CLASS IS CURRENTLY IN SESSION FOR OUR 2022 PROGRAM
Missed it? Please keep a look out for future program dates for 2023!
Mindfulness Teacher Training (MTT) Program 2022
June 11 - December 18, 2022
via Zoom (Virtual)
IDP MTT is a 200-hour professional certificate program for committed practitioners to learn to confidently lead others on a path of mindfulness, wisdom, and compassion with integrity and heart.
The 2022 program will be led by teachers Nandini Naik, Rey Horowitz, Oneika Mays, Manaslu Gurung, Margerhita Tisato, Dan Cayer, Bahar Ashnai, Kristina Lopez and Bahar Ashnai.
Teach with Integrity
IDP MTT incorporates contemporary mindfulness teachings and therapeutic practices with philosophical, psychological, and ethical principles of the secular Buddhist tradition. Participants learn specific techniques for effectively leading individual and group mindfulness and compassion meditation, and are directed on a path of study to clarify the function of contemplative and complementary practices in the development of wisdom and compassion.
Now in its 12th year, this program enables experienced meditators to offer mindfulness and compassion practices to their clients, patients, family, and the general public. The training is open to therapists, educators, life coaches, leaders, managers, social workers, yoga teachers, and experienced mindfulness students.
What we offer:
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Experiential learning and practice of individual and group meditation techniques in a supportive environment, including various methods of teaching mindfulness, compassion, lovingkindness, and concentration
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A deep understanding of how mindfulness and contemplation supports ethical behavior and clarity, leading to beneficial actions for self and others
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Readings and discussion of the history of meditation and mindfulness and the science of contemporary mindfulness practice, research and applications
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An opportunity to learn from established and multii-lineage teachers
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Confidence and knowledge to teach traditional practices in a secular manner that supports a wide range of contemporary fields
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Mentorship and one-on-one supervision with teachers
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Feedback and peer support for facilitation practice
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Group facilitation skills
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Training in cultural competency, working with diverse groups, identifying implicit biases, understanding power and privilege
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A Mindfulness Meditation Teaching certificate, upon completion, for those that fulfill the requirements
Established in 2011
Graduates of MTT include instructors in the mindfulness and dharma communities, social justice and engaged practice leaders, corporate meditation guides, innovative psychotherapists, teachers, lawyers and non-profit professionals, and others inspired to share the benefits of their practice with the world.
Requirements
Participants in this program are required to make a serious time commitment. There are 140 hours of formal training, mainly on weekends, all via video conference. In addition, participants commit to a daily one hour meditation practice, the completion of regular homework assignments and readings, weekly check-ins with peer groups, 35 hours of practice teaching, and 2 teacher one-on-one meetings. See below for detailed program schedule.
Sessions will include plenty of time for movement breaks, including an hour and a half lunch to prevent Zoom fatigue!
THE PROGRAM
Seven Training Weekends
Three Daylong Practice Sessions
Three Deepening Your Practice Workshops
SEVEN TRAINING WEEKENDS
Weekends include meditation practice, discussion, group exercises, and practice teaching. Sessions will include plenty of time for movement breaks, including an hour and a half lunch. Weekend sessions will coincide with the following schedule:
June 11-12 - Weekend 1: Setting the Ground
Building a learning community takes trust, rawness and awareness. Who are you? What do you value? What are your identity markers? How do you show up in the world? Who is the world for whom you show up? How do we create access through language? In this session we seek to learn about ourselves as teachers and learners. A panel with experiences in queerness, trauma, chronic illness, disability, matters of DEI, and incarceration will be present for a part of the weekend to guide and provoke thinking.
July 9-10 - Weekend 2: Teaching with Intention: Meditation & Mindfulness
History and view of meditation practice, its use as a means to living wisely and benefiting self and others. An understanding of mindfulness, insight, skillful action, and compassion. Introduction to the contemporary approach to mindfulness meditation. Instructions for guided mindfulness of breath practice.
July 23-24 - Weekend 3: Mindfulness: Working with Emotions and Thoughts
Science and research of mind-body processes during and after mindfulness meditation. Approaches and techniques to work with hindrances including overwhelming emotions, difficult thoughts, physical pain. Exploration of our relationship with pleasant and unpleasant sensations. Contemporary applications to offer mindfulness in the workplace.
August 20-21 - Weekend 4: Lovingkindness: Developing the Heart
Science and research of compassion and empathy. History and practice of traditional metta, forgiveness, and compassion meditation. Approaching self-compassion and working with burn-out and overwhelm. Learning and practicing mindful communication.
October 15-16 - Weekend 5: Teaching with Integrity
Best practices and ethics for teachers in general, and mindfulness and meditation instructors particularly. Learning to be present and hold space for students’ feelings and experiences while being careful not to try to “cure” or give unsolicited advice. Trauma-informed mindfulness, best practices for working with the incarcerated, and applications of mindfulness with youth and children.
November 19-20 - Weekend 6: Professional Guidelines for Mindfulness and Meditation Teachers
Working with private, one-on-one students, teaching in schools, and working in healthcare institutions – including discussion and understanding of fees, settings, and best practices. Establishing a career in the mindfulness field, with information on applications of mindfulness practice in business and healthcare settings.
December 17-18 - Weekend 7: Student Presentation and Going Forward
Students will develop a curriculum and lead and instruct the teachers on Friday and Saturday, including presentations on applications of mindfulness and complementary practices, research on mindfulness, as well as guided meditation, facilitated discussion, and exercises. On Sunday, we’ll discuss ways to establish a teaching career - networking, job searches, professional organizations and other means.
THREE DAYLONG PRACTICE SESSIONS
Each Workshop is held on a Saturday, 9am-5pm
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August 6: Personal Practice Retreat
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October 1: How to Incorporate Movement with Mindfulness
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December 3: Embodiment Workshop
THREE DEEPENING YOUR PRACTICE WORKSHOPS
Each Workshop is held 10am-1pm, with Manaslu Gurung
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June 25
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September 17
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November 5
HELPFUL LINKS
Eligibility & Prerequisites
MTT is primarily designed for those with meditation experience who are interested in offering meditation instruction within their profession. Committed contemplative and Buddhist students who would like to participate in this training to deepen their understanding and knowledge may also be admitted.
Tuition & Scholarships
We strive to be accessible to people of all income levels, so we offer tuition fees on a sliding scale. We trust you to practice generosity and mindfulness to select the highest rate you can reasonably afford, to allow us to better meet the growing number of requests for financial aid.
Questions?
Please email Nandini with any questions at nandini@theidproject.org.
We look forward to hearing from you!