“Actively being human”
In this 300-hour training led by Michael J. Stewart, creator of SVY, participants
will have a journey of “actively being human” and earn a Tantric Hatha Yoga
certification in the tradition of Shanta Vira® Yoga. Tantric Hatha Yoga,
Creativity and Active Community Participation are the building blocks for
Actively Being Human and the 3 pillars of SVY. This training will thoroughly
prepare you to fully understand, incorporate and teach the first and foundational
pillar, Tantric Hatha Yoga, the first of two steps to become a fully certified
ShantaVira® Yoga teacher.
SVY is designed to develop an intimate and complete relationship to
themselves via the techniques of Tantric Hatha Yoga. This method is rooted
in the traditional techniques of Hatha Yoga and incorporates advanced and
modern interpretations of Tantra, Creativity and Community development.
…If you have an intimate relationship with yourself, if you are creative about
your life choices and then share your refined skills, generous gifts, and living
talents with and in community… you are “Actively Being Human.” This is a
way to espouse the famous words of Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change you
wish to see in the world.” This is the wisdom of Shanta Vira®Yoga known as
“Actively Being Human”.
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
This is the wisdom of Shanta Vira®Yoga known as“Actively Being Human”
In order to keep a personal relationship to each student we have designed the
training with as many contact hours as possible. Trainee will be connected to one
of Michael’s senior students as personal mentor, who will be your guide and ally
through this experience.
One of the unique aspects of SVY Training will be the
quality time you will have with Michael over the course of this journey.
As a team, we are confident that by the end of the training you will have incorporated these
practices in personal sadhana and have the skills to effectively teach Tantric
Hatha Yoga in the tradition of Shanta Vira® Yoga.
The training will be in English. We will make sure that everyone will be
supported to join the discussions during the training. All our mentors are
bilingual ( Spanish- English) and are there to support you in every way.
This training will commence over seven months and will proceed as 3 one
week retreats.
PREREQUISITES FOR PARTICIPATION
1. A completed 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training, being a dedicated student
of Michael J. Stewart or a certified SVY Teacher
2. A regular weekly practice
3. An interview with Michael J. Stewart
Location
One Breath of Yoga Ashram
Dates
First week from 21 to 28 November 2024,
Second week from 19 to 26 February 2025,
Last week from 21 to 28 May 2025.
The Team
Michael J. Stewart
is a teacher, nomad and creator of Shanta Vira Yoga. Born in Karachi to an Assamese mother and a Scottish-Irish father, he developed an early interest in a broad sense of humanity.
While in theater school in Chicago, he was introduced to Yoga as a way of calming the mind and exploring subtle aspects of expression. Once this deep, familiar acquaintance was made, his life took a turn away from theater and fully toward his life as a yogi, seeking and deeply delving in to all aspects of spiritual life.
In New York City, Michael went first to Jivamukti Yoga and Astanga Yoga for regular classes and a crucial stay at the Sivananda Ashram in the Bahamas where inspiration fortified his understandings. He went further afield to study the precision of Iyengar Yoga in India with Sharat Arora and Rajiv Chenchani.
His religious studies during all of these explorations brought him as well to Buddhism, Christianity and Sufism. He developed a daily practice of Mindfulness and Mantra and lived for several years in intentional communities where humans focused on building healthy relationships – interpersonally and interiorly.
Angel Lizárraga
is a personal trainer and yoga instructor with over 17 years of experience, dedicated to the exploration of movement and human knowledge. Specializing in bodyweight training, Angel applies his deep understanding of human physiology to help others reach their maximum physical and spiritual potential. Naturally curious, Angel constantly seeks new ways to understand and experience the human condition, incorporating a variety of techniques and disciplines into his teaching, such as the practice of Shanta Vira Yoga and his learning journey alongside Michael Stewart. He firmly believes in the importance of reconnecting with our human nature and shares this vision through his classes and workshops, inspiring his students to live more consciously and healthily. Angel Lizárraga not only teaches yoga and fitness techniques but also promotes a lifestyle that deeply values holistic health and respect for our natural environment.
Santa Sofia
As a master instructor in both Hatha and Kundalini yoga at Yoga en Akumal, she has cultivated a sanctuary of well-being and spiritual growth for residents and visitors alike.
Her journey, transcending mere physical fitness, delves into the realms of mental and spiritual healing, making her classes a sought-after experience. Santa Sofia’s approach to yoga transcends the mat; it embodies a philosophy that embraces the essence of Akumal’s vibrant culture and its deep-rooted traditions.
Her contribution to the community extends beyond the confines of the yoga studio. She is actively involved in local ceremonies, where her knowledge and respect for Mayan traditions add depth and authenticity to these cultural practices. Her participation in these events is not just a display of cultural appreciation but a bridge that connects the ancient wisdom of the Maya with the contemporary lifestyle of Akumal.
Beloved by the community, Santa Sofia’s presence in Akumal is synonymous with compassion, wisdom, and a deep connection to the land and its history.
Olga Lingard
Desde niña desarrolló una conciencia corporal mediante la danza, y siempre fue una apasionada del mar, lo que la llevó a conectar con la naturaleza y el universo.
En su camino de introspección estudió medicina tradicional china y se formó como maestra de yoga, consciente de la necesidad de prácticas seguras centradas en alinear el cuerpo y el espíritu.
Sus clases son dinámicas y fomentan los movimientos sutiles y conscientes para mejorar la postura, la práctica y la vida desde un enfoque funcional y terapéutico.
