The best teachers teach from the heart
The best teachers teach from the heart”
Three in-person weekend immersions will be hosted by Wild Lotus Yoga in New Orleans, LA with virtual meetings scheduled in between.
Graduates who fulfill all requirements of the program will receive a certificate and be eligible to register at the 200 hour level as a yoga teacher with The Yoga Alliance, the national education and support organization for yoga in the United States.
Read all the details below.
Soul School is a hybrid in-person/online teacher training program that emphasizes deepening your spiritual journey and learning to teach yoga with skill, creativity, and heart — in your own unique voice.
Soul School is a one-of-a-kind interdisciplinary teacher training program facilitated by Seán Johnson, founder of Wild Lotus Yoga and Mitchel Bleier, founder of The Yoga Teacher’s Lab that offers depth, fun, community, and an opportunity to transform your life through committed practice in yoga and teaching.
The program is designed for dedicated yoga students who wish to enhance their connection to yoga and spirituality, aspiring yoga teachers, as well as current teachers who are seeking to bring more depth to their practice and teaching through continued study.
Soul School creates an opportunity for trainees to deepen their spiritual path through self-exploration and build a strong foundation for teaching yoga in a soulful, imaginative, and integrative way. We will explore the connections between yoga, art, mythology, poetry, music, and philosophy with a strong emphasis on Bhakti, Tantra, and Vinyasa yoga.
The first half of the program is focused on creating a supportive container for you to deepen your own life and yoga practice. This includes the opening in-depth immersion in New Orleans, spiritual practice, self-exploration, meditation; pranayama; mantra and chanting; harmonium; play; mythology; poetry; yoga’s history: Veda, Buddhism, Bhakti, and Tantra; anatomy and kinesiology; and study in the alignment and forms of over 60 asanas.
The second half of Soul School focuses on teaching skills, and how to create skillful, inspiring yoga classes in your own authentic voice (rather than memorizing a script or copying a pre-set routine) and practice and study in: Teaching Skills, Art of Teaching, Language and Voice, Centering, Constructing and Sequencing Classes, Adjustments, Sanskrit for Yoga Teachers, Music for Yoga, Teaching Beginners and more.
Homework between our meetings will be designed to help nurture, inspire, and empower your spiritual practice and development as a teacher. Assignments will include engaging with specific videos; reading in manageable amounts; journaling assignments, meditation practice; participating in yoga classes, and more. The second half of the program’s homework will focus more on practicing and cultivating yoga teaching skills.
During our final weekend together in New Orleans, we’ll conclude the Soul School community journey with a closing ritual and celebration.The finale of Soul School is a final individual project to integrate and crystalize the experience, where you design and teach your own full length class, drawing inspiration from the training.
Founder of Soul School, The Wild Lotus Band, and Wild Lotus Yoga, dubbed "New Orleans Home For Heart-Centered Yoga and Down-To-Earth Spirituality." Seán has a Masters Degree from the Naropa Institute with a focus on yoga, chant, and spirituality where he apprenticed with Indian musician and teacher Russill Paul. He is the co-curator and coordinator of Putumayo World Music’s yoga music series. Seán is passionate about his Irish roots and ancestry, and co-facilitates Celtic Spirituality retreats in Ireland each year. In all these roles, Seán relishes creating a playful, tender, brave space for people to open their hearts and voices, and embrace their innate creativity.
Mitchel Bleier has for the past 25 years been a leading educator and entrepreneur in yoga, wellness, and spirituality. Mission-driven by his passion to elevate human potential, he has a vast knowledge base of science and the human body, as well as, a profound understanding of the healing arts. He founded Matrika Magazine, Yo-Fi Productions, Yogapata, and currently The Yoga Teacher’s Lab. He has apprenticed under world-renowned yogis, scholars, and healers, and in addition, attended the University of Rochester where he studied South Asian religion and languages.
During our online curriculum sessions, we’ll be joined by some special friends including:
Renowned Sanskrit scholar dedicated to revealing the deeper secret of the Vedas and promoting Sanskrit as a living, modern, spoken language who will be joining us from Bangalore, India
Yoga teacher, anti-racism trainer, licensed clinical social worker and author of Skill In Action: Radicalizing Your Yoga Practice To Create A Just World and Finding Refuge: Heart Work For Collective Grief.
Longtime meditation teacher and researcher, author of The Radiance Sutras and Meditation Made Easy joining us from Los Angeles
Seán’s ensemble (Alvin Young, Gwendolyn, Colman & Narada Wise) will be joining us for our middle in-person bhakti-themed weekend in New Orleans.Their music is known for creating interactive, soul-stirring songs to dance and sing along with as well as to grieve and heal.
Most of us need to hear something multiple times before we truly understand it and feel comfortable teaching it. With the curriculum covered in our resource video library, you can literally pause, rewind, and review. The content gets to sink in at your pace and at your preference to contemplate. Students love being able to re-watch videos, especially denser ones like all the poses, anatomy, mythic stories, or Sanskrit.
The library also become a lifetime resource. We’d do anything to re-take or re-listen to all the incredible lectures from our teachers so many years ago. Instead, we reconstruct from memory and notes as best as we can, but with this training, you have these resources for your reference always. Re-watching and learning new things every time you return to the dozens (and dozens) of audios and videos. Once you graduate, you keep access to all this material. It’s here for you, indefinitely.
Tuition Total:
$3000
Upon acceptance, we require a $500 non-refundable deposit.
One week prior to Soul School beginning, you will receive a link with your option to pay
Includes:
The diversity scholarships dedicated for BIPOC are one small way Wild Lotus and The Yoga Teachers Lab seek to contribute to the fight against systemic racism, and the hope to widen yoga’s diversity and representation. We have been offering these scholarships for the last 6 years. Our hope is to support the training of more yoga teachers of color who feel inspired to share the many gifts and benefits of yoga with the community. This scholarship covers 40% of tuition with the option of a monthly payment plan to pay the remaining balance.
Please indicate on the application if you would like to be considered for one of these scholarships, as we have a limited number of them available. We also encourage all scholarship applicants to practice at the studio to get a deeper feel for our approach to yoga. This will be of benefit as well when being considered for the scholarship.
The requirements in exchange for the scholarship are:
“I have had the privilege of participating in Soul School twice. Both experiences were full of emotional depth and wisdom. Sean and Mitchel are a perfect pair. Together they share their yogic knowledge and bhakti-filled hearts, in a very harmonious way that prepares new teachers to teach with confidence, compassion, and authenticity. Sean and Mitchel work seamlessly to awaken their students’ potential in yogic practices, lifestyle, and teaching. When people ask me about this program, my first response (and 2nd and 3rd) is “DO IT!” Do this training to awaken yourself and be inspired by you.”
– Andra
“When I submitted my application for Soul School it had been 6 months since my very first yoga class ever. Even though I felt like a complete beginner I was completely loved and welcomed for exactly who and where I am, right from the start. And I grew by leaps and bounds. To say Sean and Mitchel are remarkable teachers is an understatement. Soul School is truly a heart opening experience that supports and deepens your practice wherever you are on your yoga journey. The relationships made here are some of the most authentic I’ve ever experienced. The video library is impressive, and I am so grateful I can take my time to view, review, and absorb all of this amazing instruction at my own pace for years to come. Whether you ever decide to become an instructor or not, Soul School teaches you how to find your own voice and how yoga can help you find ways of harmonizing with the experience of life itself.”
– Jenny
“Soul School has added a new and essential dimension to my practice, my teaching and my life. Anyone who is making yoga part of their life will benefit deeply from this experience!”
– Stuart
“Soul School is a special and sacred experience for anyone looking to broaden their horizons in asana, philosophy, art, music, and life in general. The journey positively changes the way you see yourself, others, and the divine. Along the way, old ways of thinking and moving are set free, setting the stage to welcome new opportunities and even the unknown…Then suddenly one day you wake up and find that you can teach that which has inspired and taught you, in your own voice and in your own way.”
– Priya
“Soul School emphasizes going deeper into your own heart over learning a specific style or accepting a particular philosophy. We were taught everything we needed to become successful yoga teachers, but the main message was to find your own path there. This created an environment of authenticity that was felt throughout the eight months we spent together.”
– Stephanie
“I had no idea how transformational Soul School was going to be for me. I’d like to do it AGAIN! Seán and Mitchel provided insights that I was craving and not getting from my regular classes. It really helped me gain a deep understanding and strengthen my own practice. The group learned together and we practiced teaching each other along the way. It was beautiful. We learned poses & alignment, philosophy, did asanas, sang mantras, learned some sanskrit, did asanas, read lots of great books, had homework, did asanas and learned teaching techniques. There was even ‘story time’! It’s a big commitment but it was FUN and certainly worth it. I had unlimited yoga classes during the whole time I was enrolled in Soul School which encouraged me to do yoga pretty much daily. I feel great! The thought, care, patience and kindness is evident in this multi-disciplined program they have created. Even if you don’t plan on teaching and you’re considering attending, take that leap of faith and go for it! Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.”
–Tom
“The soul school community is one filled with the most incredible teachers and students; a group of people who helped me find happiness and harmony with not just my yoga practice, but my entire world. Truly a life changing experience that i am SO GRATEFUL to have been a part of.”
– Becky
“So magical, life-changing, heart-opening, worldview-expanding. Those 7-8 months taught me so much, and I’m grateful every day that I was somehow guided to take this training.”
– Lisa
“I began my Soul School journey after quitting two jobs within a year and suffering from immense anxiety, overwhelm, and lack of fulfillment. I felt lost, an inexplicable void I was unable to fill with money or outside sources, and was seeking meaning. Soul School allowed me to let go of past trauma, heal old wounds, and positively transform my life in ways I could not imagine. Thank you Sean and Mitchell for your inspiration and kindness. I will always deeply treasure this experience and continue to use the skills I have learned in my daily life.”
– Genevieve
“There are so many avenues that I could elaborate on as to why participating in Soul School has been fantastic; but one of the most precious gifts are the wonderful people and relationships that are built within the class! Soul School attracts people with the quest for living life to its very fullest, engaging with an open heart in life. Soul School is a private journey inward to your own soul/heart, but with love and support surrounding you the whole way.”
– Charlotte
“I have had the privilege of participating in Soul School twice. Both experiences were full of emotional depth and wisdom. Sean and Mitchel are a perfect pair. Together they share their yogic knowledge and bhakti-filled hearts, in a very harmonious way that prepares new teachers to teach with confidence, compassion, and authenticity. Sean and Mitchel work seamlessly to awaken their students’ potential in yogic practices, lifestyle, and teaching. When people ask me about this program, my first response (and 2nd and 3rd) is “DO IT!” Do this training to awaken yourself and be inspired by you.”
– Andra
“When I submitted my application for Soul School it had been 6 months since my very first yoga class ever. Even though I felt like a complete beginner I was completely loved and welcomed for exactly who and where I am, right from the start. And I grew by leaps and bounds. To say Sean and Mitchel are remarkable teachers is an understatement. Soul School is truly a heart opening experience that supports and deepens your practice wherever you are on your yoga journey. The relationships made here are some of the most authentic I’ve ever experienced. The video library is impressive, and I am so grateful I can take my time to view, review, and absorb all of this amazing instruction at my own pace for years to come. Whether you ever decide to become an instructor or not, Soul School teaches you how to find your own voice and how yoga can help you find ways of harmonizing with the experience of life itself.”
– Jenny
“Soul School has added a new and essential dimension to my practice, my teaching and my life. Anyone who is making yoga part of their life will benefit deeply from this experience!”
– Stuart
“Soul School is a special and sacred experience for anyone looking to broaden their horizons in asana, philosophy, art, music, and life in general. The journey positively changes the way you see yourself, others, and the divine. Along the way, old ways of thinking and moving are set free, setting the stage to welcome new opportunities and even the unknown…Then suddenly one day you wake up and find that you can teach that which has inspired and taught you, in your own voice and in your own way.”
– Priya
“Soul School emphasizes going deeper into your own heart over learning a specific style or accepting a particular philosophy. We were taught everything we needed to become successful yoga teachers, but the main message was to find your own path there. This created an environment of authenticity that was felt throughout the eight months we spent together.”
– Stephanie
“I had no idea how transformational Soul School was going to be for me. I’d like to do it AGAIN! Seán and Mitchel provided insights that I was craving and not getting from my regular classes. It really helped me gain a deep understanding and strengthen my own practice. The group learned together and we practiced teaching each other along the way. It was beautiful. We learned poses & alignment, philosophy, did asanas, sang mantras, learned some sanskrit, did asanas, read lots of great books, had homework, did asanas and learned teaching techniques. There was even ‘story time’! It’s a big commitment but it was FUN and certainly worth it. I had unlimited yoga classes during the whole time I was enrolled in Soul School which encouraged me to do yoga pretty much daily. I feel great! The thought, care, patience and kindness is evident in this multi-disciplined program they have created. Even if you don’t plan on teaching and you’re considering attending, take that leap of faith and go for it! Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.”
–Tom
“The soul school community is one filled with the most incredible teachers and students; a group of people who helped me find happiness and harmony with not just my yoga practice, but my entire world. Truly a life changing experience that i am SO GRATEFUL to have been a part of.”
– Becky
“So magical, life-changing, heart-opening, worldview-expanding. Those 7-8 months taught me so much, and I’m grateful every day that I was somehow guided to take this training.”
– Lisa
“I began my Soul School journey after quitting two jobs within a year and suffering from immense anxiety, overwhelm, and lack of fulfillment. I felt lost, an inexplicable void I was unable to fill with money or outside sources, and was seeking meaning. Soul School allowed me to let go of past trauma, heal old wounds, and positively transform my life in ways I could not imagine. Thank you Sean and Mitchell for your inspiration and kindness. I will always deeply treasure this experience and continue to use the skills I have learned in my daily life.”
– Genevieve
“There are so many avenues that I could elaborate on as to why participating in Soul School has been fantastic; but one of the most precious gifts are the wonderful people and relationships that are built within the class! Soul School attracts people with the quest for living life to its very fullest, engaging with an open heart in life. Soul School is a private journey inward to your own soul/heart, but with love and support surrounding you the whole way.”
– Charlotte
We strongly recommend that applicants have at least one year of consistent asana practice. If you are newer to yoga, this would not necessarily disqualify you from being accepted into the program. However, if you have a regular yoga practice and are looking for a deeper understanding of the practice and history of yoga, its postures, alignment, the ability to create and convey a comprehensive, safe sequence to others, and capacity to teach in a soulful and imaginative way – this program will be a good fit.
Yes. Upon acceptance, we require a $500 non-refundable deposit. Two weeks prior to Soul School beginning, you will receive a link with your option to pay either:
1) A one time balance payoff
2) A 4-month payment plan
3) A 6-month payment plan
We offer scholarships dedicated for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color as one small way we seek to contribute to the fight against systemic racism, and the hope to widen yoga’s diversity and representation. We have offered these scholarships for the last 7 years. Our hope is to support the training of more yoga teachers of color who feel inspired to share the many gifts and benefits of yoga with the community. This scholarship covers 40% discount of tuition ($1200) with the option of a monthly payment plan to pay the remaining balance.
Please indicate on the application if you would like to be considered for a BIPOC scholarship, as we have a limited number of them available.
If you are interested in making a donation to support our BIPOC scholarship fund, we welcome your support. Please email soulschool@wildlotusyoga.com.
If you have a financial situation preventing you from joining Soul School and you do not qualify for the diversity scholarship, please reach out to us and we are happy to discuss and see if there is a solution we can come up with for you.
Students who are accepted into the training will receive a reading/listening/media list. The online Soul School teacher manual is included. The music and films can be streamed. Some ways of lowering costs include purchasing used books or getting books from your local library.
Our three in-person weekends begin at 9am on Friday morning.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, we’ll gather from 9am-4pm with a lunch break in the middle of the day. (The second weekend there will also be a concert on Friday from 7-9pm) The weekends will wrap at 4pm on Sunday, except on the last weekend, we will have a celebration on Sunday early evening to celebrate your journey through Soul School, so you may wish to travel home on Monday instead of Sunday evening.
Travel, transportation, lodging, and food in New Orleans for our three immersion weekends are not included in tuition. There are many AirBnB’s, and Uber and Lyft drivers are plentiful in the city. It’s possible there may be local participants in Soul School who can offer support with lodging for the second and third weekends, which you can coordinate with the group.
As part of your tuition, you are eligible for unlimited yoga classes online both with Wild Lotus Yoga Studio and The Yoga Teacher’s Lab’s Yoga in the House. Your unlimited in-person and online classes will begin after our opening immersion weekend.
Prepare for Soul School to be a big part of your day-to-day life during the course of the training. Homework will be between 5 to 10 hours per week, which may include reading, written assignments, meetings with small groups, and class observations. The homework is designed to support the material covered in class and help you integrate what is presented into your own practice and teaching. At the end of the program you will be given a take-home, open book final project to help you integrate and crystallize the content of the training. You’ll have a month to finish. If you wish to receive your Certificate of Completion for the course, you must complete all homework assignments.
To get the most out of Soul School, it is important that you participate in as close to 100% of the training as possible. To receive the certification, each participant is required to attend 100% of all three in-person weekends in New Orleans (Friday, Saturday & Sunday 9am-4pm), and complete all the homework that is required to be viewed in our online Resource Library Curriculum, complete assignments required to be turned in, and finish the final project.
We ask that you attend as close to 100% of our online meetings as possible and know that you will benefit from fullest participation. Should you miss an occasional meeting due to an unforeseen schedule conflict, the meetings are recorded so you will be able to view the meeting later once it’s been posted on our website. But, in order to receive the certification, we ask that you not miss more than 3 ZOOM meetings, including satsangs. If there are extenuating circumstances related to your schedule, please check in with us, as we want to support your success and graduation from Soul School.
Yoga Alliance is an organization that was started in 1999 as a way to create nationally recognized standards for yoga teachers and yoga teacher trainings. Some yoga studios and fitness clubs across the country require their teachers to be registered with Yoga Alliance, either at the 200 or 500 hour level. Yoga Alliance registration, however, is not a legal requirement for teaching yoga. Currently, there are no legal certification requirements to be a yoga teacher.
If you complete all the certification requirements for Soul School, you will be given a certificate from us, and with that certificate you have the option to register with Yoga Alliance or not.
Yes, with the successful completion of all the requirements of the program, including contact hours, homework and final project, you will receive your Certificate of Completion evidencing your training at the 200-hour level through The Yoga Teacher’s Lab Soul School location. You may also register with the Yoga Alliance (www.yogaalliance.org) at the RYT-200 level. Graduates of the 200-hour program usually begin teaching in small studios, gyms, with private clientele (friends and family), etc. After completing Soul School, you will find the practice of teaching on a regular basis to be a great learning opportunity and another phase of your growth as a budding yoga teacher.
Applications are available now, through this link. We take applications on a first come first serve basis and read them as they come in. You will be notified within 7-10 days after submitting the application. Confirmed applicants will be given the info to submit a non-refundable deposit of $500 to ensure your enrollment in Soul School, and we’ll share information on payment plans with the first installment due on on October 7th. We highly recommend not delaying the application process as we anticipate the program filling to capacity.
There are no refunds once the program has started. If there is a medical reason or other complication that makes it too difficult for you to complete Soul School with your group, then we will offer you the option of doing the training at another time. All the materials will also still be available to you online, so you can still participate at your own pace.
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