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.
IN BRIEF
Author, journalist, digital product manager, and licensed New York City tour guide. Creator and host of NYC's Secrets and Lies. Alumna of the University of Pennsylvania (BA), the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA), Arizona State University (Biomimicry), and the University of Cambridge (MSt in Sustainability Leadership).
I build digital media platforms, report on urban climate resilience and biodiversity, and produce live narrative experiences that connect communities to history, nature, and place.
THE DEEP DIVE
My work centers on a single thread: building systems and stories that foster deep connection to our shared world. Across digital streaming, environmental reporting, and live civic storytelling, I design experiences that help people understand complex ideas and the environments around them.
DIGITAL PRODUCT STRATEGY & MEDIA LEADERSHIP
At Carnegie Hall, I serve as Digital Product Manager, leading product strategy, operations, and technical delivery for the video streaming platform Carnegie Hall+. I translate artistic mission into scalable, high-performance streaming architecture that reaches audiences globally. Previously, I led agile product and delivery teams across operations and compliance at American Express, managed Broadway theatrical productions and national tours, and guided strategic initiatives across cultural institutions.
ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISM & AUTHORSHIP
As a freelance journalist, I investigate how living systems, urban infrastructure, and human culture intersect. My reported features on urban decarbonization, biodiversity, coastal resilience, and biomimicry appear in publications including Smithsonian Magazine, The Washington Post, Mongabay, Natural History Magazine, and Foreign Policy Magazine. In fiction, I write the Emerson Page young adult novel series, alongside upcoming historical fiction and nonfiction works on New York history, mythology, and human resilience. I also write Togetherhood, a LinkedIn newsletter focused on urban ecology and community restoration, and co-host the podcast Frameworks in the Wild.
LIVE EXPERIENCE & CIVIC STORYTELLING
As a licensed New York City tour guide and live event producer, I transform urban landscapes into shared narrative encounters. I created, produce, and host NYC's Secrets and Lies, an interactive live storytelling series staged across cultural landmarks including the New York Transit Museum, the South Street Seaport Museum, and the historic tall ship Wavertree. I also design and lead site-specific walking tours exploring coastal ecology, food history, and neighborhood evolution, often with partners at Climate Week NYC and the Natural Areas Conservancy.
DOUBLE OR NOTHING MEDIA
Through my independent production studio, Double or Nothing Media, I develop ventures across media, ecology, and public history:
Digital Products & Strategy: Architecting scalable digital platforms, streaming experiences, and operational models for mission-driven institutions.
Environmental Reporting & Publications: Delivering long-form reporting, books, and newsletters grounded in climate resilience and regenerative design.
Site-Specific Live Storytelling: Producing immersive live shows and educational walking tours that engage public audiences in community history.
CONNECT
Website & Production Hub: doubleornothingmedia.com and christaavampato.com
Newsletter: Togetherhood on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/newsletters/togetherhood-7273771832221089792/
Instagram & Threads: @christarosenyc
Emerson Page Novels: emersonpagebook.wordpress.com/
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,
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