by matt | Sep 14, 2021 | Main Page Display
DEEPEN YOUR YOGA PRACTICE
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO DEEPEN YOUR YOGA PRACTICE, AND HOW TO DO IT?
What Does it Mean to Deepen Your Yoga Practice?
Have you ever seen a yoga event advertising, “This will deepen your practice”? Of course you have. Every teacher training, retreat, and immersion uses this descriptor. I say this about both my 200-hour and 300-hour teacher trainings. The question is, what does that actually mean?
What Is “Your Practice”?
In order for us to discuss what deepening your practice means, we have to define what yoga practice is. This is important. There is debate about this among modern practitioners around the world because most practitioners and teachers are not actually educated on what the purpose behind yoga actually is. So let’s break it down in a way that is easy to comprehend but also maintains accuracy.
According to the lineage of Tantra yoga, we have five layers to our being, and yoga practice is the cleansing or awakening of each of these layers.
The Five Layers:
- Body: all things physical — muscles, bones, fascia, ligaments, organs, etc.
- Life Force or Energy: the energy that animates the body, allowing the heart to beat and air to flow through our lungs
- Mind: our experiential digestive system. Thoughts and emotions that help us process, express, and participate in life through this human body
- Bliss: the deeper knowing that life is a gift, and while it’s filled with pain and challenges, it is still worth waking up each day and participating in it
- Awareness/Consciousness: The core of our being, the infinite intelligence that lives within, the observer or witness. The part of us that does not judge right or wrong but simply notices what is
Most humans are very familiar with their own body and mind, or at least they are aware of their existence. However, many of us have never done the practices that connect us to ALL the layers, and as a result, we remain disconnected or unfamiliar with them.
For example, while we all know we have a body, EVERYONE has body blindspots — muscles that are weak, or joints that we don’t have full control of. Your physical practice of yoga (asana) will help illuminate your blind spots, paving the way for you to physically deepen your yoga practice.
In the same way, we can become aware of our mind layer by observing our thoughts, emotions, and behavioral patterns. Through practices of meditation, contemplation, self-inquiry, and guided discussions with a teacher (satsang), it is possible to become more awake to our inner experience and eventually make changes to our mindset and behaviors. This is how to deepen your yoga practice at the mind level.
The same is true for life force. Through practices of breathwork (pranayama) and other forms of energy observance and deliberate action, we can gain awareness and control over our energetic system.
By appropriately utilizing these practices of asana, meditation, and pranayama, we naturally peel back the layers that otherwise veil our inner self: Bliss and Awareness. AWARENESS is at the core of our being, and for us to “deepen” our practice, it’s imperative that all practices are infused with becoming more aware — more aware of body, breath, mind, bliss, and awareness of awareness.
BE DELIBERATE
It is not enough to practice routinely; we must be deliberate with our practice. You walk every single day, but when was the last time you really got any better or more aware of the way you walk? Unless you have spent time deliberately assessing your strengths, weaknesses, and walking patterns, you likely have not deepened your walking practice. The same is true on all levels of yoga practice. To deepen it, you cannot expect that just showing up for the same yoga practice every day will get you anywhere. YES, the initial year or two of doing so will bring about rapid change, but you will plateau if your practice isn’t asking you to seek out your blind spots physically, mentally or emotionally.
Do You Want to Deepen Your Practice?
If the answer is yes, then I have three ways you can do so:
- Monthly Immersions: Join one of the monthly immersions focusing on an area of your practice that challenges you.
- 200 Hour Teacher Training: This is designed to transform your physical practice and kickstart your breathwork and meditation practices while providing you with the skill set to share that with others.
- 300 Hour Teacher Training: For those already certified to teach and who want to take their practice and teaching to the next level, this will certify you at 500 hours of training.
Co-written and edited by 300-Hour Chromatic Yoga Teacher, Donna Morin.
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by matt giordano | Apr 30, 2021 | Guest Posts
Medical science and research has shown that yoga can potentially help improve overall health, which directly affects the progression of different diseases. While people of all ages and backgrounds can benefit from yoga, there are some great benefits for the aging population in particular. This blog post will highlight some of the benefits of yoga for an aging population.
Appearance
As we grow older, we develop signs of aging. However, research shows that people who engage in yoga regularly experience these changes at a slower rate. There’s sufficient evidence suggesting that yoga can help you age gracefully.
Strength
Aging also affects our bones, muscular and skeletal systems, thereby impacting our fitness and agility. While these changes are inevitable, you can minimize their impact on your body by adopting healthy practices such as yoga. Research shows that people who engage in yoga are relatively stronger and have greater endurance.
Flexibility
Another impact of aging is loss of mobility and flexibility. When we grow older, our bones and joints tend to get stiffer. By enhancing balance and grit, yoga practices can help make you feel more flexible and at ease when performing routine tasks.
Weight Loss
With age, it gets difficult for older individuals to burn fat and get in shape because of slowed metabolism. However, certain types of yoga can help you regulate your appetite, boost your metabolism, and may contribute in controlling geriatric weight gain.
Overall Health
Since yoga revolves around mindful breathing and meditation, it can help in improving digestion, regulating blood flow, resting pulsating heartbeat, and gaining mental clarity.
You can reach out to TheYogiMatt for the best advice and yoga practices from anywhere in the world.
Matt Giordano, TheYogiMatt, is a world renowned yoga teacher, and the creator & founder of the global school called Chromatic Yoga. He is most known for his skillful ability to guide students into postures to awaken their full potential. Matt provides top level teacher trainings in both the 200 and 300 Hour formats. Visit www.theyogimatt.com to learn more about online classes, immersions and teacher trainings.
by matt giordano | Apr 22, 2021 | teacher training
Since the benefits of yoga aren’t hidden anymore, you’ll find many people searching for expert yogis to guide and train them. While some people wish to just learn the art of yoga for their own sake, others wish to excel and become a yogi themselves. Regardless of whatever your plans are, there are certain things you must take into account before you choose a yoga expert.
Knowledge and Skills
Like any other field, yoga also requires knowledge and skills. You can’t just read some books or watch YouTube videos and become a yogi. It takes patience, effort, and years of learning before one excels in this field. Moreover, it also matters how and from whom you’ve learned your yoga expertise. The best yogis have traveled to different places and gathered knowledge and skills from many different teachers. Keep these things in mind when you lookout for a yoga expert.
Yoga Type
There are many different types of yoga, and hence it’s very important to decide what yoga you’re planning to learn. The best yogis have expertise in and knowledge of multiple types of yoga because they can use multiple methods in combination with the best results.
Experience
Once the yogi has completed their basic education and skills, it’s also important for them to practice it themselves before teaching others. When you’re choosing a yoga expert, experience matters more than anything else. Make sure you choose the most experienced and knowledgeable one.
Sincerity
There are good guys and bad guys in every field, and the same is true for yoga. You might come across some yogis who exaggerate their experiences and make mystical claims. Stay away from such yogis and look for the most honest and sincere ones you can find. Those who’re dedicated to the field will never brag too much about themselves or make any non-sensical claims. They’ll tell you what’s true and guide you wherever necessary.
Medical Knowledge
If your yogi also has some basic knowledge of medical science, then that’s a bonus and can come out very handy. Yogis with a medical background can combine their yoga skills with medical knowledge to give you the best results.
You can also reach out to TheYogiMatt for the best advice and yoga practices from anywhere in the world.
Matt Giordano, TheYogiMatt, is a world renowned yoga teacher, and the creator & founder of the global school called Chromatic Yoga. He is most known for his skillful ability to guide students into postures to awaken their full potential. Matt provides top level teacher trainings in both the 200 and 300 Hour formats. Visit www.theyogimatt.com to learn more about online classes, immersions and teacher trainings.
by matt | Sep 3, 2019 | Home Page, teacher training, Uncategorized
You are likely here because you have been considering taking your 200-hour training but you aren’t sure if it’s right for you, what you will learn, who you should take it with, or where you should go to take it. It is a big decision and a commitment that is worth taking the time to research, so thank you for stopping by and taking a moment to learn a little more about it. In the video below I go over the top 3 questions that I get whenever students are interested in taking a 200-hour training with me. In addition, I talk about my #1 tip to consider when searching for the right one for you.
Underneath the questions are some primary concerns that I would like to discuss here before you watch the video. This decision is likely challenging for you because it is a large investment of either your time or money or both. These are two energies in life that are precious. For some of you, money isn’t an issue and for others, you may have all the time in the world, meanwhile, some of you have no money and no time, so why spend both on a 200-hour training? This is what your mind has been saying has it not? On the other hand, something inside you is being pulled toward a training and you can’t help but look around for answers.
NO TIME, NO MONEY.
I personally remember my experience. I was a full-time touring musician in a moderately successful band on the rise. It had been 7 going on 8 years of committing to this dream of ours, and we were so close to our big break. I had informally begun teaching in my mother’s basement to my friends and their friends while we were in the studio recording our next album. During the recording was the longest stretch of being home that we had had in years of being in the band together. I rapidly fell in love with teaching and my classes went from one a week with 5 friends to 4 a week with 30 eager yogis. I was being asked to sub at local gyms and studios, as well as lead events for Lululemon. There was a part of me that felt like I was lying. I had never done a teacher training before and I wasn’t certified to teach. I worried about people finding out, and I wanted to do a teacher training. The only challenge was, after being in a band for so long, I never really had any money, and at the same time, we were about to complete our album and head out on the road for a year of nonstop touring. I never did make the decision for myself and as a result, I was constantly feeling torn between the commitment I made to myself and my bandmates several years prior and my current passion for sharing the practice of yoga. Emotionally I was now feeling stressed and isolated. I was no longer “living the dream.” I was living yesterday’s dream which was today’s nightmare of feeling trapped. Eventually, life chose for me. My singer had been asked to go on American Idol which was both an opportunity for him and potential mass exposure for us. We all agreed to cancel several months of touring for him to focus on American Idol. I was quietly jumping out of my skin for the chance to have enough time to do a training. I now had the time but still…no money. Out of happenstance and desperation on the part of the studio, I had the opportunity to sub for one of my teachers at Pure Yoga in Manhattan. Afterward, the studio received several requests to have me teach full time. They instantly hired me, however, when they asked where I took my training, I couldn’t lie. I told them I wasn’t certified to teach. They told me I would be hired as soon as I finished my training. My teachers and friends knew of my financial situation, so they pulled together and did fundraiser events for me, while I reached out to my friends and family for support. Thankfully I was able to jump into my first official teacher training, and from there I started my career in Manhattan. Choosing a training was easy for me. My teachers were all co-leading a training at Pure Yoga for the first time and they had worked hard to get me into the training. Which leads us to my number one tip for choosing a training. Watch the video to find out!
The reason I share this story is for two purposes. First, take your time making the choice but don’t wait so long that life has to do it for you. If you do this, you will feel months or years of being emotionally torn and no matter how much you justify your indecision, you will ultimately feel it. Second, you will find a way to make it work. Once you make the decision you will find a way to work out the time or the money. Be solution-oriented instead of identified with the problem. Yes, there is a problem, no time and/or no money, but instead of letting it define your actions, let it spark your creativity to find a way. Talk about it with friends, family members and teachers, take suggestions and figure out how to integrate them. You will find a way!
WHAT ABOUT ONLINE YOGA TRAININGS?
Covid19 was a wake-up call for most people, and the yoga industry was no exception. Out of necessity, yoga teachers have shifted to platforms like zoom in order to continue sharing the practice. Yoga Teacher Trainings were canceled, postponed, and some took the initiative to go against the grain and go online. Many teachers disagreed with the decision of others to offer teacher trainings presenting the argument that you cannot get the same experience online as in person, the interpersonal connections that happen in person in particular. The other side of the argument is how much more effective online education is when presented properly. The real question is, can teachers create a powerful and effective experience for students to transform the way they move in their body, develop greater awareness and freedom mentally and emotionally through introspection and self-inquiry, and ultimately attain the skills to share the practice with others?
The teachers that focus on the experience they want to deliver and the intention behind that can use technology to their advantage. Everything is possible when looking at possibilities. The teachers that don’t consider the online platform and its capabilities will likely fall short. Of course, there are the rare marketing-driven companies that simply hold the intention to make a profit off of a need. There is nothing wrong with this if they are also offering a high-quality experience delivered from a seasoned or teaching team that has mindfully put together a curriculum that is effective online. Just like with in-person trainings, both exist.
How To Choose an Online Training
When choosing an online training that is right for you, I suggest speaking with the lead teacher directly and getting your questions answered. Ask yourself what your main objectives are for doing a teacher training. What are your main concerns? What is important to you when it comes to learning from a yoga teacher? Do you want to be a teacher or just advance your practice? What are you most scared of? What excites you the most about doing a teacher training? Get clear so you can see which training resonates with you the most.
Is it Possible to Have Interpersonal Connection Online?
The major challenge with creating REAL CONNECTIONS online in teacher trainings is getting students to get comfortable being themselves on camera. The training here on theyogimatt.com focuses on this throughout both the 200 hr and 300 hour online in a few particular ways. First, we set the intention – put it out on the table that almost everyone feels uncomfortable on camera, especially talking to the camera. We break the ice and learn the basics of filming ourselves. We have one on one, small group, large group, and Facebook group conversations over video. The multiple methods provide a safe space to get comfortable sharing truthfully and honestly. Everyone is encouraged to simply show up imperfectly and courageously. When it comes to submitting teaching videos, students have the opportunity to film and re-film multiple times prior to submission which serves as a great training ground for practice. We share sequences, reflections on philosophy, meditation, anatomy, and life. In short, we hold the intention to connect with one another! If connection is important to you then be sure to find a training that holds that intention.
“I am not advanced in my yoga practice. Is this right for me?”
TOP 3 QUESTIONS
Out of the challenges of time or money many questions will arise as to whether or not the 200-hour training is right for you. Before we get to them, consider what your life is like with the practice of yoga in it. What would it be like without it? After a 200 hour training, you will have a similar feeling about the experience when thinking about your life before the training and after. You will more than likely feel so grateful that you took the dive into your practice and found a way to make it happen. Let’s go over the top 3 questions.
I say absolutely. In my 200 hour training, you learn how to teach the practices/skills/postures that you are most proficient at. Rather than trying to teach something that you have not yet developed in your practice, you will learn how to share your strengths with your students. At the same time, you will be taking steps to advance your personal practice appropriately. This means you will begin your advancement based on where your practice is when you step into the training. You will not be expected to live up to anyone else’s potential but your own. You will not be held to anyone else’s standard for practice but yours. So long as you have a curiosity and desire to deepen your practice, then you are right on track with where you need to be for this training. If attending a training elsewhere, be sure to direct this question to the lead teacher. Also, be sure to familiarize yourself with the lead teacher’s style either in person or online before diving into training with them.
I would guess that only about 10% of people that take 200 hour trainings go on to actually teach yoga full time, and maybe about 50% share the practice in some way as a way of offering to their community, friends or family. The majority of people take 200 hour trainings in order to deepen their study of themselves as it is the best way to fully immerse yourself into the yoga practice without having to leave society and find your yoga master in a cave in the middle of nowhere. This doesn’t mean you won’t teach or that you won’t be prepared to teach, however, it’s best to let this question be answered by the end of your training instead of worrying about it upfront. Do the 200-hour training if you want to go deeper into yourself and your yoga practice. Do it to become more aware of your physical body, emotions, and mind. Do the training to learn the skills of sharing your passion with others to support them in feeling good in their body and mind, but release yourself from any pressure that says you have to do or be anything or anyone that you don’t want to.
Most 200-hour yoga trainings out there are recognized by Yoga Alliance, which means you will be registered with YA. What does this mean? In reality, it means nothing in terms of the quality of the trainings it simply means that the lead teacher or studio pays Yoga Alliance. For you, however, it may be important as you are establishing yourself to be with Yoga Alliance. Some gyms and studios require it. All of my trainings are recognized, and therefore you will be able to register with them as well. If you are to spend the money on certification, you might as well have it be a Yoga Alliance recognized training so you can take your certification anywhere. Qualified is different than certified. Qualified means you are ready to teach and share the practice of yoga with others. This is my highest aim – I want every trainee to feel confident in their ability to share this practice by the end of the training. Regardless of if you decide to teach or not, you will feel comfortable by the end of this training to pass along the beauty of this practice with others around you!
200 HOUR ONLINE
TEACHER TRAINING COURSE
IS IT OK TO DO TRAINING ONLINE?
There are a few factors that come into play with this question. First the teacher and the curriculum they have created. If the teacher knows how to leverage the online platform to the advantage of the students with video editing, course structure, quiz, video submissions, Facebook groups, video messaging, and so on then it’s likely that they can deliver a powerful course that does what in-person trainings could never do. If the teacher is new to the online platform, does not leverage course software, and does not know how to transmit their curriculum and take full advantage of what the internet has to offer then it’s not likely to be a great experience.
Speaking for the 200 Hour Training Online here on theyogimatt.com we have put together a training that takes the 10-year time-tested curriculum and made it even better. The best part is you can watch and rewatch videos, and repeat quiz questions until you have mastered the content provided. In these trainings, you are assigned a mentor and a small group to interact and connect with. We use Facebook groups for questions and answers, sharing of sequences, anatomy discoveries, heartfelt reflections, and so much more. We leverage visuals in order to teach complex subjects such as anatomy; you will get on-screen images of the muscles while you move in your physical body.
In short, the online platform offers an immense opportunity that you could never get in person.
MY #1 TIP
When searching for a 200 Hour training, I highly recommend getting to know the teacher first. Reading their blogs, practicing with them online or in-person if possible is incredibly helpful so you can know if you align with them or not. Find someone who inspires you and gets you excited to step into your potential! Try not to be distracted by exotic locations, or levels of fame, or quality of photos, etc. All of these aspects can be bonuses, of course, however, it is more important that you resonate with the teacher and what they have to offer. Your time is the most valuable thing you have, spend it with the people that help you rise up to who you want to be.
If you are looking to practice with me online, there is a free practice available to newsletter subscribers – scroll to the bottom of this page to receive it. That practice was recorded on my phone, so if you want a more professional practice with great sound and various camera angles, or if you want another powerful practice, I recommend trying out Dance with the Flames which uses the theme of stepping into the fire of transformation in order live the life you deserve. I sincerely hope you make use of the transformation equation and that it serves you for the many years to come! Please share your comments, questions, and experiences. I look forward to hearing from you.
upcoming 200 hour trainings
Are you ready to deepen your practice, build your confidence, and share the practice that you love? The 200 Hour Online training is an in-depth, highly educational experience that brings you through a step-by-step process of developing your yoga practice while providing you with teaching techniques that will not only certify you to teach but qualify on a professional level. This training will prepare you to walk into any room and teach with confidence and poise. You will also gain the tools of how to teach online yoga as well!
SEPTEMBER LIVE IMMERSION
GET LIFETIME ACCESS TO ALL CLASSES!
$98
- Increase your Strength and Flexibility
- Develop Masterful body awareness
- Expand your practice
- 12 All Levels Livestreams (LIFETIME ACCESS)
- Lifetime Unlimited Access to All
- SALE: 1 Time Payment of $298 TODAY: $98
- 3 Live Yoga Classes Per Week
- Freedom of Flexibility: Watch on your time or live
- Weekly Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday ‘s at 12p EST
- Exclusive Community building facebook group – your questions get answered!
- Release nagging aches and pains
- Reduce stress levels
- Mindfully advance your practice with masterful techniques
- FIRST 50 REGISTERED Save $200
HOW DOES IT WORK?
When you sign up for the immersion, you will gain access to an exclusive members area of theyogimatt.com. When you are logged in, you will have access and be able to watch the live stream that day, and any previously aired live streams from that month.
ARE THERE RECURRING PAYMENTS?
NO. You are paying for access to one month of classes. After that, you will be provided a discounted rate should you want to continue practicing regularly. You will NOT be automatically billed. THIS IS A ONE TIME PAYMENT that gives you access to the classes in the respective month that you purchase.
WHAT IF I CAN'T MAKE THE LIVE TIME?
NO PROBLEM AT ALL! The Immersion consists of yogis worldwide in various time zones. This is why you have LIFETIME and UNLIMITED access. You can practice when it is convenient for you. You will receive emails throughout the week to keep you on track and keep you inspired to practice. There is a Facebook group where you will hear from other members, be able to ask questions, and stay connected. Both the emails from me and the group will keep you committed to your practice, even if you cannot practice live.
IS THIS TOO ADVANCED FOR ME?
Matt specializes in teaching ALL Levels yoga practices, providing modifications, and options throughout each class. These immersions are suitable for anyone with as little as 1-3 months of yoga practice or more. You do not need to have a regular practice, nor do you need to be flexible or strong. First-time yogis are welcomed so long as you have no major injuries.
WHAT STUDENTS SAY ABOUT THE LIVE IMMERISONS
Matt‘s classes are phenomenal. If you ever have the ability to practice with him, make use of it!! He has a very unique talent of combining anatomy, yoga philosophy, and his own perspective into a super intense package of knowledge that is fun AND easy to understand. I enjoyed the April immersion a lot as it was a great way of deepening my own practice and broadening my horizon, especially as the lifetime access allows you to take classes as often as you want- trust me, you will want to take them again! I can’t wait for next month’s classes and highly recommend everyone to take the May pass and joining in on the journey.
Matt’s April pass was a journey. It was more than just the physical exploration of my practice but also helped me explore my spiritual practice. It was very nice to have a consistent practice during this time of uncertainty. If you are looking for a practice to ground yourself I would highly recommend exploring the Live Immersion of the Month.
Covid19 bought Matt into my home and my yoga practice. This last month I have learned so much. It has deepened my practice and my understanding of anatomy & biomechanics and how we use both in every asana we practice. He has also helped in my teaching, for example, asking my students to think about the foot as a tripod “big toe, pinkie toe, heel ” I never imagined I would learn so much from the immersion.
Handstand Training
Learn the techniques that make Handstand fun, easy and accessible! This 2 part course consists of the top most effective exercises will increase your strength and technique so you can easefully balance a handstand.
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SHOULDER REVELATION
In this 12 class immersion you will practice specific techniques to strengthen and unlock your shoulders. Each class focuses on a specific joint articulation and muscle group so you gain mastery in the shoulders.
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HEART OPENERS
Finally, a 12 class immersion designed specifically to help you discover the freedom of heart openers. Learn how to avoid uncomfortable compression, and awaken your true range of motion in a step by step manner.
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Still Have Questions? Email Matt Directly
