Become a Trainee with Spiritual Essence Yoga
If you're here, you may have found us through word of mouth, online, or a thoughtful search. Welcome. Yoga Teacher Training is for those who love yoga and seek to dive deeper, especially when a life shift calls for guidance through a yogic lens in a safe, inclusive space. We are that space.
Our programs are for the seekers, healers, and lifelong learners. You’ll be guided by a loving team who has walked this path and is passionate about sharing yogic wisdom in an inclusive way. At SEY, we've been training yoga teachers since 2007, and our mission is to support you well beyond your training. If you’re ready, we invite you to begin your journey with us.
Our Approach to Yoga
We believe that yoga is a powerful tool for life transformation that anyone can learn. Our Jiivana (L.I.F.E.) Yoga® Teacher Training is designed to empower you with the tools to live your yoga, adapt to life's fluctuations, and view obstacles as opportunities for personal growth. Developed by Dana A. Smith, the founder of Spiritual Essence Yoga & Wellness, this training program draws inspiration from Vinyasa, Iyengar, Ashtanga, and Hatha Yoga traditions.
Jiivana, derived from the Sanskrit word for life, embodies the philosophy behind our training program: Live Inspired, Fearless, and Empowered. During the training, we delve into the traditional aspects of yoga, including asana, pranayama, and yogic philosophy.
What Makes Our Program Unique
With many options in the world of yoga teacher training, we have worked hard to ensure that you feel fully supported during the training process. Here are just a few things that make our program unique:
You have the option to join training in-studio, online, or a hybrid of both. We know that schedules can be unpredictable, so we have made it easy to join training from wherever you are in the world.
All sessions are recorded. There is a lot of information shared during training, and despite taking the best notes, sometimes things are not written down properly. So that you can be fully present during sessions, they are all recorded with you having lifetime access.
Monthly group coaching circles are included in our 200- and 300-hour trainings, giving you dedicated time between training sessions to ask questions, receive guidance, and work through what you are learning.
In our 200- and 300-hour trainings, you’ll also be paired with a dedicated mentor for guidance, feedback, and support throughout your training.
A private GroupMe keeps you connected with trainers and classmates between sessions, giving you a place to ask questions, share resources and inspiration, and continue the conversation. The group remains open after training ends.
“My experience with yoga teacher training from Dana at Spiritual Essence Yoga came at a time when I was in emotional turmoil. I am forever grateful that the universe placed her in my path. The YTT experience allowed me to transform my life and transcend in ways that I could have never imagined! I appreciate the breadth and depth of knowledge placed in me during YTT. It provided a level of confidence and preparedness far beyond my expectations and as I’ve come to learn far beyond the experiences of other programs. Dana and her YTT prepared me for more than teaching yoga; it prepared me to live at a higher frequency and in ways to lift others to be their best selves.”
Choose Your Path
What You Will Learn
Jiivana (L.I.F.E.) Yoga® embraces yoga as a tool for growth and transformation. Training covers what you would expect from a yoga teacher training to include yogic philosophy, asana, and pranayama. We take it steps further and explore a variety of important modern topics from a yogic perspective, to include:
Promoting diversity and inclusivity within yoga
Making yoga accessible to all
Equipping you with tools to maintain a balanced life
Identifying and overcoming limiting roadblocks
Cultivating a consistent home practice
Navigating the business aspects of yoga
We also believe that there are other modalities that perfectly complement yoga and can add to the practice. During training, we explore:
Thai Massage
Reiki
Sound Healing
Qigong
Feng Shui
Ayurveda
Herbalism
“If you’re looking for a Yoga Teacher Training program that exceeds expectations, look no further than Spiritual Essence Yoga and Wellness. Dana Smith and all the instructors were awesome! Their experience, knowledge, and guidance were unparalleled. This journey was more than just a training program; it was a transformative experience that has helped me to discover so much about myself on and off the mat.”
For ease of learning, training is separated into four modules:
-
Citta (Mind) Module: Delve into yogic philosophy, foundational meditation techniques, and transformative mental practices to cultivate an open and balanced mind.
-
Kaaya (Body) Module: Explore asanas, hands-on assists, and the physical and energetic anatomy of yoga asanas and pranayama.
-
Bhaava (Spirit) Module: Dive into meditative tools and transformative practices that facilitate liberation and alignment of the mind and spirit.
-
Sankhya (Unification) Module: Learn to integrate and synthesize all the elements to create dynamic and inclusive classes suitable for practitioners of all levels.
Our Unwavering Support
Support is built into every level of Jiivana (L.I.F.E.) Yoga® Teacher Training. Throughout your training, you’ll have access to experienced trainers, opportunities to ask questions, and guidance as you deepen your practice and apply what you are learning.
Our 200- and 300-hour programs include additional support through a dedicated mentor and monthly group coaching circles. Post-training internship and apprenticeship opportunities are also available to help graduates continue developing their skills and experience.
Many of our graduates have gone on to build teaching careers, expand their work in wellness, and even open their own yoga studios. Wherever your training takes you, our goal is to give you a strong foundation and meaningful support along the way.
Training Paths:
Our Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) is offered in three progressive levels: Level 1 (50-hour), Level 2 (200-hour), and Level 3 (300-hour). Each level seamlessly builds upon the previous one, providing a comprehensive and in-depth learning experience.
Level 1 is 50-hours and ideal for students who want to establish a strong foundation in yoga and ease into their teacher training journey. It is also open to yoga newbies, creating a welcoming environment for all levels of experience.
Level 2 is our 200-hour teacher training and provides a comprehensive foundation in yoga practice, philosophy, teaching methodology, and the skills needed to begin teaching. You do not need to complete Level 1 first. This training is open to anyone ready to deepen their practice and develop the knowledge and skills to teach yoga.
Level 3 is our 300-hour advanced training for graduates of a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. The program deepens your teaching skills, expands your understanding of yogic principles, and provides more opportunities for mentorship, feedback, leadership development, and business foundations.
Levels 1 and 2 are open to students at different stages of their yoga journey. You do not have to know that you want to teach before beginning training. Many of our trainees enroll because they want to deepen their practice, better understand yoga, and explore where the training may lead them.
Have Questions About Yoga Teacher Training?
Schedule a 15-minute virtual info session to talk through the training you’re considering, ask your questions, and determine which program is the right next step for you.