Level 2: Yin Yoga & Taoism Teacher Training

Ancient Wisdom for Contemporary Practice

Taoist metaphysics and the Chinese Meridian System are the keystones of Yin Yoga, which is especially effective for nourishing and invigorating life force energy, called Qi. Sometimes referred to as “the spark in the machine,” Qi animates the body while also providing the material basis for the body itself. Optimal Qi flow is essential for wellbeing and vitality.

Qi circulates through channels called meridians, which some researchers believe are housed within the body's ubiquitous connective tissue. As with acupuncture and acupressure, you can manipulate Qi-flow with the floor-based Yin Yoga postures. Through this gentle form of “exercise,” you can balance the energy system and improve your sense of vitality and wellness.

In this live online course, you’ll learn how to use the insights and wisdom of Taoism and the Chinese Meridian System to assess your current physical, energetic, emotional, and mental wellbeing and design Yin Yoga practices that address your unique needs. Teachers will also learn how to apply these theories to design transformational Yin Yoga classes.

"This class really helped me understand the connections between the theory of Taoism, the manifestation and functions of Qi, Five-Element Theory, and Yin Yoga. I started to use some of the concepts in my own practice and have started to gain a deeper understanding of my own energy in asana. Rather than just doing a routine practice, I now ask myself what by body, my emotions, and how environmental factors can be addressed each time I take to the mat." ~ Susan R.

Learning Objectives

Taoism and Chinese Medicine can, at times, seem really complicated. The truth is that not everything is applicable to lay people or within the scope of practice of yoga teachers.

While this course is comprehensive, we'll focus just on the aspects of these teachings that are applicable and practical for yoga teachers and practitioners alike*.

History & Philosophy of Taoism - Learn about the history, core beliefs, and practices that promote wellbeing and longevity.

Yin & Yang Metaphysics - Develop a sophisticated understanding of how the interplay between Yin & Yang energies permeate all aspect of life and how to assess your own harmonies and imbalances.

The Three Treasures: Jing, Qi, & Shen - A human life is comprised of these essential ingredients. Learn about the ways in which our lifestyle serves to enhance or deplete them. We'll also explore the ways in which a yoga practice can support them.

Chinese Meridian Theory & Practical Application for Yin Yoga - Learn the functions of the internal organs through the Chinese Medicine lens, the location of the meridians that circulate Qi, and develop an understanding of how Yin Yoga can support better organ function.

Qi Cultivation - Learn Taoist visualization and breathing practices that nourish and enhance the energy body. You'll also learn when and how to incorporate them into Yin Yoga classes.

Designing Personalized Practices Through Self-Assessment - Learn techniques to assess your own or a client's needs to design highly personalized practices.

Creating Yin Yoga Class Plans That Harmonize the Energy Body - Learn a variety of ways to put theory into practice and design thoughtful experiences for your students.

Five Element Theory & Application - How to apply seasonal and elemental considerations to your personal practice and teaching.

*This course is open to any Yin Yoga teacher that has already studied Yin Yoga asana with Jennifer O'Sullivan or another qualified teacher. Practitioners, it's highly recommended that you have a strong familiarity with Yin Yoga postures before registering for this program. This course does not cover how to do specific poses, but rather focuses on how to put them together for enriching practice experiences.

Your Investment Includes...

Jennifer brings a compassionate approach and talent for making complicated material accessible and interesting. You'll get lifetime access to the following:

50 hours continuing education credits with Yoga Alliance US (39 contact, 11 non-contact)
Printed manual
Private, virtual community to post questions and reflections and stay in touch with your classmates
Access to Jennifer's weekly virtual Yin Yoga class on Monday evenings for during the course ($90 value)
Office hours with Jennifer via Zoom
Lifetime access to recordings

"Another illuminating course from Jen! Her Taoism and Yin course covered history and philosophical foundations of Yin Yoga as well as practical ways of incorporating these principles in teaching Yin classes. My teaching is definitely enriched by this course. " ~ Patricia J.

Get to Know Your Instructor

Jennifer O'Sullivan has been teaching yoga and meditation in the Washington, DC area for 19 years after completing her first training in 2004. She has studied with exemplary yoga teachers from a number of disciplines but is most influenced by Don and Amba Stapleton of Nosara Yoga Institute and Sarah Powers. Jennifer is one of only 26 teachers to be endorsed by Sarah Powers to teach Insight Yoga, a heart-centered approach that weaves together yin and yang Yoga, Taoism, Buddhism and spiritual psychology.

Jennifer has completed nearly 1000 hours of Yin Yoga, biomechanics, and fascia physiology training and education with some of the most renowned teachers including Sarah Powers, Paul Grilley, Biff Mithoefer, Tom Meyers, and Jules Mitchell.

She is also greatly inspired by the mindfulness teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh and Bhante Gunaratana with whom she has sat several retreats. Jennifer received the Five Mindfulness Trainings (precepts) and her spiritual name from Thich Nhat Hanh. She continues her Buddhist studies through various centers across the US.

With more than a decade of experience offering innovative in-person and online yoga programs, Jennifer sees herself a force-multiplier, educating yoga teachers around the world to share depth practices that truly transform lives.

“Super interesting course. I wanted to go more in-depth with my Yin Training and succeeded. Really good info on how you could integrate Chinese Medicine into your Yin practice.” ~ Carla P.

Dates

Level 2: Yin Yoga & Taoism has been carefully designed to highlight the advantages of online learning while minimizing the shortcomings. You'll find that the program will feel spacious and your virtual experience will be humane.

Jennifer is on sabatical in 2023. Fill out the interest list form above to be notified of possible 2024 dates.

“I have been teaching Yin Yoga for three years now and felt that I needed to go to the next level in terms of my understanding. Jen's course provided me with just what I was looking for. She presented a sometimes confusing subject in a comprehensive and clear way. The lectures were informative and really interesting. Jen clearly loves her subject and is a very generous teacher. I would highly recommend this course. ” ~ Yvonne P.

“I thoroughly enjoyed this course and learned so much from all the webinars, written material and resources. Jennifer's vast knowledge of Yin Yoga and Taoism is exceptional. She is a patient and responsive teacher who has truly immersed herself into these subjects.” ~ Joanna A.

Payments

Space is limited to ensure a personalized experience for all who attend. Register early to secure your spot. To allow time to mail printed manuals, registration program closes two weeks before the first program session.

Sliding Scale Pricing: Recognizing that the cost of accessing yoga trainings was always inaccessible to many folks and that the global pandemic continues to diminish many teachers' livelihood, I’m now offering tiered pricing to help create better access to those with financial hardships.

There are now three options. True Price reflects the actual cost of delivering the program. Supported is for those who face financial constraints. More spots become available as enrollment grows. Pay-It-Forward is for anyone who'd like to help me offer more discounted and scholarship spots in this and future programs.

If you don't see the Supported option available, it means that all the spots have been taken. However, more spots may open up. Get in touch to be notified if/when more spots are available.

For more information on sliding scale pricing and how to know where you land on the scale, please refer to Alexis J. Cunningfolk to whom I owe a debt of gratitude for their nuanced perspective and sample language.

Pay In Full: To register in full, click the "Enroll" button to sign up and pay online using all major credit cards.

Payment Plan: You can secure your spot in the course by putting down a non-refundable deposit of 30% based on any of the price tiers. Payment must be paid in full two weeks before the course starts. Get in touch to discuss this option. I have to send you to a special link to start a payment plan.

BIPOC Scholarships: There are a limited number of partial scholarships (70% tuition reduction) available to BIPOC (black, indigenous, people of color) teachers. More spots become available as enrollments grow. There is no longer an application process to access this, but Scholarship recipients will need to pay their portion in full to secure a spot on the program. Choose BIPOC Scholarship when registering to receive the reduction. If you don't see this option, it means that all the spots have been taken. However, more spots may open up. Get in touch to be notified if/when more spots are available.

Refunds
Refunds are offered according to a sliding schedule that depends on the program start. This section will be updated when dates are announced.

Anyone on a payment plan or scholarship forfeits the deposit if they cancel. All refunds are minus transaction fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

: 2023 Dates TBD. The final assignment will be offered during the last weekend and is to be turned in 30 days after the last program session.
: Recorded lectures will be available forever. In the future, if I close down this site, you'll have a chance to download the materials to keep.
: The classes are included with your tuition for the duration of this course.
: If you miss live lectures, you can watch the recordings and write an extra quiz to show understanding of the material. You can also post questions in the virtual community as well as check in with Jennifer during scheduled office hours.
: There are 11 non-contact hours built into the course which covers Fascia 101, readings, homework assignments, posture surveys, and final assignment, turned in after our last live session.
: No, you don't need to be a teacher to attend this program and get a lot out of it. I usually have several students who aren't teachers who do really well with all components of the course including the quizzes and final assignment. Non-students find the program to be very enriching for their personal exploration of yoga. However, you will not be qualified to teach Yin or any other type of yoga after this program. Foundational 200hr trainings and Level 1 Yin trainigns cover a lot of material that will not be covered in this program.
: Yes. Upon full and successful completion of the program, including the final assignment to be turned in after the last live session, you'll receive a PDF certificate for 50hrs via email which you can submit to Yoga Alliance for proof of credit. Through the end of 2023, Yoga Alliance is allowing virtual programs to count for their full amount. Should Yoga Alliance discontinue their virtual training exemption, this course would still qualify for 20 non-contact CEUs.
: TThis course can be used towards the 100hr Yin Yoga Teacher Training program with Sati Yoga (Jennifer O'Sullivan). It is not affiliated with any other teacher training program. If you are interested in getting credit towards a 200hr or 300hr training program, you'll need to talk to the administrator of your school.
: If you are interested in including Level 1: Yin Yoga & Taoism as part of you teacher training program, get in touch.
: I offer partial refunds depending on when the course starts. When dates are set, look under the Payments heading.
: There are no special qualifications to use a payment plan. You will need to put down an non-refundable down payment and make sure you're paid in full two weeks before the course starts. Get in touch if you're interested this option.
: A limited number of partial scholarships are available to BIPOC teachers. If this describes you, there are no other requirements to receive the scholarship. If you don't see the option, it means that the allotted spots have been taken. However, more spots may open up as enrollment grows. Get in touch about the scholarship.