South Okanagan Yoga Teacher Training & Philosophy Studies Program

1227 Kensington Street, Penticton, BC Canada V2A 4N3

phone 250-492-2587 fax 250-492-2578 email: mugs@yogaessentials.com

Asana Instruction for Teacher Training

At SOYA we offer three options for studies: 

1) You can pursue the full Teacher Training Program, which encompasses philosophy studies in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. This is accomplished alongside practical work in Pranayama, Kriyas, Chakras, Koshas, Mudras, Anatomy and Physiology, Meditation, Yoga for Special Needs, and Apprenticeship Teaching.
2) You can simply pursue the Philosophy Studies of the four main yoga texts - Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. As well, you can complete any of the other studies such as Koshas, Chakras, and Kriyas. You can work as quickly through the lessons as you like. If at any time you need to stop the lessons, you can join in again later with credit for your previously completed work.
3) Following completion of either the Yoga Teacher Training or Philosophy Studies, we have a new program in Advanced Philosophy Studies. This program includes lessons in the Gheranda Samhita, Siva Samhita, Panchikarma, Vedas, etc. As this progarm is always unfolding, please inquire for available lessons (email address below).

TEACHER TRAINING: Our Teacher Training Program takes approximately 2 years to complete working part-time, or 6 months if you work full-time in the program.. Monthly meetings are held with students to review lessons and teach asana techniques. If you do not live in the Okanagan, the written lessons can be completed by correspondence, while the practical work is done in conjunction with local yoga teachers in your area.

One unusual aspect of the teacher training is that it encompasses unity in all yogis regardless of their paths, be it Mr. Iyengar's, Swami Sivananda's, Kriya Yoga, or another path. ("The paths are many but the Truth is One." Swami Sivananda). A student can follow their preference of Hatha Yoga style, while learning the philosophical background and professionalism that is necessary for all teachers of Hatha Yoga. The program is led my Marion McConnell, Dariel Vogel, and Dorothy Polukoshko, with guest instructors throughout the duration of the course.

Teachers of SOYA

From Left to Right: Dorothy Polukoshko, Guest Teacher Prue Kestner, Dariel Vogel, Marion McConnell

Marion McConnell is a certified Sivananda Yoga Acharya, and a certified teacher with the International Yoga Teacher's Association. She is the Canadian Representatvie for the International Yoga Teacher's Association and has been practicing yoga since 1971, and teaching since 1978.
Dariel Vogel is a certified to teach teachers by the Alberta Yoga Association, the Freidel Khattab School of Yoga, and the International Yoga Teacher's Association. She has been practising yoga since 1972 and teaching yoga since 1985.
Dorothy Polukoshko is certified teacher from the South Okanagan Yoga Association and from the International Yoga Teacher's Association. She has been practicing yoga since 1978, and teaching since 1997.

Group Instruction on Yoga for Kids

Feedback from Students and Graduates of the Program write:

"I began my S.O.Y.A. training eighteen months ago. I enjoy it very much. It nicely compliments my huge interest in all forms of Yoga. I love my study of the textbooks recommended such as the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. This is priceless material for the serious yoga enthusiast to study and absorb. As well, I am highly motivated now to complete my certification and to teach yoga to others. Already, I am offering a beginners meditation class and one to one instruction in yoga postures. This is a wonderful course thanks to Marion, Dariel, and the others whom have made it possible for me to go deep into the ancient teachings of Yoga!!"

"This program worked well for me as I work full time and have a family. I enjoyed opening my mind to new ideas and the opportunity to discuss potentially controversial ideas in a very accepting and safe environment, with people who were just as interested as myself. The yoga program has really assisted me in clarifying my own spritiual ideas, which makes me feel more whole as I continue to grow."

"When I first came to SOYA's teacher training I had no idea it would come to this! I am so glad! Experiencing my own unfolding as I brought the yoga philosophical ideas and applied it to my hatha yoga practice and daily life in society has been one of the most uplifting experiences of my life!" "The philosophy studies were wonderful, more than I could have imagined. I also appreciated the support beginning, throughout, and still continuing for my actual teaching. Wonderful and moticated teachers. Thank you."

"I liked how the learnings reach so much further than the Hatha Yoga class we are trained to teach. I feel confident that the knowledge I have gained will help others. Overall I feel humbled and honored that the universe has once again provided a golden opportunity for tremendous learning in fulfilling my own potential growth as a human."

"The extended length of time that the program requires allows one to gain a thorough foundation in the philosophies and to incorporate them into everyday life at a slow, steady pace. Being able to complete this program by correspondance over time is also a good option for those of us who have young children. I loved studying the philosophies, the opportunity to choose my own direction, the fact that I am able to fit this program into my life rather than having to leave home to study and then be faced with the dilema of how to incorporate that which I have learned into my life."

For further information, please contact us at mugs@yogaessentials.com