18 Day 200-Hour Nature Immersed Yoga Teacher Training on Bowen Island, Canada

Certification

Students who complete the training are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT®).

Prerequisites

This training is open to all levels. Lokaya Wellness recommends at least six to 12 months of consistent yoga practice, though this does not need to be daily or advanced. More important than physical ability or experience is curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to learn.

About the training

A life-changing learning experience in one of Canada's most beautiful destinations. Let the sacred lands of Bowen Island hold you as you deepen your practice and awaken your inner wisdom. Learning in nature invites a different quality of presence. Away from the noise and pace of everyday life, where the teachings are received more fully. The training is designed as lived experiences of yoga where study and practice are supported by ceremony, rhythm, rest, nourishment, and meaningful time together in community. You value depth over speed, embodiment over performance, and integration over accumulation of information.

This training is rooted in Vinyasa and Yin yoga, with expanded study in pranayama, meditation, and yogic philosophy. You will learn how to skillfully guide intelligent, breath-led sequences while honouring the roots and depth of the tradition. They approach teaching through a trauma-aware lens, emphasizing choice, agency, nervous system awareness, and embodied presence. Breath, language, pacing, and space holding are taught with great care. You will develop a balanced personal practice and teaching style through exploration of both active and restorative practices and learn from a team of highly experienced, passionate teachers with a wide range of knowledge and teaching backgrounds.

There are silent mornings until breakfast to maintain an inward connection. You are free to explore the beautiful land and walking trails during self-study hours or on days off. Speciality workshops elevate your learning, personal development, and healing journey (Tantra, yoga Nidra, ecstatic dance, ceremony, breathwork, and more). There will be one initial Zoom call one week before the training for you to ask any questions they may have and one post-training Zoom call to check in on the integration process and follow up support from your lead teachers. This training program is a truly comprehensive curriculum. Lokaya Yoga School prides itself on a truly in-depth learning experience that provides students with many specialized workshops to expand their knowledge and deepen their own personal healing.

• An intentionally designed curriculum themed around living yoga that weaves philosophy, practice, embodiment, sangha, and the art of teaching into one cohesive journey
• Week one is a transformational immersion through the Chakra system, week two is a journey through the five elements, giving students a chance to deepen awareness of the physical, emotional, and energetic layers of being as well as nature's rhythms
• In-depth study of yoga philosophy, including the eight limbs of yoga, the yoga sutras, bhagavad gita, karma and dharma, Samkhya philosophy, non-dual wisdom, and Taoist perspectives for conscious, ethical living
• Daily engagement with traditional yogic practices such as mantra and chanting, meditation, Sanskrit study, bandhas, mudras, and shatkarmas, taught with respect and context
• A functional, embodied approach to anatomy, biomechanics, and physiology, with emphasis on posture, breath mechanics, nervous system regulation, stress response, injury prevention, and getting to know the systems of the body for long-term wellbeing
• Skillful Vinyasa and Yin asana labs exploring alignment, intelligent cueing, modifications, hands-on adjustments, range of motion, PNF techniques, and adapting practices for diverse bodies and needs
• Breath-centered training with daily pranayama practice, exploration of breath foundations, and cultivation of a conscious, responsive relationship with the breath
• Exploration of the subtle body and emotional landscape through Ayurveda, chakras, nadis, meridians, koshas, kleshas, and the integration of this knowledge into daily life
• Guidance on the path of the teacher, including intentional sequencing, ethics, inclusivity, boundaries, scope of practice, refining your authentic voice, and cultivating a sustainable approach to sharing yoga
• A rich offering of specialized workshops and ceremonial experiences, including Yoga Nidra and the art of deep rest, therapeutic breathwork and somatic movement, Restorative yoga, cacao ceremony, and a full moon sound bath

What makes this training special

You will leave this training with a lived, embodied understanding of yoga. Through daily shatkarmas, kriyas, meditation, pranayama, chanting, asana practice, study, relaxation, and Karma yoga, you will experience firsthand the transformative power of yogic science and tradition in your own body. If you feel called to teach, you will also leave feeling confident and empowered to step into that role. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to prepare you to become an excellent yoga teacher, with specialized workshops in teaching methodology, sequencing, hands-on adjustments, and the art and responsibility of holding space.

You will also have multiple opportunities to practice teaching with the support of lead teachers, helping you dissolve nerves, refine your skills, and discover your authentic voice. Whether you plan to teach or simply deepen your personal path, you will leave feeling grounded in your practice, reverent in your understanding of yoga, and equipped with knowledge and experience that truly supports your journey.

A central theme of this training is living yoga. Each day, you will explore how to carry this practice into your daily life and the importance of embodying integrity, truth, and compassion not just on the mat, but in every moment. Your life is so precious. To live from your heart and with good ethics and compassion for yourself and others is the best way to make the most of it.

Syllabus

• The eight limbs of yoga
• History of yoga
• Yogic texts: the Vedas, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Bhagavad Gita
• Four traditional paths of yoga
• Principles of Vinyasa
• Principles of Yin, meridians, TCM, Taoism
• Pranayama
• The foundations of breathing
• Bandhas
• Meditation
• Mantras
• Mudras
• Shatkarmas
• A journey through the chakras
• A journey through the elements
• The subtle body
• Koshas and kleshas
• Yoga and the mind
• Yoga and the emotional body
• Samkhya and Vedanta philosophy
• The gunas
• Ayurveda and the tri-doshas
• Vinyasa asanas (alignment, modifications, cueing, hands-on adjustments)
• Yin asanas (alignment, propping, target meridians, modifications)
• Anatomy and alignment
• The systems of the body
• The nervous system, the stress response, self regulation practices
• PNF and how to apply it in practice
• Creative sequencing workshop
• Trauma-sensitive language and intelligent cueing
• Ethics and responsibilities of a yoga teacher
• The business of yoga
• Living yoga workshop
• Yoga Nidra
• Breathwork
• Cacao ceremony
• Tantra yoga workshop
• Ecstatic dance

Yoga philosophy

• The eight limbs of yoga as a foundational framework for practice and daily life
• The history and evolution of yoga, from ancient origins to contemporary practice
• Study of foundational yogic texts, including the vedas, the yoga sutras of Patanjali, and the bhagavad gita, with emphasis on practical application to living
• The four traditional paths of yoga: bhakti, Jnana, Karma, and Raja
• Samkhya philosophy (dualistic thought)
• Karma and dharma as guiding principles for ethical living
• Advaita Vedanta (non-dual philosophy) and its relevance to yoga practice
• Exploration of the kleshas (afflictions), koshas (layers of being), and gunas (qualities of nature)
• An introduction to Taoism and living in alignment with the Tao

Foundations of yoga practice

• Shatkarmas (yogic cleansing practices); students receive a foundational practice kit including a tongue scraper, neti pot, and sutra net
• Bandhas (energetic locks) and their role in stability, flow, and awareness
• Meditation practices drawn from traditional yogic frameworks
• Mudras and their intentional application in practice and meditation
• Daily mantra and chanting as tools for focus, devotion, and energetic alignment
• Daily Sanskrit study, including pronunciation, meaning, and contextual use

Anatomy and physiology

• The skeletal system and its relevance to yoga practice
• The muscular system and functional movement patterns
• An overview of the major systems of the body and their relationship to yoga
• A deep exploration of the nervous system, the stress response, and self-regulation practices
• Understanding posture and its impact on the breath, physical, and nervous systems
• Introduction to manual lymphatic drainage and its role in supporting circulation and recovery

Techniques of training, teaching, and practice

• Asana labs and technique fundamentals, including alignment principles, common misalignments, modifications, intelligent cueing, and safe hands-on adjustments
• Safe movement principles, injury prevention, and adapting practices for diverse bodies and conditions
• Understanding the range of motion (passive vs. active) and its application in yoga
• Introduction to PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) and how to apply it appropriately in practice
• Navigating common health concerns in students with awareness and scope of practice
• Understanding the importance of balancing the yang and yin styles of practice
• Yoga Nidra and the physiological and psychological effects of deep relaxation
• Skillful and supportive approaches to Savasana adjustments, including consent and sensitivity

The breath

• Daily pranayama practice, exploring the physiological, emotional, and energetic effects of breathing techniques
• How to cultivate a sustainable and appropriate pranayama practice
• Study of the Prana Vayus and their functional roles in the body
• The foundations of breath awareness and building a conscious, responsive relationship with the breath

The subtle body and eastern anatomy

• Ayurveda, including an understanding of the doshas and constitutional balance
• The chakra system, including balanced and imbalanced expressions and seed sounds (bija mantras)
• The nadis and the flow of prana within the subtle body
• The five elements of nature and how they translate into life
• An introduction to the meridian system and its relationship to movement and energy flow
• Yoga and the emotional body
• Yoga and the mind

The teacher’s path

• Intentional sequencing for Vinyasa and Yin yoga classes
• The ethics of a yoga teacher, including boundaries, inclusivity, and professionalism
• Understanding the responsibilities and scope of practice of a yoga teacher
• An introduction to the business of yoga, including sustainability and integrity
• Clarifying your “why” and connecting to the heart of your teaching intention

General rules

• Karma yoga: You are responsible for washing your own dishes after each meal to be of service to the kitchen staff
• Silent mornings: Please remain quiet until breakfast time
• Quiet time: Please maintain silence after 9:30 p.m. Lights out no later than 10:00 p.m.
• You are required to attend the full training schedule each day (evening programming is optional). In the case of illness, you must communicate directly with lead teachers to arrange a plan to make up for the missed hours
• No smoking, drinking, or substance use during the duration of the training
• Disrespectful behavior towards students or teachers will not be tolerated in this learning space as this training is a container for positive energy, kindness, and compassion
• Personal responsibility: Personal hygiene must be maintained, your personal belongings are your responsibility to take care of

Daily schedule

• 06:00 Rising time and shatkarmas
• 06:30 Meditation, pranayama, and chanting
• 07:00 Morning Vinyasa flow practice
• 08:30 Breakfast
• 09:30 Anatomy and alignment
• 10:30 Asana labs, adjustments, and teaching methodology
• 12:30 Lunch
• 13:00 Break
• 14:00 Classroom lectures (philosophy, history, Ayurveda, and subtle body)
• 15:45 Tea break
• 16:00 Yin yoga practice
• 18:00 Dinner
• 19:30 Evening programming (ecstatic dance, Tantra, yoga Nidra, cacao ceremony, breathwork, self-study, and more)
• 21:00 Bedtime