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Center For Natural Living

4.91

Based on 35 reviews

What is a School Review?


NPS Score 9.7/10


3 more Locations

Connect with Us

1206-373 Front Street West

Toronto, ON, Canada

Types of Yoga Taught

Flow Yoga

Alignment-Oriented Yoga

Fitness Yoga

Spiritually-Oriented Yoga

Gentle Yoga

Specialty Yoga

Trainings Formats

Full-time
usually intensive/immersion

Part-time
spread out over time

Weekends only

Modules
several, shorter immersions

Residential
trainees stay on-site

Non-residential
trainees commute to the program

Destination / retreat

Languages

English

Other Locations

Center For Natural Living
23 Rose Trail
Andover, NJ, USA

Kula Yoga & Wellness
Kula Yoga & Wellness, 25 Main Street
Stanhope, NJ, USA

YOGA hOMe Studio and Ayurveda Centre
2828 West North Street
Decatur, IL, USA

About Center For Natural Living

Cost: USD 1050 + 13% tax.  Includes 14 nights stay in a single bunkhouse, three meals, teacher training and 200h certification 200h Training dates in Costa Rica: February 1 to 15, 2024 Online training & some pre-work required before the in-person in Costa Rica...

Cost: USD 1050 + 13% tax.  Includes 14 nights stay in a single bunkhouse, three meals, teacher training and 200h certification

200h Training dates in Costa Rica: February 1 to 15, 2024
Online training & some pre-work required before the in-person in Costa Rica

  • This teacher training is being offered as a Seva program. 

  • This is a space where everyone is welcome, where a holistic lifestyle is practiced, where people come to safely journey inwards.  Where personal practice of yoga is encouraged, teachers and students come together as allies and guides.
     

Center for Natural Living, as a school, was formed by Irum when she was living in the middle of the rainforest of Costa Rica.  Irum offered yoga to the guests and the volunteers at Rancho Margot.  The year was 2010.  

 

In 2011 the school was registered with Yoga Alliance as RYS 200 and Irum started offering trainings to her students in the lineage of traditional yoga.  A teacher and her disciples, spending time in and out of classroom, in the forest.  Irum guided the students on their yoga and their personal journey.  

Irum’s own yoga training was ashtanga based.  She finds that “yoga meets you where you are” (its her quote she often repeats).  

 

Irum has further trained with teachers at the Himalayan Institute in Honesdale.  her learning and teaching of Hatha and Raja yoga deepened under the study of teachers like Rolf Solvik, Pandit Tigunait, Sandra Anderson and Shari Friedrichsen.

 

Irum’s life philosophy is influenced by Alan Watt, JD Krishnamurti, Joseph Campbell and Carl Jung.

 

Irum and Jo Ann bring years of learning and teaching to share the traditional lineage of yoga.

 

www.centerfornaturalliving.com


Center for Natural Living offers a 200, and 300 hour advanced yoga teacher training.  The immersion trainings are offered in Canada, US and Costa Rica.  We provide and train you in the fundamentals and take you to the advanced learning of techniques, methodology, subtle and structural anatomy, and yoga philosophy and lifestyle.  Our trainees learn to guide a yoga practice with awareness, of “Live the Yoga” Philosophy.  

Through out this training you will engage in a physical practice, learn the structural and energetic techniques of postures and form, learn to meditate, study anatomy and physiology of yoga asanas, study yoga philosophy, the lineage of Hatha and Raja yoga and have thought provoking discussions.   Discussion of the sutras, the Yamas and the Niyamas is part of the curriculum.   Through daily discourse, and journalling, each student is encouraged to be open to receive their inner light.  To explore who they believe they are.  

During the yoga immersion and training process our students begin to discover the meaning of the true Self. They begin to bring awareness to the layers of conditionings and the Samskaras.  The transformation leaves each person more energized, confident and ready to follow an inner calling.  

You will learn how to teach, how to guide and share your yoga practice, built on the foundation of your own practice.


Email for details
Our school

First Registered August 2011

Reviews

As part of the Yoga Alliance Social Credentialing system, teachers that register with Yoga Alliance must submit a review of the RYS training program they completed.

Feedback from trainees provides Registered Yoga Schools with the opportunity to understand their trainees’ experiences in order to continually improve their trainings.

By choosing to display comments, schools enable trainees to provide insight into a school’s culture and training which helps potential trainees choose the right teacher training for their individual path with yoga.

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  • 5 out of 5
    By: Samantha Chan Sep 24, 2023
    Training Program held on Nov 28, 2022—Apr 21, 2023

    Choosing to complete my YYT through Center of Natural Living is easily one of the best decisions I've made. Irum, the lead instructor, is thoughtful, provides thorough feedback, and deeply cares about her students. The entire experience was interactive and engaging, with a mix of live discussion, practice teaching to the class at least 2-3x a week, and readings. We covered the asanas, anatomy, yoga philosophy, pranayama - but perhaps more importantly, explored and deepened our personal connection with the practice. I completed the training feeling more aligned with myself and my energy, and ready to pass on the practice to others!

    • General Comments

      Choosing to complete my YYT through Center of Natural Living is easily one of the best decisions I've made. Irum, the lead instructor, is thoughtful, provides thorough feedback, and deeply cares about her students. The entire experience was interactive and engaging, with a mix of live discussion, practice teaching to the class at least 2-3x a week, and readings. We covered the asanas, anatomy, yoga philosophy, pranayama - but perhaps more importantly, explored and deepened our personal connection with the practice. I completed the training feeling more aligned with myself and my energy, and ready to pass on the practice to others!
    School response
    Center For Natural Living
    Dec 31, 2023
    Thank you Sam. It is rewarding to share this lineage, Your feedback and your experience are also a testimonial to your dedication to yoga. Wishing you years of sharing and teaching yoga.
  • 5 out of 5
    By: Jessa Nicole Feb 25, 2023

    My experience with the Center for Natural Living was life changing. We were able to complete our training mostly online and some in person, and everything went very smoothly. It was definitely more enriching for the time we spent in person, but even through the online structure we all learned so much.

    • General Comments

      My experience with the Center for Natural Living was life changing. We were able to complete our training mostly online and some in person, and everything went very smoothly. It was definitely more enriching for the time we spent in person, but even through the online structure we all learned so much.
  • 5 out of 5
    By: Alisha Nathoo Nov 21, 2021

    I had an incredible experience completing my 200-hour yoga teacher training with the Center for Natural Living (CNL). The lead instructors, Irum and Jo Ann, were extremely knowledgeable, patient and kind. They took the time to provide thoughtful answers to my questions, and this helped me to deepen my knowledge of the material. The passion and experience they brought to every class facilitated my growth and development, and was very inspiring. The curriculum was extremely comprehensive, covering yoga techniques, philosophy and anatomy in detail. Each asana we covered was clearly explained, with plenty of time to practice and ask questions. The classes on pranayama and meditation also provided an excellent balance of theory and practice. The format of the classes was very engaging and interactive. I feel honoured to have trained with Irum and Jo Ann. They provided an enriching and rewarding yoga teacher training experience. My sincerest thank you, CNL!

    • General Comments

      I had an incredible experience completing my 200-hour yoga teacher training with the Center for Natural Living (CNL). The lead instructors, Irum and Jo Ann, were extremely knowledgeable, patient and kind. They took the time to provide thoughtful answers to my questions, and this helped me to deepen my knowledge of the material. The passion and experience they brought to every class facilitated my growth and development, and was very inspiring. The curriculum was extremely comprehensive, covering yoga techniques, philosophy and anatomy in detail. Each asana we covered was clearly explained, with plenty of time to practice and ask questions. The classes on pranayama and meditation also provided an excellent balance of theory and practice. The format of the classes was very engaging and interactive. I feel honoured to have trained with Irum and Jo Ann. They provided an enriching and rewarding yoga teacher training experience. My sincerest thank you, CNL!
  • 4.5 out of 5
    By: Kevin Remy Oct 11, 2021
    Training Program held on Jul 04, 2020—Sep 30, 2020

  • 5 out of 5
    By: Adrienne Sin Aug 20, 2021
    Training Program held on Jun 04, 2021—Aug 19, 2021

    I had a reawakening, life changing experience with CNL. The instructors, Irum and Jo Ann were incredibly attentive and thoughtful in teaching me. I was thoroughly blown away how they really took the time and care to make sure I understood all topics. I am so grateful to have gone through the course with these two strong, empowering yet humble women. Thank you so much for your time and dedication.

    • General Comments

      I had a reawakening, life changing experience with CNL. The instructors, Irum and Jo Ann were incredibly attentive and thoughtful in teaching me. I was thoroughly blown away how they really took the time and care to make sure I understood all topics. I am so grateful to have gone through the course with these two strong, empowering yet humble women. Thank you so much for your time and dedication.
  • 5 out of 5
    By: Angela Bilkic Oct 03, 2020

    I completed my 200 Hour YTT with Center for Natural Living (CNL) from July through September 2020. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, I was able to take this training online. This training and experience has enriched my life in so many ways. The lead instructors at CNL are extraordinary. Irum, the Founder and Lead Instructor, and Jo Ann, the Anatomy Lead Instructor, each have decades of experience so you are in good hands from start to finish. They are excellent instructors who are always patient, clear, and generous. They care about the students learning and understanding the material and making progress so they always offer helpful guidance. The curriculum is thorough and delivers a comprehensive foundation to understanding and teaching Yoga in all its eight limbs. The training manual used as one of the core "textbooks" so to speak is written by the Founder and the Anatomy book you learn from is written by the Anatomy instructor - so you are truly learning directly from the experienced teachers themselves. Personally, the online format worked for me and I never felt like I was missing out on an in-person training. I think that is testament to the quality of the instructors - they are engaging, knowledgable, and interactive. The schedule I adhered to during the training was thoughtfully laid out but CNL was also flexible in adjusting certain dates and times given the online format. The standard of teaching is high and even though it was online, the number of contact hours you have with the instructors over video conference is extensive and demanding, exactly what a high caliber YTT should be like. I highly recommend this studio and its amazing teachers. They truly prepare you in becoming a teacher and life-long student of Yoga. Namaste!

    • General Comments

      I completed my 200 Hour YTT with Center for Natural Living (CNL) from July through September 2020. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, I was able to take this training online. This training and experience has enriched my life in so many ways. The lead instructors at CNL are extraordinary. Irum, the Founder and Lead Instructor, and Jo Ann, the Anatomy Lead Instructor, each have decades of experience so you are in good hands from start to finish. They are excellent instructors who are always patient, clear, and generous. They care about the students learning and understanding the material and making progress so they always offer helpful guidance. The curriculum is thorough and delivers a comprehensive foundation to understanding and teaching Yoga in all its eight limbs. The training manual used as one of the core "textbooks" so to speak is written by the Founder and the Anatomy book you learn from is written by the Anatomy instructor - so you are truly learning directly from the experienced teachers themselves. Personally, the online format worked for me and I never felt like I was missing out on an in-person training. I think that is testament to the quality of the instructors - they are engaging, knowledgable, and interactive. The schedule I adhered to during the training was thoughtfully laid out but CNL was also flexible in adjusting certain dates and times given the online format. The standard of teaching is high and even though it was online, the number of contact hours you have with the instructors over video conference is extensive and demanding, exactly what a high caliber YTT should be like. I highly recommend this studio and its amazing teachers. They truly prepare you in becoming a teacher and life-long student of Yoga. Namaste!
    School response
    Center For Natural Living
    Oct 05, 2020
    Thank you Angela. You came as a student eager to learn and you are so ready to share this lineage and its teaching. I felt the screen was no a barrier, and I can speak on behalf of both Jo Ann and myself, that sharing and teaching the curriculum online felt as close to seamless as it can. Thank you once again for doing your research, taking time to review the contents of the curriculum, and the online interview before making the decision to choose Center for Natural Living for your 200h Yoga Teacher Training. Namaste! We share this light to keep you safe and guide you on your Yoga path. Irum and Jo Ann
  • 5 out of 5
    By: Joanna Walker Sep 08, 2019
    Training Program held on Jun 01, 2019—Aug 31, 2019

    I am grateful to the teachers within Center for Natural Living and highly recommend them for a 200Hour Yoga Alliance Certification. They are thorough, organized, fun, and extremely knowledgable!

    • Syllabus Reflection

      To what extent do you feel this program met the following learning objective; The student will become confident with human anatomy within the context of teaching yoga

      Entirely

      The Center for Natural Living ensured that my goals were met. Irum Naqvi and Joann Staugaard-Jones are patient, diligent, seasoned, and enthusiastic from start to finish! They supplied me with auditory, visual, and "hands-on" education.

    • Learning Objectives

      Average 5 = Entirely
      1.
      - Skeletal and Muscles - Postural alignment and different bodies - Common injuries - Body, mind and breath - relationship - Integration of Bandhas

      Entirely

      2.
      Study of Asanas - Teaching Technique - Vinyasa Flow/Asana - Sanskrit names of asanas Meditation

      Entirely

      3.
      Study of Pranayama - Ujjayi - Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) - Diaphragmatic breathing

      Entirely

      4.
      - Study of Energy Systems - Study of the Chakras - Chakra Balancing Meditation - Study of Energy Bodies

      Entirely

      5.
      Yoga Philosophy and history of yoga - Patanjali Sutras - Lifestyle - "be the change you want to see" - - Taking yoga from the mat to real life - Teaching Methodology - Delivery and design of yoga sessions - Clarity of language - How to teach yoga postures to beginners ? - Creativity in leading a yoga session - Finding personal style

      Entirely

      6.
      Center For Natural Living’s 200-hour teacher training prepares its trainees to begin teaching the principles and techniques of yoga safely and competently.

      Entirely

    • General Comments

      I am grateful to the teachers within Center for Natural Living and highly recommend them for a 200Hour Yoga Alliance Certification. They are thorough, organized, fun, and extremely knowledgable!
  • 5 out of 5
    By: Rosa Roberts Jul 05, 2019

    The Centre for Natural Living gave me a much better understanding of the philosophy and background of yoga, as well as detailed instruction in the different asanas. I feel that I understand so much better now how yoga can help people psychologically as well as physically. Irum was a brilliant teacher, who was able to bring in the more mystical aspects in a clear way. She taught us how to lesson plan well, and how to practise kindly and compassionately.

    • Learning Objectives

      Average 5 = Entirely
      Center For Natural Living’s 200-hour teacher training prepares its trainees to begin teaching the principles and techniques of yoga safely and competently.

      Entirely

    • General Comments

      The Centre for Natural Living gave me a much better understanding of the philosophy and background of yoga, as well as detailed instruction in the different asanas. I feel that I understand so much better now how yoga can help people psychologically as well as physically. Irum was a brilliant teacher, who was able to bring in the more mystical aspects in a clear way. She taught us how to lesson plan well, and how to practise kindly and compassionately.
  • 5 out of 5
    By: Lisa Franks Jan 30, 2019
    Training Program held on Nov 19, 2017—Dec 10, 2017

    My training with the Center for Natural Living was incredible. Being on location in Costa Rica and immersing myself in the training was exactly what I was hoping for it to be. Irum ensured we learned what we needed to know in accordance to Yoga Alliance, but also gave us so much more. We dove into ourselves, our practice, and our philosophies. Irum is a master at her skill, but also knows how to lead and create a safe and intimate community.

    • Syllabus Reflection

      To what extent do you feel this program met the following learning objective; The student will become confident with human anatomy within the context of teaching yoga

      I completed the training a while ago and it looks like they have changed the program since I completed it.

    • Learning Objectives

      Average 5 = Entirely
      1.
      - Skeletal and Muscles - Postural alignment and different bodies - Common injuries - Body, mind and breath - relationship - Integration of Bandhas

      Entirely

      2.
      Study of Asanas - Teaching Technique - Vinyasa Flow/Asana - Sanskrit names of asanas Meditation

      Entirely

      3.
      Study of Pranayama - Ujjayi - Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) - Diaphragmatic breathing

      Entirely

      4.
      - Study of Energy Systems - Study of the Chakras - Chakra Balancing Meditation - Study of Energy Bodies

      Entirely

      5.
      Yoga Philosophy and history of yoga - Patanjali Sutras - Lifestyle - "be the change you want to see" - - Taking yoga from the mat to real life - Teaching Methodology - Delivery and design of yoga sessions - Clarity of language - How to teach yoga postures to beginners ? - Creativity in leading a yoga session - Finding personal style

      Entirely

      6.
      Center For Natural Living’s 200-hour teacher training prepares its trainees to begin teaching the principles and techniques of yoga safely and competently.

      Entirely

    • General Comments

      My training with the Center for Natural Living was incredible. Being on location in Costa Rica and immersing myself in the training was exactly what I was hoping for it to be. Irum ensured we learned what we needed to know in accordance to Yoga Alliance, but also gave us so much more. We dove into ourselves, our practice, and our philosophies. Irum is a master at her skill, but also knows how to lead and create a safe and intimate community.
  • 5 out of 5
    By: Kelly Friesen Jan 10, 2019
    Training Program held on Oct 28, 2014—Nov 20, 2014

    • Syllabus Reflection

      To what extent do you feel this program met the following learning objective; The student will become confident with human anatomy within the context of teaching yoga

      Mostly

    • Learning Objectives

      Average 4 = Mostly
      1.
      - Skeletal and Muscles - Postural alignment and different bodies - Common injuries - Body, mind and breath - relationship - Integration of Bandhas

      Mostly

      2.
      Study of Asanas - Teaching Technique - Vinyasa Flow/Asana - Sanskrit names of asanas Meditation

      Mostly

      3.
      Study of Pranayama - Ujjayi - Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) - Diaphragmatic breathing

      Mostly

      4.
      - Study of Energy Systems - Study of the Chakras - Chakra Balancing Meditation - Study of Energy Bodies

      Mostly

      5.
      Yoga Philosophy and history of yoga - Patanjali Sutras - Lifestyle - "be the change you want to see" - - Taking yoga from the mat to real life - Teaching Methodology - Delivery and design of yoga sessions - Clarity of language - How to teach yoga postures to beginners ? - Creativity in leading a yoga session - Finding personal style

      Mostly

      6.
      Center For Natural Living’s 200-hour teacher training prepares its trainees to begin teaching the principles and techniques of yoga safely and competently.

      Mostly

First Registered August 2011

School Reviews

Total Reviews: 35

By Samantha Chan RYT® 200

Sep 24, 2023

Choosing to complete my YYT through Center of Natural Living is easily one of the best decisions I've made. Irum, the lead instructor, is thoughtful, provides thorough feedback, and deeply cares about her students. The entire experience was interactive and engaging, with a mix of live discussion, practice teaching to the class at least 2-3x a week, and readings. We covered the asanas, anatomy, yoga philosophy, pranayama - but perhaps more importantly, explored and deepened our personal connection with the practice. I completed the training feeling more aligned with myself and my energy, and ready to pass on the practice to others! Full Review

By Jessa Nicole RYT® 200

Feb 25, 2023

My experience with the Center for Natural Living was life changing. We were able to complete our training mostly online and some in person, and everything went very smoothly. It was definitely more enriching for the time we spent in person, but even through the online structure we all learned so much. Full Review

All Reviews (35)

Teaching Staff

Kristin Mylecraine

E-RYT® 500, YACEP®

Irum Naqvi

E-RYT® 500, YACEP®

Margaret Strom

E-RYT® 200, YACEP®

Adrienne Sin

RYT® 200

All Teaching Staff (5)

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