RYT - 300-hr Pathway
Be a part of something that sets your soul on fire
पराञ्चि खानि व्यतृणत्स्वयम्भू-
-स्तस्मात्पराङ्पश्यति नान्तरात्मन् ।
कश्चिद्धीरः प्रत्यगात्मानमै-
-क्षदावृत्तचक्शुरमृतत्वमिच्छन् ॥ १ ॥
The Self-existent (Brahman) created the senses with outgoing tendencies; therefore, a person beholds the external universe and not the internal Self (Ᾱtman). But a few wise seekers who are desirous of immortality, with their senses averted (looking within) from external objects, sees the Ᾱtman (Divine) within. Katha Upanishad 2.1.1
Zen Soul Life’s 300-Hour Teacher Training Pathway will take your practice of yoga and meditation to new depths of personal understanding and experience. The course has been crafted by highly experienced teachers, to help you transform, grow and develop your teaching skills to a greater extent.
Integrating the teachings of Hatha, Vedanta and Tantra along with other ancient wisdom traditions, the teacher training curriculum has been designed to inspire and guide you on your unique healing journey.
Through this course, you will engage in a deeper education of the spiritual origins of yoga, read and understand the philosophical texts related to yoga, and practice the methodologies that make up the realm of yoga. With these deeper layers, you will gain the core wisdom of yoga and how it can be applied in the modern form of living & teaching.
Zen soul life welcomes you to be a part of the community to celebrate your unabashed self with an open mind and heart. From Mantra practices to Meditation to Yoga Nidra and more, our 300 hour pathway in Paradise Point is a call to all seekers, yogis, spiritualists as well as non-yogis to embark on a quest for reconnection, balance and calmness.
Our curriculum meets current Yoga Alliance standards for RYS-300 yoga schools. Once you complete all the required modules, you will be eligible to apply for the Yoga Alliance® RYT-300 designation.
Combine any of the following courses to make up your 300hr!
Minimum 250 hours must be in-person trainings at Paradise Point. Up to 50 hours can be online trainings.
50hr - Yin Breath & Meditation Training 2025
Yin yoga promotes slowness and self enquiry, and helps you to understand the power of being totally present in your body. It is the perfect antidote for our modern, stressful lives, and the gentle nature of the practice means that it is truly accessible to all.
In the immersive 50 Hour Yin & Meditation training, you will delve deep into asana, pranayama, meditation, mantra chanting, and awareness development
Next Course Jan. Feb 2025
Days Friday Saturday
Times 9.00am -3.00pm
Course Guide
Course Format
In Person Training - 20hrs
E-Learning - 20hrs
Yin class attendance - 10hrs
Immerse yourself deeply in the practice of Yin Yoga during this 50-hour teacher training with Madonna Williams & associate teachers. Yin Yoga uses restorative, floor-based poses to nourish and stimulate the deeper energetic channels in the body, providing support for the immune system. Yin Yoga also provides the perfect container to develop deeper levels of self-inquiry and to cultivate the capacity for meditative self-awareness.
During this 50-hour training designed for Yoga Teachers, we will give you the tools to take your practice to a deeper level. You will come away with a clear understanding of safety and anatomical issues pertaining to the Yin Yoga practice, as well as having the ability to creatively sequence yin yoga classes for all levels of students. This training is also designed to deepen your own personal practice of yoga and meditation by incorporating elements of meditation and self-inquiry into your daily yoga practice. The most effective yoga teaching comes from your own personal immersion and deepened personal experience of these ancient methods and teachings.
Deepen your knowledge of the more inward-drawn yoga practices (including pranayama and meditation) and immerse yourself in a personal discovery of the more quiet inner realms. Mindfulness meditation will be explored as an ‘inner method’ during the Yin Yoga poses as well as a seated meditation practice (including the 4 Foundations of Mindfulness).
50 Hour Yin Yoga Teacher Training Course Curriculum will include the following:
* Anatomy and Physiology specific to Yin Yoga
* Modifications and Safety in Yin Yoga, including the use of props
* Anatomy of the Subtle Body
* Mindfulness in Yin Yoga (including two specific methods of meditation – Shamatha and Vipassana)
* Sequencing in Yin Yoga (including seasonal sequences)
* Organs and Meridian Health (using yin yoga to affect specific organs)
* Yin and Yang Theory (basic Taoist theory and the principles of yin and yang – how they are applied to yoga)
* Yin Yoga and Meditation as referenced in the ancient scriptures
* Pranayama (breathing techniques) for relaxation and awaking the energy body
*Whilst this training is designed specifically for qualified Yoga Teachers wishing to teach Yin Yoga classes, this training is also open to dedicated practitioners of yoga, with the intention to use the knowledge to deepen one’s own understanding and practice.
Training Topics
Note: To be a certified teacher of Yin Yoga, you must have successfully completed a 200-hour Yoga Teaching Certification previously.
Course Teacher
* Madonna Williams - Course facilitator and Lead teacher
Cost
Full Payment $1495 (due 1st April)|
Early Bird by 15th March $1295
Payment Plan $595 deposit + 2 x $500 (Full payment by 21st April)
Course Fee -
$ 1495 (receive 10% Early Bird Discount If enrolled before 5th October 2023.
Payment Plans Available : $550 x 3
Location - Zen Soul Life - 7/27 Falkinder Ave, Paradise Point
Course Instructor - Madonna Williams
-
Introduction to Yin Yoga & Poses : Yin Yoga is essentially a practice of surrender. Unlike other forms of yoga which require strength and stability, Yin Yoga requires stillness and softness. The result is a more mobile and fluid physical body and a more resilient and steady mind.
Functional Yoga Anatomy : In this module we will take a deep dive into individual anatomy, bone and joint structure, and postures.
Energetic Anatomy : Chinese Meridians & Five Elements : In this module you will become familiar with the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and its practical application to teaching and practicing yoga.
Energetic Anatomy (Chakras) : In this module you will learn the Three Body Theory, Chakra Theory, Chakra Meditation, Pranayama, and Sutra Study.
50hr - Sadhana & Creative Sequencing
TBA
Dive deep and gain insights about the most up-to-date information on how to direct energy flow, its advantages, and learn to apply various yogic mudras to achieve the best healing results. You will understand techniques that motivate, support and ignite each posture in Yoga by synchronizing breathwork. You will also learn how to create and theme a class based on yoga’s ancient tradition of Mantra, Mudra and meditation.
In creative sequencing you will learn how to sequence asanas and synchronize the movement with breath. Each movement in the vinyasa krama sequence is linked to inhalation or exhalation and each asana becomes a step within the flow. The yogi learns to listen to their body and every moment, each asana prepares and leads them to the next one.
Rather than practicing each asana as an independent pose disconnected from the next one, vinyasa krama connects as the flowing energy of the universe. The mind, body, and breath are unified into a state of harmony.
-
Mantra & Chanting - learn mantras through chanting and connection to the power of sound.
Meditation - guided meditations, different techniques and powerful micro-meditations.
Mudras - Profound knowledge of mudras to improve mental wellness. How do we access and understand the energy of the body.
Breathwork - Learn different techniques and their variations of Breathwork.
Creative Sequencing - Learn the art of sequencing and transitioning. Chakra System in Vinyasa sequencing & Vinyasa Krama. Breath and stillness in movement. Gain fluidity of the spine through natural movement.
Course Fee - $1495 Early Bird by 31st March.
Location - Local Gold Coast Venue. Hybrid Delivery (In-person + Online Modules)
Course Instructor - Madonna Williams
Undecided about the course? Not to worry, you can attend a free demo session which gives information about what you will learn & gain from this course. DEMO to be announced.
Learn The Wisdom Of Three Streams In One Course; “Hatha Yoga, Vedanta, and Tantra”.
In reality, Hatha Yoga, Vedanta, and Tantra complement one another, leading the seeker systematically along the path to Self-realization.
The aspirant clears the mind through the practice of Hatha Yoga meditation as described in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, does self-enquiry through Vedanta, and then breaks through the final barrier with Tantra, experiencing the heights of kundalini awakening.
-
Stabilizing and clearing the clouded mind, first by meditation on attitudes of lovingness, compassion, supportiveness, and acceptance.
Cultivating the qualities such as non-harming, truthfulness, non-stealing, purity, contentment, self-study and surrender.
Meditation to reduce the colorings (kleshas) of ignorance, ego, attachment, aversions and fear.
Cultivating razor-sharp discrimination to systematically move inward in a process of concentration, meditation and deep absorption.
Seeking to know Purusha, pure consciousness as separate from Prakriti, the subtlest material and all of its evolutes, which include the levels of mind and matter.
-
Witnessing the four functions of mind: manas, the coordinator of actions and sensation; chitta, the storage bank; ahamkara, which allows "I" to interact with objects; buddhi, which is the higher faculty of knowing, deciding, adjudging, and discriminating.
Exploring in contemplative meditation the three levels: waking, dreaming, deep sleep; conscious, unconscious, subconscious; gross, subtle, causal.
Directly contemplating on the center of consciousness, seeking to experientially go into the heart of the question, "Who am I?"
Seeking to know the Atman, the center of consciousness, which is ultimately found to be qualitatively the same essence as Brahman, the Absolute.
-
Balancing the internal energies of the chakras and the flows on the two sides of the body, ida and pingala, sun and moon, ha and tha of hatha yoga.
Opening the central stream of energy, sushumna, the subtle counterpart of the physical spine. Allowing the latent energy to awaken, flowing upward in this channel, so as to reach the point from which it originally emerged.
Deep reflection and meditation on tripura, the one who lives in the three cities (tri=three; pura=city) of conscious, unconscious, subconscious, and waking, dreaming and sleeping.
Seeking to know the pre-existing union of Shiva and Shakti, which are the latent and active aspects of manifestation, sometimes called masculine and feminine.
50hr - Gita Philosophy / Mantra Japa / Meditation / Yoga Nidra
TBA
The Bhagavad Gita has been a life manual for Yoga aspirants from the time it was first spoken by Krishna to Arjun 5,500 years ago. It provides inputs for continuous improvement, and offers a unique opportunity for self-exploration and transformation leading to a life of fulfillment and joy. The primary aim of these sessions is to introduce you to the timeless Vedantic Wisdom and to enable you to apply its priceless knowledge in your day-to-day life. This course will lay a strong foundation for aspirants who wish to go deeper in understanding complex philosophy texts such as, The Upanishads, Brahma Sutras and Vedas.
-
Bhagavad Gita : All 18 chapters will be covered verse by verse.
Mantra Japa : Learn to pronounce, recite & remember various mantras in Sanskrit.
Meditation : Learn 3 different types of meditation; invoking the divine with a form (of your own choice), meditate on Brahman (formless entity as described in Brahma Sutras and Tantric texts) and meditate on Paramatman (the source of creation as mentioned in the Vedas).
Yoga Nidra : Yoga Nidra, also known as 'Yogic Rest', is a powerful form of meditation that allows for deep relaxation and restoration for individuals suffering from high levels of stress, anxiety and negative ways of thinking. It is as effective as meditation and will allow the practitioner to enter the state of samadhi if properly practiced.
Course Fee - $ 1495 (Get 10% Early Bird Discount)|
Payment Plans Available : $510 x 3
Location - Online
Course Instructor - Vishal Dubey
Undecided about the course? Not to worry, you can attend a free demo session which gives information about what you will learn & gain from this course.
Enroll Through A Payment Plan For The Course - $369 x 3 (Early Bird)
Register For A Free Demo Session (Multiple Dates And Times Available)
Make A Full Payment For The Course - $1295 AUD (Early Bird)
50hr - The Upanishads / Mantra Japa / Meditation As Per Vedanta
TBA
The Upanishads are considered to be the cream of the Vedas, it is because in just a few verses it briefly outlines the goal of human life and how to achieve the highest levels of spiritual bliss.
They are also sometimes called as Vedanta, which means the end of the Vedas. Each Upanishad falls in the last portion of the Vedas and gives a brief synopsis in a philosophical manner of the entire Vedas. Out of the 10 principal Upanishads, the participants in this course will learn 5 of them, they are, Isha Upanishad, Katha Upanishad, Mundaka Upanishad, Kena Upanishad & Taittiriya Upanishad.
-
Upanishads : 5 Upanishads will be learnt verse by verse. They are, Isha Upanishad, Katha Upanishad, Mundaka Upanishad, Kena Upanishad & Taittiriya Upanishad.
Mantra Japa : Learn to pronounce, recite & remember various mantras from the Upanishads.
Meditation : Learn different types of meditation as mentioned in the Upanishads.
Undecided about the course? Not to worry, you can attend a free demo session which gives information about what you will learn & gain from this course.
Course Fee - $ 1,200 (Get 10% Early Bird Discount If Enrolled Before 31st July)
Payment Plans Available : $369 x 3
Location - Online
Course Instructor - Vishal Dubey
Register For A Free Demo Session (Multiple Dates And Times Available)
Enroll Through A Payment Plan For The Course - $369 x 3 (Early Bird)
Make A Full Payment For The Course - $1,080 AUD (Early Bird)
100hr - Hatha Yoga Pradipika / Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali / Gheranda Samhita
TBA
50 Hrs Online (Philosophy Classes) & 50 Hours In-Person (Practice Sessions)
Our well-rounded curriculum integrates the traditional and contemporary - combining modern science with ancient philosophy and therapeutics to provide you with a comprehensive education. Integrating the teachings of yoga along with the other ancient wisdom traditions, this course has been designed to inspire and guide you on your unique healing path.
With this course, you will get an opportunity to go deeper into the study of Saṭkarma / Asana / Prāṇāyāma / Chakras / Kuṇḍalinī / Bandha / Prāṇa / Nāḍī / Mudra and different types of meditative techniques as mentioned by the texts that are the primary source of modern day Yoga. More importantly, this course leads the practitioner towards the study of the ‘inner self’.
-
Yoga Philosophy Texts : Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali and Gheranda Samhita verse by verse.
Advanced Techniques Training/Practice : Includes principles of demonstration, observation, assisting and correcting, instruction, teaching styles, qualities of a teacher, the students’ process of giving and receiving feedback.
Meditation : Learn different types of meditation as mentioned in the texts.
Course Fee - $ 1,800 AUD
Location - 50 Hrs Online & 50 Hours In-Person at Paradise Point
Course Instructors - Madonna Williams & Vishal Dubey
Undecided about the course? Not to worry, you can attend a free demo session which gives information about what you will learn & gain from this course. DEMO dates to be announced.
August - February 2023 to 2024
Course Details
-
AUGUST
Topics : Gita Philosophy (50 Hrs) & Upanishads (50 Hrs)
Days: Monday to Friday
General times: 9.30am - 5pm
OCTOBER
Topics : Yin & Meditation, Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali & Gheranda Samhita
Days: Monday to Saturday
General times: 9.30am - 5pm
February
Topics : Sadhana & Creative Sequencing
Dates : To be Announced
General times: 9.30am - 5pm
At Zen Soul Life Studio - 7/27 Falkinder Ave, Paradise Point.
-
Our 300 hour YTT has created a new standard by blending the ancient teachings of Vedanta and Tantra together. It also knits an outstanding variety of relaxing meditation techniques, physical movements, and fun to facilitate natural evolution of all the participants.
The following topics will be covered during this training:Advanced Asana Practice
Daily intensive advanced Hatha Yoga,
Vinyasa and/or Yin Yoga practice
Advanced asana variations
And More…
Yin Yoga
Seven archetypal postures
26 main Yin Yoga poses in detail
Yin Yoga instruction techniques
Yin Yoga philosophy
Yin Yoga anatomy
Principles of Yin Yoga
Sequencing in Yin Yoga
Structuring Yin Yoga classes
Adjustments and corrections of Yin Yoga poses
And More…
Pranayama
Regular practice of six pranayamas
Four aspects of pranayama: Pooraka, rechaka, antar kumbhaka, bahir kumbhaka
Practice of nadi shodhan and more pranayama / advanced breathing exercises practiced daily
The pranic body: Annamaya kosha, manomaya kosha, pranamaya kosha, vijnanamaya kosha, ananadamaya kosha
Regular practice of bandhas (locks)
Five types of prana: prana, apana, samana, udana, vyana
And More…
Vinyasa Yoga :
Principles of Vinyasa Flow Yoga
Vinyasa sequences
Vinyasa instruction
Correction and adjustment techniques
Principles of Vinyasa Yoga sequencing
And More…
Yoga & Vedanta Philosophy :
Bhagavad Gita
Yoga Sutras Of Patanjali
Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Gheranda Samhita
Isha Upanishad
Katha Upanishad
Mundaka Upanishad
Kena Upanishad
Taittiriya Upanishad
Yoga Anatomy & Physiology :
Detailed information on the musculoskeletal system
Anatomy of classical Hatha Yoga asanas
Physiology of yoga asanas
Physiology of breathing
Physiology of stretching
Frequent injuries of yoga practice
What to do to prevent injuries?
Techniques to provide your students individual modifications
Frequent back injuries, and how to deal with back injury during yoga practice
Endocrine or hormonal system
Anatomy of chakras
And More…
Advanced Yoga Teaching :
Techniques to teach advanced asanas
Learning how to build up a yoga asana class
Techniques to sequence a yoga asana class
Techniques to customize a class
How to provide advanced modifications?
How to organize workshops?
And More…
Meditation & Kriya Yoga :
Introduction to Kriya Yoga
Meditation as per Kriya Yoga
Meditation as per Vedanta
Daily meditation practice
How to teach meditation?
Different techniques for teaching meditation
Techniques for classical meditation
Purification of chakras
Five elements purification
Tantric meditation
And More…
-
This course is designed for Yoga Practitioners with intermediate experience who have a real passion to share and develop this ancient practice with students and to deepen their own practice and personal growth.
It is also open to anyone who is interested in learning the ancient science of Yoga, meditation, mantra, health and spirituality. We recommend applicants to have a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training certificate (OR) at least 12 months yoga practice experience.
We welcome you to contact us if you would like to discuss your eligibility. -
This course is fully accredited with Yoga Alliance. Please refer to Yoga Alliance membership guidelines. Level 2 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Course graduates are eligible for full membership of Yoga Alliance and qualified to obtain insurance to teach.
-
It is important that all applicants revise the time and resources required for the course before submitting the application. Participants must be prepared to devote their full attention to the teacher training program. Due to the expenses involved the deposit required is non-refundable ($500). Once commencing the course, you will be filling a limited place, hence full payment must be paid prior to commencement date including payment plans. All payments are transferable to future courses in the event of unforeseeable circumstances excluding deposit ($500)
-
Course Price :
Students can pay only for the modules that they wish to attend and can add credits to their YTT after they complete 300 hours at Zen Soul Life.
Easy Payment Plans Are Also Available.
$500 minimum deposit and application to secure your spot. You will then receive an email response and invoice balance with due dates.
THIS COURSE IS FOR YOU :
If you are a yoga teacher and want to take your teaching skills to the next level.
If you want to refresh your knowledge of alignment, adjustment, anatomy and philosophy in a focused, committed learning environment with professional and dedicated teachers and students.
If you want to acquire deeper knowledge of Yoga, Philosophy and Meditation.
If you want to deepen your personal practice along with senior teachers and long-term practitioners.
If you want to learn and practice hands-on adjustment and enhance your teaching skills.
If you want to share the knowledge and experience you have gained as a yoga teacher with others.
If you want to take some time for yourself and enjoy being a student again– studying in a fun, encouraging, and supportive environment.
If you want added benefits with Yoga Alliance by becoming a 500-hour level teacher.
If you want to enhance your credibility and increase your visibility as a well-trained yoga teacher.
If you want to join the growing community of yoga teachers who are committed to quality training.
If you are interested in shaping yoga world-wide and expanding your network.
Course Instructors
Madonna Williams
Course facilitator. Philosophy, Anatomy, Asana, Sadhana, Pranayama, Methodology, Technique. Sequencing
Vishal Dubey
Yoga Philosophy
सलिले सैन्धवं यद्वत्साम्यं भजति योगतः ।
तथात्म-मनसोरैक्यं समाधिरभिधीयते ॥ ५॥
As salt being dissolved in water becomes one with it, likewise when the Atma and mind become one, it is called Samadhi.
(Hatha Yoga Pradipika)
Yoga Teacher Testimonials
Emma Walkinshaw
As I reflect on 2018, my biggest highlight has been completing my 200-hour yoga teacher training with Madonna from Zen Soul Life.
Madonna is a true inspiration. Her understanding of the art and practice of yoga and her ability to share it are captivating. Madonna is the perfect mix of fun and knowledge. We have had many laughs & hearty discussions about yoga in our teacher training circle, and this has created a beautiful bond between us all. Another huge bonus is meeting like-minded souls practicing this special healthy-bodied philosophy. I have made some wonderful friends. My confidence as a woman has grown, and my ability to see things from a different perspective is refreshing. I know that this is just the beginning of a lifelong love, learning & practice of yoga. The hardest part of yoga teacher training was merely just saying YES to my own heart’s desire. Honoring myself enough to create space to expand and do what I love. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Madonna, for your love, care, nurturing, and, most of all, your belief in me as a yoga teacher. You are the most wonderful mentor anyone could ask for.
Andrea Stoeckl
I am wiser now - how important it is to honour and care for the needs of my physical body. I have challenged my body in withdrawing some so called drugs from it - coffee - yes here she goes again:) Of course I noticed some good effects, which was better sleep:) One day I'll get there. I also noticed a more confident physical body. I also noticed how my physical body gets lighter when I look after my mental self. I sometimes even allow my body to rest now and let the world go by. So I have learnt to better listen to the needs of my body. I have also learnt that I am very lucky to have a strong and healthy body.
Yoga Philosophy has opened my mind to a better understanding of Yoga, meaning Yoga is a lot more than physical exercise. Yoga Philosophy also reminded me of the importance of a balanced body and mind, which can be achieved through this beautiful practice.
I've felt a shift in emotional patterns: I am learning not to take words or actions personally. Conversations that would have easily thrown me out of balance and upset me before my YTT seem to not faze me anymore. I surprise myself with the calmness that I now react to such instances. I sometimes even smile to myself and think: This is much better... maybe it wasn't targeted at me all along;)
Rose O'Connor
I've learnt to not judge myself but instead to change myself and to change how I see others. To not take the actions and words of others personally and to be compassionate to others who are suffering in any way. To listen, to hera and to speak with love. Not to feel inadequate when you cannot help someone but still to help by giving time and compassion.
I remember the first day when we were all sitting n mediation and my legs always felt like they were cramping. As the weeks rolled on I noticed that cramp feeling subside until eventually it was gone and I could sit for much longer in one position. Holding postures along with more breath awareness and melting into postures came more naturally and gently. My strength improved and my spine felt more flexible and lengthened. I felt taller and lighter. My weight has dropped by 8kgs and I feel comfortable in my new skin.
I've learnt to be open to joy and to celebrate others achievements. I've accepted how I am and where I am at in life. I receive the gifts of nature with so much gratitude.
Dannielle Crocker
Wow! Yoga Teacher Training has transformed my life and been a complete ascension.So extraordinary.
This has been an incredible personal journey and truly more than words can describe. Thank you Madonna for this powerful transforming experience. Through this journey I have experienced more distractions than usual which has truly shown me how much commitment and honour I was willing to allow for myself and this life changing part of my journey. The space for me, the belief that ‘can’ ‘I will’ was so respectfully held for me by Madonna. YTT has brought me home to myself and allowed me to centre heal, to honour my truth and truly move forward. Yo have this time on our retreat immersion and the time on this course has been a priceless gift that I feel deeply grateful for with my heart & soul.
I feel ready. I feel everything that I have lived through to this moment has come together to empower me to evolve further and leap into a whole new part of my life.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you
Ange Simson
At the beginning I resisted. I woke up the mornings of training and stressed about getting everything I needed. Breast pump, food for me, breast feeding friendly tops that also were yoga friendly, jumpers and tissues in case I cried (which I did). I stressed and would count the moments until the lunch breaks when I would see her for a cuddle and feed. But about half way through I figured out what you meant. Because once I pushed through the resistance, I felt so inspired. It wasn’t about the flexibility, it was about doing this not only for how I could help others but also for how it helped me. Because Yoga isn’t about the movements, it’s about how we show up in life, and as I told you on our last day, what’s happening in my life is always reflected on my mat. Whatever I was feeling in life was amplified in my practice. If I felt unsure, I wobbled. If I felt flakey I wouldn’t focus on technique. But when I felt strong, I stood tall and when I was grounded in my choices, you couldn’t push my over with any amount of might because I was strong. Yoga taught me how to go within again. Yoga taught me to focus on myself again. And not only was it good for me as a mother, it was also beneficial to my family because of who I became through my training. Madonna, you gave me this gift, you helped me and supported me, intuitively knowing what I needed. Thank you for giving me that Yoga Retreat feeling in my everyday life!
Kym Holmes
What I have noticed and learnt most about my physical self since I started Yoga Teacher training is that I have far greater flexibility and range of movement, this is especially noticeable in stretches and certain poses. This is very satisfying as it means to me the understanding that practice does lead to progress! Also for me the belief that there benefit for me in every attempted asana, just going a little further to the edge of my ability. I am noticeably stronger, with considerably more stamina than I had previously and actually happier in my own skin....very grateful to my body for what it has given me. I am certainly more aware of my posture both on the mat and in everyday life. I try harder to actually look after myself physically more than ever, not taking anything for granted and taking time for ‘self care’ which was not even a word in my vocabulary 6 years ago. I know that by continuing with my yoga practice I am building a physically and mentally stronger and more peaceful me and for that I am truly thankful. Since my training I do feel that I have grown in my ability to remain calm and non-reactive when very difficult, challenging and stressful situations arise. I am also very conscious of remaining without judgement and with understanding and compassion. I also genuinely feel the incredible energy from our teacher training group and classes of kinship, gratitude, peace, love, happiness, belonging and fun. Again I am truly thankful for the journey. I trust that I too will grow more confident and focused with continuing practice. ~ Kym Holmes
Scott Williams
I never set out with the intention to be a teacher. My journey was for self improvement or discovery. I wanted a deeper connection within myself and to be deeply connected to my partner. Taking on the course felt like a natural path for my self evolution and the timing felt right deep down. Don't get me wrong, there was plenty of intrepedation and self doubt during the course.
Through the course with Madonna's wisdom and guidance and also the support of other students, many layers were stripped away. It was certainly much more than I expected. By the end of the training I felt like I had been given the keys to a doorway. A doorway that had always been there but for one reason or another I had walked past or been afraid to open. I am very thankful to Madonna for her courage and for sharing the gift of yoga with me.
Adrienne Kenafake
For 5 years i have considered studying to become a yoga teacher. Thanks to Zen soul life and the passionate teachings of Madonna and Alysa the dream is becoming reality! From day one the whole experience has felt like coming home to a house that was always waiting. Open arms. welcoming and warmhearted.
The yogic teachings, practical and theoretical, have been absolutely fascinating and empowering, delivered in a truly nurturing environment. This TT has taught me so much about what it means to truly embody yoga and what it feels like to truly belong. I am so thankful for the deep connection and loving friendships formed within the TT tribe.
The love and support from my fellow trainees and our incredible teachers has literally changed my life.
This journey has been transformational, emotional, challenging and intense but so worth it as I feel I have found my place in the world - on a mat - helping others feel good.
Leeanne Judd
Yoga TT has changed my life forever. I started it as a personal healing journey following some major life changes and I got far more than I imagined. Some days presented as real challenges that took me way out of my comfort zone but with this intensity and training guidance came incredible gifts of inner healing. Deep levels of healing that I don’t believe I could have got to on my own. I have moved through deep grief, pain and suffering. I feel like I have come out the other side of TT uplifted in full flight like a butterfly from its cocoon. I appreciate every part of the training and am so truly grateful.
Thank you Madonna for your incredible guidance, love & support on this TT journey. I am forever grateful to have been able to travel this spiritual road with you. Your knowledge and wisdom is extraordinary.
Sarah Chalkley
My Yoga Teacher Training experience has been a journey to greater self awareness - inspiring more discipline - eating better, sleeping better, daily meditation, greater self care and finding more inner quiet and calm. It couldn't have come at a better time - a firm reminder to slow down, to be still and quieten the mind. An amazing opportunity to surround myself with like minded souls who are equally on a journey of self growth, learning and discovery. I am learning more and more about my own self esteem, my own abilities and the power to heal and love myself. It is a course that could see me change the nature and focus of my work away from busy corporate life to something more gentle and meaningful. In the meantime it is offering me awareness of the need to change, grow and relearn so that one day I may dedicate more time to helping others through yoga and mindfulness.
I am so grateful for this opportunity - I don't want it to end. The caring, authentic and thorough guidance from Madonna is so compelling and nurturing. And I am so appreciative of the friendship and care of this beautiful, wise and gentle soul. I feel so grateful for this wonderful, loving and fulfilling experience.
Natalie Martinot
I’ve noticed a shift in my emotional patterns during my YTT course as I am finding myself way more forgiving towards family members and friends when things don’t go my way. I’m finding myself stepping more and more into ‘their shoes'. I’m also less judgmental towards others who live a different way to the way I do. I seem to be acknowledging the humanity in people more and more. One of my greatest challenges I think has been stepping into fear but I am finding myself doing more and more of this and actually enjoying the process. If something scares me now I am tending to “ step into it” and embrace the challenge. Yoga philosophy has opened my mind to the fact that yoga is not just asanas/postures ….that it is taken beyond the mat and it is a way of living your life. I have also learnt about the vedas and the Upanishads and Atman ( my spiritual existence). I have learnt about the Bhagavad Gita and the story of Arjuna and the yoga sutras . I have learnt the concept of Anitya (impermanence) and that I need to find permanence ( nitya) within myself which transcends the changes in the material world. I’ve also learnt that the practise of yoga helps to quieten the mind and I’ve learnt a lot about transcending the ego to find your truest/highest self. I have learnt about the 5 sheaths of the body and about the mantras and chants and that the power of them is not the words but in the sound vibrations. Probably the most important role of yoga is to create stillness in the mind; to bring us back to ourselves, to connect with ourselves again. To find our true nature devoid of the ego so we can express the highest version of ourselves and be of service to the whole of consciousness. I trust that as a yoga teacher I will teach authentically and from the heart and I will be guided by the universe as to what my next step will be if I just stop, tap in to the divine/ into nature and listen with my heart.
Louise Overell
Thank you for guiding me to open my heart and let yoga in. Your teachings cradled me through an exceptional self- discovery course.
Your knowledge, dedication and commitment to the yogi life is inspiring. I can’t recommend the Yoga Teacher Training course highly enough, and it is suitable for anyone who loves yoga, to make your yoga practise & life more meaningful, fulfilling & enriched. The personal & physical benefits are endless. I was concerned initially about being too time poor to complete the course but you accommodated for all the trainees needs & I just found the time to make it happen.
Yoga has become part of my daily life and is no longer about a couple of lessons a week, and as I have learnt, so much more than striking a pose.
My deepest appreciation for the life changing course.
Shahnee O'Connor
A memorable and truly life changing experience that has helped me find my 'true self'. Through Madonna's guidance and teachings I learnt so much about myself, my body, my strengths and my opportunities for growth. Each day was empowering, emotional, enlightening, fascinating and healing. Attention to detail was incredible and I felt at home with Madonna and my fellow yogis.
I made true connections and had way too much fun!
Madonna Williams is the most loving, knowledgeable, supportive mentor you could ever wish for and she shares all her wisdom to empower you to become the best version of yourself.
I 100% recommend beginning your journey of yoga and encourage everyone to immerse yourself into the Yoga teacher training course. No words can express enough the immense gratitude I forever have for her. She truly is one of a kind
Annie Lobwein
Almost impossible to describe the amount I have learnt about myself. I now have purpose and direction. I am now starting to see, feel and do things I never thought possible. I have had the most amazing awakening experience and I can’t imagine a better group to have shared it with. So much love and support from everyone and i cannot express my gratitude enough.