*** Successful completion of a 200-hour Yoga teacher training from a Yoga Alliance approved school is required for participation in the Integral Yoga Therapy Program track to become a Certified Yoga Therapist.

For more information Contact:
Satya Lynn: yogatherapy@integralyoga.org

A minimum of one year (minimum 50 hours) teaching Yoga is required for participation in the Integral Yoga Therapy Program track to become a Certified Yoga Therapist.
For more information Contact:
Satya Lynn: yogatherapy@integralyoga.org

• Monday

• 12pm-5pm ET

Naturopath recommended gluten free as much as possible. No allergies to foods. Have been prediabetic in the past. Sugar consumption awareness to stay below prediabetes range.

I have practiced yoga on and off since I was 19 years old. I have not understood what "yoga practice" actually fully means until my 60s.
Currently, I teach 7 classes per week, and so my personal practice is now 3 X a week for Hatha yoga, daily 5 - 10 minute meditation; a daily recital of Metta Lovingkindness Buddhist meditation/blessings. My daily yoga kryia varies. I consciously choose to remember that detachment = non-suffering. I practice detachment with compassion for self and other as much as possible. This has been a key factor for me. It has helped to reframe EVERYTHING. I do believe YOGA is a way of life, not just a rolling -out -a- mat practice (albeit, I have much to learn and to keep doing) and the Yamas and Niyamas have been my foundations ( still a novice and working on it all) along with a few specific Sutras, which I need to study again and to understand deeper. I am conscious of all aspects of my life: food and drink, sleep patterns, social media fasting, no or little alcohol use, and recognizing where to set boundaries so I can recharge and decline requests when necessary. So, both my sacred and protected space are consciously created. My life is full. Yoga has grown within the needs of my family life. Currently, I feel balanced.

*My personal practice is: my own movement or with a Zoom class live or Zoom class on video. I subscribe to two groups of teachers. I have also taken classes from India during lockdown, which introduced me to a weekly Kundalini yoga practice (I have not continued it)

1) During COVID Lockdown in 2020, into 2021, through Yoga Alliance, I attended ALL offered seminars with Jafar Alexander until they suddenly came to a complete stop. TOPICS: The Sutras, Upanishads and the Gita were all part of these very deep conversations and explanations (I had never studied The Bhagavad- Gita, nor had I heard of the Upanishads at that time). 2) 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training (My Vinyasa Practice, Nov. 2020); 3) Beloved Yoga Trauma Informed Yoga Training (July & Sept., 2020); 4) PRANAYAMA, the 4th Limb of Yoga (C.Paul Earhart, Jan.,2021); 5)11 Hour The Anatomy and Asana Webinar, Doug Keller, Feb. 2021; 6). YIN Yoga: Foundations for YOGA Teachers (Paul Earhart) Oct.Nov., 2021 (in person and synchronous online); Special Needs Yoga Teacher Training (Anastasia Martynova), July, 2019. Daily Om Courses throughout the past 3 years: Chair Yoga for Healing, Strength, and Mobility ( Sadie Nardini), 2-week Fascia Miracle (Erin Tietz), Somatic Exercises to Relax and Release (Sadie Nardini), Sleep Fix for Longevity (Emily Spurling), Live a Sweet Life without Sugar (Jacqui Justice), 8-Day Foot and Ankle Fix (Erin Fitzgerald).

I have taken a workshop in*or practiced or studied in a cursory manner : Bhakti*, which was extremely powerful for me; Kundalini, challenging and fulfilling; Ashtanga, most prevalent practice; Iyengar, only 1 class; Vini, interesting ; Power Yoga, once a week before lockdown in 2020 (COVID), as an adjunct to strength training... was amazing, but NOT really yoga; YIN (can be challenging); Restorative ( most effective for me for true relaxation/ stress reduction at the end of a tough day); Vinyasa Flow and No Flow.
I cannot think of anything else at this time.

My yoga teaching began as an undergraduate in Montreal where I taught yoga to faulty and staff. Forty Years later, I began teaching special needs yoga in a transition -from-aging-out-of-high school program as a volunteer ( the M.O.S.T. program in Fairfax, VA). The parents* of the young adults asked me to continue and so I taught every other Saturday in the home of a parent in Arlington, VA. The Moms and Dads talked upstairs (support group) while I taught the children. After my 200-RYT certification, I was asked to sub or I was directed to a studio by my favourite teachers to gain experience. Venues included: Esenyl's Pilates Studio (sub only), Fairfax City (HATHA Vinyasa Flow, Partner Yoga); YOGA TOKA (6 months, then studio was sold in 2019), Alexandria VA ( Morning Flow, Created a Sunday at 4 pm Vinyasa postnatal flow, and hosted 2 special needs classes as KARMA yoga for caregivers to find respite); ZOOM: FRIENDS DO YOGA WITH LINDA ( ARC Young Adult Program, KARMA YOGA); segued the Arlington Yogis to ZOOM immediately to keep consistency. 4 pm Wednesdays. KAMA Yoga for one year.
I teach on ZOOM (March 2020 - the present) * ALL classes begin with Metta Buddhist Lovingkindness Meditation/ all end with savasana/ classes are 1 hour. LISTING: 7 am on T, Th, Sat., Chair AND Mat Yoga for no chair preferences ( participants are 60 +;, extensive use of yoga strap for leg strengthening, hip openers and flossing (rotator cuff) this is a tailored class for the needs of 3 participants by request (sciatica nerve, periformis syndrome, injured knee from a fall, migraine headaches, depression, anxiety, and, sleeplessness). Routine: isometrics with blocks; balance work for osteoporosis prevention; force ground weight bearing exercises (heel drops). Wed. 4 pm, Special Needs Yoga, participants are 27 /28 years old young adults with autism spectrum disorder both speakers/ non- speaker, Downs Syndrome, Tourette's Syndrome, mild Scoliosis, medical trauma and brain injury from birth; intellectual disability; cognitive impairment. These are the same yogis I taught Karma yoga to in 2018, in the M.O.S.T. program. Yes, they will have been with me for 5 years this March! amazing self-regulation in savasana and ability to now follow a non-routinized practice; I am so very proud of them. TH 8 a.m.: TWISTED SISTERS, women in their early 60's: tailored weekly to their needs. Varies: focus is on twists of all varieties for detoxification. Some mornings, no twists based upon the needs of the yogis. ( one participant is a runner, and I am a former marathoner and CHI running coach, so when she practices alone with me, we do a runner's yoga asana based practice ).
FROM August thru mid- December, 2022, I have taught yoga on Zoom for Newport Academy, who contracts with Beloved Yoga. I am a team member of Beloved Yoga trauma informed yoga staff, overseen by Maryam Ovissi and Heather Hagaman . I have taught outpatient yogis and residential treatment home yogis in various venues ( Fairfax, McClean, Great Falls and Leesburg, all in VA). Medicare mandated in person teaching in December which is when I began to commute to Fairfax and McClean , VA. I teach every Monday at 10 am in McClean (near the C.I.A. main campus) and every Wednesday at 10 am at the outpatient day treatment program in Fairfax (near INOVA Hospital). All yoga is intuitive to me meaning not only ask the questi0ns and read the room but also "sense" the energy and connect with the yogis. each class is one hour. I never know what the class will want. Sometimes the energy level is so low due to the side effects of medication, depression, sleeplessness, etc, that I extemporaneously begin a one hour guided meditation, with full body relaxation, adding in story telling, or a reading, using breath work and mantras, and the use a very modulated voice. I have found that I can put people to sleep, which I tell the yogis is the greatest compliment they can give me since I have guided them in difficult situations ranging from blocks being picked at and rubber thrown at people to people refusing to participate only to realize they might feel better if they did, all the while fidget toys are used and popping, a foot constantly moving, and LOUD snoring are constant companions to the class. When someone can achieve stillness, through the use of whatever method that works which I offer to them, then I have achieved something important: the letting go and trust.
Participants range in age from 12 to 17. For the treatment in home residences, a report must be written in 24 hours using a system called OKTA. In this capacity as a yoga therapist, treatment plans are disclosed as are the current behaviors in the house. Participants for in residential program may exhibit : suicidal ideation, depression, homicidal ideation,

TRAUMA INFORMED YOGA. Beloved Yoga Studio.

I have been told that I am a very good professional speaker on the topics of Transition to Retirement and Health and Wellness in Retirement and Work/Life Balance ( all of these I have done for over 40 years on and off) . I have also done a lot of training of professionals in the area of Human Sexuality ( LPNs, CNAs, nursing home/ LTC/ CCC administrators ), more specifically uninhibited Alzheimer's disease behaviors and more.
I started the first Alzheimer caregiver support group in Prince Georges County at the Public Library, and ran it for over 2 years.

I am a good listener, organizer, and can see the big picture and small parts too (so I have been told)

I have a masters in exercise physiology with a masters certificate in aging and a doctoral certificate in aging with internships in various venues (clinics, hospitals, university intergenerational programs, one-on-one case studies, etc.). Also, my teaching background included: Stress Management, Nutrition, Human Sexuality ( for over 30 years), Health Aspects of Aging, Women's Health, Foundation in Health Promotion and Wellness, Human Development ( psychology department) ; and, at the graduate level, Research Methods and Masters and doctoral theses work.
When I sit on a mat ( and often there is no mat so this is a metaphor for grounded , safe and sacred space) all of this is inside me: the muscle memory informs my intuitive way of teaching. I once had surgery on my vocal cords and awoke on a respirator. I lost memory of coursework, notes, graduate studies for one year. The anesthesiologist made a mistake. The experience of being paralyzed in my body, awake, but unable to speak or move ( all control over my body was taken away), taught me to use biofeedback: "raise your heart rate Linda! "my brain said." They will know you are awake, and they will raise the amount of oxygen you need". I felt like I was dying from a lack of sufficient oxygen (which was not true, but I needed more air; they came running). Trauma and breath work. I know what that feels like from experience.

I have spoken to audiences of over 500 people in person. I have been challenged by people who have specific stereotypes: once I was speaking to a group of 65 men at the NGA (National Geospatial Intelligence Agency) and a man asked me about yoga (2019). He said it was a religion. I countered that. And he said, "Please come and talk to my wife. She is Christian and won't believe that yoga is not a religion and now refuses to go with me anymore"). I do not shy way from difficult topics.

Both of these training had internships with populations I serve today:
Fellow, Mid Atlantic Leadership Institute. The Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 1998.
Fellow, Washington Area Geriatric Education Center Consortium (WAGECC), Center for Health, Aging, and Humanities. The George Washington University, Washington, D.C., Spring, 1996.
Volunteer Guest Scientist, National Institute on Aging (worked with Dr. Nathan Shock / medical conditions and geriatric medicine were a part of my formation)

Marathon running for 10 years. Coaching first time runners, GWU. Breast cancer survivors and veterans who served abroad, active duty, front lines.

I have been to an Ayurvedic practitioner in my 40s after having my children. I have taken a workshop here and there, but my knowledge and understanding is rudimentary I think. I understand the basics, Ayurveda 101 maybe ? Meaning, no in depth training. Having said that, I have been on a one week yoga retreat to detox using only Ayurvedic-based cooking , eating, and drinking practices. I never felt better. But it was too difficult forme to manage the children, my work life and run a home and change everything ... I did not follow through.

My studies were typical of the caliber of the yoga teacher training programs I took for my 200 and 300 hour programs. I honestly did not know that some teachers just do not address the Sutras with any depth. I believe that despite the mentioning of the various Sutras, the reading of them on our own with little to no guidance, reflects perhaps the state of mind and the core understanding of the Sutras and their seminal role in yoga training of future teachers at the time the trainings were held. I learned more in my trainings later on, such as in 2020/21 with Jafar Alexander and with my favorite yoga teachers, Paul Earhart and Palma Vargas.
In my teacher trainings, there was no requirement for recitation, deep personal reflection, reflection papers or oral communication of an understanding of the Sutras. I want and need more study, insight, and guidance.

I expect experienced and wise teachers who are prepared to teach. I expect compassion for us as adult students as life will happen and throw some of us off path.
I expect professionalism and that the expectations of each teacher for each course will be made clear to us. I expect this to be hard work.
I hope to gain a much deeper understanding of yoga philosophy, learn about the yoga therapy community, learn how I can contribute integral yoga research or other to this community, and I want to work on what my teachers see me needing work on (such as yoga philosophy and Sanskrit)

I want to be in service and to learn at this time in my life, with one focus and single mindedness. I have always believed in holistic practices. and I thought 10 years ago that yoga therapy would be the absolute wave of the future. But I was never free to take classes / go back to training with a focus, I had too many personal and family obligations. Having helped create an urban Senior Centre from the ground up using what was then called " complimentary medicine" as a foundation, the Senior Source was run by Holy Cross Hospital in conjunction with Montgomery County Office on Aging. I saw first hand the effects of Ayurvedic practices, meditation, gentle yoga, Reiki, etc., on old adults. They loved it. So, to be of service with all the gifts I have accrued from past careers, , and with a body that is slowly or not so slowly aging, I wish to be a yoga therapist well into my 80s. If I can speak and breath and use my brain, I am still able to practice with specific populations ( hospice, bedbound, paraplegic, persons paralyzed by strokes, older adults with ID and more).
Lastly, the appeal of "integral yoga" as a practice is exactly what I want. I see how all the practices can fit together, how understanding the various forms of yoga are necessary to understand how to craft/ create a practice for various conditions,
issues, situations on an individual basis (respecting individual differences demands that ).

To use the enhanced skill sets learned from coursework and practices, from the repertoire of practice-based asana with modifications and adaptations as well as the use of props for various conditions, situations, issues, is how I see myself using my knowledge after graduation. I am a neophyte; I will be more seasoned after graduation.

This is not the first time I have had to commit to a very rigorous program of study. Working full time and going to school, writing a dissertation, having a baby while on a tenure track, having a marriage end and becoming a single mom while having to work full time with a 5 year old on the autism spectrum and a 9 year old needing counseling, and making the decision to go part time and give up a full time profession... has lead me to honestly saying, I will be stretched, but I know how that feels. and I will make the sacrifices. I know how that feels too. I an handle it.
I have spoken to my son and my husband. My husband understands my needs to learn and to feel a sense of belonging to community which I can respect. My son typed to communicate to me " Wow Mom. Go for it. I am so proud of you".

I love to dance.
I love birds and feed them.
Both of my beloved cats died between 2020 and 2021.
I played tackle football and rugby in college.
My children are biracial. I was in a biracial marriage. I am Canadian; had no idea about the degree of racism in the U.S. I had to learn how to raise them in a world not very accepting ( daughter 30, so 27).

My paternal grandfather lived to 105. My maternal grandmother 96. My parents are in their 90s and live independently in an apartment in Montreal. Nationalized medicine policies of the provinces dictate that older adults age in place with services needed. The system is not perfect but those provided to my parents are amazing.

I do not like horror films.
I love music. I wish I played an instrument...so I have a Ukulele I want to learn to play by the end of the year!
I love languages. But no longer am fluent in French or Italian. I wept when I saw the Rosetta stone in the Museum of Antiquities in London.

I want to learn paint as an artist. People have told me I have an eye for photography and have asked me for copies of photos..

I love to experience other countries and cultures by travelling ... which I have not done much of, yet.

I have test anxiety.

Yes.
I fly to Canada frequently as a caregiver to my parents. I am usually home weekends. Some night classes may be a challenge.
I will be travelling March 21 thru March 28. I will travelling in April for one week. I will be travelling in the Fall. I am awaiting a schedule of classes. I need to plan around them if I can. And, I will need to plan for subs for my Newport Academy work when I come to Yogaville/or S.F. in residence.

My three references are sending letters of recommendation:

Heather Hagaman, MA C-IAYT
Professional licensed Counselor, Trauma Informed Yoga Therapist
703-501-7476 (personal cell)
Heather@belovedyoga.com

Palma Vargas , E-RYT 500
Certified Nutrition and Wellness Coach
571-201-1495 (personal cell)
Palmavr@yahoo.com

Tia Marsili
Director of Trusts, The ARC of Northern Virginia
703-606-1698 (personal cell)
tia.marsili@thearcofnova.org

Palma Vargas has spoken highly of her training at Yogaville for years.

I received an email about IYTh and the information session

Yoga Alliance Resources, so varied and many.
Lizzy Lassiter readings.
DailyOm mails

I subscribe it Gaia and Yoga International Lion's Roar

Not a big fan of IG/FB anymore. Limited exposure.