Join our 200hr Yoga Teacher Training in Lake Atitlan, December 10-23, 2023
What to expect:
Our Yoga Teacher Training program in Guatemala is the perfect opportunity to deepen your practice, connect with like-minded individuals, and experience the transformative power of this ancient practice in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Daily meditation, breathwork and yoga overlooking Lake Atitlan, surrounded by majestic volcanoes, learning from expert instructors, and building lifelong friendships with like-minded yogis - all while deepening your own practice and gaining the skills and knowledge to share the gift of yoga with others. Don't miss out on this life-changing opportunity - sign up for our Guatemala training now! Limited spots available and will sell out.
Pre-Learning Online Modules
Our program includes online modules that will give you a solid foundation in the basics of yogaPerfect for both new(ish) and experienced yoga practitionersThese modules will help you prepare for the in-person training and make the most of your experience in Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlan Immersion
Our program takes place over two weeks in Guatemala, giving you plenty of time to explore and enjoy Lake Atitlan. LA is a spiritual vortex with a strong yoga communityYou'll have the opportunity to participate in excursions to explore Lake Atitlan, as well a visit to another shala for ecstatic dance
Experiential Learning
We believe that we lead through personal experience, and the best way to learn is to teachOur in-person retreat is designed to be as experiential as possible, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the practice of yogaYou'll connect with other like-minded individuals in a supportive and transformative environment
Lila Yoga Method
At our Yoga Teacher Training program, we believe that yoga is more than just physical movement - it’s a holistic practice that encompasses the mind, body, and spirit. With our 4 Pillars, Contemplative Sciences, Movement, Positive Habit Change and Play, you'll gain the skills and knowledge you need to deepen your own practice, share the gift of yoga with others, create positive habit changes and cultivate a sense of ease in your daily life.
Contemplative Sciences
Our program incorporates elements of mindfulness, meditation, and other contemplative practicesYou'll learn how to cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and connect with your inner wisdom using yoga's guiding ethical principles: the Yamas & Niyamas. You will learn how to apply these to your daily life so you can cultivate harmony with yourself and others.These practices will help you become more present, focused, and centered both on and off the mat
Movement
You'll learn proper alignment, modifications, and variations to help you deepen your practice and avoid injuryEmily will help you understand your own movement patterns and imbalances, and see them in othersUnlike most yoga YTT's, we avoid pitfalls in the yoga community by coupling yoga WITH personal training basics- so that when you design a class, it efficiently works toward physical goals. Emily's pet peeves: poorly designed yoga classes that don't warm up muscles, cues that are out right wrong/myths, and/or ignore personal safety (like relaxed glutes in backbends.)We will avoid as many of the pitfalls of yoga as possible and learn how to create safe, smart yoga classes
Positive Habit Change
We believe that yoga has the power to create positive change in our lives and in the world around usYou'll live and breathe our most difficult healthy habits in community: waking up early to see the sun, practicing meditation, breath work and yoga, journaling, delaying caffeine, eating healthy, limiting screen time, opening up communication, & more.You'll also discuss with Dr. Pinard how to take your mental health in your hands and establish a lifestyle that keeps you as emotionally stable (and happy) as possible.
Play
Our fourth pillar is play, which means infusing joy, creativity, and exploration into your practiceYou'll learn how to cultivate a child-like sense of wonder and curiosity in your yoga practiceWe'll explore partner yoga, acro yoga, and other playful ways to deepen your connection to your practice and to othersPS- Lila means Divine Play in Sanskrit. Our intention for Lila is to help people find joy in life, through the practice of yoga.
Expert Instructors
In addition to our exceptional yoga teacher training curriculum, our staff includes an expert yoga instructor and a board-certified psychiatrist, providing you with the best possible guidance and support throughout your journey.
Our lead yoga instructor, Emily Chen, has years of experience teaching yoga in NYC, LA & Bali and has dedicated her life to helping others find peace, joy, and balance through the practice of yoga. She will share her wealth of knowledge and wisdom with you, helping you deepen your practice and become a confident and skilled yoga teacher.
Our board-certified psychiatrist, Dr. Pinard, will offer insights on the psychology of yoga, including how yoga can benefit mental health, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote overall well-being. You will have the opportunity to learn from her expertise and apply this knowledge in your own teaching.
Emily Chen E-RYT 500hr
Our program is led by Emily Chen, an expert yoga instructor with over a decade of experience
Emily has taught thousands of students over ten thousand hours of teaching
Emily has led workshops and retreats, been a featured teacher and mentor at events, festivals, and trainings
Emily has been an ambassador for health focused brands, including Samsung and Victoria’s Secret
And has taught celebrities in New York and LA, over the last 10 years
Emily studied the theory and practice of yoga at the University of Virginia's Contemplative Sciences Center for her undergraduate degree and wrote the 200 page manual you will receive!
Marguerite Pinard, M.D
You'll also be joined by her beautiful mom! Board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Marguerite Pinard
Dr. Pinard has over 3 decades of practice, a majority of them at a cancer hospital
Dr. Pinard helps us understand our physiology & create routines for self-awareness and better mental health, while grappling what makes life meaningful
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Welcome to our extraordinary yoga retreat center, perfectly situated to offer stunning panoramic views of Lake Atitlán and its magnificent surrounding volcanoes, Volcano San Pedro, Volcano Atitlán, Volcano Toleman, & Volcano Fuego – a sight that will leave you in awe throughout your stay.
As the rising sun casts its golden glow over the tranquil waters of Lake Atitlán, the towering volcanoes stand as majestic sentinels in the distance. This setting allows you to harmonize with nature, deepening your connection to the earth and empowering your yoga practice.
The center itself is thoughtfully designed to immerse you in the beauty of the surroundings. Picture practicing yoga in an open-air shala with unobstructed views of the lake and mountains, inviting a sense of oneness with the natural world. Whether you're in a guided meditation, a yoga flow, or a transformative workshop, the mesmerizing backdrop will enhance your experience, fostering a sense of peace and inspiration.
Beyond the yoga sessions, you'll have ample opportunities to explore the captivating landscape, taking in the ever-changing hues of the sky as the sun sets over the lake, casting a magical spell on the entire area. And when the night descends, the stars above shine brightly, creating a celestial canopy that adds to the spiritual allure of Lake Atitlán.
Our retreat center is more than just a place to practice yoga; it's a sacred space where you can find solace and rejuvenation amidst the beauty of nature. Whether you're an experienced yogi seeking new depths or a beginner looking to start your journey, this location will leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul.
Spiritual Vortex: Lake Atitlán is renowned as a spiritual vortex. Vortices are believed to be special spots on Earth where energy is either entering or projecting out of the Earth’s plane. Vortices are found at sacred spots throughout the world such as the Great Pyramid in Egypt, Machu Picchu in Peru, Bali, Stonehenge, Uluru/Ayers Rock in Australia, Sedona, AZ, etc.
Mayan Culture: Mayan wisdom abounds here. We will be practicing one of their rituals, Temezcal, a traditional Mayan sauna in dark, warm, Earthen hut, where one is meant to go back into the ‘womb’. It is a cleansing re-birthing experience.
Yoga infrastructure: Lake Atitlan has many yoga studios and a thriving yoga culture. We will be going at one of the busiest times of the year
Accommodations
We have a range of accommodations from glamping, dorms, to private tents and private cabins.
All of your meals on site are included! Your food is prana- LIFE ENERGY- and you will be fed 3 nutritiously balanced vegetarian or vegan meals per day.
Please note: our TT is limited size. Accommodations will go fast! We do not guarantee that your preferred accommodation will be available.
PRICING for accommodations ranges from $650 for a dorm room to $1950 for a private cabin/casita.
Take your yoga to the next level
December 10 - 23, 2023
Cost of training: $3499
Early bird price, 60 days before training: $2999
200hr Yoga Alliance Certification
Daily Yoga, Breathwork, & Meditation morning practice
Workshops on Anatomy, Physiology, Philosophy, Teaching Methods, Yoga OFF the mat, & Leadership
98 Posture Breakdowns, 230 page YTT Training Manual
Cultural ceremonies to experience the beauty & wonder of Lake Atitlan
Beautiful accommodations, healthy & delicious meals from a curated menu
Life long connections with like-minded people
Pre-learning online modules to help you get caught up to speed and become familiar with the basics of yoga
Expert instruction from yoga teacher Emily Chen E-RYT 500hr, featured in Forbes, contributor to Mind Body Green, & more + Board Certified Holistic Psychiatrist Dr. Pinard, and special guest instructors.
Accommodations
Ranges from Shared Dorm: $650 to Private Cabin or Casita: $1950
Beautiful accommodations
All meals
We can help you arrange transportation to and from the airport
We can provide recommendations for booking your flights
We offer payment plans to help make the training more affordable. Please contact us for more information.
Please note this is an intentionally small group training so that everyone can receive PERSONAL attention from Emily and Dr. Marguerite. This training will sell out like our last one.
FAQs
Q: Can I become a yoga teacher even if I’m not very flexible or experienced?
A: Yes! Yoga teacher training is designed to help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to teach yoga safely and effectively, regardless of your current level of practice. Many of my past YTT students were not flexible or ‘advanced’ but have gone on to teach beautiful classes.
Q: Will I be certified to teach yoga after completing the program?
A: Yes. Our yoga teacher training program is registered with Yoga Alliance, the largest international nonprofit association representing the yoga community. Upon completion of our program, you will be eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as a certified yoga teacher (RYT 200).
Q: Is there any science behind these ‘transformational’ claims or is it woo woo?
All of my students who have whole heartedly showed up for my programs have had deeply transformational experiences. This does not account for those that did not do the reading/practices, or were excessively ill (this has only happened once in all my trainings.) YTT is one of the only formats in which you deeply and systematically learn about your self. It is not mind alone, like therapy. It IS hundreds of hours of movement, meditation, philosophical study, and reflection. I think it’s something everyone should experience at least once, if not once every 5 years.
Q: What kind of job opportunities are available after YTT?
Certified yoga teachers can teach at yoga studios, fitness centers, & community centers or develop a private practice. Some of my former TT students still teach at y7 and Equinox in NYC, others teach at Shefa yoga in LA. Some teach privately, and some have combined it with their other skills to become coaches. There are lots of options!
Q: What if I don’t want to become a yoga teacher?
Most of the students who take TT do NOT want to become yoga teachers. I would not say being a yoga teacher is a safe, secure, traditional career path! However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t take this training as an investment in your self. It is a time of mentorship from an advanced yoga teacher and doctor to help you deeply understand your body, your mind, your patterns, and habits and use those skills to lead from an authentic place.
Q: How big is the training?
We have 15 spots available for this training. Because it is so limited, we do expect to sell out. If your application is successful and deposit paid before March 20, we will honor your Early Bird Discount.
Testimonials from LILA graduates
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To anyone seeking a transformative journey, look no further. During our two-week intensive YTT program, Bali's lush surroundings served as a backdrop to Emily's extraordinary teaching. She didn't just guide us through challenging two-hour asanas each morning; she created a sanctuary for us to push beyond our physical limits and delve into the depths of our inner selves. Emily's gift lay in seamlessly weaving together ancient yoga theory with practical wisdom for modern life. She instilled in us the importance of mindfulness, the power of meditation, and the intricate connection between body, mind, and spirit.
Prior to the trip, I was apprehensive about teaching a sixty-minute flow on my own— my intention was never to become a yoga teacher, but to understand myself better. The sense of dread on our first day of training was heavy. Yet, Emily's skillful guidance made the seemingly daunting task of memorizing and teaching 98 poses appear effortless. Her program was not just a curriculum; it was a life-changing experience that led me to discover a sense of purpose and inner peace I had been searching for.
In short, if you are interested in YTT, I cannot recommend Emily’s program highly enough.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Jessie
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Emily’s pursuit of teaching yoga is guided by divine light. I applied for her 200 hour YTT after taking several online classes with her and following her yoga journey over the last few years. I knew Emily was an exceptional yogi, but never in a million lifetimes could I have imagined what an extraordinary teacher, mentor, and guru she showed herself to be during our 2 weeks in Bali.
Emily not only fundamentally understands the history and philosophy of yoga, but embodies its practices and teachings through her every breath and action. She has an incisive ability to tune into every student’s strengths and areas for improvement. On our last day, she sat down one-on-one with every student and laid out a crystal clear path for how we could become the best version of the yoga teachers that we each wanted to be. For example, during our chat, she noted that my strengths were as an alignment-based teacher with a good sense of energy and pacing. She astutely recommended that to advance in my practice I focus on being deliberate in my technique, finding embodiment in everyday life, and looking into adjacent practices like contortion training.
Beyond the substance of her curriculum, Emily took immense care to build an intentional community for our YTT. She created a culture of open-heartedness, lightness, and magic that illuminated our time and brought us together as a family. Our free time was a perfect balance of group adventures (melukat ceremony, sunset hikes, visits to waterfalls and monkey forests, sound healing sessions) and opportunities to relax and explore on our own.
I emerge from this YTT a stronger yogi and a renewed soul. In short, if you are interested in YTT, I could not recommend Emily’s program highly enough.
Riva
Harvard Law School & Harvard Kennedy School | JD/MPP Candidate | 2025