Within a sea of yoga studios and wellness centers, each proffering their own classes and companion philosophies, how does one discern which class is right for them? This question is even more pertinent for those seeking to take the leap and train as a yoga teacher.

In a world where more is more, Anahata Yoga and Wellness Center refreshingly offers a different kind of narrative for its students. One of only 16 Kripalu-affiliated schools nationwide, Anahata Yoga emphasizes the central tenets of the Kripalu style of hatha-based yoga—a yoga philosophy guided by the principles of self-awareness, connection to the compassionate heart and honoring one’s own personal edge.

The physical studio itself is located inside a lovingly restored, historic property in Harleysville. Studio owner Kathleen Tooley proudly offers a small studio that serves to provide a sacred space dedicated to wellness, personal integration and tuning into one’s heart energy. Tooley assures there is no sweaty, gasping-for-air stretching routine in these yoga classes.

Currently accepting applicants for its 2017 Spring/Fall 200-hour Anahata Yoga Teacher Training (AYTT) Program, the studio’s training program similarly follows a gentler path based on self-inquiry characteristic of Kripalu Yoga. This Yoga Alliance-certified, nine-month training program is spaced out in monthly weekend training intensives, which allows for the time needed by each student to amply reflect on and fully process the training they are receiving.

Because each AYTT incoming class is capped at a ratio of eight students per five contributing instructors, the training and personal attention is paramount. Another hallmark of the training process at Anahata is to help each yogi or yogini to delineate their personal relationship to yoga, and to let that relationship inform their unique, instructive “voice”.

AYTT trainees graduate confident they have received the information needed to instruct a distinct and knowledgeable hatha yoga class with assuredness, sensitivity and depth. Requisite Yoga Alliance modules of anatomy and asanas are covered fully as are additional unique and advanced offerings that include (but are not limited to): Ayurveda, Mudras, Hypermobility, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, the Chakra system and “finding your voice as a teacher”.

For those seeking a departure from run-of-the-mill trainings, this fully integrative program will serve the yogi or yogini well. Those interested less in teaching and more in finding an entry point to developing a disciplined, heart-centered yoga practice will also find their home in AYTT.

Trainings will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, every first weekend of the month, from April through December 2017. Applicants for the 200-hour YTT are required to have at least one year prior yoga experience with a commitment to a personal yoga practice, a compassionate heart and a genuine desire to take this transformational journey. Pricing ranges between $2,500 and $2,900, and a variety of payment options are available.

Location: 703 Harleysville Pk., Harleysville. For more information and to register, call 215-740-1354 or visit AnahataYogaWellness.com.

Rebecca Antsis is a Pennsylvania-based writer, multimedia performer and editorial associate for Natural Awakenings BuxMont. Connect at [email protected].

March 2017