Ananda Yoga® Welcomes All Yoga Teachers!
The Expanding Light Retreat welcomes yoga teachers of all traditions. Although Ananda Yoga follows a very specific system of yoga, our school and training programs recognize that all yoga teachers share the common interest of wanting to help others. Yoga can and should help people to feel healthier, uplifted, and ultimately happier. Thank you for choosing to serve the world in this way.
Bridge Your Skills
While some paths focus primarily on asana alignment, safety, and calisthenics, Ananda Yoga uses several techniques in addition to the asanas to raise one’s level of energy and awareness so that body, mind, and soul are harmonized. Ananda Yoga has proven itself to be a practical and effective way to grow spiritually. Ananda Yoga practices include:
Ananda Yoga Postures (Training in Level 1 & 2)
Asana affirmations
Asana modifications to suit individual needs
Energization Exercises developed by Paramhansa Yogananda
Pranayama techniques
Meditation techniques
Yoga philosophy and study
Therapeutic Yoga
Watch this video and learn more about Ananda Yoga & Meditation
Nursing CEU Eligible: 30 hours
Transfer to Ananda Yoga
If you’re looking for something deeper in your own practice and would like to offer more than just a physical experience to your students, transferring to Ananda Yoga may be the right step for you.
Yoga teachers of other styles and paths often want to transfer into Ananda’s Level 2 Yoga Teacher Training after they’ve experienced the gentle power of Ananda Yoga. If you are a Yoga Alliance RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher), you may transfer into these programs once you’ve completed Bridge to Ananda Yoga, which will give you a strong foundation in the practice and teaching of Ananda Yoga.
Bridge to Ananda Yoga consists of a 4 – 5 hour online pre-class element followed by attendance at the first 10 days (9 nights) of a Level 1 Ananda Yoga Teacher Training (Sunday evening through Wednesday morning), during which you will also enjoy several special classes designed specifically for Bridge students. After the in-person training you complete the course with an “at-home” distance learning assignment. The Bridge course is currently offered three times a year. See Sample Schedule & Course Requirements.
Another option that allows you more immersion time in this transformative experience is to take the first 2 weeks of the Ananda Yoga Teacher Training, plus some of the special Bridge classes. The online pre-class is optional when choosing this format, and there is no "at home" assignment. For more information on this option, contact Melody Hansen at the link to the right of her photo, below.
You may take most Level 2 YTT courses any time after completing Bridge (provided you meet any individual course prerequisites). See Details.
Assignments & Course Requirements
Complete the online course and attend all required Ananda YTT classes for days 1-10, Monday through the following Wednesday morning.
Attend the following special classes just for Bridge students during these 10 days:
- Yoga & the Astral Body and Introduction to the Chakras
- How to Teach Ananda Yoga Part 1 & Part 2
Plan and Teach an Ananda style class with team mates on Tuesday afternoon.
On Wednesday morning you will prepare another Class Plan for an Ananda-style yoga class that you will teach after you return home. This class plan will be reviewed with other Bridge students and one of the Bridge instructors.
Complete two written homework assignments.
Certification
Please note: Your first Ananda certification comes with completing the Level 2 YTT. Bridge to Ananda Yoga does not result in certification, nor does it enable you to advertise that you are teaching Ananda Yoga.
A Continuing Education Certificate (suitable for Yoga Alliance) will be sent to you once you have satisfactorily completed all requirements.
Registration Information
If you have questions, or wish to apply for Bridge to Ananda Yoga, please contact the course administrator, Melody Hansen for more information or apply here.
Our Ideal Location
Once you’re enrolled in our Level 2 classes and/or Yoga Therapy Training, you’ll be returning to The Expanding Light several times to complete your on-going classes. Our students always rave about the idyllic setting we have at The Expanding Light because the beautiful ashram environment supports one’s personal growth, reflection, and study.
Guests often feel the uplifting vibrations of our Retreat as soon as they come onto the property. We are uniquely located in the Ananda Village spiritual community of more than 180 yogis who meditate daily. Our serene grounds are surrounded by peaceful forests filled with deer. The energy at our retreat is light-hearted, nurturing, and fun. We also host guests who come on personal retreat or for our Karma Yoga program. During your stay you’ll be sharing the grounds and Temple with other meditators and yogis.
For more information, please send us a Question or Comment:
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Melody Hansen
Director of Ananda Yoga® Teacher Training, Director of Restorative Yoga Teacher Training, Level 2 Ananda Yoga Teacher, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT, Certified Ananda Yoga Therapist, Ananda Meditation® Teacher
Melody is an extraordinary yoga teacher, who conveys her great knowledge of yoga asanas—from physical mechanics to spiritual upliftment—with a blend of graciousness, authority, and fun. One of Melody's greatest strengths is the purity of her transmission of Yoga. She has very little egotism to block the clear flow of inspiration she shares. Her inner life is committed and deep, and she's able to help students experience that depth in their yoga practice.
No dates scheduled for Bridge to Ananda Yoga® at this time.
Prices are all-inclusive and cover accommodations, meals, classes or activities, and course materials.
Bridge to Ananda Yoga® starts the afternoon of the first date listed and ends with lunch on the last date listed. Check-in is anytime between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. at our Front Desk. Your room will be available by 3:00 p.m. Dinner is at 6:30. The first gathering of your group is after dinner.
Please see:
You can add extra personal retreat days before and/or after your program. Check availability and costs for the days and accommodations that you require.
Bridge to Ananda Yoga® starts the afternoon of the first date listed. It’s ideal to arrive before 4 pm, if you are able to. That way, you can join in the afternoon session of yoga and meditation, which begins at 4:45 pm. Dinner is at 6:30. The first real gathering of your group is at 7:30 pm. If you need to arrive here after 5 pm, that’s fine, but it helps us if you let us know at 800-346-5350. We can also put aside a dinner for you if you need to arrive after 7 pm. The program ends with lunch on the last date. Please see our Daily Schedule.
See Transportation and Directions whether you are coming by plane, car, bus or train. Our Frequent Questions page answers many of the questions you might have about How to Go on Retreat.
“This was the best month of my life – truly a life-transforming experience…”
– C. S., Fresno, California
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