MAKE THE JOURNEY Save civilization, using imagination and the body. Train from anywhere in the world with Sydney Solis in the classic Methods of Storytime Yoga and Mythic Yoga with the At-Home Training Guides to teach yoga to children. More info on At-Home Trainings. Further your training by joining the League of Yogic Storytellers (LOYS) to interact and network online with the coursework in an international community of yoga teachers transforming their lives and serving children and teens through yoga and story. New, monthly stories and a monthly teleconference call with Sydney connect you with the power of story and yoga. Along your journey, receive personal coaching via SKYPE or phone with Sydney to implement yoga and story in your life and in teaching kids' yoga and teen yoga. Train to be a certified Storytime Yoga teacher and bring the power and healing of yoga and story to your home, studio, school, library, treatment center or community. Teach after-school programs and become an artist-in-resident in the schools. Learn how to become certified in Storytime Yoga. Come to the live Mythic Yoga retreat in Boulder, Colorado and mix Art and Soul for a transformational experience with nature and community. Take the Live Weekend Children's Yoga Teacher and Yoga Play Therapy Training to reinforce your skills and become a certified Storytime Yoga Master Teacher and bring workshops to your area. Training also offered at The Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY. Join Sydney and the Storytime Yoga Children's Mission bringing yoga and story to underprivileged children worldwide. Read Testimonials From Participants from Around the World! Live Storytime Yoga Children's Yoga Teacher and Yoga Play Therapy Trainings, Retreat and Children's Camps: Kripalu, Lenox, MA. Children's Camp July 9-18 concurrent with Shiva Rea's programs.   The Omega Institute Rhinebeck, NY July 25-30, Children's Yoga Teacher and Yoga Play Therapy Training. Register here.   Mexico City, Mexico August 7-8 and 14-15. Children's Yoga Teacher and Yoga Play Therapy Training and Storytime Yoga Children's Mission. Contact Miriam Gourlay at cuencosdecristal@gmail.com for info.   At-Home Training Guides Awakening the Storyteller - Segment I Stories from the Heart - Segment II Mythic Yoga - Segment III Read Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Answers about Storytime Yoga and the At-Home study guides.   Storytime Yoga Certification Requirements There are currently two levels of certification for Storytime Yoga™ – basic certification and Master Level Certification. Basic certification serves as the foundation of Storytime Yoga training, and can be completed by anyone.   Master Level designation is available to individuals who have successfully completed basic certification, in addition to the rigorous Master Level programs.   Basic Certification Requirements To become certified in Storytime Yoga™, you must meet all of the following requirements, listed in recommended order: Purchase all three segments of the Storytime Yoga™ At-Home Training Guide: Segment I – Awakening the Storyteller ($149.00) Segment II – Stories from the Heart ($99.00) Segment III – Mythic Yoga ($99.00) Or buy the entire package for $299 and save $48! Complete the assignments in the At-Home Training Guide, reading and reflecting over the materials at your own pace. This process may take you anywhere from several weeks to several months, depending on your schedule and how much effort you put into the coursework. There is no need to submit completed assignments to Sydney; they are intended for your own reflection.  Become a member of the League of Yogic Storytellers (LOYS) online forum, and pay the $75/year membership fee. Members of LOYS may post their assignments to the group, get feedback, and engage in discussions with other individuals who are working on their coursework. See instructions on how to access LOYS.  Undergo a minimum of six (6) hours of personal coaching with Sydney either via SKYPE or telephone, OR attend a live training class or retreat hosted by Sydney. Any live, paid training event you attend (including the annual Retreat, Omega Institute, Kripalu, Storytime Yoga™ Children’s Yoga Teacher and Yoga Play Therapy Yoga Play Therapy, or other live trainings) may be substituted for 6 hours of personal coaching time with Sydney. See the events page for upcoming live training opportunities.  Complete a community service project of your choice, and send the details of this project to info@storytimeyoga.com for review, with the subject line, “Community Project – SY Certification.”  Submit a video of a Storytime Yoga™ class you hosted to info@storytimeyoga.com with the subject line, “Video of Class – SY Certification.” (Or mail a hard copy of your video to Storytime Yoga™ at the Mythic Yoga Studio, PO Box 3805, Boulder, Colorado 80307, ATTN: SY Certification. Please include your full name, address, phone number, and email address in your mailing.)  Wait for certification approval from Sydney. If you are approved, you will be awarded a certificate stating you have successfully completed the basic requirements for becoming a certified Storytime Yoga™ teacher.  Once certified, you may begin paying the yearly $50 Storytime Yoga™ Certified Yoga Teacher administration fee.   Congratulations! You are now a certified Storytime Yoga™ teacher. You can have your business and contact information listed on our Find a Yoga Teacher page, where potential students and customers can locate and hire you. You are permitted to display the Storytime Yoga™ logo on your own website. You are authorized to teach Storytime Yoga™ classes in your own studio, at schools or retreat centers, and anywhere in the world.   PLEASE NOTE: Even if you have completed all basic requirements listed above, you must continually pay the $50 admin fee and $75 LOYS subscription each year, in order to receive continued and ongoing certification. Both fees must be paid in full each year, in order for you to retain your Storytime Yoga™ certification. If no longer pay this fee, you lose your certification. Our support staff will contact you with a yearly reminder when your renewal payment is due. Individuals who do not pay their yearly dues will not have their business information listed on our “Find a Teacher” page. They will be asked to remove the Storytime Yoga™ logo from their websites. They will not be authorized to conduct Storytime Yoga™ classes, workshops, or events.   Master Level Certification The rigorous, yet rewarding, Master Level Storytime Certification program is reserved for those yoga teachers, instructors, and others who are absolutely committed to furthering their education, taking an active role in their communities, and dedicating themselves to promoting peace, health, and literacy among children.   This program is not for everyone! It’s designed for individuals dedicated to investing in themselves – so they can, in turn, provide life-enhancing services to their children, families, and the community at large.   The philosophy behind Storytime Yoga’s Master Level certification program is ambitious: one cannot simply take a few courses and be considered “certified” for the rest of his/her life. Ongoing certification requires continued growth, training, and development.   To remain relevant, competent, and skilled in an ever-changing world, instructors must constantly work to improve themselves.   Thus the Master Level Certification requires the student to:  Complete basic certification requirements Complete a minimum of two (2) intensive online training courses (curriculum TBD) Attend a minimum of one (1) live training event and/or one (1) online course with Sydney every two years.   Feel free to email us if you have questions on basic or Master Level certification requirements.   1-3-hour Trainings for Child Care Centers andSchools Storytime Yoga At-Home Training Guides and Segments Segment I – Awakening the Storyteller - Based on the book Teaching Yoga to Children Through Story Segment II – Stories from the Heart - Based on the book The Treasure in Your Heart: Yoga and Stories for Peaceful Children Segment III – Mythic Yoga - Based on Mythic Yoga: Healing with Yoga and Story Each is ongoing, with participants working at their own pace. Courses feature an audio lecture, Additonally one can add a subscription to the League of Yogic Storytellers for online interaction with other participants to discuss coursework, dreams, personal practice, stories, yoga children and more. as well as join in monthly conference calls. Entry is at any time from anywhere in the world. Then add personal coaching with Sydney to work on individual needs. Segment I - Awakening the Storyteller --back to top>> Full Course Outline You will learn: • The importance of story, symbol and imagination • The Healing Power of Yoga and Story • The Art of Storytelling • Benefits of Storytelling • The role of the Storyteller/Yoga Teacher You will receive: • Recorded audio lecture • E-Book of Storytime Yoga: Teaching Yoga to Children Through Story. • Video download of The Peddler’s Dream yoga class taught by Sydney Solis • MP3 audio download of The Peddler’s Dream: Wisdom Stories from Around the World with the Storytime Yoga stories, Namaste Song, and Story Siesta. • MP3 Audio download of The Golden Cucumber: Stories from Indonesia and Healing with Story MP3 downloads! • Reading, Coursework and assignments.   Purchase of the book Storytime Yoga: Teaching Yoga to Children Through Story is suggested. Order online or ask for it through your favorite bookstore, distributed through Independent Publishers Group, Chicago.	Register for the Mythic Yoga Retreat by clicking here   The Goddess and the MoonFlower by Sydney Solis view more artwork by Sydney at Etsy.com   MAKE THE JOURNEY The Story in the Body Retreat June 20-25, 2011 Boulder, Colorado Come experience the power of yoga and story at the Mythic Yoga and Storytime Yoga Training With Yoga Teacher and Storyteller Sydney Solis Experience nature, community and discover your personal myth through the body. Bring Storytime Yoga to your home, children and community. Click Here For More Information on "Make The Journey" Register for the Mythic Yoga Retreat by clicking here   "I feel like I am on this amazing journey, and Sydney's teachings are the beacons of light that lead the way." ---- Katherine Eli, Quincy, MA. More Testimonials! "Whether you are a tentative new instructor or a seasoned professional, you will find the Storytime Yoga course a wellspring of fresh ideas, creative insights, and profound healing. I 've taught children's dance, movement and yoga classes for three decades, yet every day of this course I learned something new. Thanks, Sydney." --- Allison T. Davidson, Chapel Hill, N.C.     Storytime Yoga and Mythic Yoga Online Trainings Learn to teach yoga, peace and character education with yoga and story in classrooms, home or anywhere else! Suitable for parents, teachers, librarians, psychologists, counselors, health care professionals and others wishing to bring the joy of yoga and story to children worldwide. Pre-K through elementary. Mythic Yoga for teens and adults! No prior yoga or storytelling experience necessary. YOU WILL LEARN TO: Become a Storyteller! Find, create and tell traditional and personal stories for use in yoga. Teach it in schools, libraries, yoga classes, workshops, at home and more! Tell stories from all faiths and traditions for literacy, character and peace education. Teach children yoga, meditation, relaxation and yoga nidra using story. Teach children to become storytellers. Teach children to express their feelings and talk about personal stories. Techniques for teaching self-esteem and improving oral, learning and literacy skills. How to create and manage an effective class or home ritual/practice. Learn how to get in touch with your own personal story for self-discovery and transformation Learn play therapy techniques for children's emotional well being using yoga and story Yoga Philosophy, Peace and Character Education Following the 8-limb path of yoga leads to inner peace. Starting with the yamas and the niyamas, or moral and ethical principals toward self and others, children can have the tools to find that peace within and express it in the outer world. There's no better way to teach this than through stories, and the world's faith and wisdom traditions are overflowing in number to teach universal truths. Meditation and Relaxation for Children Research shows that meditation and relaxation enhance children’s learning abilities and calm behavior problems. Children need these skills more than ever for mental and physical health and to balance their busy lives. Learn to use the power of imagery and story with the body with simple meditation and relaxation techniques, including yoga nidra, sleep yoga.
Segment II - Stories from the Heart --back to top>> Full Course Outline In this course, we will go deeper into the art of storytelling and build a repertoire of healing, peace and wisdom stories to use in yoga classes and relaxation to teach yoga philosophy and support mental health. You will learn how to put on "Storyt Siestas" and "Sleepytime Yoga" for children to relax to, as well as use story and yoga to assist with anxiety, ADD/ADHD. You will also make a fairy tale. We will be using the e-book The Treasure in Your Heart: Yoga and Stories for Peaceful Children, which is included in the course.             You will receive: • The Treasure in Your Heart: Yoga and Stories for Peaceful Children E-book. • Recorded audio lecture • Reading, Coursework and Assignments Segment III - Mythic Yoga Full Course Outline In this segment, we will explore traditional Hindu and other world myths and how they relate to our personal lives. We will be listening deeply to our bodies and chakras and contemplating myth during yoga practice. We will be exploring the essential need for myth as a guide in our life, as well as create a personal body myth based on dreams, personal stories and the work! Participants will read Sydney's memoir, Outside the Concentration Camp, for inspiration and reflection into their own lives to write and tell stories, as well as encourage children and teens to write and tell about their lives.This technique can be used on Teens and Adults, as well as children ages 8-12.             You will receive •E-Book of Mythic Yoga Narayana's Dream • E-book of Sydney's Memoir Outside the Concentration Camp • Recorded audio lecture • Reading, coursework and assignments --back to top>> COURSE OUTLINES AWAKENING THE STORYTELLER Audio lecture   • The importance of story, symbol and imagination • The Healing Power of Yoga and Story • The Art of Storytelling • Benefits of Storytelling • The role of the Storyteller/Yoga Teacher Lesson ONE • The Storytime Yoga Method –interdisciplinary learning • Techniques for Teaching  children Pre-k through 5th grade. Special section on working with teens • Class curriculum and set up. • How to find and tell stories with confidence STORY: The Peddler’s Dream from England Lesson TWO Finer points of storytelling. • Introductions and centerings. • Using props • Working with ADHD children and holding kids' attention. STORY: The Magic Pear Tree from China Lesson THREE • Meditation and Relaxation through Story and Image • Follow up activities, using art, writing and story. • Warm ups STORY: The Shipwrecked Sailor from Egypt Lesson FOUR • Stories in Action. Getting children to create and tell their own stories for literacy and yoga. • Other ways to use story and yoga. • The Power of Personal Storytelling. • Games STORY: The Lion’s Whisker from Africa STORIES FROM THE HEART Audio lecture   • The Age of Anxiety and the Need for Meditation and Relaxation. • Stress free living and Relaxation in the Home • Teaching yoga philosophy and peace and character education to children through story • Relaxation and meditation with story and image. • Therapeutic uses of story and Yoga Play Therapy, the benefits of Ayurveda for Children • The wisdom of stories • Building a story repertoire Lesson ONE Exploring yoga philosophy and peace education with children Storytelling for mental health Building your repertoire. Making a story your own     STORIES: Children of Wax – Africa The Cracked Pot – Hindu The Stonecutter – Japanese Praying the Psalms - Jewish                  Lesson TWO Relaxation and Yoga Nidra with story Creative visualization and guided imagery with children Advanced storytelling techniques Creating healing fairy tales for personal and class use     STORIES: The Story of the Sands – Sufi Calming the Storm – Christian The Jewel in the well – unknown The Banyan Deer - Buddhist   Lesson THREE Using story as theme in classes Activities for children’s self-reflection Personal Storytelling     STORIES: The Monkey and the Moon – Chinese Standing Still – Jewish The Heart that No Longer Moves – Sufi The Three Sisters - Muslim Gift From the Gods - Hindu               Lesson FOUR Stories for Anger management Stories for peaceful children Performing as a Storyteller     STORIES: Conejito and the Wax Doll – Native America Two Wolves – Native America The Dove and the Sparrow – Unknown The Spirit Who Lived in a Tree – Buddhist	Visit the Mythic Yoga Store for a large selection of E-Books! Buried Moon: Yoga and Stories for Difficult Times Stories and yoga can help us navigate these troubled times, and remain connected to the center within. Children need these tools even more than ever, and we as adults can be an example for them. We will use the English story of Buried Moon to inspire hope, calm fears and create courage, all the while centered in yoga practice.Featuring additional stories to help relieve anxiety, stress and fear. Purchase Today! DRAGON MOTHER AWAKENS An original story based on various creation myths. By Sydney Solis Celebrate Your Connection to the Cycles of Nature! Participate in Your Reality to find Meaning! | Put on a special Spring children's or family yoga class that connects one to the cycles of birth, death and rebirth and the eternity within. • The art of ritual and celebration with children and community. • About spring celebrations around the world • The mythic significance of rebirth, the eternal return, eternal life and the need for renewal. • Various creation myths, how to make your own creation myth and get kids to make their own creation myth and put it with yoga! • E-book with complete lesson plan, story, yoga poses, meditation, relaxation and pick and choose activities Purchase Today! Special Valentine's Day Children's Yoga Holiday E-Course THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HEART Learn to put on a special Valentine’s day Storytime Yoga family or children’s class featuring the Traditional American folktale of The Most Beautiful Heart. Focus on the attributes of an open heart - unconditional love, selfless giving and courage to experience this holiday rather than consume it. Purchase Today! CELEBRATE THE SEASON Tired of the same old consumer-centered holiday? Celebrate with your family, yoga class or community with a Storytime Yoga holiday class by experiencing the season rather than consuming it. Learn with Storyteller and Yoga Teacher Sydney Solis how to create a special class or gathering to celebrate the mystery of  life by aligning yourself with the rhythm of nature. Pass this knowledge onto children and others to unite the meaning of the holiday with the goal of yoga – to link oneself to the eternal life within. Purchase today!

MYTHIC YOGA

Audio lecture
What is myth?
The need for Myths and the mythic imagination
Myth and Yoga
The Work of Joseph Campbell
Mythology for a new era

Lesson ONE
Creation myths
Connecting to the Myth  - myth contemplation during yoga
Personal Storytelling early life
Self-reflection through myth

Lesson TWO
Dream work
Symbols
Animals and nature – Animal totems – Cycles of heaven and earth
Personal Storytelling – Desires and fears – adult life
Myth contemplation during yoga

Lesson THREE
The Eternal Return
Personal Storytelling – Death and transformation – mid life
Myth and dream symbol contemplation during movement

Lesson FOUR
Mythogenesis – creating personal myths and group myths
Healing with myth

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT STORYTIME YOGA --back to top>>

All information you ever wanted to know about Storytime Yoga™, benefits, training, certification, and LOYS is on this page. If you cannot find an answer you’re looking for, please send us an email.

Current customers who need assistance with orders, subscriptions, payments, or products, please email us.

What is Storytime Yoga™?

Storytime Yoga™ is an innovative children’s learning and exercise program that brings health, literacy, and peace to kids ages 3 and up. It is a “body-centered” education system that integrates the healing qualities of yoga with the mind and heart-enhancing powers of storytelling. It capitalizes on children’s natural inclination to move about freely, explore their innate creativity, and act on their curiosity to learn more about the world.

What happens in a Storytime Yoga™ class?

In a typical Storytime Yoga™ class, children gather in a relaxed atmosphere, such as at home, school, yoga studio, library, retreat center, therapy session, or kids’ camp. They participate in an interactive mind/body storytelling session, in which their qualified Storytime Yoga™ teacher tells them fascinating wisdom tales from around the world. The teacher uses props, oral storytelling skills, and various yoga, breathing, and relaxation techniques to ensure each child is enraptured and engaged with the session.

After these tales are verbally expressed by the teacher, everyone “acts out” the events in real-time through a variety of specially chosen yoga poses, stretches, deep breathing, and other relaxing or invigorating movements. The children are then asked to recall details of what happened in the narrative (thus getting them to sharpen their memory and oral skills), and to express these events through physical movements. Kids can suggest which yoga movements might work best to represent certain elements of the story.

The yoga teacher facilitates the session, leading the class along, while ensuring each child is focused, attentive, and fully participating.

Children increase their literacy skills and comprehension by retelling the story, dictating or writing words, and expressing ideas.

For the kids, this is a fun way to exercise and relieve physical tension, while taking part in the retelling of interesting tales. Children are naturally drawn to stories, and are inclined to move around a lot – so Storytime Yoga™ is the perfect method for combining these two activities into a single, beneficial program.

Within 15, 30 or 60 minutes of a session, children find themselves more calm, more attentive, and more in tune with their bodies and surroundings. They learn new vocabulary, get a sample of different cultures, learn words from different languages, spark their creativity and imagination, and spend time interacting with others in a safe community environment. The result is healthier minds and bodies, and more joyful and peaceful children.

What are the benefits of Storytime Yoga™?
Research has shown that yoga brings health-enhancing benefits such as greater muscular strength, flexibility, spine health, and joint health. These benefits trickle into the mental arena by increasing attention, concentration, inner peace, relaxation, and a sense of overall calm and focus.

Children who practice yoga tend to relax more and are better able to concentrate at school. When yoga is combined with storytelling, children experience an overall healing effect in each area of their lives. Meanwhile, they refine their listening skills and utilize their imagination as they contemplate possible meanings behind each story.

Yoga is well-known for its ability to engage the mind and body simultaneously. This is perfect for children, who are often easily distracted by external stimuli. Yoga has stress-reducing effects, and it helps increase one’s focus on the present moment. One cannot be “angry” or “irritated” after performing a rejuvenating session of yoga.

Parents from all over the world are sure to enjoy having children who are more balanced, relaxed, and in tune with themselves. Teachers will also appreciate these same benefits.

In addition to improving physical health, Storytime Yoga™ helps children awaken to their full potential by stimulating the development of their imagination and self. As learning takes place within the child, the seeds of creativity (which are present in each child) are nurtured.

Imagination is essential for true learning to take place, especially for children younger than age six. Listening to stories allows children to master relationships between symbols, which are prominent in reading, computers, math, music, speaking and other areas. Storytime Yoga™ serves as the perfect vehicle to enable children to explore these symbolic languages.

As mythologist Joseph Campbell said, storytelling and yoga help “connect the mind to the body, and the body to the environment.” By participating in Storytime Yoga™, children gain a better understanding of how to live in the world and how they fit into this world. They discover that they can participate and experience their world, rather than be mere consumers or observers of it. They come to understand their rightful place within the world. If they are to live happy, healthy, and productive lives, our children and future generations desperately need to embrace this type of understanding that everything is connected, everything has its place, and each child has his or her own unique gifts to contribute.

In essence, Storytime Yoga™ is “yoga play therapy” for children, aiding in greater awareness and better mental, emotional, and physical health.

What is different about Storytime Yoga™?
Many yoga trainings include storytelling within the curriculum; however, they tend to be based strictly on books or outlines, appealing mainly to the rational and intellectual sides of our psyches. In many cases, the coursework is presented purely in linear fashion: “OK, kids, now we’re going to….”

Storytime Yoga™, on the other hand, uses oral storytelling to deliver material organically and cyclically. It appeals to the intuitive and sensing sides of our psyches to provide balance, emphasizing teacher/student connection, and engaging the child in a spontaneous fashion. Neither the student nor the instructor is restricted to a predetermined outline or order of activities. The material is not set in stone. When students respond with random comments (which they assuredly will), or if surprises occur during the session (which they most often do), the instructor maintains flexibility to work with these occurrences so that they seamlessly become integrated with the class. The teacher has a “readiness bag” to pull out material, stories, or exercises suited to the student or class circumstances.

Storytime Yoga™ emphasizes mind/body connection and sets the framework for each class to serve as a ritual. The content of the class is interdisciplinary. Children learn geography, peace, character education, Spanish, yoga, healthy eating, relaxation, meditation, storytelling and oral skills, as well as other literacy skills. The content is not limited to one subject area. Rather, the class moves cross-curriculum, keeping interest high as children become engaged from within.

Storytime Yoga™ not only emphasizes physical health, but also mental health. It helps children refine their critical thinking, self-reflection, and self-regulation. It teaches empathy, compassion, and ethics. The results, naturally, are a well-developed imagination and philosophical guidance kids can use to think about life’s lessons and challenges.

The teaching philosophies behind Storytime Yoga™ are influenced by Montessori and Waldorf education methods.

Is Storytime Yoga™ only for children? What is Mythic Yoga™?
Teens and adults can also benefit from Storytime Yoga™, since stories are universal in nature and can be adapted to serve more complex purposes. Stories can help people find their true identities, discover meaning in the mundane, and awaken hidden sources of creativity and inspiration. Not to mention, yoga benefits everyone from the itty bitty toddler to the elderly of our population.

Mythic Yoga™, a component of Storytime Yoga™, serves middle school children, teens, and adults. This unique program facilitates a powerful transformation in people’s lives, prompting them to self-realization. It’s a magical journey and a process of self-discovery, where students can fully engage in exploring different areas of their mind, body, and consciousness. Mythic Yoga™ is based on the principle that myths truly constitute the “universal language,” which enables us to speak to our inner selves and each other in the most powerful ways possible.

I am interested presenting a Storytime Yoga™ Class to students – how do I get trained?

Storytime Yoga™ classes are based on specially tailored curriculums, which certified teachers prepare in advance of their presentations. Ample training opportunities are available for yoga teachers, instructors, parents, and others who are interested in sharing this life-enhancing program for children, teens, and adults. To be authorized to present Storytime Yoga™ classes and workshops in your area, you must be certified by completing the Storytime Yoga™ certification requirements. [COMING SOON.]

Sydney Solis offers two forms of training: (1) at-home “do it yourself” training guides, which you can complete from anywhere in the world, at your own pace, by studying books, e-books, e-courses, audio files, and other assigned materials for your own personal enrichment, and (2) live and online training which leads to certification, including one-on-one personal coaching via SKYPE or telephone, e-courses (limited availability), and in-person events such as retreats, workshops, and classes, in which Sydney “trains the trainers.” In addition, (3) the League of Yogic Storytellers (LOYS) group is available to individuals who have completed their at-home study guide coursework and either are certified or wish to stay connected with the LOYS community.

You can find more information about each of these training opportunities in the following sections.

What are the At-Home Training Guides, and how do they work?
The At-Home Training Guides are a series of three training segments (Part I – Awakening the Storyteller; Part II – Stories from the Heart; and Part III – Mythic Yoga™) designed to teach you the principles and fundamentals of the Storytime Yoga™ and Mythic Yoga™ programs. This coursework is intended to help you get in touch with your own personal myth as you conduct your daily yoga and meditation practice. It is mainly for personal enrichment. Included are various reading materials, assignments, and audio lectures in the form of MP3 files, all of which you can study at your own pace, from anywhere in the world.

These guides assist you with structuring your own Storytime Yoga™ or Mythic Yoga™ session for home, school, library and more, while providing tips on how to select stories, props, music, and more. You will discover which styles and methods are best for teaching yoga to different age groups, and receive practical guidance on how to deal with the challenges that inevitably arise from teaching yoga to children.

By studying these at-home training materials in their entirety, you will:

• Gain valuable knowledge to help you boost your career and expand your yoga business or enhance your children’s at-home education and family connections.

• Undergo a profound inner journey, as the assignments encourage you to explore your own imagination, personal myths, dreams, and yoga/meditation practice.

• Learn how to master the Storytime Yoga™ and Mythic Yoga™ program, so you can spread wisdom, health, and joy to children, teens, or adults with the power of yoga and story.

When you become a certified Storytime Yoga™ teacher, you are authorized to teach Storytime Yoga™  and Mythic Yoga™ classes and workshops for profit, or for charity, at public venues such as schools, libraries, and special events. You do not need to be certified in order to use Storytime Yoga™ or Mythic Yoga™ privately for your own children or yourself.

To purchase the at-home training segments altogether or individually, click on one of the following links:

• Storytime Yoga™ At-Home Training Package (all-in-one) ($299) – save $48!

• Segment I – Awakening the Storyteller ($149.00)

• Segment II – Stories from the Heart ($99.00)

• Segment III – Mythic Yoga™ ($99.00)

What will I learn in the At-Home Training Guides?

Each of the three training segments is designed to take you, the student, on a journey into yourself through yoga and story. The material you learn will enrich your life and teachings. Through dream work, journaling, yoga rituals, guidance, and self-reflection, you can connect with ancient wisdom of story and yoga and be transformed by your own practice. You can then pass this knowledge and wisdom onto the students you work with, including your own children, if you have them. You are encouraged to keep your own blog or journal, attesting to the power of yoga and story in your everyday life.

Each segment guides you in becoming a competent oral storyteller and using the Storytime Yoga™ and Mythic Yoga™ programs to teach yoga and yoga philosophy. If you are working as a yoga teacher, you can use the training material to develop your career. Learn Sydney’s “tricks of the trade,” and get invaluable advice for dealing with the special demands that come from teaching children. As a parent, you will learn to better educate your child in speaking, reading, writing, and art, as well as peace, character development, and yoga philosophy.

For additional information on the At-Home Training Guides, you may download the complete course outline. [COMING SOON.]

How do I access the files I purchased?
To access your files and materials, please log into your account by visiting www.mythicyoga.com/store. Click the Log In button at the top of the screen. Under the “Returning Customers” section on the right, enter the email address and password you selected when you purchased your materials.

Once you are logged in, click My Account at the top of the screen. Find the appropriate order, and click the View button to access your order details. On the following page, scroll down and find the download buttons for each of your files. We recommend saving a copy of each file to your computer.

What additional forms of training are available?
You can undergo training on your own, or with Sydney and the League of Yogic Storytellers (LOYS) online forum. In addition, you may sign up for our exclusive Online Residency Course, which provides intensive training in specific topic areas (be sure to check the homepage for future offerings!). Live training events are also available in selected geographic areas.

Do I have to be a yoga teacher to benefit from Storytime Yoga™ training?
No, all you need is a strong interest in developing kids’ minds and imaginations, while teaching them how to live healthy, fulfilling lives. Storytime Yoga™ training is very suitable for parents who want to tell their kids stories and/or teach them yoga poses and relaxation. It is also ideal for parents who are interested in home-schooling their children. For parents, we offer a variety of educational/training books and e-books. We also offer numerous music and video programs your children can enjoy. Visit our online store to browse our selection.

How many hours per week will each At-Home training segment take?
The At-Home training guides are self-paced. However, you can expect to spend about five hours or more per week working with the material and completing the assignments. For Yoga Alliance credit, every five hours online equals 1 hour of live credit.

What books are required for completing each segment, and which age groups are suitable?

Part I – Awakening the Storyteller is based on the book Storytime Yoga: Teaching Yoga to Children Through Story, by Sydney Solis. It is best suited for teaching children ages 3-10 but can be used for older children as well.

Part II – Stories from the Heart is based on the book The Treasure in Your Heart: Yoga and Stories for Peaceful Children, by Sydney Solis. It is best suited for children ages 8-12 as well as middle schoolers and teens, and can easily be adapted for younger children.

Part III – Mythic Yoga™ is based on the e-book MYTHIC YOGA – Vishnu’s Dream: Ancient Hindu Myths and Personal Story, by Sydney Solis, and is suitable for teaching teens and adults, as well as exploring your own life story through yoga and myth.

For more information about each segment, view the full course outline. [COMING SOON.]

Do I need special equipment to complete the At-Home Training Guides?
The training program includes several large audio and video files that require downloading. For this reason, we recommend having access to high-speed internet.

To video the video files, you will need to download and install Quicktime on your computer. To listen to the recorded MP3 audio lectures, you will need an MP3 player such as iTunes. Both Quicktime and iTunes software can be downloaded for free.

After I complete Part I – Awakening the Storyteller, can I teach a Storytime Yoga™ class?
When you finish Part I of the At-Home training guides, you are welcome to use any of the materials in the course as part of a regular yoga class. In addition, you may use material from Storytime Yoga™ books for your own use.

However, to call your class a Storytime Yoga™ class, you must train with Sydney, become certified in the program, and meet all the certification requirements for being a Storytime Yoga™ instructor.

Storytime Yoga™ is a registered trademark, and only certified individuals may use the name for their own businesses or professional work.

If you use material from Storytime Yoga™ books professionally, please request permission and credit the program and its founder, Sydney Solis.

Do I need a yoga certification to use the Storytime Yoga ™ training for my own purposes?
If you are thinking of starting your own yoga practice, we recommend getting certified. If you are going to be teaching children over age 10, as well as teens or adults, you will need to acquire a yoga certification.

There are many fantastic children’s yoga certifications available in the marketplace. Feel free to take any of them, and view our Find a Teacher page for resources in your area. Many yoga teachers typically have certifications and trainings from multiple places. Sydney believes that an adult yoga certification is best, followed by special training in children’s yoga.

Any experience you can obtain in working directly with children – such as babysitting, child care jobs, teaching, and parenthood – will provide you with the best way to learn how to reach children on their level.

If you are using the training to enhance your own life, and/or to teach your own children, you do not need to be certified in yoga. The program is for you, and its effects on your life will be transmitted to your children. Many people enjoy reading the stories as much as they enjoy practicing yoga without asana. The stories can even be used in dharma talks for adults. No matter what you choose to do with the Storytime Yoga™ material, you can always use it for meditation, relaxation, and philosophical reflection.

What happens after I complete the At-Home Training Guides?
Either during or after your completion of the at-home training, you can utilize Sydney for private coaching via telephone or SKYPE. You may also join the dynamic League of Yogic Storytellers (LOYS) online forum if you are interested in furthering your education. People who have completed their at-home training are also invited to attend live retreats, workshops, and events to bring their experiences to the next level. For the most cutting-edge certification, you’ll want to take our upcoming Online Residency Course with Sydney.

What is the League of Yogic Storytellers (LOYS) group?
The League of Yogic Storytellers (LOYS) is an online community comprised of individuals who are working to spread the joy and wisdom of yoga and storytelling. In many cases, current members are working to complete their own at-home training coursework, and have joined the group in order to share assignments, receive feedback, and share how they are using Storytime Yoga™ and Mythic Yoga™ in their homes and communities. Many members have already succeeded in completing their training, and continue to be part of the group in order to network.

LOYS is the place where you can share your writings with other members (optional), engage in lively discussions, trade tips and resources, ask questions, and interact with a dynamic community.

LOYS members receive access to Sydney Solis’ monthly lesson plans, wonderful mythic stories and resources, monthly teleconferences, Q&A sessions, and exposure to our online network of yoga teachers and storytellers from around the world. Members may include yoga teachers, parents, educators, therapists, and storytellers from all walks of life.

These individuals are committed to using oral storytelling as a vehicle for spreading the wisdom of yoga. They act as the modern version of the “shaman/minister/healer” by using story and yoga for teaching children and adults, and uniting the community.

How do I subscribe to LOYS?
To become a member of LOYS, you must first pay the annual $75/year membership, then follow our online instructions on how to subscribe to LOYS. Anyone can join at any time; however, we recommend that people purchase the at-home training package before joining.

To access the LOYS website and post to the group, you must have a Yahoo account registered. You also need an MP3 player such as iTunes to listen to recorded monthly LOYS calls, and a SKYPE account or long distance phone service to participate in teleconferences with Sydney.

I live outside the United States. Can I still take part in the trainings and LOYS?
Absolutely. The self-paced At-Home Study Guides and LOYS are designed for international students. You can access the materials and the online group from wherever you are in the world, as long as you have an internet connection.

Past participants of the trainings and LOYS have come from Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Denmark, The Netherlands, Mexico, Hong Kong, India, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Cameroon, Bermuda, as well as all over the United States!

International LOYS callers only need to incur long-distance charges to make the live monthly call, and may have to adjust their schedules according to the time zone to participate in a live call. As Sydney is located in Boulder, Colorado, she schedules calls based on Mountain Standard Time (MST). View time zone information here. If calling in is not possible or desired, note that all calls are recorded and made available as an MP3 downloads for later listening.

What kinds of people join LOYS and train in Storytime Yoga™ and Mythic Yoga™?
People from all walks of life take Storytime Yoga™ and Mythic Yoga™ training. We have many diverse individuals in our current LOYS group. Public and private school teachers, massage therapists, play therapists, school psychologists, librarians, yoga teachers, special education teachers, occupational therapists, mothers, fathers, and others are all welcome to train and join our community.

Essentially, the people who participate in these courses are passionate about the imagination and the body. They strongly believe in the power and art of story, language, and the arts to heal and transform lives. In addition, these people are committed to spreading the benefits of yoga and serving children around the world.

How do I get certified in Storytime Yoga™? What are the certification requirements?
View complete certification requirements here. [COMING SOON.]
 

What can I do with a Storytime Yoga™ Certification?
As a certified Storytime Yoga™ instructor, you can teach yoga classes to children and families in schools, preschools, after-school programs, camps, libraries, in private therapy practice, and at yoga studios. Additionally, you can teach storytelling classes to children, perform, and teach in schools and festivals and as an artist-in-residence. You also have the right to display the Storytime Yoga™ logo on your website. You may call your classes “Storytime Yoga™” classes.

Will I receive a certificate at the end of my training?

Completing the At-Home Study Guides alone does not make you certified; you must also meet the additional certification requirements. [COMING SOON.]

If you become a certified Storytime Yoga™ and Mythic Yoga™ teacher, you will receive a certificate upon completion of the necessary work.

Q&A for current LOYS members
The following information is for individuals who are currently subscribed to the League of Yogic Storytellers (LOYS) group. Subscriptions are allowed by invitation only. Please pay your annual LOYS membership fee if you wish to join.

Where do I access the LOYS website?
Current LOYS members can access the group website at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LOYS/. You must log in using your registered Yahoo account.

For LOYS group files, call information, stories, lesson plans, and other documents, visit http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LOYS/files/.

To view and post messages, go to http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LOYS/messages.

Depending on your membership settings, you may opt to have all posts emailed directly to you, or sent in a daily digest.

What is the monthly LOYS call? What number do I dial to join in?
From January through May, and from August through December, Sydney hosts a live monthly teleconference for LOYS members. (During all other times of the year, there is no monthly call.) Individual call dates and times are scheduled in advance and sent to all members of the group via email and posted to the LOYS website in the messages section.

LOYS members can join via telephone by dialing (712) 432‐0150 and entering 144319# when prompted. If you can’t make a call and want to hear it later, you can call back at (641) 715‐3432 and press 144319#.

You can also participate in the call if you have a registered SKYPE account. If using SKYPE, please RSVP for each call and contact Sydney ahead of time to set this up. She is under the username “QueenofBohemia.”

Please bring your comments, inquiries, dreams, stories, yoga practice questions, experiences, and more to the call!

Note: Sydney will be traveling to Buenos Aires from June 2-18, 2010, and will be using SKYPE to conduct the monthly calls during this time. All LOYS members will need to set up a SKYPE account and use this if they wish to participate in the monthly calls during this period.

What is SKYPE? How do I set up a SKYPE account?
SKYPE is an online chat software program that allows users to make telephone calls over the internet. Free services include:

• Voice and video calls to anyone else on Skype

• Conference calls with three or more people

• Instant messaging, file transfer and screen sharing

To register, visit http://www.skype.com/, click “Get SKYPE,” and follow the instructions to download and install the program. You need to have a computer with working speakers, a headset with a microphone, a web camera (optional), and a high-speed internet connection. When installing the program for the first time, you will be asked to create a unique username and password.

All calls to landlines and mobiles made using Skype Credit are subject to a connection fee. However, LOYS members who use SKYPE do not need to pay any fees to participate in a monthly call, since Sydney will also be using SKYPE during each call.

What happens if I can’t attend the monthly LOYS call?
Each monthly call is recorded and made into an MP3 file, which is available for download within 7 days of the call. The link to download the MP3 is emailed to all members, and is listed in the messages section of the LOYS website at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LOYS/messages.

I am having difficulties logging into my LOYS account. What is my password?

Please log into your LOYS account at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/LOYS/ using the Yahoo ID and password you originally registered for the group. If you know your Yahoo ID but don’t remember your password, please contact Yahoo directly for assistance.

If you did not register a Yahoo account but have an email address subscribed to the LOYS group, email us and let us know you need web access to the group. We will send you an auto-generated “profile request” asking you to set up an online profile so that you can view the LOYS website. Please double-check your spam/junk mail folders for this email.

Where do I obtain missing files or documents? or I did not receive certain files in my coursework.
Please email info@storytimeyoga.com if you are missing files or have any additional questions about your LOYS subscription. To expedite a resolution, please list the specific files which you are missing in your email.

Where can I get more information on upcoming events?
Visit our events page for the latest courses, workshops, and retreats.

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Mythic Yoga Retreat in Boulder, Colorado
June 20-25 , 2011
With Sydney Solis and Artist Wendy Rochman

Register for the Mythic Yoga Retreat

by clicking here

Steep yourself for 4 days in the art of storytelling, yoga and community as well as deepen your storytelling and class skills.

Every day we will enjoy  a yoga class, work on myth and storytelling and storytelling performance and how to use it to teach yoga and yoga philosophy, as well as learn the art of training other teachers. Art, hiking, sightseeing, picnics, ritual, community bonding, myth-making and more are all part of this wonderful retreat experience.

COST :
$395 plus travel, meals and lodging expenses.

3-hour Mini Trainings for Child Care CentersTrain your entire staff in the Storytime Yoga Method

Learn to be a storyteller and apply it not only in yoga and relaxation, but throughout the day! Cost: 1 hour training is $150 + $25 trip fee. 3-hour training is $350 + $25 trip fee and $19.95 for each book desired.
add 2, 25-minute classes with the kids for only $50 more! (Contact Us >>)

TESTIMONIALS

Thank you SO much for these courses, they are wonderful gifts! I am beginning to feel as though this has been a key element missing from my life that is guiding me in ways I had not even dreamed possible! I can’t thank you enough for all of your wonderful inspiration.

--- Lisa Calice, Rochester Hills, Michigan

“I love the course… In so many ways I feel like this course and the assignments have been cheap and fun therapy.”

--Kimberly Kirk, Ipswich, Massachussettes.

“I find Storytime Yoga extremely therapeutic for me as well as fun and would like become part of the LOYS in the next year.”

“Thank you for facilitating these wonderful, magical courses. They have helped me and my teaching practice in ways that are often hard to describe. I am very grateful.”

“I would like to thank you for sharing your experiences and knowledge with me. I learned a great deal from the online course, not only through the materials and the book, but from all of the emails from you and the group as well. It was nice hearing from other people who were taking the course as well. It was really a wonderful experience and I look forward to taking another class with you.”

“Looking more closely at dreams, helped me connect to The Peddler’s Dream on a deeper level. This same connection through dreams, my own story, my life, my teaching, began to become clearer. There was a message for me in my dreams, I only had to listen.”

Register for the Mythic Yoga Retreat

by clicking here

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