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Are you seeking a solid, practical, well-rounded understanding of yin yoga,
whether to deepen your practice or teaching?

This teacher training is set up to give you a wholesome introduction to yin yoga,
build a foundation and support you to develop on your own yin journey as a student and teacher. 
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This training will give you a comprehensive knowledge of yin through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), functional movement, as well as fascia and somatic yoga, so you can find your own yin path in a safe and meaningful way. Last but not least, this training integrates contemplative self-inquiry work to help refine what the practice means for you, how it can enrich your daily life, and how you want to share it with the world. Through lectures, pre-recorded tutorials, experimentation in your body, practice sessions, in-depth posture labs and homework for self-inquiry, you will explore the wholesome effect this potent practice has on the body, mind and spirit. 

Training dates:

February 11 -13  Module 1: Yin yoga and Western anatomy (online) 
February 25 - 27 Module 2: Yin yoga, fascia and somatics (online) 
March 11-13  Module 3: Yin yoga, subtle body, myofascial meridians and introduction to Chinese medicine (online) 
March  24 - 27 Module 4: Yin yoga & self-inquiry / Teaching yin yoga ( 3-day immersion in Berlin) 


​The theory part of the training covers: 
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The training is structured in four modules, each devoted to a specific focus. 
Each training module consists of daily yin yoga practices, lectures, interactive embodiment exercises/inquiries, group work, discussions and homework assignments. Your further journey into practicing and teaching yin yoga will be supported by a comprehensive 100 page manual and suggestions for further reading materials and resources. The 70-hour training consists of

  • 60 hours live sessions via streaming and in person 
  • 10 hours of homework assignments between the sessions 

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Module 1
Yin yoga according to Western Anatomy
(Functional approach to yoga)​

  • The principles of Yin yoga
  • Tension versus compression
  • Sensation based alignment, functional approach, skeletal variation
  • The science behind Yin yoga
  • How to teach the core Yin postures safely, offer variations and use props

​You will get a solid foundation and understanding of the anatomy of yin poses via functional approach to yoga (Paul Grilley method) by introducing the 7 archetypal pose families and learning about target areas. You'll understand skeletal restrictions and anatomical aspects of each pose and will learn how to adapt and use variations and props to make the practice suit different bodies.




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Module 2
Yin yoga, fascia and somatics
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  • Understanding the centrality of fascia for yin 
  • Supporting healthy fascia 
  • Understanding what yin and somatics offer the fascia 
  • Fascia lines and related poses/movements 
  • Sequencing with a fascia focus 


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​This module explores the nature and importance of fascia in the body, and what a fascia approach has to offer the yin practice, and vice versa. Understanding fascia is pivotal in any type of health, yoga or movement related education, because it helps you grasp how everyday movements and habits shape the body from the inside, and how to use this knowledge to create impactful sequences. This approach also brings understanding of what we  feel during a pose and how to find the healthy 'edge' that supports the tissues, as well as how to deal with chronic pain and support healing. 

 
Module 3
Yin yoga, subtle body, myofascial meridians and introduction to Chinese Medicine
(with a Chinese Medicine specialist and acupuncturist as a guest lecturer)  
  • Taoist philosophy and yin-yang theory
  • 5 element theory
  • 3 treasures of Taoism (Qi, Jing, Shen)
  • Myofascial Meridians
  • The organs, energy channels and their connection to yin yoga practice​
This module offers an introduction to the vast field of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), bringing a concise guide of the connections between TCM and yin yoga. You will discover how Taoist philosophy can enrich and inform your own practice, your teaching and your general comprehension of health and balanced living. 

Session times for all online modules: 

Fridays: 8pm - 9:30pm
Saturdays: 1:30pm – 7pm
Sundays: 9:30am - 5pm
Module 4
3-DAY IN PERSON IMMERSION IN BERLIN
Yin yoga off the mat & self-inquiry
March 24 - March 27


Working together, individually and in smaller groups, the  purpose of the last module is to integrate the knowledge learnt so far, to practice teaching with each other, and to explore what teaching yin means beside sequences, and how to share your unique voice, confidently and with ease. 
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Yin yoga & self-inquiry

  • The practical tools of yin for everyday challenges 
  • Creating mini yin/somatic sequences for daily life, for your own well-being and that of your students 
  • Psychosomatics and yin 
  • The role of the nervous system in healing, learning and implementing change ​

This YTT approaches yin yoga as a contemplative practice that can support us off the mat, by bringing together self-inquiry and sensory awareness. You’ll explore in theory and practice yin as a tool for self-awareness that helps activate your capacity for self-healing and agency on and off the mat. 

Teaching yin yoga

  • Sequencing based on anatomy, meridian theory and fascial lines 
  • Holding space, using voice, cueing and language to effectively guide students 
  • Opportunities to practice teaching 
  • Basic self-care for yoga teachers 

This module focuses on the practical skills needed to teach yin yoga effectively and authentically, in a way that sustains both teacher and students. You will look at what it means to hold space, how to develop your voice and vocabulary, and how to care for yourself when you teach. And of course you will teach one another to get practice and understanding of what that means practically. 
Location: 
Element Yoga (Pfuelstraße 5, closest U-bahn: Schlesisches Tor) 
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Session times: 
Thursday: 5pm - 8:30pm
Friday: 9am - 12pm, ca 2 h lunch break, 2pm - 6pm
Saturday: 1pm - 6pm 
Sunday: 9am - 12pm, ca 1,5h lunch break, 1:30pm - 5pm

Anyone attending from outside Berlin is responsible for organising their own accommodation.  
Liina Tael and Valerie Hartwich are Berlin based teachers dedicated to yoga as a practice of inquiry to grow meaning and greater passion for life, as well as deeper understanding of self and others. Their approach is shaped by their combined background in yoga, psychology and sociology, bodywork and traditional Chinese Medicine in connection to Yin yoga.
Liina: Bachelor in Economics
Trained in Swedish and Deep tissue massage, myofacial release, Reiki 1 & 2, Thai massage
Yoga: early influencers John Ogilvie, Maria Kirsten, Judy Krupp (Byron Bay Yoga Center), Clive Sheridan (Asana, Yoga philosophy, meditation), Emil Wendel (Yoga Philosophy and pranayama). First yin training in 2011 with Sarah Powers, since 2014 training and collaborating annually with Sebastian Pucelle and Murielle Burellier (Paul Grilley lineage), Paul Grilley (online - anatomy, chakra theory and meditation), Jennifer O'Sullivan (Taoism and Yin yoga, online), Judith H. Lasater (Restorative Yoga, Experiential Anatomy). Currently studying online with Mollie McClelland (Embodied Anatomy), part of a mentoring program for yoga teachers with Catlin Casella. Early meditation background in Vipassana (Goenka), currently following the teaching of Adyashanti, Michael Stone, Tara Brach, Jack Kornfield, Loch Kelly, John J. Prendergast. And lastly my mentor in living with cycle awareness Ruby May.
Besides yoga, meditation and pranayama my path has been strongly shaped by conscious dance (5 rhythms, Soul Motion, Open Floor).
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Valerie: Bachelor in psychology, masters in Sociology and political philosophy. 
Trained in Deep tissue massage, Reiki 1, Myofascial release, Lymphatic drainage, Holistic massage. 
Yoga trained by Mollie McClelland, Gayle Poapst, David Emerson (Trauma CenterTrauma Sensitive Yoga), Daniela Meinl (Integral Fascia Yoga). Inspired and mentored by Naomi Absalom, Sianna Sherman, Tias Little, Raphan Kebe and Tatjana Mesar (Dynamic Mindfulness by Zen Yoga)
I also draw my inspiration from Feldenkrais, shamanic practices linked to movement for trauma release and holotropic breathwork.



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​If you want to join their in person or online classes before committing to the training, here are links to their teaching schedules: Liina  and Valerie. 

TRAINING FEE:​

We aim to offer an inclusive, affordable training that fosters a sense of reciprocity, belonging and co-creation.
Our training is like the community of a permaculture garden, in which plants grow stronger and more resilient by being paired with companion plants. Healthy, thriving and generous environments celebrate diversity, reciprocity and the development of collective strength through the celebration of different skill qualities, capacities and needs.
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In this spirit we offer payment options along a sliding scale based on individual income. In this system, those who have stabler, more comfortable financial situations support those who wish to grow, but have more restrictive means. This helps make the training more accessible and inclusive.

We also accept Bildungspraemien towards payment for the training. 
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  • Tier 1- Community Support - Seed: 800€ (limited to 3 spots) -  for anyone facing financial challenges, but committed to grow their teaching or practice.
  • Tier 2 - Community Sustainer - Soil: 1100€  - for average income, and represents the actual costs of the training. 
  • Tier 3 - Community Supporter - Fertilizer 1300€  - for those who are financially well resourced and therefore able to support the true value of this work while making the course available at a reduced price.  

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The training fee is payable in instalments & includes:
  • downloadable recordings of all online sessions
  • 100 page manual (pdf)
  • list of recommended resources for further study
  • ​​VAT​
  • every participant gets an individual 30 minute consult with Liina and Valerie
FOR REGISTRATION AND QUESTIONS: 
e-mail Liina at liina.tael@gmail.com

TESTIMONIALS
I'm so glad that I did the yin yoga teacher training with Liina Tael and Valerie Hartwich. I had high expectations of this course - and it was even better than I expected! Both of them have a deep understanding of the key physical & spiritual aspects of the yin practice - and they're very passionate about sharing that knowledge with others. Their careful guidance created a really special atmosphere within the group and allowed everyone to learn and share and grow together.
Each person in the group was allowed and encouraged to explore and develop their own style of teaching, and there was a lot of focus placed on personal experiences and feelings. I learned so much - as a yoga practitioner, a teacher and a person. Thank you, Liina & Valerie!
    Marisa
​I truly enjoyed this course. I entered a realm of learning I had never previously explored and it was truly transformative. The techniques we learnt have profoundly informed my practice in general and the amount of deeply-set tension I have resolved is truly astonishing. Thank you Liina and Valerie!
    Anastasia
The yin training offered from Liina and Valerie was a wonderful experience and enrichment not only for yoga but for all the areas in life. Authenticity and care, lots of input, inspiration, knowledge, experience... I am grateful I have been a part of it, and thank you again for being so flexible and also letting space for the student to express himself.
    Fanny