200-hr Yoga Teacher Training
Online + Costa Rica Retreat
Study Online & On Retreat in Costa Rica!
Register by June 15th and Save $200!
Our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (“YTT”) course beginning Fall 2021 consists of 12 online weekend intensives and 20 weekly yoga classes during August through January, before culminating in a 6-day, 5-night retreat experience in Costa Rica in February 2022. The training totals 180 hours of live instruction, in addition to a minimum of 20 hours of at-home study, though you will likely do much more on your own.
The online portion of the training (140 contact hours) will be conducted via Zoom and will require you to have a webcam and a reliable internet connection. All sessions will be recorded and may be reviewed at your convenience (for example, if you have to miss a class due to a scheduling conflict). However, we require live attendance for a minimum of 75% of all online classes.
The Costa Rica Retreat (40 contact hours)--including all meals, beachfront accommodations, and transport to/from the airport in Costa Rica--is included in the price of tuition. Each component of the training provides in-depth instruction to help you develop your skills as a multidimensional yoga teacher, practitioner and, more importantly, as a well-rounded, sensitive and self-aware human being.
Yoga Alliance-Accredited.
The course is currently registered with Yoga Alliance. Upon completion of the training you may register with Yoga Alliance as an RYT 200, which will enable you to teach yoga and meditation internationally. For an application, please visit the Yoga Alliance website.
Join Our Growing Network of Teachers.
In addition to receiving your 200-hr certificate of completion upon successful fulfillment of the course requirements, participants will also gain access to the Evolutionary Education® Teacher’s Community Facebook Group and may list themselves on the Evolutionary Education® Teacher Directory.
A Fresh Perspective on this Modern-Day Right of Passage.
The Evolutionary Education® Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) is an integrative and innovative program designed to cultivate or compliment your yoga, teaching and/or clinical practice, though it may also serve as the foundation for your greater, transformational journey. Our course focuses on developing skills and philosophies for healthy, inspired living throughout one’s lifetime, and building supportive community to help foster positive, social and environmental change.
While the course caters to everyone’s needs and is open to participants of any age, race, gender, creed, and prior experience, it is especially suited for helping professionals (e.g., counselors, social workers, psychologists, nurses, etc.), educators, parents, spiritual seekers, young adults and those going through transitional periods in life. Though you will learn how to lead a variety of yoga classes (all of which may be tailored to suit your specific areas of interest), it is not required that you teach yoga following the training. We are more interested in helping you live yoga and share it with the world via leading by example.
Authentic Yoga for Contemporary Life.
This life-changing course is grounded in traditional Indo-Tibetan Hatha Yoga yet incorporates over 30 years of combined experience in the healing arts and psychospiritual investigation. In addition to furthering your knowledge of yoga asana (physical postures), teaching methodology, and anatomy & physiology, you will learn the major theoretical tenets of yoga psychology, including the history of yogic thought and approaches to transformation, as well as a variety of in-depth, experiential techniques so as to create an embodied philosophy. All participants receive an extensive training manual, as well as additional reading lists and a variety of resources that help to facilitate a meditative, community-oriented and positively-charged learning environment conducive to growth and self-discovery.
Honoring Co-Creation and Flow.
In order to honor the unique perspective that each participant brings to the group, the YTT is largely co-creative. While each session has a specific theme and there is a general curriculum in place, many sessions embrace ‘going with the flow,’ which helps to sustain both a dynamic learning environment and a welcoming, retreat-like atmosphere. While we do our best to draw from a wide breadth of yogic styles, you should anticipate a strong emphasis on asana (yoga postures), meditation, breathwork, and working with subtle energies vis-à-vis the Tantric/Kundalini yoga tradition (though we are not affiliated with the 3HO Kundalini Yoga organization), as well as ample opportunities for self-directed study and teaching practicum. The course also draws from humanistic and transpersonal psychology, incorporating elements of counseling theory and trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches to wellness and prevention.
Buffie Diaz, MA (Lead Instructor)
Buffie Diaz, MA, E-RYT 200 / RYT 500, is the creator of Elements Wellness and a dedicated student and teacher of yoga and spirituality. After completing her Master's degree in School Counseling in 2010, she began training with yogis around the world, exploring a wide variety of lineages and methods. A mother of four and native of Georgia, she has deeply benefited from the spiritual, mental, energetic and physical aspects of a modern yogic lifestyle and enjoys incorporating all of those aspects into her training and retreats.
Dr. Nick Atlas (Guest Instructor)
Nick Atlas, Ph.D., E-RYT 500, is the Director of Evolutionary Education®, and a master teacher of the ancient, transformational art of Sleep & Dream Yoga. He holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and has twenty years experience in the healing and expressive arts. Dr. Nick currently serves as Faculty Chair at Atlantic University, and conducts experiential research on deep ecology (our interconnectedness with nature), in addition to his work as a psychedelic-integration specialist, visual artist, author and musician.
**Please note that the majority of the training, including the Costa Rica Retreat, will be led by Buffie Diaz, along with special guest instructors. Dr. Atlas will teach approximately 30 hours of online content throughout the training.
As part of our 200-hr YTT, we are pleased to offer a magical, 6-day/5-night retreat experience in Costa Rica with our Lead Instructor, Buffie Diaz.
The retreat runs from February 15-20, 2022, and will be held at the award-winning Encantada Ocean Cottages in Esterillos Este on Costa Rica's west coast. Encantada features clean & cozy rooms, a shaded pool, an outdoor lounge, beach access, and plenty of open spaces to practice yoga in nature! Learn more about Encantada.
The retreat will be unique in that it will serve as the culmination of your 200-hr training, and will provide you with an opportunity to teach other retreat participants that are not part of the 200-hr YTT.
While you will spend a significant portion of each day in YTT-specific classes and gaining invaluable, in-person practicum experiences, you will also have the opportunity to take part in general retreat activities such as:
• Use of the open-air, ocean-front yoga space and all yoga props
• Guided meditation
• Deep relaxation (Yoga Nidra)
• A 3-hour silent retreat
• Healthy & fresh foods
• Rejuvenating community
• A lush jungle environment
• Relax on the pristine beaches of Costa Rica's west coast
• Interact with exotic wildlife
• Receive welcome gifts, retreat packet/materials & fresh coconuts upon arrival
• Visit to the famous, Crocodile Bridge
• Engage in a community service project
• Farewell bonfire graduation & celebration!
You can also add additional experiences such as:
• Horseback Riding on the Beach ($55)
• Surf Lesson ($60)
• 60 Minute Massage ($60)
• And more...
The cost of the retreat, including all meals, accommodations (shared/double occupancy), and transport to/from SJO Airport (San Jose) and Encantada, is included in the course tuition. Airfare to/from Costa Rica is not included.
Friends and partners are welcome on retreat for an additional fee (though they will not be allowed to participate in YTT-specific activities, other than the graduation ceremony). Room upgrades are also available, and you may extend your stay to take advantage of all that the area has to offer!
For more information on retreat specifics, including bringing a friend/partner, room upgrades, add-ons, extending your stay, etc., please contact Buffie Diaz at: buffiediaz10@gmail.com
Though the format varies slightly from training to training, and keeping in mind that there is considerable variation in course content from day to day, the sample schedule below will give you a good idea of what to expect. All sessions will begin on time but may extend a few minutes beyond the end time as needed. Short breaks are woven into the sessions roughly every hour. Please do your best to clear your schedule on class days in order to facilitate maximum flexibility.
Saturdays:
8:00am-11:00am: Meditation & Group Check-In; Asana Clinic
11:00am-12:00pm: Lunch
12:00pm-3:00pm: Teaching Skills; Discussion; Q & A; Practicum
Sundays:
2:00pm-5:00pm: Teaching Skills; Practicum; Review
Tuesdays:
7:00pm-8:00pm: Weekly Yoga Flow
• Indo-Tibetan Hatha Yoga (incl. Asana, Pranayam, Mudra, Bandha, Mantra, Kriya, etc.)
• Taoist Yin & Yang Yoga
• Vinyasa Yoga
• Restorative Yoga
• Qigong
• Meditation
• Yoga Nidra & Dream Yoga
• Yogic Philosophy incl. History, Morals & Ethics, etc.
• Tantric & Taoist theory, incl. Subtle Energy Systems (Chakras, Nadis, Kundalini, etc.)
• Transpersonal Psychology & Consciousness Studies
• Neurodharma (The Brain Science of Transformation)
• Intuitive & Empathic Development
• Ayurveda, Nutrition & Detoxification
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Ethical Standards for Teachers
• Teaching to Trauma-Sensitive & Special Populations
• Business & Entrepreneurial Guidance
• Discover and nurture your authentic voice, passion, and unique gifts as a teacher
• Develop confidence, clarity, technical precision and a strong philosophical foundation
• Study postures suitable for a variety of populations, including alignment and variations
• Learn hands-on assists, corrections, contraindications and how to use props
• Review basic anatomy and physiology as related to physical, mental and subtle bodies
• Receive Yoga Nidra, guided meditation, breathwork, and visualization practices
• Explore subtle energy systems including chakras, nadis, kundalini, and the five koshas
• Address lifestyle choices that support your yoga practice and holistic health
• Engage in stimulating discussion, question & answer and journaling exercises
• Connect and collaborate with a supportive community of like-minded yogis
• Strengthen your will, heal your body, and generate compassion for yourself and others
• Raise your ceiling for personal growth and learn to stay inspired for the rest of your life
Certification is based on the performance and demonstration of your skills garnered, teaching ability, mental and emotional maturity, and satisfactory completion of all assignments. To become certified in this course, you must demonstrate a basic understanding and integration of the yoga practices, philosophy, languaging, and other teaching methodologies. You must also:
• Be able to perform basic asanas with integration, precision, and awareness
• Successfully complete all course assignments, including homework and required reading
• Sign and abide by the code of ethics agreement during and after the training
• Pay all fees and outstanding balances
• Have full attendance, participation, and a yogic mindset
When all of the above is achieved, you will be certified as an Evolutionary Education® Yoga Instructor.
Code of Ethics:
At the start of the program you will be asked to sign a written agreement detailing your responsibilities as a student and the standards used to assess your eligibility for certification.
Evolutionary Education® reserves the right to revoke your certification at any time if it is deemed that your conduct is in violation of the code of ethics or the standards befitting a yoga instructor within our organization.
Register by June 1st and save $200 on tuition!
**All fees represent your total cost of tuition, including a non-refundable and non-transferable, $300 application fee per course. (Your deposit will be returned if you are not accepted into the course.). You are welcome to pay your deposit via Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal (see Application for details).
**Additional costs: Travel to/from Costa Rica, course materials (journal, etc.) and required reading (approx. $50 for books)
**Refer a friend and save $100 off of your tuition.
200-hour - General:
Early Bird: $2990 (if paid in full by June 1st)
After June 1st: $3190
Register by June 1st and save $200 on tuition!
**All fees represent your total cost of tuition, including a non-refundable and non-transferable, $300 application fee per course. (Your deposit will be returned if you are not accepted into the course.). You are welcome to pay your deposit via Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal (see Application for details).
**Additional costs: Accommodations, meals, travel, course materials (journal, etc.) and required reading (approx. $50 for books)
**Refer a friend and save $100 off of your tuition.
200-hour - General:
Early Bird: $3190 ($300 Deposit + 6 monthly payments of $480 beginning on or before June 1st)
After June 1st: $3390 ($300 Deposit + 6 monthly payments of $515)
**Special 12-Month Plan: $3600 ($300 Deposit + 11 monthly payments of $300)
**Payments must be made via Stripe Recurring Billing (automatic deduction from your credit/debit card or bank account). A late fee of $50 will be applied for each late payment. (Late payment is defined as payment paid one day or more after billing due date.)
We are pleased to offer a limited number of partial scholarship opportunities for both general and BIPOC participants. We recognize that the training is a significant investment and want to do everything we can to work with you to afford it. If you have additional questions, please contact us.
**Notice for All Potential Applicants: In order to create a positive experience for everyone involved, each YTT course needs a minimum of five participants to proceed. If we do not meet this minimum within one week of the start date, we will refund your application deposit and any additional fees in full, or you may apply them toward the Elements Wellness Costa Rica Retreat, independent of the 200-hr Training.
**Cancellations Before the Training Begins:
If you cancel between 7 and 13 days before Day 1 of the training, you will be refunded the full amount minus a $150 administrative fee and the non-refundable $300 deposit. (A total of $450 will be withheld.)
If you cancel within 6 days before Day 1 of the training, you will be refunded the full amount minus a $200 administrative fee and the non-refundable $300 deposit. (A total of $500 will be withheld.)
**Full Refund Before the Training Begins:
In the event of a serious illness, a death in your immediate family, or inclement weather before the training begins, you will be refunded for the amount you paid including the $300 deposit. In the event of an unforeseen cancellation on our end, you will also be granted a full refund including the $300 deposit.
**Cancellations After the Training Begins:
In the event of a serious illness, a death in your immediate family, or inclement weather after the training begins, and you need to completely drop out of the training, you will have the option to transfer your remaining balance to the next Evolutionary Education® 200-Hour Teacher Training. If you are not able to attend the next training, or any future training, due to one of the three reasons above, you will be refunded a prorated amount based on the number of days you were in attendance, less the non-refundable $300 deposit.
No refunds will be given for any other reason, other than the three reasons above, once the course begins.
**Transfers:
In the event that circumstances require you to drop out of the training, you may transfer your registration to the next Evolutionary Education® 200-Hour Teacher Training within one year of your initial training. If you need to transfer due to a serious illness, a death in your immediate family, or inclement weather, we will transfer your registration free of charge. If you decide to transfer for any reason other than the three listed above, you will be charged a transfer fee of $150.
**Cancellations to payment plan:
If you are on a payment plan and you need to drop out of the program, your remaining balance will be pro-rated as outlined below. No refunds will be given for payments already received.
During or after Days 1-2: 25% of balance due
During or after Days 3-4: 50% of balance due
During or after Days 5-9: 75% of balance due
During or after Day 10: Full balance due
You may continue to pay in monthly installments until the remaining balance due is reached.
You may also continue where you left off at the next Evolutionary Education® 200-Hour Teacher Training. Your payments will be applied to the next training, with the addition of the $150 transfer fee.
It is our sincere hope that the pandemic and threat of infection will have greatly diminished by early 2022, making it feasible for us to hold the retreat portion of the training in person. During the retreat, we are fortunate to have ample studio space with proper air circulation, as well as opportunities to practice outdoors whenever possible. Still, we intend to take every safety precaution, including the employment of social distancing, the use of face masks when necessary, not sharing yoga mats, etc. While we do not require that you have been vaccinated by the start of the retreat, you are strongly encouraged to consider the risks of participation, both for yourself, your family, and your fellow participants.
To apply for the training, download an application form and return it along with your deposit. For all tuitions, there’s a $300 deposit (per course), which is non-refundable and non-transferable, except up to one year in a comparable Evolutionary Education® 200-hour Teacher Training program. You are welcome to pay your deposit via Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal (see Application for details).
Once we have received your deposit and completed application form via email, we will contact you with additional information. Upon review of your application, your deposit will be returned in full if you are not accepted into the course. Additional information will be sent to you via email once your application is accepted. If you have trouble with the application or have additional questions, please contact us.
DETAILS
LEAD INSTRUCTOR:
Buffie Diaz, MA
GUEST INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. Nick Atlas
DATES:
2021
Aug. 21-22; 28-29;
Sept. 11-12; 18-19;
Oct. 2-3; 16-17;
Nov. 6-7; 20-21;
Dec. 4-5; 11-12;
2022
Jan. 8-9; 22-23;
Feb. 5 (a.m. only)
Costa Rica Retreat:
February 15 - 20, 2022
Weekly Yoga Classes
Every Tuesday
Aug. 24, 2021 - Feb. 8, 2022
TIMES:
Sat. 8:00-11:00am; 12:00-3:00pm
Sun. 2:00-5:00pm
Tues. 7:00-8:00pm
(Schedule subject to change)
EVENT CATEGORY:
Trainings
VENUE
Online via Zoom
(All links provided upon registration)
RETREAT
Encantada Ocean Cottages
Esterillos Este, Costa Rica
+ Google Map
WEBSITE:
http://www.encantadacostarica.com/
CONTACT
Evolutionary Education®
EMAIL:
info@evolutionaryeducation.org
WEBSITE:
https://evolutionaryeducation.org
I've met several kindred spirits on my yoga journey that left an inspiring imprint on my life. Dr. Nick Atlas has embodied all of them and then some. He has a subtle approach combined with compassion and a world of knowledge, insight, and experience that will last a lifetime. Exploring the essence of yoga that resonates with my truest self. I will strive for my personal practice and teachings to continually incorporate some form of what I have learned and will continue to learn from him.
The Yoga Nidra Level 1 training with Nick Atlas is a transformational weekend! His approach to Yoga Nidra is methodical, yet relaxed. Just this approach in itself makes this Yoga Nidra training a pure joy to be a part of. This relaxed approach leaves more space as the practitioner, and as the student, more space for healing. Expansion. Love. The power in Yoga Nidra is evident being the student, but I found as I was the practitioner- there was a lot of healing for myself as well. Nick's background in psychology and dreams adds even more stock in the importance of sleep and yogic sleep at that. Personally, I took away from my weekend of training more peace, compassion for myself, and literal healing of wounds that I have been holding on to. Professionally, I learned how to safely hold space and how to guide students in and out of this beautiful sleep that could lead to a healing journey.
I attended Yoga Nidra Teacher Training Level 1 in January of 2019. As a gentle and restorative yoga teacher, I wanted to incorporate the elements of Yoga Nidra into my classes. So when the opportunity arose for me to attend his teacher training, I knew it was my next step. It was a wonderful weekend, filled with a perfect balance of meditative experience, the sharing of Nick’s knowledge and understanding, and opportunity to practice the skills he taught. I really love Nick's presence and the way he guides Yoga Nidra. He has a wonderful way of creating ease around him and inviting each person in the room to be just as they are. During the training, he gave space and time for ideas and understanding to arise. He answered all questions with thoughtful kindness, always offering his full attention to each question and person speaking. As we practiced new skills on each other, there was never a sense of being judged but plenty of opportunity to ask for clarity on something that was difficult. The whole experience was wonderful and I look forward to learning more from Nick in his advanced level Yoga Nidra trainings to come.
I highly recommend Dr. Nick Atlas and Evolutionary Education for further teacher training. I recently completed the Yoga Nidra Teacher Training: Level 1 Course. Before attending the class I had some exposure and knowledge of Yoga Nidra; however, I left the training having a much greater understanding and with an introduction to teaching. I decided to take this Yoga Nidra training to further explore and deepen my personal practice, to find healing and restoration within and for myself, and eventually having that overflow onto others. It was exactly what I was hoping for, and what a wonderful experience. Dr. Atlas is an excellent and gifted instructor, who is very knowledgeable on the subject and is present for, accessible and responsive to his students. The course materials provided are well written, clear and thorough, and are presented in a way that is easy to comprehend and remember based off of the training. I have felt so many of the benefits from this teacher training as I have incorporated what I learned into my personal practice and now feel more confident to introduce to my students. I plan to take his future Level 2 training.
I recently completed Evolutionary Education’s Yoga Nidra Teacher Training Level 1 and the course was so practical and hands-on, that it gave me the confidence to start teaching Yoga Nidra classes right away to my community. We had multiple opportunities to both receive and guide Yoga Nidra meditations and Nick's laid back yet deep style of teaching is all about finding your own Yoga Nidra voice. I highly recommend this class to anyone who is interested in learning more about this deeply relaxing and profound practice.
The Yoga Nidra training was exceptional and surpassed any expectations I may have had. Nick is a present, authentic, and encouraging teacher, leader, and facilitator. The way he integrated direct experience, instruction, and discussion kept us engaged and curious throughout the training. And, I'd have to say it was the most intellectually AND spiritually stimulating training I've attended. As a mental health professional, I have been able to apply the knowledge and skills from the training into my work in clinical and community settings - and believe any professional that incorporates meditation and mindfulness into their work could, as well. I look forward to attending future trainings with Nick.
Although I have practiced and taught Yoga Nidra many times over the past 10 years, I had not taken a full in-depth, formal weekend devoted entirely to Yoga Nidra until studying with Nick. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and will recommend it to others! Nick's pace is slow and steady, allowing time to settle and drop in. With a thorough background in psychology and yogic philosophy, he weaves both eastern discipline and western science beautifully into the weekend, giving depth to the experience. As our world keeps speeding up, it is even more important to “slow down” and include this practice in our lives. I was left empowered and inspired to continue to teach and practice this potent form of yoga. I am deeply grateful!
Studying with Nick has been a gift over the years. I always receive a thoughtful, engaging and mindful-based learning environment steeped in science. This investment is one that I first make in myself, yet these gifts always impact my students in the studio and on retreat.
Taking the 200-hr Yoga Psychology Teacher Training was one of the best decisions I've ever made for myself. The program was very well structured, and wove together intellectual discussions, asana practice, breath work (which I loved!), and meditation. Everything was magical and life changing for me as I had lost my Mom the previous year. It was a beautiful, healing experience in every way, and it has impacted my life forever.
Nick is a gentle soul and, at the same time, he's very intense. Through that intense gentleness, he reaches out to individuals and brings them forward into a relationship with themselves. Through the guided meditations, through Yoga Nidra, even his presence in lecture is very calming and, at the same time, challenges you to stretch your mind a little bit further, to incorporate a little bit more, which is a real growth aspect. It was so intrinsic to being the netting that pulls all the classes and all the work together. The YPTT is a training that connects you with your spiritual hopes and desires. It connects you to your body and how it exists and works in the world, and it connects you to really being authentic in your life. If being authentic is not something that's comfortable for you, save your money, go elsewhere, find some other training, because this is going to bring you present into the real world.
This was one of the most transformative training weekends I have ever attended! I walked in assuming I was going to learn a few deep relaxation tricks. It was this and so much more!!! The effects of deep relaxation and attuning to all that surrounds us sharpens our senses and helps us reach new depths. Dr. Nick Atlas is very knowledgeable in his field and will make you at ease with whatever comes up during sessions. Love, bliss, so much appreciation for grace and beauty, some sorrow, tremendous gratitude and ecstatic joy are a few of my side effects from this weekend. I am very excited to see schools like Evolutionary Education being created. There is so much need for it!!! I wish for everyone to learn and experience what I did!
My experience in the 200-hr Yoga Psychology Teacher Training is a time I will always cherish. Because of the training, I now have a strong foundation and a place to go back to when life gets crazy and I'm no longer practicing as I desire to. You taught me a clear way to start with the breath, move into meditation, and then asana practice if I desire. You taught us what is important: awareness. The most unexpected positive I gained from the program were tools for stronger emotional health. I learned to sit with my pain, to embrace my "demons," to love and accept myself and, in turn, to embrace, love, and accept others as they are. It was a transformative experience, and it has propelled me onto a path toward a more open, loving, powerful me.
It was a dream come true to finally attend the 200-hr Yoga Psychology Teacher Training. I joined the program seeking clarity and was eager to understand some in-depth principles and theories related to yoga. I flew from Liberia, quit my job, and was ready for a brand new start. The environment was just what I needed, very supportive and open minded. The training was rich and offered a little bit of everything--the physical, spiritual, cultural and psychological aspects of yoga. Our co-instructor, Rose, was so sweet. I love her gentle approach to asana and to life. Nick is a fountain of knowledge, there's always so much to learn from him. I'm forever grateful for these two and for the experience they allowed me to tapped into. Evolutionary Education® is a place to help you evolve into a more beautiful version of yourself. I am full with gratitude.