here.
12:00 to 1:00 Satsang
1:00 to 3:00 After lunch Cindee Zerr Franklin is going to teach "Sun Salutations and Sanskrit."
Homework: Read the forward in Light on Yoga by BKS Iyengar

We will break for two weeks and resume April 6th.
The morning of the sixth we will have physical practice in the context of "How to Teach"
Cindee will be teaching History and Sacred Text the afternoon of the 6th.

Cindee is having a yoga workshop

2009-03-11T20:13:00.000-05:00

11:00 to 1:00 Saturday March 14th @ Art Church on Whittington.
This is a free Hatha Yoga and Meditation Workshop (donations are accepted)
You will need to take your supplies with you. Blankets available.
You can get up to 2 contact hours towards your certification with this.

Class Three and notes from 3/9/09

2009-03-09T17:25:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful day we had. Most of our day was spent reviewing what I learned at the Sean Tebor workshop. We did a restorative practice, with many adjustments using blankets,blocks and straps. Everyone partnered up and we had a little yoga party.
Today we went over Week one Worksheet and a Brief History of Yoga and the Eight Limbed Path with a discussion. What insightful students, I am one blessed teacher.

Next week:
1.)Brief lecture and discussion on teaching a class: Handout Teaching 101 (please review before class.)
2.)Practice with use of props
3.)Satsang
4.)Film on Ashtanga Yoga
5.)Discussion on Teaching with Demonstration and Practice.

Two week break: Homework: Read the forward in Light on Yoga.

Day 2, March 9th

2009-03-02T20:21:00.000-06:00

We will go over chapter 1 in the C.I. Guide to Yoga
Definitions and worksheet to be completed

9:00 to 10:30:Asana,Pranayama,Dhyana
10:30 to 11:30 Discuss Chap 1
11:30 to 12:15 Satsung, Lunch
12:15 to 1:15 Brief History Of Yoga: Eight Limbs of Yoga
1:15 to 1:30 Break
1:45 to 3:00 Pelvis and Legs, Double Helix Workshop information

First Day

2009-02-27T16:30:00.000-06:00

Hello, We have another student, Lucy will now be joining us. This gives us ten students.

Day one

9:00Yoga Teacher Training Overview
Yoga Alliance info.
Questions
11:00 Satsung: Lunch
12:00 Brief History of Yoga
Yoga Ettiquette
If time allows (eating the yogic way)
1:30 Practice: Meditation,Pranayama,Asana, Meditation

Bring what you have to class.
Namaste,
Courtney

Completing all of your contact hours, absences etc.

2009-02-25T13:52:00.000-06:00

Welcome students and teachers. Our first official day is Monday March 2nd. I am so excited to get started on this journey with you.

We have nine students: Golden, Daniela, Karen, Kristen,Shelby, Chana, Kathyrn, Carol and Leslie.

Several of you have expressed concerns about not being able to make all the classes so I am going to address those concerns here.

Please try to come to all the classes for your benefit. If you need to miss try to keep it to a minimum. The classes are divided into certain topics that you are required to have. However going into this I knew some of you would need some flexibility in your schedule.

I am asking all ERYT's to send me class times and schedules. You can make up hours in the presence of an ERYT or on occasion an R.Y.T. up to 30 hrs. Those teachers class schedules will be listed here in the near future. You may assist, participate, or observe depending on the each teachers comfort level and preference. It will be a mentoring process up to that teacher.
You will need to have the teacher sign and date your notebook to show me.

There may be cost associated with making up as teachers often times do not control payment for their classes, for example: I teach at the YMCA on Wed at 9:00 a.m., non members have to pay $10. I have no control over the charge.

There may be a couple of events offered during the year that you can take with ERYT's to gain more hours also. I will keep you posted.

See you Monday: Bring your supplies and lunch.

Namaste'

Courtney

Floating Lotus Teacher Training 2009-2010

2009-02-21T17:26:00.000-06:00

Floating Lotus Yoga Teacher Training will begin March 2nd 2009 and end's March 1st 2010. Floating Lotus Yoga or F.L.Y. is Recognized by Yoga Alliance to certify teachers to register at the 200 hr. level.

Calender for the year:
Spring and Fall: Mondays 9a.m. to 3p.m. First three Mondays of the month during a public school calender year. Classes let out for summer May 11th (last day of spring session):
Summer: The summer session is tentative and subject to change: Sat. 9a.m. to 3p.m. June 13,27,&July 25. Fall session resumes Sept.14th and go through March 1st.

Daily Schedule will be:
9 to 10:15: Pranayama, Asana, Meditation
10:15 to 11:15 Lecture and discussion of daily material
11:15 to 12:15 Satsung: gathering for lunch. Focus will be kept to matters of school. Students need to bring lunch daily or we can preorder weekly. I will discuss this option with you the first class.
12:15 to 3:00 Afternoon sessions will begin: lecture, demonstration, discussion

Cost of the program is $1950 per tuition year. Students may makeup work in the following year at the same class that they missed previous. Other arrangements to assist with ERYT's in the field may also be used to makeup some hours (the student should be aware that they may incur a fee to assist with a teacher.) The student has three years to makeup classes to acquire certification.
A deposit of $150.00 will secure your spot with an interview and completed registration packet.

Host site: Nurture Day Spa and Yoga Studio, On the Corner of Hickory and Ouachita in Hot Springs. Tuition includes yoga classes at the studio.