......click below to investigate.
......click below to investigate.
Posted at 11:27 AM in blog | Permalink | Comments (11) | TrackBack (0)
Avoid the holiday traffic, crowds, and inflated airfare prices this season! Why not relax at home this year and then take your tropical get away vacation after New Years.
Join me for my GOOD VIBRATIONS yoga retreat at the near by Villa Playa Maria in Rincon Puerto Rico, Jan. 11-16. (You gotta go to their web site and check it out...it's unbelievable!)
Prices start at $1950 and include:
5 Days and 6 nights of pure delight in a luxury vila. (owned my local Vermonters!)
2 Yoga sessions per day (morning active, afternoon restful)
3 Delicious and healthy meals per day (locally sourced when possible)
Transportation to and from Aguadilla Airpot (just 1/2 hour drive)
Optional actives include:
Surfing (we are right on the break)
Paddle board
Snorkeling
Massage
Life Coaching (with me:))
Pool time lounging
Exploration of Rincon (town is super cute and cool and in walking distance).
And more!
And that's not all...
Sign up before the end of this month and receive an additional 10% off with the magic code - ALL IN!
(That about 1/2 your airfare right there)
Message me directly with question. You can also go to for more information.
https://www.laughingriveryoga.com/retreat/sofipr/
Sign up now... space is limited!
Not bad for someone who doesn't like marketing, huh?
Posted at 02:34 PM in blog, workshops | Permalink | Comments (0)
I am so excited to be leading The Laughing River Yoga Teacher Enhancement Program for the second year. The Enhancement Program is designed to meet the needs of those teachers who have already completed a 200 hour yoga training program and are looking for that next step. Through community, continued guidance, and tailored learning modules, we will provide inspiration and tools that empower professional and personal growth and keep your teaching fresh. This program is a requisite for the LRY 300 hour TT but can also be taken by itself
This unique program is a 6 month long journey beginning In January 2018 and ending in June 2018. The basic program structure is as follows:
· 6 Friday night sessions (7:15 p.m.-9:15 pm) in which we will be exploring specific yoga techniques and teaching methodology, reviewing homework assignments, and enjoying an opportunity to support one another in our experiences in the field. The dates of these sessions are: 1/12, 2/9, 3/23, 4/20, 5/18, 6/8
· One Weekend workshop covering: theming, chanting, intelligent sequencing, and assists - Saturday February 3 12pm-6 and Sunday the 4th 9am-3.
· A personal interest project
· Scriptural study
The above components will provide 24 contact hours and 75 non-contact hours which can be used toward the LRY 300-hr training, if desired. The cost of the program is $625. A $150 non-refundable deposit can hold your spot. Please email Sofi at sofidillof@comcast.net to register.
Space is limited and this program will fill.
Posted at 09:41 AM in blog, workshops | Permalink | Comments (0)
“One of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life.
I wish I could do it all over again.”- Liz W., 2013
“I can’t say thank you enough for the amazing guidance you provided
over the last nine months. I had high expectations for the YTT program and
they were totally blown through the roof! So, from the very bottom of my
heart, thank you!” – Eddie S., 2015
“Nine months ago I was a totally different person from who I am now. I feel more whole, loving (and loved) today than I ever have before and I am so excited and able to share this transformative inspiration to others.” – A.L., 2016
200 hr Yoga Alliance certified Teacher Training Program
September 2017-May 2018
DISCOVERING YOU
Directors: Sofi Dillof and Emily Garrett
Faculty: Julia Howe Sullivan, Lindsey Foreman, Kathy Dennis, Carmen Walker, Kreg Weiss and others
Sofi and Emily are among a small handful of the most experienced yoga teachers in the state of Vermont. Each has been teaching yoga for twenty years. The wisdom and skill that can only result from this amount of experience is invaluable and irreplaceable. You can only teach that which you know.
Sofi and Emily have touched thousands of lives through their teaching. Both have experience teaching groups, individuals, at risk youth, people with disabilities, workshops, and retreats. Their passion and dedication as teachers has resulted in the studio Laughing River Yoga, voted Best Yoga Studio in Vermont by Seven Days two years in a row, and the highly respected Laughing River Yoga Teacher Training. 2017 will mark the sixth year of the training which has produced teachers currently teaching in studios, schools, prisons, office settings, community centers, rehab centers and more throughout the North East.
When, Where, Who and Why?:
The next 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training with Sofi Dillof and Emily Garrett will take place September 2017 through May 2018. This training is geared towards aspiring teachers as well as serious practitioners who do not expect to teach but wish to deepen their understanding of all aspects of yoga. Come study what you love in a safe, supportive and dynamic environment.
Emily and Sofi believe that in order to authentically connect with students, a teacher must be able to first authentically connect with them self. Our teacher training will encourage and support you in doing the work necessary to deepen your understanding of who you are. You will use traditional yogic techniques, journaling and group discussion to explore yourself in a skillful and compassionate way.
What will be covered:
– Analytical training in how to teach and practice asanas, pranayamas, chanting, mantra and meditation.
– How to demonstrate, observe, assist and instruct yoga.
– Qualities of a yoga teacher
– Anatomy and physiology
– Yoga philosophy
Through this process, you will learn how to safely guide others through a complete yoga practice. You can expect to work hard and go deep.
Logistics:
The nine month program includes one weekend of intensive classes a month plus 35 weekly drop-in classes with Sofi, Emily and/or Julia at the studio, home study and one day retreat. If you miss one weekend you are still eligible for certification. If you miss two weekends you will need to make up one of them in order to be eligible for certification. If you miss more than two weekends we cannot guarantee certification.
The weekend session consists of Friday evening 7:15-9:15, Saturday 12-6 and Sunday 9-3.
The dates and topics (subject to change) for 2017/2018 are:
September 22-24 Exploring the Foundation
October 13-15 Movement as Meditation
November 10-12 The Pranic Body
December 8-10 Anatomy with Kreg Weiss
January 19-21 Opening Your Heart
February 16-18 Who am I? (Saturday all day retreat at All Souls)
March 16-18 Weaving it all Together
April 13-15 Finding your Purpose
May 4-6 GRADUATION
Pre-requisites: This training is open to all sincere, serious students of yoga who want to take it to the next level. We recommend a daily home yoga practice of at least 20 minutes and at least one group class a week with a teacher of your choice for at least six months leading up to the training. This will set a strong foundation for the group, generate questions about practice, and inspire you to learn more.
Required reading: Yamas and Niyamas by Deborah Adele, Teaching Yoga: Essential Foundation and Techniques by Mark Stephens, Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff and Yoga Teacher’s Toolbox by Joseph and Lillian Le Page
Highly Recommended Reading: The Bhagavad Gita commentary by Stephen Mitchell or Yogiraj Prem Prakash, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali commentary by Swami Satchidinanda
Monthly Responsibilities: Journal writing, reading/writing assignments, practice teach in small groups outside the teacher training weekends, class observation, weekly class attendance with Emily, Sofi and Julia (class fee included as part of the teacher training tuition) at Laughing River, personal yoga and meditation practice.
To register: Cost is $2500. To save your spot please mail, drop off, or pay online a $500 deposit to Laughing River Yoga, One Mill St. Suite 126, Burlington, VT 05401. Balance due prior to the start of the training. VSAC offers non-degree grants for this training. Please note that if you receive a grant from VSAC you will still need to register directly with us, including paying a deposit in order to reserve your spot. If you receive a VSAC grant for the full amount we will refund your deposit once the training has begun.
Find out more in person: We are hosting an informational meeting for those interested in the teacher training on Saturday May 6 from 2-3 pm. Come and ask questions and meet others who are also interested.
Cancellation policy: More than three months prior you receive your deposit minus a $75 processing fee. Three months prior you receive 50% of your deposit back. Two months prior you receive 25% of your deposit back. Less than one month prior there will be no return on your deposit. If you decide to withdraw from the training after it has begun your money will not be refunded.
Posted at 09:38 PM in blog, workshops | Permalink | Comments (0)
For more information or to register, CLICK HERE.
Director: Sofi Dillof
Assistant: Julia Howe Sullivan
Faculty: Emily Garrett, Simon Park, Kreg Weiss, Lida Winfield, Ben Williams, Martha Whitney, Deb Sheerer and more.
The training includes three parts:
Part I Teaching From Your Center: Fine tune group class teaching skills
Part I requires that you teach a six week yoga series. If you are already teaching a weekly yoga class this will suffice. We will meet monthly and discuss the observations, questions, joys and challenges that arise during your teaching. We believe that having a mentor while you are teaching is an invaluable tool towards growth.
September 9 – 11 Intelligent Sequencing and Theming with Sofi Dillof
October 28 – 30 Anatomy with Kreg Weiss
November 11 – 13 Exploring Asana and Assists with Simon Park
December 9 – 11 Trauma Informed Yoga and Teaching to a Diverse Community with Deb Sherrer, Lindsay Foreman and others.
Part II Working One on One
We will be using the same mentoring structure yet in Part II you will be asked to teach four private yoga sessions. We will prepare you for teaching one on one through our weekend intensives and meet in mentoring groups to discuss the observations, questions, joys and challenges that arise.
January 20 – 22 Teaching private classes with Martha Whitney
February 24 – 26 See Through: Kosha Analysis and Teaching Yin Yoga with Emily Garrett
March 24 – 26 Working with the Energetic Body with Sofi Dillof
Part III Philosophy and Delivery: Theming Classes and Communicating your Message
In Part III you will be asked to study a text that inspires you and create a 20 minute talk that illuminates a teaching of the text. You will also be responsible for creating a class themed around your talk. We will practice and discuss speaking with confidence, theming classes, creating a message that relates to your students, and using stories to engage your audience.
April 28 – 30 An Exploration in Creativity with Lida Winfield
May 19 – 21 Sanskrit and Scripture Studies with Ben Williams
June 9 – 11 Intermediate Yogic Philosophy with Sofi Dillof
July 7 – 9 Presentations / Graduation
Each of the 11 weekend sessions will include:
1) Group mentoring and community building
2) Asana practice
3) Yoga Techniques, Training and Practice
4) Teaching Methodology
5) Anatomy and Physiology
6) Yoga Philosophy, Lifestyle and Ethics
Posted at 04:49 PM in blog | Permalink | Comments (0)
Posted at 07:11 PM in blog, workshops | Permalink | Comments (0)
This Bow Down Yoga Podcast, 'Pratyahara - How To Add Some 'Horsepower' In Meditation Practice' is a full hour and a half vinyasa class beginning with chanting and an opening talk followed by asana, relaxation and meditation.
Click here to play this podcast or right click (control click apple users) to save to your desktop.
You can also download and subscribe to my podcasts through iTunes!
Posted at 11:33 AM in blog, podcasts | Permalink | Comments (0)
200 hr Yoga Alliance certified Teacher Training Program
SOLD OUT!
“The Laughing River Yoga Teacher Training Program is the best thing I ever did for myself.”- Lisa G., 2013
“One of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. I wish I could do it all over again.”- Liz W., 2013
The next 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training with Sofi Dillof and Emily Garrett will take place September 2014 through May 2015. This training is geared towards aspiring teachers as well as serious practitioners who do not expect to teach but wish to deepen their understanding of all aspects of yoga. Come study what you love in a safe, supportive and dynamic environment.
Our philosophy: Emily and Sofi believe that in order to authentically connect with students, a teacher must be able to first authentically connect with them self. Our teacher training will encourage and support you in doing the work necessary to deepen your understanding of who you are. You will use traditional yogic techniques, journaling and group discussion to explore yourself in a skillful and compassionate way.
What will be covered:
- Analytical training in how to teach and practice asanas, pranayamas, chanting, mantra and meditation.
- How to demonstrate, observe, assist and instruct yoga.
- Qualities of a yoga teacher
- Anatomy and physiology
- Yoga philosophy
Through this process, you will learn how to safely guide others through a complete yoga practice. You can expect to work hard and go deep.
About the teachers: Collectively, Sofi and Emily bring 30 years experience teaching yoga to groups and individuals. Sofi teaches Jivamukti, Vinyasa and LifeForce yoga. She has made it her life’s work to study and practice yoga philosophy. Emily teaches Kripalu, Vajra, Vinyasa, Yin and Restorative Yoga. Her classes emphasize alignment and self awareness. Sofi and Emily have developed a comprehensive teacher training that includes an understanding of the physical, emotional, energetic, and psychological benefits of yoga and meditation along with the tools to guide others through a safe and well rounded Hatha yoga class.
Dates: The nine month program includes one weekend of intensive classes a month plus 35 weekly drop-in classes with Sofi, Emily and/or Julia at the studio, home study and one day retreat. If you miss one weekend you are still eligible for certification. If you miss two weekends you will need to make up one of them in order to be eligible for certification. If you miss more than two weekends we cannot guarantee certification.
The weekend session consists of Friday evening 7-9, Saturday 12-6 and Sunday 9-3.
The dates for 2014/2015 are September 19-21, October 17-19, November 14-16, December 12-14, January 9-11, February 6-8, March 20-22, April 17-19, and May 15-17.
Pre-requisites: This training is open to all sincere, serious students of yoga who want to take it to the next level. We recommend a daily home yoga practice of at least 20 minutes and at least one group class a week with a teacher of your choice for at least six months leading up to the training. This will set a strong foundation for the group, generate questions about practice, and inspire you to learn more.
Required reading: Yamas and Niyamas by Deborah Adele, Teaching Yoga: Essential Foundation and Techniques by Mark Stephens, and Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff
Highly Recommended Reading: The Bhagavad Gita commentary by Stephen Mitchell or Yogiraj Prem Prakash, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali commentary by Swami Satchidinanda
Monthly Responsibilities: Journal writing, reading/writing assignments, practice teach in small groups outside the teacher training weekends, class observation, weekly class attendance with Emily, Sofi and Julia (class fee included as part of the teacher training tuition) at Laughing River, personal yoga and meditation practice.
To register: Cost is $2500. Register Here. To save your spot please mail, drop off, or pay online a $500 deposit to Laughing River Yoga, One Mill St. Suite 126, Burlington, VT 05401. Balance due prior to the start of the training. VSAC offers non-degree grants for this training.
Find out more in person: We are hosting an informational meeting for those interested in the teacher training on Saturday February 15 from 2-3:30 pm. Come and ask questions and meet others who are also interested.
Cancellation policy: More than three months prior you receive your deposit minus a $75 processing fee. Three months prior you receive 50% of your deposit back. Two months prior you receive 25% of your deposit back. Less than one month prior there will be no return on your deposit. If you decide to withdraw from the training after it has begun your money will not be refunded.
300 Hour Teacher Training
The 300 hour teacher training is designed for students who are already certified at the 200 hr level. It includes eight weekend intensives, mentoring with Sofi and Emily, independent study, and taking and assisting classes at the studio. In addition to Sofi and Emily, the faculty includes Will Duprey, Jill Satterfield, Kreg Weiss and others.
The training includes three parts:
Part I Teaching From Your Center: Fine tune group class teaching skills
Part I requires that you teach a six week yoga series. If you are already teaching a weekly yoga class this will suffice. Within a small group and with Sofi and Emily as mentors we will meet monthly and discuss the observations, questions, joys and challenges that arise during your teaching. Sofi and Emily believe that having a mentor while you are teaching is an invaluable tool towards growth. The weekend intensives for Part I are:
January 23-25 Finding Your Center with Emily and Sofi
February 13-15 Advancing Your Understanding of Asana with Kreg Weiss
April 10-12 Advanced Pranayama with Will Duprey
Part II Working One on One: Therapeutic Yoga
We will be using the same mentoring structure yet in Part II you will be asked to teach four private therapeutic yoga sessions. We will prepare you for teaching one on one through our weekend intensives and meet in mentoring groups to discuss the observations, questions, joys and challenges that arise. The weekend intensives for Part II are:
May 1-3 Incorporating the Energetic Body into Teaching with Emily and Sofi
June 5-7 Yoga Therapy and Teaching Meditation with Jill Satterfield
July 10-12 Teaching Yin Yoga and One on Ones with Emily and Sofi
Part III Philosophy and Delivery: Theming Classes and Communicating your Message
In Part III you will be asked to study a text that inspires you and create a 20 minute talk that illuminates a teaching of the text. You will also be responsible for creating a class themed around your talk. We will practice and discuss speaking with confidence, theming classes, creating a message that relates to your students, and using stories to engage your audience. The weekend intensives for Part III:
September 18-19 Weaving Yogic Philosophy into your Classes with Sofi and Emily
December 4-6 Final Presentations
*You will also be required to have meetings in smaller groups with your mentor throughout the training.
*The weekend session consists of Friday evening 7-9, Saturday 12-6 and Sunday 9-3.
*These dates and topics are subject to change.
In addition you will be required to attend 46 classes at the studio. These classes are included in the tuition and include:
35 drop-in classes (preferably one a week)
6 In class privates (3 classes giving, 3 classes receiving)
5 classes where you assist
The cost of the 300 hr training is $3100. REGISTRATION IS LIMITED TO 20 PEOPLE. In order to register you must make a deposit of $600. If you register before September 30, 2014 you will receive $150 off. REGISTER HERE. Payment plans are available. Please contact us directly for inquiries.
Cancellation policy: More than three months prior you receive your deposit minus a $75 processing fee. Three months prior you receive 50% of your deposit back. Two months prior you receive 25% of your deposit back. Less than one month prior there will be no return on your deposit. If you decide to withdraw from the training after it has begun your money will not be refunded.
Posted at 03:21 PM in blog, workshops | Permalink | Comments (0)
DECEMBER 25
Email me for more info or to sign up!
Posted at 01:16 PM in blog, workshops | Permalink | Comments (0)
Sofi, co-founder of Laughing River Yoga, is an advanced certified Jivamukti Yoga Instructor and a level 1 certified LifeForce Yoga® practitoner. She was first given permission to teach in 1997 by Alan Finger in the tradition of Ishta Yoga, and soon after found her foremost teachers David Life and Sharon Gannon, co- founders of Jivamukti Yoga. Along with David and Sharon, Sofi sites Seane Corn as one of her main inspirations.
Sofi is the co-founder and director of the Laughing River Yoga 200 and 300 hour Teachers Training Programs Laughing River Yoga in Burlington Vermont.
" The underlying theme in all my classes is devotion. I believe that the amount of happiness and freedom we experience in our lives is deeply linked to our ability to dedicate ourselves to something greater then our own personal gain. Through devotion we are able to reconnect with the Infinite wisdom that dwells within the heart of each one of us."
In her classes, workshops and retreats, Sofi combines a deep understanding of sacred Yoga texts with creative asana sequencing, chanting, music and meditation to provide students with an enriching and heart-opening experience. Her goal is to clearly communicate the traditional ancient teachings of Yoga in a way that will assist students to understand and reflect upon them so that they can be used to enrich their daily lives and lead them to their True Nature of Oneness.
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