Yogiraj Alan Finger, Founder of ISHTALast week I went to an information session at ISHTA for yoga teacher training. About a year ago I completed by 200 hour level teacher training at Sonic and since then have been tossing around the idea of doing a 500 level training. I almost took that up at Sonic, though I had some reservations about the style, scheduling, and cost of the program at Sonic. I have also increasingly become interested in a more integrated holistic approach with yoga as a piece of the pie combined with Ayurveda and therapeutics. This interest in a holistic approach led me to ISHTA (which stands for Integrated System of Hatha, Tantra, and Ayurveda.)
The info session included a mini class which felt very familiar to me and in line with the way I approach my own teaching. Alan Finger, the founder of ISHTA, offered a meditation that felt good to my heart. His approach, and the approach of all of his teachers, focuses on helping each teacher find his or her own voice, their own best version of the practice. I like the personalization and the feeling of openness and acceptance I found nestled into their safe space on East 11th Street. I was able to relax and smile in the warmth and glow of that community. It felt comfortable, like home.
I have decided to explore the possibility of further teacher training for three main reasons:
1.) The 200 hour training certainly improves an individual’s practice and further understanding of yoga. What it doesn’t teach you is now to teach. While sequencing and practice teaching were certainly a part of my 200 hour training, there simply are not enough hours to delve deeply into the art and craft of teaching. I have a natural gift for teaching, though I want to have the opportunity to hone that skill under the guidance of a master teacher.
2.) Because of my interest in therapeutic yoga, and specifically in the area of trauma, I need further training in anatomy and neurophysiology. While I have been reading books and materials on the subject, the cases I’m most interested in working on are with populations like veterans, disaster survivors, civic workers like those in the police and fire departments, and rehabilitation patients. This is very specialized work and in order to help these people to the very best of my abilities I want to feel confident that I am fully prepared to help them through these challenges.
3.) My favorite part of my teacher training at Sonic was the group of beautiful souls that I traveled through the training with. They have become a precious part of my life and if there is an opportunity to have that experience again while gaining all of these skills that I’m so passionate about then I’m glad to snap up the opportunity!
Timing
Now the question remains about timing. ISHTA has a program coming up in the Fall that will be happening right around the time that I plan to move to a new apartment and possibly begin my next career adventure. This could be challenging so it will be a few months before I know how everything is shaking out. I promise to share the details here and soon as I have all my yogic ducks in a row! Thanks for sharing in this journey with me.
The short of it:
Writer. Health, education, and art advocate. Theater and film producer. Visual artist. Product geek. Proud alumnae of the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA). Inspired by ancient wisdom & modern tech. Proliferator of goodness. Opener of doors. Friend to animals. Fan of creative work in all its wondrous forms. I use my business skills to create passion projects that build a better world. I’ve been called the happiest New Yorker, and I try hard to live up to that title every day.
The long of it:
My career has stretched across Capitol Hill, Broadway theatre, education, nonprofit fundraising, health and wellness, and Fortune 500 companies in retail, media, entertainment, technology, and financial services. I’ve been a product developer and product manager, theater manager, strategic consultant, marketer, voice over artist, , teacher, and fundraiser. I use my business and storytelling to support and sustain passion projects that build a better world. In every experience, I’ve used my sense of and respect for elegant design to develop meaningful products, services, programs, and events.
While building a business career, I also built a strong portfolio as a journalist, novelist, freelance writer, interviewer, presenter, and public speaker. My writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, PBS.org, Boston.com, Royal Media Partners publications, and The Motley Fool on a wide range of topics including business, technology, science, health, education, culture, and lifestyle. I have also been an invited speaker at SXSW, Teach for America, Avon headquarters, Games for Change, NYU, Columbia University, Hunter College, and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The first book in my young adult book series, Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters, was acquired by a publisher and launched in November 2017. I’m currently working on the second book in the series.
A recovering multi-tasker, I’m equally at home in front of my Mac, on my yoga mat, walking my rescue dog, Phineas, traveling with a purpose, or practicing the high-art of people watching. I also cut up small bits of paper and put them back together as a collage artist.
My company:
I’m bringing together all of my business and creative career paths as the Founder of Double or Nothing Media:
• I craft products, programs, and projects that make a difference;
• I build the business plans that make what I craft financially sustainable;
• I tell the stories that matter about the people, places, and products that inspire me.
Follow my adventures on Twitter at https://twitter.com/christanyc and Instagram at https://instagram.com/christarosenyc.
View all posts by Christa Avampato
6 thoughts on “Beginning: ISHTA Yoga Teacher Training Info Session”
Christa,
Ayurveda means “knowledge of longevity” or “science of longevity.” Ayurveda focuses on enhancing quality of living.
Ayurveda was discovered by the rishis several thousand years ago in the ancient land of India along with yoga and meditation. There is an inter-relationship between the three: some would disagree and say the the three are fused together. There is a symbiotic relationship.
It is great to know you are interested in things of this nature. I would encourage your curiosity by contributing this fact.
‘
If you are really interested in broadening your mind and expanding your horizons, travel to India.
They may teach you the tricks of the trade in the great land of Kerala. Kerala is located in the Southern part of India. Kerala is known for natural beauty. It is a scenic, lovely place.
If you ask, there they will teach you about dietary habits, the constitution of your body, how to take care of yourself and others, and about massage as therapy and which oils to use.
There are other things you can learn from them as well.
People from all over the world travel to Kerala to learn the ropes. Of course, it may cost you a little money and an adventurous spirit, but I feel this may be what you are looking for. Seriously, maybe you should consider this option sometime in the future.
I know you are busy and lead a hectic lifestyle, so only when your schedule permits; only when it would be convenient for you. But by going through the teaching modules, you can return home and use your new knowledge and skills toward your own teaching goals. Just a gentle suggestion. Cheerio.
Hi Archan,
India, and Kerala in particular, are at the top of my travel wishlist. Now just need the time to get myself over there. I’d very much love to do some studying there. Are there any particular sites of study in Kerala that you would suggest?
Personally, I have visited Kerala only in my dreams. However, it is on my list of priorities.
Over the years, I have been fascinated by Kerala. This is based on what people have told me. Plus, the newsmedia write-ups. Kerala: God’s own country because nature is kind there. Kerala is green, with a natural landscape that steals your breath. A lot of celebrities tend to hang out there too.
To answer your question, there are several places in Kerala to whet your appetite. It depends on what your looking for. It would be a good idea to visit some of the Indian stores in the Big Apple. In New Jersey, you can visit Hoboken or Jersey City, where you will find quite a number of Indian stores.
Once there, you can pick up a few Indian newspapers and magazines in English, Hindi and Gujarati. What you will be searching for are the ads about Kerala. You may even read a few write-ups about Kerala.
Maybe you can find the ads in India Abroad, East-West, India Tribune, and other publications about India. Just ask at the counters, and I am sure they will be happy to answer your questions.
Kerala is a terrific place for yoga enthusiasts. If you join the program, sky is the limit on what you can learn. They will teach you about your own body and how to sensitize it so it responds. You can also learn about alternative medicine and acupuncture, that is, the Indian version of it. You can learn at the feet of the gurus or masters. Hope this helps. Cheers.
P.S. Pick up a copy of mainstream publications such as Yoga Journal and others at non-Indian bookstores in NYC as well.
Look for the ads and features about Kerala and wholistic health and wellness programs there. People travel from all over the world to be healed, to learn, and for catharsis.
Hi Christa, I stumbled across your blog doing my own research on the ISHTA training. I did my 200 hour at Sonic as well, and am having a similar experience, wanting to combine yoga therapy and ayurvedic tools into my teaching (as I work primarily with disadvantaged communities). Did you complete the ISHTA training? I’d love to hear more!
Hi Liz,
Thanks so much! I am in the 300 hour training at ISHTA right now and I love it. How fun that you were trained at Sonic as well. I’m back from my travels in early June. Let’s meet up and talk yoga training.
Christa Avampato 
Christa,
Ayurveda means “knowledge of longevity” or “science of longevity.” Ayurveda focuses on enhancing quality of living.
Ayurveda was discovered by the rishis several thousand years ago in the ancient land of India along with yoga and meditation. There is an inter-relationship between the three: some would disagree and say the the three are fused together. There is a symbiotic relationship.
It is great to know you are interested in things of this nature. I would encourage your curiosity by contributing this fact.
‘
If you are really interested in broadening your mind and expanding your horizons, travel to India.
They may teach you the tricks of the trade in the great land of Kerala. Kerala is located in the Southern part of India. Kerala is known for natural beauty. It is a scenic, lovely place.
If you ask, there they will teach you about dietary habits, the constitution of your body, how to take care of yourself and others, and about massage as therapy and which oils to use.
There are other things you can learn from them as well.
People from all over the world travel to Kerala to learn the ropes. Of course, it may cost you a little money and an adventurous spirit, but I feel this may be what you are looking for. Seriously, maybe you should consider this option sometime in the future.
I know you are busy and lead a hectic lifestyle, so only when your schedule permits; only when it would be convenient for you. But by going through the teaching modules, you can return home and use your new knowledge and skills toward your own teaching goals. Just a gentle suggestion. Cheerio.
LikeLike
Hi Archan,
India, and Kerala in particular, are at the top of my travel wishlist. Now just need the time to get myself over there. I’d very much love to do some studying there. Are there any particular sites of study in Kerala that you would suggest?
LikeLike
Christa,
Thanks for asking. I appreciate your feedback.
Personally, I have visited Kerala only in my dreams. However, it is on my list of priorities.
Over the years, I have been fascinated by Kerala. This is based on what people have told me. Plus, the newsmedia write-ups. Kerala: God’s own country because nature is kind there. Kerala is green, with a natural landscape that steals your breath. A lot of celebrities tend to hang out there too.
To answer your question, there are several places in Kerala to whet your appetite. It depends on what your looking for. It would be a good idea to visit some of the Indian stores in the Big Apple. In New Jersey, you can visit Hoboken or Jersey City, where you will find quite a number of Indian stores.
Once there, you can pick up a few Indian newspapers and magazines in English, Hindi and Gujarati. What you will be searching for are the ads about Kerala. You may even read a few write-ups about Kerala.
Maybe you can find the ads in India Abroad, East-West, India Tribune, and other publications about India. Just ask at the counters, and I am sure they will be happy to answer your questions.
Kerala is a terrific place for yoga enthusiasts. If you join the program, sky is the limit on what you can learn. They will teach you about your own body and how to sensitize it so it responds. You can also learn about alternative medicine and acupuncture, that is, the Indian version of it. You can learn at the feet of the gurus or masters. Hope this helps. Cheers.
P.S. Pick up a copy of mainstream publications such as Yoga Journal and others at non-Indian bookstores in NYC as well.
Look for the ads and features about Kerala and wholistic health and wellness programs there. People travel from all over the world to be healed, to learn, and for catharsis.
LikeLike
Hi Christa, I stumbled across your blog doing my own research on the ISHTA training. I did my 200 hour at Sonic as well, and am having a similar experience, wanting to combine yoga therapy and ayurvedic tools into my teaching (as I work primarily with disadvantaged communities). Did you complete the ISHTA training? I’d love to hear more!
LikeLike
Hi Liz,
Thanks so much! I am in the 300 hour training at ISHTA right now and I love it. How fun that you were trained at Sonic as well. I’m back from my travels in early June. Let’s meet up and talk yoga training.
LikeLike
Sounds like a plan!! Look forward to chatting 🙂
LikeLike