50-hour Yoga Teacher Training Immersion
Get certified to teach or grow your practice in just four weeks.
Our Jiivana (L.I.F.E.) Yoga® Teacher Training, developed in 2008, is for students who want to become teachers and for those who simply want to deepen their practice. Created by Spiritual Essence Yoga & Wellness founder Dana A. Smith, Jiivana (L.I.F.E.) Yoga® is inspired by Vinyasa, Iyengar, Ashtanga, and Traditional Hatha Yoga. Jiivana means “life” in Sanskrit, and in our approach, L.I.F.E. stands for Live Inspired, Fearless, Empowered. We believe life is a gift to be lived each day, feeling inspired, facing challenges fearlessly, and feeling empowered.
Take your practice to the next level with our Level 1, 50-hour program. Over four weeks, we explore asana (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), and timeless yogic philosophy. The only prerequisite is the desire to learn. Yogis at all levels are welcome, including beginners. This training also provides continuing education hours for current instructors and prepares you for our Level 2 program if you choose to continue.
At a Glance:
Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30–8:30 pm; Saturdays, 9:00 am–3:00 pm. Includes virtual and hybrid sessions and sessions are recorded.
2026 Dates: Training Sessions January 19 to February 14; Community Classes + Graduation February 27, 28 + March 1. Full schedule below.
Support: Two 30-minute virtual office hours plus trainer support throughout
Practice Time: 8 SEY classes included in tuition
Apprenticeship: 4 in-studio classes plus 4 class observations during week 4
Cohort Size: Limited for personal attention
Philosophies and principles of yoga
How to effectively teach and practice 40+ asanas (postures)
Sanskrit pronunciation of asanas
How to begin and end a class
The art of sequencing a vinyasa class
Ways to integrate creativity and your unique voice into teaching
Techniques and principles of pranayama, alignment, and movement
Modifications and simple, hands-on adjustments
Meditation to deepen personal practice …and more
What You Will Learn
Mentoring and Support
Trainees will assist a senior teacher in four in-studio classes, gaining hands-on experience through observation and support. This real-time learning helps build confidence and understanding in a class setting.
Between training sessions, ongoing support is provided through GroupMe. Trainers are available to answer questions, offer guidance, and help you stay connected and on track.
Schedule
Training meets on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. For all in-studio sessions, there is a virtual option available.
Week 1: January 19–24, 2026
• Monday, January 19 – In Person
• Wednesday, January 21 – Virtual
• Saturday, January 24 – In Person
Week 2: January 26–31, 2026
• Monday, January 26 – In Person
• Wednesday, January 28 – In Person
• Saturday, January 31 – In Person
Week 3: February 2–7, 2026
• Monday, February 2 – Virtual
• Wednesday, February 4 – In Person
• Saturday, February 7 – In Person
• Written Exam – Saturday, February 7, 9:00–11:00 am
Community Classes + Graduation
• February 27, February 28, and March 1
• Closing Ceremony: March 1
Additional Hours
8 SEY classes to support integration, included in tuition
4 apprentice hours through assisting an senior SEY teacher in class
5 class observations
Two 30-minute virtual office hours
Requirements
Training Requirements
A consistent practice, or a willingness to build one
Time and attention for the training process
Required reading list; books purchased by the student
Certification Requirements
Completion of all training hours
All homework submitted
Passing written and practical exams
All training fees paid in full
Investment and Payment Options
Tuition is $777 and includes training sessions, supplemental resources, 8 SEY classes, the Jiivana (L.I.F.E.) Yoga® training manual, and a frameable certificate. An early-bird discount is available when you pay in full by the posted deadline.
Deposit: $177 non-refundable, due with application approval
Pay in Full: The training balance is due two weeks before the start date
Refunds and Withdrawals
The $177 deposit is non-refundable. If additional payments have been made beyond the deposit, and the training has not started and no training materials (digital or printed) have been issued, you may request a partial refund of those additional payments.
To be eligible, your written cancellation request must be received at least 14 days before the training start date. No refunds will be granted after that point, even if no sessions have been attended. Once training begins or any portion of the training materials have been distributed, all payments are final and non-refundable. Missed sessions are not eligible for refund.
You may transfer your registration to another eligible participant prior to the training start date if you are unable to attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am a beginner. Can I join?
Yes! You don’t need any experience. Come with curiosity and a willingness to practice each week. We’ll guide you step by step.
I don’t plan to teach. Is this still for me?
Yes! Many trainees enroll for personal growth. You will learn how to teach and can decide later whether you want to lead classes.
Is this offered in-studio or online?
Both. We offer in-studio and hybrid options, and all sessions are recorded.
Can I balance this with a full-time job or family schedule?
Yes! Training is offered both in studio and online for convenience. If you ever feel out of balance, we will help you create a plan so you can manage and enjoy the program.
How much time is needed outside of training weekends?
Plan for 1–2 hours each week to read, embody, and practice. You also have 8 SEY classes included in tuition and 4 apprentice hours across the program.
What happens if I miss a session?
All sessions are recorded. You can review the recording and connect with your mentor for guidance. We discuss make-up options and expectations in the first session.
What support will I receive?
Your trainers are available to support you in between sessions and we establish a GroupMe for questions and sharing your thoughts.
How big is the cohort?
Limited size for personal attention and a supportive learning environment.
Are payment plans available?
Yes. All tuition balances must be paid prior to the end of the training.