Yoga Teacher Training Spring 2025

In this 200-hour Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Teacher Training (YTT 200), you will learn safe and accurate embodiment of the asanas as well as how to teach proper technique and alignment. The YTT consists of asana classes, teaching practicums, and workshops in meditation, pranayama, yoga philosophy, Western and Eastern anatomies, Ayurveda, and more.

You may be called to teach professionally; perhaps you wish to deepen your own practice; maybe you wish to delve into yoga philosophy or Eastern anatomy; perhaps, you are ready for all of the above, and more.

Whatever your personal path, and no matter your level of experience—whether you’re new to yoga, an advanced practitioner, or somewhere in between—this life-changing training is designed to facilitate your ever-deepening journey of empowerment, awareness, self-discovery, and transformation. You will leave as an educated student of yoga and a certified yoga teacher— inspired, confident, and prepared to share what you know in the settings you choose.

Our days begin each morning in the beautiful yoga dome where we gather for meditation, pranayama, asana, and mantra, then break for a delicious breakfast, walking meditation, and journaling time. The rest of the day is filled with training sessions that include teaching practicums, yoga philosophy, Western anatomy of the physical body, Eastern anatomy of the energy/subtle body, and other yogic concepts.

Each day includes three gourmet organic, vegan, gluten free meals exquisitely prepared by our private chef who sources food onsite from the Gratitude Garden Farm. A snack table is available throughout the day providing tea, lemon water, juice, fruit, muffins, and assorted hors-d’oeuvres.  

The days are full. You will be immersed in a yogic lifestyle, including breaks for solitude and study. During our bits of down time, you are free to enjoy the amenities of Gratitude Gardens, including a dipping pool, infrared sauna, cold plunge, and more.

We will have a free day where you have a choice to stay onsite to enjoy Gratitude Gardens, or head out to the beach and otherwise explore Palm Beach County. Our Chef’s to-go meals are provided for you on that day.

The day before our graduation we will have a special retreat day to reflect, integrate, and synthesize.

Our graduation day will include a special ceremony and a beautiful celebration dinner.

We are so excited to share in your yoga journey!

What’s Included in this Package

• Tuition

• Accommodation in our air-conditioned domes

• 3 daily delicious and nutritious meals

• Water, tea throughout the day

• Fruit and snacks available all day

• Teacher training course and certification

• Certificate upon successful completion

• Course Manual

• WiFi connection

• Access to Gratitude Gardens amenities

• Cold plunge

• Dipping pool

• Infrared sauna 

What’s Not Included

• Travel expenses

• Required textbooks text goes here

Program Description

Blue Heron Holistics School of Yoga Teacher Training Program, invites yoga practitioners to immerse themselves into a yogic lifestyle and emerge with a deepened awareness of the transformational quality of Yoga. When we embody and experience first-hand the physical, energetic, emotional, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga, we are then inspired to share what we know with others. In this way, we become not only our best selves, we become inspired teachers.

This is a comprehensive, immersive 18 day Yoga Program designed to provide yoga foundations in techniques and practices, philosophies, anatomies, and teaching methods. Wherever the student is in their yoga journey, this program reminds students they are exactly where they need to be. Whether a yoga beginner, an advanced practitioner, or somewhere in between, the program challenges each student to deepen into their path, and to explore their personal “edge,” always with Ahimsa (no harm) as the first rule. This is not a space for competition or judgement. This is a safe and supportive space for each individual of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities.

Program Goals

Our goal is to share the joy of Yoga while providing students with the skills to teach hatha yoga in an anatomically and energetically safe way to the general adult population. Our school curriculum is designed and intended to certify participants under the educational standards set forth by the National Yoga Alliance for approved registered yoga schools.

Student Expectations

Students are expected to arrive with the metaphorical “empty cup,” open and willing to “fill their cup” with new information.

Students must be committed to deepening their yoga practice and honoring their yoga journey with integrity. They must be present in the training, physically, energetically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Paying attention to the moment creates space for transformational experiences.

Students are strongly encouraged to embrace a yogic diet and lifestyle in the weeks leading up to and during the training. This would include the incorporation of a healthy and balanced sattvic vegetarian or vegan diet consisting of fresh and organic foods, the elimination of caffeine and alcohol, and limited use of technology, including consumption of television, movies, social media, etc.

Below is a sample schedule subject to slight changes. This will give you a general idea of what your eighteen days will look like while enjoying your training!

Arrival May 13

1:00-3:00- Check in at Gratitude Gardens

3:00-5:00 Orientation Tour/Introductions/Intro to the course/Healthy Practices and Goals

5:00-6:00 Gentle yoga

6:00 – 7:00pm Dinner

Sample Daily Schedule

6:00 – 6:30 am: Meditation (option to miss 3 days)

6:30- 8:00 am: Asana, Pranayama, Chanting

8:00-9:00 am: Silent Hour/Breakfast

9:00-9:30 am: (on your own) silent walking meditation/journaling

9:30 – 1:30 pm: Classroom Sessions

1:30-2:30 Lunch

2:30-3:30  Self-care; study time; exploration

3:30-5:30 Teaching Practicum

5:30-6:30 Asana Practice

6:30-7:30 Dinner

7:30-9:00 some days: classroom time/evening activity; other days: down time/rest

This Yoga Teacher Training Course is rooted in Classical, Integral Hatha Yoga, emphasizing Patanjali's eight limbs. The curriculum equips students with a comprehensive foundation, covering asana training techniques, practices, and pedagogies. Students will learn to embody asanas safely and accurately, mastering proper technique, alignment, assists, and adjustments. The course delves into both Western and Eastern anatomy, exploring the muscular/skeletal systems, biomechanics, functional movement, and the subtle body, including chakras, nadis, and koshas. In addition to asana, students will cultivate a deep understanding of pranayama, meditation, and yoga philosophy. They will be introduced to Ayurveda, yoga's sister science of healing, and engage in satsang, kirtan, and mantra practices. The course emphasizes the development of a personal ethical practice and the cultivation of daily yogic lifestyle habits. Techniques in forgiveness, loving-kindness, and self-compassion are integrated throughout, encouraging students to deepen their self-study and cultivate ongoing personal growth.

Techniques Training/Practice

Includes asanas, pranayama, meditation and other traditional yoga techniques.

Teaching Methodology

Includes principles of demonstration, observation, assisting and correcting, instruction, teaching styles, qualities of a teacher, the student’s process of learning and business aspects of teaching yoga.

Anatomy and Physiology

Includes both human physical anatomy and physiology (bodily systems, organs, etc.) and energy anatomy and physiology (chakras, nadis, etc.). Includes both the study benefits, contraindications, healthy movement patterns, etc

Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle and Ethics for Yoga Teachers

Includes the study of yoga philosophies, yoga lifestyle and ethics for yoga teachers.

Practicum

Includes practice teaching, receiving feedback, observing others teaching and hearing and giving feedback. Also includes assisting students while someone else is teaching.

Group Size- Our total group size ranges from 12-18 people

Styles-You will learn how to teach and sequence, and you will practice teach a one-hour beginner’s hatha yoga class, a one-hour vinyasa class, and a one-hour restorative yoga class.

Additionally, our daily morning practices will include classes in all of the above, plus gentle yoga, yin yoga, Sivananda yoga, Ayurveda yoga, and yoga nidra.

Skill Level-beginners, intermediate, advanced

  Student Curriculum Manual --A Hardcopy and an Electronic copy will be provided to each student.

Students are responsible for their purchase of the following required books. These texts can often be found used at discounted prices online:

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, translation and commentary by Sri Swami Satchindananda

ISBN 978-1-938477-07-2

The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Practice, by Deborah Adele

ISBN 978-097447064-1

The Key Poses of Yoga: Your Guide to Functional Anatomy in Yoga, Volume 2, by Ray Long, MD

ISBN 978-1-60743-239-5

 Kripalu Yoga: A Guide to Practice On and Off the Mat, Richard Faulds ISBN 978-0-553-38097-2

 Yoga Mind and Body, Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre ISBN 978-0-7566-3674-6

 Student Curriculum Manual --A Hardcopy and an Electronic copy will be provided to each student.

Relish in the heavenly ambrosia of an organic, gourmet, vegan, gluten-free, seasonal, local, and Ayurvedic culinary experience lovingly and expertly crafted by our private culinary expert who sources direct from Gratitude Garden. You will be served three meals a day, plus snacks, water, juice, and tea available all day.

Meals Provided

• Breakfast

• Lunch

• Dinner

• Snacks

Diets Catered

• Dairy-free

• Egg-free

• Gluten Free

• Organic

• Vegan

Sample Menus

Early Breakfast offerings

• Morning beverages

• Banana and gratitude fruit muffins 

• Fresh Gratitude fruits and Yogurt with puffed rice granola

Breakfast

• 72 hour onion breads with carrot lox, dill ricotta 

• Roasted vegetable with pistachio eggplant  labneh and spouts 

• Tofu scrambled and fried “Chicken” breakfast “taco”

• Sweet potato and Mushroom hash 

Lunch  

• Kelp dan dan noodles with lions mane skirt steak 

• Chickpea, Tofu and oyster Mushroom Curry

• Pea Sprout and Sorrel salad with roasted radish, toasted pine nuts & Mango pickled Mustard dressing 

• Gratitude lion's mane fish cakes with green olive and pea remoulade, shaved fennel slaw 

Snack table

• Assorted Protein balls and bars  

• Whole gratitude fruits

• Yellow oyster “chicken shawarma collard wraps

• BBQ’d mango Mushroom Pizza and pickled onions

Dinner

On the table 

• Sourdough breads with Charred Eggplant and lemon spread 

• Gratitude Intention Mocktail 

Appetizer 

• Mushroom Miso soup 

• Fried scalloped oysters, green top onions, chilies and cauliflower risotto 

Salad  

• Lobster  “Cacio e Pepe” with Sweet pea puree  and arugula 

Dinner 

• Classic take on Steak Frites 

• Lion's mane Rosemary Buttered steak, Cheesy potato croquettes & veggies a la plancha 

Dessert 

• Gratitude Cheesecake 

About Gratitude Garden

Gratitude Garden is a global gathering point for curious minds seeking to immerse themselves in a healthier lifestyle. Experience the ultimate blend of education, relaxation, and connection with like-minded souls amidst the beauty of our farm. Join us on this transformative journey toward a healthier and more conscious way of living.

Gratitude Garden offers guests a truly unique and personalized wellness experience rooted in nature and nourishment. Our retreat space combines serene glamping domes with organic, medicinal foods straight from the farm, and wellness classes and workshops to help calm the mind and body.

Each of our retreat domes is thoughtfully designed to create a serene and rejuvenating environment. Each dome sleeps 2 people. You may choose to book the entire dome for yourself for an additional cost.

• Inside Each Dome: The domes are fully equipped with 2 twin XL size beds (we can turn into one large bed for couples upon request), air conditioning, kitchenette, hammocks, projector, plunge pool, 2 deck chairs, and a personal selenite to cleanse stones nightly.

• Immersive Nature Connection: Large windows and thoughtful placement allow you to feel surrounded by nature, offering tranquility and inspiration.

Each air-conditioned dome is equipped with a

• private dipping pool

• kitchenette with sink

• Dr. Bronner’s unscented soap for hands and dishes

• 2 indoor hammocks

• 2 deck chairs

• 2 selenite energy clearing stations

• key locks

• WiFi

• hi-def projector

• bath and pool towels

• kettle, French press, refrigerator, organic tea, organic coffee

• a tablet explaining amenities

Here’s what you can expect:

• 5 private bathrooms with shower + toilet combo, equipped with Dr.Bronner’s unscented soap at sinks.

• Bathrooms are cleaned daily.

• Reverse osmosis water throughout the entire facility.

• Outdoor seating area with hammocks and a fire-pit.

• Outdoor covered eating area, where private chef will cook all meals and give a talk on Ayurvedic cooking.

• Plant-based, gluten-free, USDA Certified Organic, farm-to-table meals

• Infrared sauna that fits 6-8 people, along with towels.

• Therasage cold plunge designed to reduce inflammation, boost circulation, and invigorate your body.

• Gym equipped with free weights and cardio machines

• 6 bicycles for exploration of the area.

• Pickleball court with rackets

Diana Tigerlily, Ph.D., E-RYT 500, YACEP, is a Registered Yoga Teacher, Lead Yoga Teacher Trainer, Reiki Master, Ayurveda/holistic wellness consultant, and founder of Blue Heron Holistics School of Yoga (RYS).

Tigerlily has completed over 500 hours of yoga teacher training and over 3000 hours of yoga teaching, including training yoga teachers.

As a Registered School of Yoga (RYS) and a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP), Tigerlily offers 200 hour Yoga Teacher Trainings (YTT 200) approved by Yoga Alliance, and workshops at area studios for attendees to earn continuing education credits.

Bringing twenty years of education experience to her clients, Tigerlily teaches onsite and online and offers private and group classes, customized to meet the unique needs of each individual. 

In additional to YTTs and workshops, her offerings include Beginner and Advanced Hatha Yoga (including Restorative, Gentle, Vinyasa, Yin, and Sivananda), Yoga for individuals with autoimmune diseases and chronic illness, Meditation, Yoga Nidra, Reiki, Holistic/Ayurvedic wellness coaching and consultations, and Forgiveness coaching.

Tigerlily pursued her certification as an Ayurvedic Health Counselor from the California College of Ayurveda. She holds a Ph.D. in Communication Studies emphasizing Performance/Embodiment. She is the recipient of Southern Illinois University's 2021 Teaching Excellence Award.

Tigerlily continues to be inspired by the Great Blue Heron as she deepens her yoga journey.

Fill out the application (below) to our YTT. Spaces are limited and fill up quickly. We will review your application and then schedule an appointment for you to ask any questions, register, pay a deposit to secure your space in the program, and sign your tuition contract. Tuition payment plan options are available and may be discussed at your appointment.

Don’t miss out on this life-changing opportunity!