Teacher Training
Embodiment. Integrity. Love.
The Trainings
Melissa has supported students and aspiring teachers to embody what they know by lovingly learning how to unfold their innate wisdom so they can share their experience with authenticity and connection. She has been leading trainings, certifying hundreds of teachers, for nearly two decades with students participating from North America, Asia, Europe, and Africa. As her teachers have taught her, the most important thing as a teacher is to empower others to be more fully who they are with great care.
Thank you for your continual, kind attention. You are not just a teacher trainer, you are a real teacher. You care deeply about your students. I feel very lucky to have you as a teacher.
Wira Arimbawa, Indonesia
200 Hour Teacher Training Course
Lotus in the Flame's 200 hour yoga teacher training course provides the highest level of creative and progressive Yoga education in the field today. The intention is not to teach one particular "style" of Yoga but to set each person on a path of embodying Yoga, and living it daily. Only in this way can we truly create a force of inspired change both in our own lives and in that of others. As many teacher training programs focus primarily on asana, this training program additionally teaches a full spectrum of traditional HaTha Yoga practices - integrating the philosophies of the main paths of Yoga, the Heart of Yoga - Bhakti, Raja, Karma, Jnana and Tantra. We will study traditional texts, as well as ground these philosophies within the physical ~ energetic body as they are expressed within the eight limbs of Yoga as outlined by Sri Patanjali. This is a comprehensive program in giving the students a very practical yet diverse exposure to the history, lineages and modern developments within the world of Yoga today.
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The format is structured in a way that provides flexibility for those students that are working professionals and cannot take a month, or more, off to study yoga intensively. This format is structured in a four part series with several months between modules. During the time between trainings you will have your own personal sadhana practice as well as structured assignments to fulfill your non-contact and practicum hours necessary for certification. In this way, the art and practice of living yoga in your everyday life becomes more integrated. Each of the four modules have a different focus and intention.
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Although it is suggested that you have a minimum of 2-3 years of Yoga practice in order to apply, we will review all applicants with sincere interest. There is a $54 application and processing fee, which once accepted into the program is applied to the entire tuition balance. In each module you will accrue approximately 40 hours, additionally 9-12 hours at each weekend intensive. The remaining hours are fulfilled with outside assignments. You must complete all four modules, a comprehensive final exam, and all projects outside of our meeting times to receive certification at the 200 hour level.
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The total course fee is $3,000 early registration, and $3,300 regular registration. Each module includes all coursework, the course books, and all class time materials. You can arrange a payment plan with the school to spread out your payments over time - credit cards, checks and cash accepted.
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Currently no new programs are scheduled. Check back soon!
300 Hour Teacher Training Course
The program will incorporate the ancient teachings of Yoga & Ayurveda with modern research on mindfulness, somatic psychology, and energetics. With the knowledge and experience of the faculty within this program, a broad spectrum of holistic approaches to Yoga & Ayurveda as a complete system of well-being, will be integrated throughout. Each of the faculty members has a circular view of transmitting teachings, rather than an hierarchical view. We are all teachers to each other and the best teachers are ever students of life. This program is therefore seeking participants who want to grow and stretch their own practice, as well as their understanding of self in relationship to the world, and ultimately, what it means to be a teacher of Yoga
This program will encompass all aspects of Yogic Study:
Yoga Asana Practice – Anatomically & Energetically Focused
Breath Awareness and Meditation
Guided Imagery and Relaxation Techniques
Ayurveda - Multi-Dimensional Approach for Yoga Practitioners
Experiential Yoga Anatomy – Physical and Subtle
Yoga Philosophy – Ancient and Modern Texts
Ethics – Integrity, Self-Awareness, Accessibility, Language Skills
Practicum – Teaching Skills
Methodology - Sequencing, Alignment, Adjustments, Demonstration and Observation Skills
The Schedule:
The format of the program is five, 7-8 day intensive modules. Currently there are no new scheduled programs. Check back soon!
I feel so blessed to have found Melissa and to have been a part of such an amazing and life changing experience. What started as yoga teacher training transformed into a journey of exploration (of self/others/life/spirituality), deepening my practice and learning the path of yoga as a way of life. She provided insight, knowledge, and resources well beyond the core material and showed us how to be authentic in teaching. I am honored and inspired to move forward and share what I have learned from Melissa with my students.
Angela Nation Sparks, Texas
Yin Yoga Immersion & Teacher Training
Spring 2025 - March 7-9th, April 4th-6th and May 2nd-4th Hybrid Course - In Person at Breathe Santa Fe, and online from wherever you are!
Yin Yoga Virtual Immersion & Teacher Training for Students and Teachers ::: 30 Hour Yin Yoga Training – Eligible for CEUs with Yoga Alliance
This Yin Yoga immersion and teacher training is open to consistent practitioners of Yoga, those who are teaching Yoga, and/or wish to teach Yin Yoga. You may take this program as an immersion to deepen your understanding of Yin Yoga - it's theory, experiential anatomy, psycho-somatic and spiritual benefits, as well as the energetic effects and you may also take this program to learn to teach Yin Yoga. This immersion is organized with time to steep yourself in the study and practice of Yin Yoga. The Yin Yoga immersion will cover the foundational principles of Yin Yoga, how to incorporate Yin Yoga into your weekly classes or daily practice, as well as how to teach this practice safely. The course includes Yin Yoga practice sessions (classes), interactive lectures with power point presentations, teaching methodology with specific asana review, and for the teaching component, time to practice teaching with peer feedback and review. This immersion series is eligible for 30 hours of CEUs with Yoga Alliance. Those who complete all 30 hours of training will receive a specialization certificate in teaching Yin Yoga.
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Yin Yoga Principles, Concepts, Benefits, and Basic Philosophy
Yin and Yang in the Physical Body
Developing Mindfulness in the Practice
The Language of Yin Yoga
Modifications, Prop Use, and Adjustments
Principles of Sequencing Yin Yoga and Teaching Practice
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Anatomy of the Muscles, Bones, Joints and Fascia
Types of Connective Tissue
Fascia: Anatomy and Physiology
The Nervous System ~ Neuroscience and Fascia
The Physiology of the Breath & the Importance of the Relaxation Response
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Taoist Theory & Yoga
Anatomy of Qi
The Meridian & Chakra System
Eastern and Western Views of Embodiment
Tension Patterns and the Mind
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Unlimited virtual Yin Yoga classes with Melissa
Unlimited access to training recordings for 6 months
400 page digital manual on Yin Yoga with hundreds of photographs and variations as well as anatomical pictures and articles to deepen your learning
54 hours of live interactive classes and presentations. Discussions and Q & A will be included in each weekend. There will be some hours of self-study and an assignment to reflect your learning about Yin Yoga.
