Meditation Teacher Training Course 250hrs - October 2018, Lisbon

Meditation Teacher Training Course 250hrs

with  Marco Peralta

This course is designed to train teachers of meditation, the intention of the course is to teach meditation in all its aspects and aspects, physical, emotional, psychological, metaphysical etc. without any kind of belief, or tradition in particular, giving before a Background of meditation with practical application for our day to day life and to work with groups or individually, but always keeping in mind the original purpose of meditation practice.

Contact Hours: 225 hours

1. Training and Practice (85hrs)

2. Teaching Methodology (35hrs)

3. History, philosophy and psychology of yoga and yoga therapy (30hrs)

4. Practical teaching experience (30hrs)

5. Anatomy and Physiology of Yoga (30hrs)

6. Other topics (15hrs)

Non contact hours: 25 hours

SYT Hours: 160 hours

Total hours: 250 hours

MODULES:

Training&Practice

- Meditation with and without attributes (object and objectless meditation)

- Practical teaching of various types of meditation (mindfulness, guided, using symbols and images, sounds, yantra dhyana , mantra dhyana, yantra mantra dhyana, vipassana, zazen, etc.)

- Classical meditation postures and adapted postures: with chairs, cushions, bench, etc.

- Yoganidra - Deep relaxation techniques as a preparation for meditation

- Asana sequences to prepare the body before meditation (hips, neck, shoulders, etc.)

- Meditation and Movement

- Pranayama – conscious breathing as a preparation for meditation

- Bandhas

- Drishtis - the eyes in meditation practice : Eyes open vs. eyes closed

- Mudras - Hand gestures for meditation (how to put your hands to meditate)

Teaching Methodology

- Philosophical dialogue, Satsanga, inquiring dialogue, group facilitation: with themes, open and free; ways of inquiring, , mahavakyas, koans, scripture study, study groups, etc.);

- Teaching complex philosophical concepts in interactive dialogues in a non-invasive way

- Always teach based on your personal experience

- Teach in a way beyond your personal beliefs

- Teaching Meditation techniques that have beginning, middle and end (create scheme to create the practice ex: yoganidra type scheme)

- The language of teaching the different techniques of meditation: how to start and end meditation practices, create content for meditations, key words, how to guide a meditation, etc.

- Work with beginners: recommendations, special attention, etc.

- Meditation for physically handicapped practitioners: using chairs, benches, bolsters and cushions

- Integrated teaching: combining various techniques for a meditation class (ex: sequences of positions to prepare the body, deep relaxation, meditation, questions and answers)

- Teaching of traditional meditation positions (and knowing how to give modifications, alternatives etc according to the practitioner)

- Observation: in the sense of perceiving if there is dispersion in the practice of meditation ex: facial expression, shoulders, spine position, etc.

- Teaching Styles: various ways to teach meditation - depending on the audience, circumstance, location, intent (purpose), etc.

- Teacher Qualities, roles / functions, ethics and responsibilities of a Meditation teacher: yama and nyama , Gita values, etc

- Meditation Teaching Ethics

- Mental Health and Meditation

- How to distribute meditation students in the room: patterns : checkers, line, circle, facing the wall, etc)

- Music in the practice of Meditation

- Create thematic content in a Meditation class: acceptance, loving kidness, etc.

- Manifest your vision, dream and ideal as a professional teacher of Meditation

- Establish yourself professionally as a Meditation Teacher

- Work market for a meditation teacher : yoga schools, hospitals, prisons, airports, private lessons, etc.

- Pedagogical, ethical and legal aspects of the profession of Meditation Teacher

- How to set up / prepare a meditation lesson: create meditation lesson plans, monthly schemes, 8 week programs, retreat schemes, etc.

Anatomy, Physiology and Psychology

- Greater emphasis on application in practice and not just on theory

- Basic anatomy of the brain and central nervous system

- Basic anatomy of the respiratory system: physiology of respiration (see effects on states of consciousness) (bandhas and respiration)

- Anatomy of Meditation postures

- Energetic and subtle anatomy (chakras, nadis, Kundalini, Koshas, etc.)

- Benefits and Contraindications of Meditation

- Meditation and stress management

History, Psychology and Philosophy of Meditation

- Philosophy and History of Meditation: Eastern and Western approachs: India, Tibet, Japan, South America, Ancient Greecee, etc.

- Philosophy applied to meditation: Consciousness, self, free will, non-duality, altered states of Consciousness, memes, creating small introductory texts to themes and combining them with the practices, etc.

- Several meditative approaches: extactic , with movement, using sounds, images, etc.

- Meditation on values

- Meditation and the concept of Consciousness don´t belong to a single school, tradition, culture, etc. they are and always were universal concepts

- Teacher should teach based on experience; It is important not to make statements that cannot be substantiated, etc.

- Meaning of the terms: meditation, mindfulness, vipassana, zen, Dhyana,etc.

- Introduction to the roots and History of Meditation

- Chronology of the evolution of Meditation in the West, teachers and circumstances that guided this evolution (beat generation, hippies, etc.)

- Philosophy of Meditation

- Ethical Principles of Meditation

- Introduction and study of the main scriptures concerning Meditation and its central themes and contemporary authors (No duality and duality, yoga sutra, hi hsing ming, tao (tao te ching) ashtavakra gita, heart sutra, vijnana bhairava tantra, ribhu gita, Cloud of Not Knowing cloud, eckhart tolle, krishnamurti, etc.

- The history of Meditation establishes the fact that Meditation prevails and gives rise to all religions and philosophical systems hence its Universal nature

- Sexuality as meditation: tantra, maithuna, etc.

- Abstract and paradoxical philosophical concepts, described in an integrated way in the day-to-day reality, that is in a comprehensive and demystified form

- Brain, Mind, Consciousness, Memory and Meditation

- 5 senses

- Psychology applied to meditation: thoughts, mind, conscience, waking state, sleep, deep sleep, neuroscience, neurobiology, neuroplasticity etc., conscious and unconscious states, emotions, etc.

- Mental health: depression, anxiety, mood swings

- Benefits of Meditation: - List of traditional (spiritual) benefits; List of scientifically proven physical and mental health benefits

- Creating the habit of sitting down to meditate regularly through prior understanding of the scientifically proven benefits that regular meditation practice have (satisfying the mind)

- Basic understanding of psychology concerning contraindications of meditation with people with profound depression or extreme anxiety

Theory of the process of Meditation and Pránáyáma (breathing techniques)

- The theory and practice of Pranayama

- Pranayama and Meditation: Influence of breath in the states of consciousness

- Theory of the process of Meditation: differentiate the reality of the process of meditation from imagination, thus having a point of reference for when you teach and for your own practice

- Creating a "Guide" of reference of "signposts", pointers or qualia that "everybody experiences" in the process of meditation

- Create and study a F.A.Q about the meditation that will inevitably be placed as soon as you begin to teach, to give knowledge, confidence and integrity so that the student / prof. answer these questions.

Teaching Experience

- Great emphasis will be placed on preparing the future teacher of Meditation for the actual practical experience of teaching.

- Practical training with fellow students: train to give all kinds of meditation, yoganidra, asana sequences to open shoulders and hips etc.

- Supervised teaching

- Assistance in teaching practical classes / Assisted teaching

- Creating and presenting lectures on the theme of Meditation

- Philosophical study groups (satsanga) how to facilitate, etc.-

- Work with beginners, intermediate and advanced students

- Different ways to give Meditation Lessons

- Working with private students

- Silence and Meditation retreats : how to work in this environment, what to teach, how to guide the retreat, etc

Other Topics to be addressed

-Keeping a Meditation Journal 

- Non-dual awareness

- Building and developing a personal daily meditation practice

- Meditation and Pregnancy: Benefits, etc.

- Meditation for children: techniques to use etc

- Meditation with a partner

- Applying what you study and practice regularly during the course so that if frictions, doubts, questions, difficulties, etc. arise, this can be dissolved, solved, clarified and can also serve as a study tool of Meditation by teacher and students

Other Topics to be addressed

-Keeping a Journal of Meditation: provide example, talk about apps, etc.

- Non-dual awareness

- Building and developing a personal daily meditation practice

- Meditation and Pregnancy: Benefits, etc.

- Meditation for children: techniques to use etc

- Double Meditation / Pairs

Apply what you study and practice regularly during the course so that if frictions, doubts, questions, difficulties, etc. arise, this can be dissolved, solved, clarified and can also serve as a study tool by teacher and student

Criteria for joining the course:

- 2 years of regular meditation / yoga practice (minimum 5x per week)

• at least 25 years old
• As a future student of this training course you will be asked to fill a form with this information:
  General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) - As a student of your training course, I consent to my contact details (name, email and phone number) being passed onto our partners, Yoga Alliance Professionals, so they can contact me directly and invite me to register as a Trainee and Teacher. I understand that I have the option of opting out of this registration process.

Retreats

The course includes two weekend retreats (silence from Friday night to Sunday morning)

+info: marcoperaltayoga@gmail.com

Code of Conduct

Students conduct

Students must adhere to the rules and regulations of the Meditation Teacher Training 250h with Senior Teacher Marco Peralta. Students whose conduct reflects discredit upon themselves or the school may be subject to probation and/or termination. The student must adhere to conduct that will not interfere with the learning process of any other students, the classroom presentation by the instructor, presentations by visitors, or the progress of the class or Brahmi in general. The administration of the school reserve the right to place on probation and/or terminate a student on any of the following grounds:

• Excessive absences or tardiness
• Nonconformity of rules and regulations of scholl where the mediation teacher training is taking place
• Conduct that is unsatisfactory to Meditation Teacher Training 250h with Senior Teacher Marco Peralta, its staff, faculty, and its students
• Falsifying School records
• Breach of Meditation Teacher Training 250h with Senior Teacher Marco Peralta enrollment agreement.
• Failure to pay fees when due and/or to make available required documents
• Entering school premises while under the influence of alcohol, or drugs
• Aiding, abetting, or inciting others to commit any act that would detract from the normal operation of the Meditation Teacher Training 250h with Senior Teacher Marco Peralta

- Meditation Teacher Training 250h with Senior Teacher Marco Peralta teacher training Code of Conduct is a compilation of acceptable, ethical, and professional behavioral standards by which all Brahmi Yoga trained teachers agree to conduct themselves through their teaching and business practices.

- This code is intended to serve as an expression of the core values of Meditation Teacher Training 250h with Senior Teacher Marco Peralta teacher training and as a broader basis for the advancement of meditation ethics as a whole.

As a traine in the Meditation Teacher Training 250h with Senior Teacher Marco Peralta , I agree to uphold the ethical goals set forth in the following professional Code of Conduct:

• Refrain from any behavior that would be determined to be discriminatory, harassing, or unprofessional to include both verbal and written personal statements, and to conduct myself in a professional and conscientious manner.
• Maintain and respect the confidentiality and dignity of all students and members of Meditation Teacher Training 250h with Senior Teacher Marco Peraltaand the global meditation community´s.
• Foster a welcoming and nurturing environment that is safe, sanitary and supportive for the practice of mediation.
• Honestly present professional qualifications, training and the limitations of my skills and scope of practice. Where applicable, refer students to seek alternative instruction, advice, treatment, or direction.
• Adhere to the traditional meditation principles, while developing and employing the discretion to build upon and adapt those principles to all situations.
• Develop, foster, and live the inherent integrity of the meditation principles in every aspect of my life, and to make the practice of mediation in all its forms an integral part of my experience.
• To always seek to expand my understanding of meditation through a commitment to furthering my education and experience

- Routine of the course should be strictly followed. Discipline is an integral part of this training program.

- No student would be allowed to enter in the classroom, once the class starts.

- General Conduct Policy:

- Meditation Teacher Training 250h with Senior Teacher Marco Peralta strives to provide an environment conducive to learning, growth, and professionalism. Students are expected to behave courteously and respectfully, to observe Meditation Teacher Training 250h with Senior Teacher Marco Peralta policies, and to devote themselves earnestly to their studies. The following may be grounds for disciplinary action and possible dismissal from the program and/or the school premises:

- Verbal or physical abuse of any person or conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person at Meditation Teacher Training 250h with Senior Teacher Marco Peralta related functions.

- Theft of property or the property of any member of the Meditation Teacher Training 250h with Senior Teacher Marco Peralta community at the premises.

- Willful or reckless damage to property or the property of a member of the Meditation Teacher Training 250h with Senior Teacher Marco Peralta community.

- Obstruction or disruption of teaching or other components of academic process.

- Failure to comply with Meditation Teacher Training 250h with Senior Teacher Marco Peralta policy at any time.

- Possession or use of controlled substances, illegal drugs, or alcohol on Meditation Teacher Training 250h with Senior Teacher Marco Peralta premises.

- Harassment, sexual or otherwise, or intimidation of any member of Meditation Teacher Training 250h with Senior Teacher Marco Peralta community while on school premises. This includes any behavior that creates a hostile or offensive environment for any student, employee, or guest at Meditation Teacher Training 250h with Senior Teacher Marco Peralta

Assessment criteria and procedures

• The Meditation Teacher Training Program is designed to be innovative, challenging, and enjoyable, while being structured as a course of intensive study. Assessement is ongoing throughout the course and students are expected to complete/undertake independent study, practice and reading. Homework and essays will be assigned. A minimum number of non-contact hours are stipulated in the course curriculum , while to successfully graduate, all students will be required to pass all areas of the course, write 2 essays (oneA&P, one philosophy), produce a Personal Research Project ( elected subject), Mid course examination, an A&P exam/questionnaire, produce required class plans, and teach 3 planned classes & make small group presentations while being ´assessed’.
• The first assessed taught class is held within the final residential intensive. The second and third assessemntes to be arranged by each student, with a mutual agreed teacher assessor.
• Thought the duration of the course, as part of the ongoing assessment process each student will be required to assist/observe classes with Marco Peralta and other approved teachers

Graduation Requirements:

In order to graduate, a student must:

Assessments and graduation

Graduation is not automatic: your progress will be assessed throughout the course, and in order to graduate, you will need to have:

• Attended each of the weekend modules, and satisfactorily completed any preparatory work and homework
• Attended one intensive (final of the course)
• Attended 3 group sessions with your mentor
• Written 2 papers, each of 300 to 4000 words, on topics to be agreed with your mentor
• Observed at least 6 classes and assisted in at least 5 classes
• Taught at least 12 classes ( with a minimum of 15 hours of teaching time)
• Had your teaching observed by your mentor
• Submitted a detailed class plan for your final teaching assessment
• Taught part of a public class during the final course module
• Maintained a regular meditation practice, both by developing your own self practice and attending taught classes

Certification criteria

Certification will not be granted to any student who fails to demonstrate the following:

• A basic understanding of the principles underlying the Meditation system, as well as the specific philosophies, teachings, techniques, and methodology essential to Meditation
• Competency in the full range of practical skills required to safely teach Meditation to others
• A level of emotional maturity, mental stability, and personal integrity sufficient to create and maintain a safe and sacred environment that allows the personal transformation of student to occur.
• The ability to be a Meditation teacher, including the good judgment required to interact with students in a professional manner that safely and effectively brings them the benefits of Yoga, as reflected in the student’s conduct inside and outside of class during the course of the training.

Please understand that your completion of the above requirements will be assessed through a set of standards that include attendance policy, review of homework assignments, the evaluation of practice teaching sessions, and behavioral guidelines. While efforts will be made thought the training to provide students with input on teaching or other challenges that might impede certification, it is important to understand that not every student who is accepted, pays tuition, and participates in the Meditation teacher training is guaranteed certification, even upon the completion of all required assignments.

At the star of the program, you will be given and asked to sign a written agreement detailing your responsibilities as a student and the standards used to assess my eligibility for certification.

-An understanding that this is an intensive program, and as such requires a firm commitment to hard work and enthusiastic participation.

- All required reading must be complete, and attendance at all classes is mandatory.

- Each teacher trainer is required to participate actively in a non-judgmental and non-competitive environment.

- Each teacher trainer must be in agreement that this training is not about physical practice alone, but one that also entails an exploration of the mental and spiritual foundations of Mediation.

- Each teacher trainer should have the ability to not take themselves too seriously.

- Some of the best Meditation instructors/teachers have physical limitations; our program is open to participants with a wide range of physical ability and has no age limit. There is no necessity to have mastered advanced or difficult postures as the program respects the needs of each individual and prioritizes anatomical integrity over excessive flexibility. While taking part in the program you will feel supported and encouraged to discover and build upon your unique gifts.

- Certification will be based on: - Mid-term stances; - Research project; - ; -Final practicum

- The criteria for receiving the diploma are: - acceptable attendance during the program and satisfactory completion of all assignments of the program

Attendance Policy

Students are required to maintain a minimum of 100% attendance over the length of the program. All absences must be pre-approved by the instructor and arrangements made to complete the missed amount of classroom time. Failure to make such arrangements may result in termination. If a student must be absent, he/she must call Brahmi within thirty (30) minutes prior to class start time.

Tardiness

Tardiness and leaving class early is subtracted from the total time of the program, and counts against the minimum required attendance.

Make-up Work

Assignments and projects not completed on schedule during a course must be made up within the time frame of the course. Arrangements MUST be made with the instructor.

Grading System

Whether the student passes or fails the program is based on completion and participation in all assignments, electives, observations, and performance evaluations given during the course of the program.

Grievance procedure

Dispute resolution policy and procedure for students involving Meditation Teacher Training 250h with Senior Teacher Marco Peralta

Individuals should always try to resolve issues informally. If a more formal appreoach becomes necessary,Meditation Teacher Training 250h with Senior Teacher Marco Peralta provides a fair and reasonable mechanism for resolution.

Step 1. Put your complaint in writing to the individual designated by Brahmi for handling disputes. He or she will request submissions from all involved parties, including witnesses; conduct an investigation and set up a meeting within 48 hours. The designated person will provide a written decision to all parties within 48 hours of meeting. If this doesn’t work proceed to Step 2.

Step 2. Repeat step one with a higher authority within the Meditation Teacher Training 250h with Senior Teacher Marco Peralta, if possible. If no resolution is forthcoming proceed to Step 3.

Step 3. The parties appoint an outside mediator/arbitrator within 48 hours. The requesting party will bear the cost of mediation/arbitration.

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The student who feels his or her rights have been violated should meet with the person against whom they have the complaint outside of class, and attempt to resolve the conflict. If the grievance is with an instructor, the student must first attempt to resolve the matter with the instructor. If this fails to rectify the problem, the student should bring the incident to the attention of the studio manager.

For any student who wants to express an opinion or dissatisfaction in matters regarding Brahmi policies or programs, may do so by filling a formal complaint in writing to the studio manager within 7 days of incident. The studio manager will respond in writing within 10 days of receipt of the complaint. If the student feels the response is unsatisfactory, he/she can submit a letter explaining his/her position along with copies of the original complaint and manager response to the program director within 10 days of the dated manager’s response letter. The program director will respond in writing to the student within 14 days.

1. If the student complaint cannot be resolved by following the above grievance procedure, the student may file a complaint with the the local court

The Grievance procedure outlines the students right to file a complaint with the Lisbon state board for private postsecondary education

2. If a student as a complaint, grievance or dispute with Meditation Teacher Training 250h with Senior Teacher Marco Peralta, the student shall contact Director of Teacher Training, Marco Peralta, in writing or via email. Marco Peralta the Brahmi Yoga Director of Teacher Training, will respond back to the student no later than 10 days from the receipt of contact. Marco Peralta can be reached at marcoperaltayoga@gmail.com
3. If the complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting the institution’s grievance procedure, the student may file a complaint with the Portuguese state board for private post seconday education.

- Complaints directed at an individual instructor or staff member must be discussed directly with the individual involved.

- If one-on-one discussion fails to result in satisfactory resolution, a written complaint must be submitted to the Program Director.

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Terms & Conditions Guidelines

Please consider the following points when writing your terms & conditions…

Practice Experience

• Students should have been practicing meditation/yoga for 2 years and have a strong practice before they embark on a meditation teacher training course.

Booking

• A deposit may be necessary to secure a place on the course and should be paid at the time of the booking.
• The full fee should be paid [ ] days before the beginning of the course.
• Applications will be taken on a ‘first come first served’ basis and students who have paid their deposit will have priority over those who haven’t.
• Reserving the right to refuse a place to students who have not paid their deposit or full fees by the required date.
• The fees must be paid in full and any private sessions paid for before a graduation certificate will be issued.

What fees include/ what is not included

E.g.

Included:

• Training and assessment by a qualified Yoga Alliance Professionals SYT
• A full manual and other appropriate paperwork

Not included:

• Flights, accommodation and food for yourself
• Insurance (you can get this from Yoga Alliance Professionals for just £15)* If you reside in the UK or £20 if you reside in Ireland
• A certificate (paying the fees do not guarantee you a certificate as you will need to successfully pass all assignments and attend a minimum of 80% the course.

Refund Policy Guidelines

Please consider the following points when writing your refund policy…

Payment Deposit Dates

• When you expect payment deposits to be made
• Is this non-refundable?

Student Pulling Out of Course

• When a cancellation can be made in relation to start of course
• How much will be refunded in this circumstance

• What circumstances can a student pull out of the course
• How much of the course will be refunded

Procedure on how to make a cancellation

• Who to contact? In writing?
• Do you require evidence of reason where appropriate?

During the Course:

- Student’s conduct during the course

- Minimum attendance rate

- Time limit once course official finishes to complete the course

- Re-sitting any assignments (additional charges for this)

- Expectations regarding daily practice of students

• Extensions granted if student is unable to complete the requirements due to unforeseen circumstances. What evidence is required. Logistics of re-arranging the classroom modules.

Cancelation of Course:

- Course leaders reserve the right to cancel the course at any point. Related circumstances. Refer to the refund policy.

Complaints Procedure

There are three stages that you can follow to try to resolve the issue. We will always try to resolve any complaint as soon as possible.

You may wish to involve an advocate, friend or someone else to support you at any stage. If you need a sign language or community language interpreter, please let the person dealing with the compliant know and every reasonable effort will be made to provide it.

Stage One:

Speak to the individual(s) concerned and try to resolve the complaint informally on the day.

If you are not satisfied with the response you have received, try to resolve the issue by following stage two.

Stage Two:

Outline the details of your complaint by letter or email and send it to the person who will investigate the complaint.

Your complaint will be acknowledged within 3 working days from the date it is received. The response will contain the following information:

• Name of the person who will investigate the complaint
• The date(s) that the incident happened
• What support you can expect to receive during the process of the complaint
• An expected response date

In fairness to all parties and to ensure the investigator is able to investigate the complaint in an open and meaningful way, we cannot guarantee your anonymity. In exceptional cases, however, where a child or vulnerable adult is involved, in accordance with national guidelines and good practice the identity of individuals at risk with be protected.

When the person(s) who are dealing with the complaint, have had an opportunity to review it, they will write to the tutor or person about whom the complaint has been made. The letter will outline the main elements of your complaint and ask for a full written response.

At this point, if further relevant information comes to light, you may be asked for your comments to ensure the investigator has a balanced understanding. When your response has been received, the investigator will consider all the information available to them and make a decision.

The response will include the following information:

• Details of the investigation
• A decision about whether the complaint was upheld or not
• The reason for the decision
• The re-dress, if appropriate, which will be offered to you , for example, an apology, additional help or directing you to other sources of advice or support
• Any other action that may be taken in light of the complaint
• If it is not possible to provide a full answer to your complaint within 30 working days, the letter will outline reasons why and give a date by which a full answer is expected.