Insight Yoga Level III - Term Two (P1) - Deepening Your Inner Practice and Buddha Dharma Teaching

Insight Yoga Level III – Term Two – Part 1 – Deepening Your Inner Practice and Buddha Dharma Teaching

A Retreat-Style Journey into Yoga/ Mindfulness/ Psychological Inquiry Training

Join us for this in-depth training for female-identifying yoga teachers interested in developing and refining their capacity to teach the contemplative aspects of a buddhist inspired body/mind practice. Throughout the training, Sarah will be enhancing your understanding of the buddha dharma and self-inquiry, while also assisting you in further developing your inner life through personal investigation, meditation, and group processing. This course will also specifically focus on how to create a safe container for others while we share these teachings  in clear and skilful ways, whether in yin poses or seated meditations. 

Many of us navigate the journey of learning, studying, reflecting, and teaching in isolation, without feedback or support. By participating in this community, your process of maturing can be greatly accelerated, supporting you as you both expand, and deepen.

This course is only offered every 3 years, and registration is limited to 24 students to ensure a personalized and supportive environment. If you are interested in this unique opportunity, please see the details and application form below.

Location: D’Alijo Retreat Center, Cabeceiras de Basto, Portugal
(Flying into Porto Airport, Portugal (OPO), it’s only a one-hour shuttle ride  away.)

Dates: You can apply for term one, two and/or three, or the entire program. (You can also apply for one now, and more at a future date)

• Term One:
  Dec 5 – 8 / 2024
  March 13 – 16 / 2025
• Term Two:
  June 26 – 29 / 2025
  September 25 – 28 / 2025
• Term Three
  December 4 – 7 / 2025
  March 12 – 15 / 2026

 The prerequisites to attend are as follows:

1. Completed at least 50 hours of Yin Yoga training with Sarah Powers, Insight Yoga Institute endorsed teachers, or other qualified teachers. 
2. Attended two 5-7 day silent retreats, preferably led by Sarah and Ty.
3. Practiced mindfulness daily for a minimum of 24 minutes a day, consistently for at least 1 year.
4. Completed a minimum of 200 hours of general yoga training, with a preference for candidates exceeding 500 hours.
5. It is highly recommended that you have undergone psychological therapy or engaged in personal exploration, such as The Hoffman Process (hoffmaninstitute.org), or IFS courses. 

Course Format and Topics:

The daily sessions will include contemplative practices, talks on the dharma theme of the day,  diads and discussions; as well as the unique opportunity for each student to share a 10-15 minute prepared dharma talk within your small group each day.  Sarah will meet with students throughout the course privately, and she will also host a zoom session between the two retreats for each group. Also in the months between retreats, students will be asked to practice both meditation and inquiry with a partner from the group on zoom, twice a month for an hour.  Together we will ground ourselves while also soaring, embarking on this transformative journey into our expanded nature.
Reading suggestions for each retreat will be provided a few months in advance of each event. 

Buddhist Topics include:

• Term One:
  Retreat 1 The Four Mind-Changings
  Retreat 2 The Four Noble Truths
• Term Two:
  Retreat 3 The Four Applications of Mindfulness
  Retreat 4 Working with Obstacles
• Term Three:
  Retreat 5 The Four Immeasurables
  Retreat 6 The Six Paramitas

Sample of the Daily Schedule:

Day 1 (Thursday)
13:00-15:00 Check in
15:30-18:30 Group Session with student dharma talks
18:30-19:30 Dinner
20:00-20:30 Meditation

Day 2 & Day 3 (Friday & Saturday)
06:30-07:30 Meditation
07:30-08:30 Breakfast
09:00-12:00 Self-led Morning practice/preparing dharma talks
10:30-12:00  Private sessions with Sarah
12:00-13:00 Lunch
13:00-14:00 Rest
14:00-18:30 Group Session with student dharma talks
18:30-19:30 Dinner
20:00-20:30 Meditation 

Day 4 (Sunday)
06:30-07:30 Meditation
07:30-08:30 Breakfast
08:30-11:30 Group Session with student dharma talks
12:00- 13:00 Lunch (optional) & Departure

Cost:
We prefer those with an intention of completing the whole course, but will be accepting people for one term at a time, which includes 2 retreats each.  Below is the cost per term and payment deadline. Payment must be made in full by the deadlines stated below.

Twin Shared w/ ensuite bathroom: $1,700 per term
Single private w/ shared facility: $1,900 per term
Single private w/ ensuite bathroom: $2,000 per term
Single Private Deluxe w/ ensuite bathroom: $2,100 per term

Payment Deadline:

Term 1- May 5, 2024
Term 2- Nov 5, 2024
Term 3- May 5, 2025

Cancellation: 

Given the unique nature and structure of this program, we request your full commitment. If you need to cancel your participation up to three months before the program starts, we will provide a 75% refund with a cancellation fee of 25%. If you cancel within the three months preceding the start of the retreat AND we are able to fill your space, a 75% refund will be issued, and a cancellation fee of 25% will apply. However, if we are unable to fill your space, no refund will be available. Since we have to pay the retreat center in advance for each space on each retreat, please note that there is no option for a transfer of funds between retreats. 

Once you are accepted, a $300 non-refundable deposit needs to be made within 7 days to secure your spot. This amount will be applied to your retreat payment. 

If you have any questions, please contact jc@sarahandtypowers.com

If you seek to:
– Deepen your understanding of a Buddhist-inspired mind/body practice
– Cultivate your personal inner practice
– Refine your teaching skills
– Gain confidence in offering Dharma talks and self-inquiry
– Be an integral part of a supportive sangha

This is the program for you.
As this will be a small group program, reserve your spot by applying today.

Application:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1QwlaHeFWfMDs8PqLySiaiQyQgUQ-bvn_8t-Kpbwpfv8/edit

Testimonial

I have gained confidence in offering Dharma talks on my retreats and in workshops. My students have shared that this has added to their understanding and how they meet their practice.
Erinbell F.

Sitting, studying and openly examining the inner and outer domains of being with other women from around the world was the privilege of my life. And Sarah’s teaching will forever serve as a North Star in my life.
Jennifer C.  

Sarah has a remarkable capacity, as a teacher, to give generously and graciously and to inspire her students to give their best as well.  This is a rare and precious opportunity and I highly recommend it
Siobhan O.

The combination of Dharma, Sangha, Mentoring, Spiritual Friendship and the power of consistent practice has been so rich. This training has radically altered my understanding of Awakening.
Olivia C.

My practice became more natural, and my view of life more realistic…and also more expansive. Dyad inquiry practice led to insights from new depths and brought me closer to my sister seekers.
Sarah Jane S.