Swan River Yoga – Michele Baker

Swan River Trainings

* Begins April 2, 2012. Become a greater community member and promote the well being of all.

** Offered at 2 locations to better serve the community: Swan River Yoga in Mid-City, New Orleans and Mulananda Yoga in Baton Rouge, LA.**

Advanced 108 Spiritual Immersion

* 3 month course beginning November 2011

Kundalini Reiki, Energy Clearing, and Chakra Tuning

* With Reiki Master Michele Baker

20 Hour Mystical Yoga Sutras Immersion

* Translated by Geshe Michael Roach and Lama Christie McNally. Taught with permission by Michele Baker.

6 Month 350 Hour Spiritual Intensive

Announcing 2 Locations for our 6 month, 350 hour Yoga Training course!

+ Baton Rouge, Mulananda Yoga

April 2, 2011- Oct 23, 2011 ( break July 17- Aug 27)

Director: Michele Baker and assisted by Mentor Alicia Willemet.

The curriculum, requirements, practicum, payment plans will be the same, and Michele will come to you in Baton Rouge,LA.

You may register HERE on our website for Baton Rouge.

The Class will consist of Michele Baker 1 time per week and mentoring with either Alicia 1 time per week in practicum in their yoga classes. All of the same elements of a Swan River Yoga Training Spiritual Immersion will now be offered in Baton Rouge.
All registration, questions, applications are directed to Michele@swanriveryoga.com

Set aside time for 1 four hour lecture per week, 1 in class observation practicum, and 3 required yoga classes at Malika or Swan River Yoga per week, along w homework assignments, and special lectures and group activities from time to time in New Orleans. We are now taking applications for this 6 month course ( and 6 week summer break) that will change your life and community forever.

***This course MUST have 10 participants, or the training will be divided between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. It will happen no matter what.

+ New Orleans, LA, Mid-City Center

March 31- October 23, 2011 (w a 6 week summer break July 17- Aug 25)

Meeting Time Saturdays 2pm-6pm
Serve you community in the highest and delve more deeply into your practice and serving others. In this 6 month Immersion you will learn the fundamentals of yoga, chanting and voice, meditation, philosophy, anatomy, asana alignment, yoga assists, asana sequencing, ayurvedic medicine, esoteric anatomy, breathing techniques, and community service, so that you honor your Inner teacher.

Meeting 1 time per week for our 4 hour lecture, 3 yoga classes required, 1 in class practicum and observation time, and many weekend workshops. There is a 6 week summer brake, ending near Halloween, 2011.

***Important NOTE.... These spiritual intensives do not offer a license of any kind, and do not guarantee or propogate employment. It is a spiritual training for the embetterment of your life, and the greater service of your community, for total self-enrichment to you and everyone around you.

"The greatest freedom of all is being what you love." Swami Satchidananda.

Break It Down:

+ 130 hours of study with Michele Baker; Founder of Swan River Yoga.

About Michele: Certified Jivamukti Teacher, Anusara Inspired Yoga Teacher, Level III Reiki Master, Advanced Raja Yoga Teacher, Thai Massage Training, Bhagavad Gita Training, serving the gulf region, New Orleans, and internationally full time since 1998, with over 10,000 hours of teaching experience. Michele is the founder of all 4 Swan River Yoga locations in New Orleans, and the Director of the first Yoga Training Immersion in New Orleans.

The topics with Michele will include:

Philosophy
Being a communtiy member, Energetic clearing, Shat Karma Kriyas , social ethics and relations, Subtle Anatomy, Chakras, Prana, Pranayama,Nadis, Granthis, Doshas, Koshas, Jnana, Nada, Raja, Meditation,Mantra, Mala, Japa, receive a mantra, Bhakti, Sanskrit, Learning numerous chants, Karma Yoga, Sanskrit Asanas, history of Asana, Vinyasa Krama and the art of sequencing asana, Karma, Gunas, Ahimsa, Brief history of ancient texts of the Bhagavad Gita, Yoga Sutras, and ancient sages, Philosophy of Karma, the margas, and classical, advaita vedanta, and Tantra, Hindu Mythology of the deities, Styles and Masters today in yoga, history of yoga, periods/schools of yoga, teaching beginners and advanced practioners safely, private sessions, Satsang, Diksha, setting up an altar, and Puja.

Hands on
A large part of the benefits of this teacher training is the amount of hands on work that takes place with Michele Baker, which will be done weekly. You will also have weekly private sessions after that will include feedback and time for questions.

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12 Hours of Asana Alignment with Jordan Bloom

12 hours of the Universal Principles of Alignment and Asana.
Universal Principles of Alignment, Verbal and hands on assists, eagle eye, Matrika, The 3 A's, taking your "seat", studentship, understanding of proper foundation up to the skull, focal points, and loops and spirals in all poses.

20 Hours of Yoganatomy with John DeMahy

20 hours with John deMahy; RN, and Advanced Certified Rolfing Practitioner and Energy Healer for over 30 years.

Yoganatomy; Yoga To The Bone: Linking the basic systems of the body to our asana practice. Clearly spotting and articulating healthy and dis-connected muscles arrangements in particular asanas. Studying the Nervous, Cardio Vascular, Lymphatic, Endrocine, Circulatory, Skeletal, & Muscular Systems as related to each asana, and injury response and prevention.

12 Hours of Asana Therapeutics with Kelly Haas

Certified Anusara Teacher and Touring Assistant to John Friend teaching 12 hours of Yoga Therapeautics and Hands on Assists.
Proper therapeutic alignment of the lower and upper bodies from core to periphery.

Vocalization

Keith Porteous, Co-owner of Swan River Yoga, Masters degree in Vocals and Certified Jivamukti Yoga Teacher, Advanced 108 Certification teaching the art of vocalization and using our voice

The Art of Assists

Libby Bryan,Certified Jivamukti Yoga teaching the art of assists

6 month course investment: $3,300. Full payment, or payment of your deposit is available on-line now.

A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot, as well as meeting the requirements listed below.

We have an accessible payment plan so all students can apply!
The training may be paid in increments so that it is possible while you work and live your life. The first payment, after your deposit to hold your spot, will be due April 1 (once you have paid your deposit) and payment period will end Oct 1 of $400 per month. You may also pay with a credit card by visiting our on-line Store page.

All of the teachers in this course are of the highest integrity, with Master Certifications, and either R.Y.T. or E-R.Y.T., Registered, or Experienced Registrations. This course is far above required standard 200 hour courses in it's high integrity curriculum. It has some of the Highest quality standards you will find in this region, and the teachings will be the real deal, revealing to you what yoga truly is.

***PLEASE NOTE: This course is geared towards all students that want to deepen their practice in great service of their community. This course does not promise or teach how to become employed as a yoga teacher, but offers a very in-depth intensive which is an invitation to serve. This course does not provide a license, but you will get a certificate upon completion that will be honored anywhere you go. Swan River Yoga is not a priopriatory school offering employment upon completion. You will be ready to serve fully after this course, as you will experience a personal clearing from the inside and more integration of your understanding and community on the out. Some students say it is the cheapest form of therapy out there, as you will go deep into your own internal processing, which only heightens the frequency of those around you. Get ready to take a quantum leap in your evolution. This is the greatest thing you can do for all others, as yoga is not something you do. It is not a trade or a job. It is your life. Get ready.
Contact: Michele@swanriveryoga.com to apply!

Prerequisites:

You must have been practicing yoga for at least 2 years.
You must now have consistent yoga practice of at least 3 classes per week.You must begin now to come to Michele's classes.
You must practice daily meditation.
You must pay your deposit and sign a code of ethics to begin.

2009 Swan River Teachers

Course Requirements:

You must...

1. Come to your personal practice at Swan River 3 times per week, 1 class of which MUST be with Michele. This will be documented and signed by all of the teachers monthly. You must also participate in your in-class observations for a duration of your apprenticeship once a week, taking notes, assisting, leading talks, chants, asana, meditation, pranayama, and proper sequencing.

2. Have time after your in class observation for a personal dharma talk, where personal assignments will be discussed after each class.

3. Complete ALL homework assignments, including the list of books that must be read before you begin, what must be completed for you to graduate, and weekly assignments on the topics we are covering.

4. Attend 1 group meeting per week that is 4 hours long, as well as specific workshops, movie, showings, community classes, Satsangs, and group meditations that will be required.

5. Memorize David Life's back bending series c.d.

6. Complete a 3 day take home test with 350 questions that will be 100%.

7. Create an approved transcribed class of your own that is in proper sequencing.

8. Turn in an APPROVED video of at least 3 people in your class.

9. Teach a co- peer your a private transcribed class that will be graded and reviewed by them and turned in.

10. Pass an in -class test of 50 questions on the last day of your course that will be 80% correct.

This course requires a lot of you so that you serve your community in the Highest! You will be ready after this course!

All Swan River Yoga classes, a form of Hatha Yoga, will include 4 elements as the outline for your spiritual studies:

1. Sound intention with a chant/mantra (Fire)
2. Mindfulness with a philosophical theme infused throughout the class (Air)
3. Accessible grounding tools that provoke independence (Earth)
4. Flowing asana that has in-depth skillful alignment, revealing the physical and metaphysical (Water).

List of required books that must have 3-page essays turned in before we begin in April:

1. Jivamukti Yoga: Practices For Liberating Body and Soul by Sharon Gannon and David Life (available at the Shala)
2. Anusara Yoga Teacher Training Manual by John Friend
3. Hatha Yoga Pradipika by Swami Muktibodhananda
4. Autobiography of a Yogi by Parahamsa Yogananda

List of books that must have 3 page, single spaced, 10 font essays turned in before you may graduate:

1. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali translation by Geshe Michael Roach and Lama Christie McNally
2. Wheels of Life or Eastern Body Western Mind by Anodea Judith
3. Paths to God; Living the Bhagavad Gita by Ram Dass
4. One book an any yogic Master or Avatar, classical or modern day, and from any culture (suggested Gautam Buddha, Neem Karoli Baba, The Dalai Lama, Osho, Ram Dass, B.K.S. Iyengar, Swami Muktananda, Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Martin Luther King, Krishnamacharya, Mother Teresa, Krishna, Siva, Jesus, etc.)

Additional Required Books/CD's for the course:

The Anatomy Coloring Book by Wynn Kapit **(start coloring it now, as this will be one of the first pieces of homework due)
Anatomy of Movement by Blandine Calais Germain
Sacred Chants Illuminating Consciousness by Michele Baker
Yoga Language Series; Learn to Pronounce Yoga Poses by Manorama
Backbending by David Life

Required Movies to watch:

Fierce Grace with Ram Dass
What Is Yoga with Sharon Gannon,David Life, and Willem Defoe.
Yoga UnVeiled with various modern Masters, including B.K.S. Iyengar and Shri K. Pattabhi Jois

Suggested Preparation Material:

Laxmi Rocks Me dvd by John Friend
Master Immersion cd by John Friend
Refining Your Breath by Doug Keller
Yoga As Therapy by Doug Keller
Nataraja; Clothed In Consciousness by Douglas Brookes
Currents of Grace cd by Douglas Brookes
The Book of Secrets; Bhairav Tantra by Osho * this will be a part of the T.T.
The Psoas Book by Liz Koch
Hands of Light by Barbara Brennan
You Are Psychic by Sharon Katz
Tibetan Book of Yoga by Lama Christie McNally
Any music by Jai Uttal, Bhagavan Das, Manorama, Shantala, Dave Stringer, or Krishna Das, so that you become familiar with the chants.

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi

Advanced 108 Spiritual Immersion

3 month course beginning November 2011with Michele Baker

Advanced Studies for those already certified as a yoga teacher, or for those very seriously into their practice, just waiting to go deeper.
Secure your space now on-line!

Meeting Saturdays 2-6pm and some weekends

This course is for yoga teachers that are already certified, or for advanced practitioners that would like an opportunity to deepen their practice.

Course includes:

In-depth lectures and discussions, alignment and the Universal Principles of Alignment, Leading and assisting Private sessions w injuries, Restorative Yoga, and Advanced Asanas, in-depth brake down of Physical and Verbal adjustments , 22 hours of The Yoga Sutras as translated by Geshe Michael Roach, 12 hours of The Bhagavad Gita as taught by John Friend and Ram Dass, Bhakti Immersion and singing advanced Sanskrit chants/learning to play the harmonium, Balancing Siva/Shakti in your class, 12 hour Therapeutics, 12 hour Energy healing work and Reiki introduction, Psychic trainings, advanced meditations and puja lessons meditations, in-class observations and personal privates w Michele, and more!

Contact: Michele@Swanriveryoga.com

Course Intention:

This yoga program offers the chance for yoga teachers that are currently certified in any style of yoga and teaching at any studio, to expand their skills and deepen their inner relationship with themselves, in greater service of their community.
This course is also offered and encouraged for long time, advanced practitioners that would like to enhance their personal growth in the yoga teachings and apply them more deeply to their lives.

This is a program giving you an opportunity to personally and locally evolve within you, your yoga teaching, experience, and understanding, gaining more self- confidence, depth, and proficiency in your ability to serve your community, either as a teacher, student, or member of the community, contributing, and reflecting value and Self worth.
This program will give you a place to step up into in your re-evolution, with an experienced, sacred guide that always has your back any time you have questions and need advice in your yoga class, personally, and socially as a yoga teacher and/or as a yogi.
Please contact Michele@swanriveryoga.com to apply.

Prerequisites of the student for the Advanced Yoga 108 Program:

1. Must be a certified yoga teacher with 200 hours training , or a long time yoga student with a consistent practice of at least 5 years, approved by Michele.

2. You must currently have a strong, consistent practice of at least 3-5 classes per week in asana, and daily meditation of at least 10 minutes.

3. Must turn in 1 6 page book report on the following due upon completion:
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali as translated by Geshe Michael Roach and Lama Christie.

4. Must be able to finish all weekly homework assignments given by mentor and turn these in upon required due dates.

5. Must teach Michele 1 private session

6. Must turn in an APPROVED video.

7. Be willing to be of service in various karma yoga community service activities and satsangs.

Investments: 3 course choices.

Full 108 course: $1408.

This is a very compressed course intensive. Be sure you have the time required for once weekly in-class observations, 4 hour weekly lectures 1-2x per week, and serious homework requirements.

All lectures only (w/in 2 months): $808.

Meeting once, sometimes twice per week for 4 hour lectures)

All lectures & assigned and graded homework only: $1,008.

No in class observations weekly, but serious homework, testing, and video requirements to invite you to grow more fully.
Payments may be made monthly and must be complete upon finishing.

$500 non- refundable deposit is required and payment can be made at www.swanriveryoga.com. For the full 108 course, you may choose a payment plan, after your $500 deposit is paid, of $303 for 3 month, January-March, so that this course is accessible to you. If money is an issue, you may come up with whatever payment plan that you wish.

Your mentor, Michele, will be there for you always as an experienced means of support and back up to call, email, and ask questions to regarding your teaching experiences, names of poses, conditions and challenges with students or yoga career, skillful adjustments, yoga teacher life-style and social qualities, etc. This is a relationship that you will always cherish and never forget. Soon, you may be doing the same for others!

This course is perfect for those in the surrounding area of New Orleans, as you have the option to come to just the lectures only, visiting 1 time per week.

All Swan River Yoga classes will include 4 elements and that you will be required to impliment:

1.Sound intention with a chant/mantra (Fire)
2. Mindfulness with a philosophical theme infused throughout the class (Air)
3. Accessible grounding tools that provoke independence (Earth)
4. Flowing asana that has in-depth skillful alignment, revealing the physical and metaphysical (Water).

We honor all of our teachers who made these teachings possible, as we raise consciousness one student at a time.

Rise up into who you are. There is work to be done. The vision is deep, far reaching and deeply impacting...Namaste, Michele