Somatic Yoga Training Immersions, West Cork, Ireland
Options: Level 1, 50 Hour Training & Level 2, 60 Hour Training
Courses can done individually; or combine in person and online options for a total of 110 hours of IAYT and Yoga Alliance Pre-Approved training; scroll down to see the upcoming dates for Level 1 and Level 2
Are you ready to explore your soma and share the soma love? Immersive courses limited to 6 students
Who are the Level 1 Level 2 Somatic Yoga courses for?
These trainings take place at Embody Studio and B&B in Ballydehob, Ireland. The full immersion retreats are thoughtfully designed for Yoga Teachers and Yoga Therapists. They are also for other therapist, mental health professionals and body workers who want to use movement as medicine. Additionally, you will benefit from these trainings if you are currently a yoga or somatic practitioner and want to learn life long tools for self-care. The in person immersion training options give you more opportunity to fully embody the blended traditions of yoga and somatics in yourself; and to authentically share new tools with clients.
Daily Schedule
The daily schedule for Level 1 and Level 2 will include 5-8 hours of training and practice, with a break to allow for self reflection, sound healings, hot tubs, guided local outings, hikes and an optional off premise meal. We start each day with a morning practice from 8-10 am. The rest of the daily schedule is based on the conditions to make the most of the Irish weather.
The Level 1 training concludes at 2 pm the following Saturday (7 nights). The Level 2 training concludes at 2 pm the following Sunday (8 nights). Please plan your travels accordingly and consider giving yourself and extra day at each end to ground, assimilate and enjoy West Cork!
Cost & Room Options
Level 1 In Residence Cost 7 Nights:
€2,100 per person for private room and bath
€1,650 per person for double occupancy with private bath
If you prefer to share a room with another student, please let us know.
Level 2 In Residence Cost 8 Nights:
€2,344 per person for private room and bath
€1,888 for double occupancy with private bath
Non-Residential Cost:
Level 1 In Person - €1,250
Level 2 In Person - €1,430
If you would like to attend the training and have your own accommodations, this option includes the cost of full training with 2 meals per day but no lodging.
Additional Nights: To suite your travel schedule, there is an option to stay an extra night(s) before or after the training for €60 with breakfast.
Optional Online Content: €108 for continued learning purposes, in person students can purchase the pre-recorded online Level 1 and/or Level 2 content for a year after completion of the course.
Kula Membership Platform - In person students can purchase membership to the Kula Yoga Video Library for the discounted cost of €108 per year or €15 per month.
Payment Options & Inclusions
Payment Options: Non-refundable deposit of €300 to register, balance due on arrival.
Payment may be made by credit card, Venmo, Revolut, cash or IBAN/BIC direct bank transfer. Final payment of the full balance is due on arrival. Please be aware that 5% will be added to all foreign non-euro credit cards.
Pricing Includes:
Extensive manuals of 140-160 pages, Somatic Yoga Teacher 50 Hour Certification for Level 1 or 110 Hour Certification upon completion of Level 2, local outings and hikes, 2 meals per day and snacks: breakfast each morning and "linner"( lunch/dinner).
Not included in pricing: transportation to Bantry or Skibbereen (where we will pick you up) and any off premise meals.
Our Location
Please visit our general Retreat Page for Retreat Info & Policies, travel information, or click the link below “Embody Studio and B&B” to read about how to get here, what to bring and more information on the Embody Studio and Ballydehob.
Our private 7 acre property offers a custom built timber yoga studio, 3 bedrooms & 3 baths, settings for friendly conversation and solitary spaces in the countryside. We are nestled in the mountains, but 10 minutes from the sea where the rocky coasts and sand beaches of the Mizen Head and Sheep’s Head Peninsulas await.
Ballydehob is a colorful West Cork village on the Roaringwater Bay along the “Wild Atlantic Way”, uniquely situated to explore the vibrant coastal towns of Bantry, Skibbereen, Baltimore and Schull.
What To Bring
warm, layered clothing for yoga & hiking or sauntering. Even if you don’t intend to hike, we highly recommend waterproof shoes, rain jacket, hat & waterproof pants
a notebook and pens for self reflection, and intellectual content
shampoo, toiletries and sunscreen (yes! the sun is intense here because of our latitude!)
slippers/socks for inside, swimsuit for outside (sea swim or hot tub night)
water bottle and backpack or waist bag
If you like to sleep in a dark room, consider bringing a sleeping eye mask. The days are long in the summer and the shades in the bedrooms are not room darkening, (because we believe in following the light of our circadian cycle).
Ear plugs for sleeping if you have a roommate or don’t want to hear the sheep, cows, donkeys and birds in the early hours of morning and at bedtime
Any small items to energize on the altar. You will bring them back home with you; or nature may provide items here
Please do your best packing, but we have laundry available to you if needed, (hanging clothes on the line in the breezy Irish sunshine is a mini-meditation!)
You will have a refrigerator available to you for personal snacking
What is Somatic Yoga?
Somatic Yoga integrates the science of neuromuscular retraining with body consciousness through the breath. It is mainly done lying down or seated, making it extremely adaptable. When you slow down and experience yourself through conscious movement and breath, you learn to self-regulate the nervous system and keep your internal state steady and balanced. It is beneficial to all the systems of the body and can reduce pain, heal trauma, improve sleep, increase vitality, promote healthy aging and balance the subtle body.
June 21 - 28, 2025
sign up available soon for fall option September 6-13, 2025
SYT Level 1 Immersive Training Retreat Overview
Movement As Medicine
The Level 1 Somatic Yoga Training is designed to give yoga therapists, yoga teachers, mental health professionals and body workers the confidence to use Somatic Yoga in private therapy sessions, to offer Somatic Yoga classes, and make your current yoga classes more interesting, embodied and accessible by weaving in somatic movement. The training will also inspire your personal practice by giving you lifelong self-care tools for vibrant aging.
The training provides a deep but practical introduction to the principles of Somatic Yoga for common muscle imbalance patterns, chronic pain, trauma, disease, and mental well being. Learn the application of Somatic Yoga through neuromuscular communication, interoception, proprioception and the subtle body (biofield) as it pertains to the Kosha Model in yoga therapy.
The Level 1 training includes 40+ Somatic Yoga practices, and a 130+ page course manual.
Certification, Continued Support & Goodies!
Certification: On completion of the course, you will be issued a certification of completion for the Somatic Yoga Level 1, 50 Hour Training. This course is listed on both International Association of Yoga Therapists and Yoga Alliance for pre-approved continuing education credits.
Teacher Directory: If you are a professional sharing Somatic Yoga in one-on-one appointments or group classes, please submit your contact information and recent photo to be listed on the Embody with MM Website Certified Teacher Directory.
Super Kula Yoga Video Library: All Level 1 and Level 2 Somatic Yoga Training students can sign up for our online video membership library for the discounted price of €15 per month or €108 for a full year. This is a private ad-free video library with exclusive content released weekly. We will also be adding "Simple Somatic Yoga" videos showing one Somatic Yoga movement per video. Additionally, both the annual and monthly memberships include free registration for the Friday Somatic Yoga Classes live on Zoom and/or zoom recording.
Additional Course Video Viewing: on completion of the Level 1 in person course, you have the option at any time to buy the Somatic Yoga Level 1 pre-recorded video only for one year for €108.
Soma Training Kula Membership Platform: Upon registration, students are invited to join the Soma Student Kula membership; this is a private community chat that is only for Megan's Somatic Yoga training students. The group platform is used for professional discussion, information sharing and more personal community connection, as well as where you can direct chat with Megan.
Somatic Yoga Training Kula: After completion of Level 1, you can also attend the monthly zoom meeting where we discuss practical implementation of material, professional experiences and mentoring.
SYT Level 1 Immersive Training Retreat Overview
50 hours of Approved Professional Development/APD for International
Association of Yoga Therapy
50 hours YACEP Yoga Alliance Continuing Education
50 Hour Somatic Yoga Teacher Certification, Level 1
Monthly Live Zoom Somatic Yoga Kula
Inclusion in the searchable Somatic Yoga Certifed Practitioner List
Qualification for additional Somatic Yoga trainings with Megan
SYT Level 1 In Person 50 Hour Learning Path Outline:
Lesson 1 - The Body As soma
Lesson 1 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
Body Scan for Embodiment
Constructive Rest and Fetal Curl
Inhalation as Levity. Exhalation as Gravity
Land and Locate in Your GPS
The Pioneers of Somatics
Clam Shell, Skier and Mermaid Tail
Body Based Therapy
Sensation Scale
Finding Support and Feedback Using the Ground and Wall
Somatic Yoga Definition
Pandiculation
Supine Full Body X
Lesson 2 - Terms Describing A Self Aware Soma and How to Feel Yourself As A Soma
Lesson 1 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
Body Scan for Embodiment
Constructive Rest and Fetal Curl
Inhalation as Levity. Exhalation as Gravity
Land and Locate in Your GPS
The Pioneers of Somatics
Clam Shell, Skier and Mermaid Tail
Body Based Therapy
Sensation Scale
Finding Support and Feedback Using the Ground and Wall
Somatic Yoga Definition
Pandiculation
Supine Full Body X
Lesson 3- interoception
Lesson 3 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
Interoception – What It Is and What It Isn’t
Body Prayer for Upper Body
Proprioception: Another Perception of Body Related Stimuli
Proprioception: Open The Feet To Feel The Whole Body
Standing Side Stretch and Cross Body Reach for Proprioception
Body Mapping: Grow Your Hand Experiment
Body Tune Play And Body Mapping
Lesson 4 - The Brain - The Circuit Board of Our Earth Suit
Lesson 4 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
Cerebrum
Frontal Lobes
Somatic Backbend – Prone Cross Body Lift
Temporal Lobes
Chanting The Bija Seed Sounds
Parietal Lobes
SA TA NA MA Mudra
Occipital Lobes
Somatic Yoga Eye Movements
Limbic System
Cerebellum
Brainstem
Spinal Chord
Neurons
Nervous System: Central and Peripheral
Enteric Nervous System
Pelvic Rocking Into Full Body Arch & Curl
Lesson 5 - What Gets In the Way of Kinestetic Awareness & Interoception
Lesson 5 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
Muscle Memory
Somatic Cat Cow
Sensory Motor Amnesia (SMA)
Cactus Arms and Angel Wings
Trauma In The Body
Neuromuscular Reflexes
Hanna’s Somatic Reflexes
Green Light Reflex – Action Using Muscles of Extension
Red Light Reflex – Withdrawl Using Muscles of Flexion
Trauma Reflex
The Role of Somatic Yoga In The Myth of Aging
Psychological And Emotional Benefits Of Somatic Yoga
Emotional Style Questionnaire
Why Stretching Doesn’t Change Muscle Length
Lesson 6 - Using Pranayama In Somatic Yoga
Lesson 6 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
Body Position and Breath
Breath Awareness Observation
Gentrify The Breath
Abdominal Breath to Relax
Muscles of Respiration
Diaphragmatic Breath for Activation of Deep Core Muscles
Introduction of Movement with the Breath
Breath Ratios and Mantra
Lesson 7- Introduction to Structural Pranayama & The Four Deep Core Muscles
Lesson 7 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
The Four Deep Core Muscles and Structural Pranayama With Mr. Bones
Diaphragmatic Breath for Activation of Deep Core Muscles
Arch and Curl to Explore Diaphragm and TVA
Pelvic Floor Muscles with Mr. Bones
Four Deep Core Rhythm
Arch/Curl Bridge to Explore TVA & Pelvic Floor
March In Place
Somatic TVA and Oblique Strengthening
Bracing to Awaken TVA and Pelvic Floor
Intuitive Core Slo-Mo Ball Play
Find & Feel Multifidus: Somatic Bird Dog
Somatic Boat Pose
Side Lying Multifidus & Core Stability
Psoas – GPS Of The Internal Body
Psoas Slide
Supine Psoas Release
Lesson 8 - Around The Pelvis: The Center Of Your Universe
Lesson 8 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
Bones and Muscles of the Pelvis with Mr. Bones
Movements to Awaken, Balance and Stabilize The Pelvis
Seated Internal/External Hip Rotation
Walk In Place
Reclining Somatic Hip Internal Rotation
Moving The Girdles With Wiper Arms and Legs
Somatic Hip External Rotation
Prone Somatics for Muscles of Hip Extension
Standing Leg Pendulum To Balance Hip Extensors and Flexors
Z Sit Pelvic Stabilization
Chair Z Sit Pelvic Stabilization
Pelvic Reset
Lesson 9 - The subtle Body and Somatic Yoga
Lesson 9 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
Pancha Maya Koshas: The Vital Doorways
Meditation Through The Pancha Maya Koshas
Somatic Yoga Subtle Body Self Care
Activating the Back Chakras
The Subtle Body In Medicine
The Spiral Meditation
The Subtle Body: Everything You Need To Know But Were Afraid To Ask
5 Prana Vayus in Moving Meditation
Lesson 10 - Perceptions Of Illness & Pain and Wrap Up
Lesson 10 Topics and Somatic Yoga Practices Include:
Halo And Aura Sweep
Nerve Flossing
Sliding Side Rotation Into Full Body Spiral
Myofascial For Embodiment and Play
Find The Parts To Feel The Whole
The Roll of Physical Therapy And Manipulative Methods
Unfold Emotion Into Compassion
Concluding Observations
Level 2 April 26 - May 3, 2025, 1 place left non-residential, OR July 26 - August 3, 2025
sign up available soon for fall option October 4-12, 2025
SYT Level 2 Immersive Training Retreat Overview
Journey Onward & Inward
Prerequisite For The Level 2 Training: You must have completed Megan’s Somatic Yoga 50 Hour Level 1 training online or in person.
Course Overview: The Level 2 Somatic Yoga immersive training builds on Level 1 and will help you to absorb Somatic Yoga as self-care and as well as share and teach confidently from your memory of felt sense. It takes you deeper into your own body, giving you more opportunity to explore some of the principles of Somatic Yoga as taught in Level 1.
SYT Level 2 offers different scenarios of when to use which movements, breathing techniques, meditations, philosophy etc, and how to "package" the tools in creating classes and for specific conditions. SYT 2 is designed to give you more confidence in and options to use Somatic Yoga in therapy, teach classes and offer specialized workshops. We will explore different variations of Lesson 1 movements, as well as introduce new Somatic Yoga practices, terms, philosophy, Ayurveda, and assessment methods.
The Level 2 training reviews some of the richness of Somatic Yoga tools from Level 1 in specific contexts, along with new opportunities to befriend the body. The course is presented as an in depth workshop style with a focus on a particular areas and issues. It includes new Somatic Yoga movements and a generous course manual so that you can focus on the embodiment of the movements instead of taking copious notes!
Additionally, as a valued and skilled player in our Somatic Yoga, you be encouraged and supported should you have the aspiration to offer Somatic Yoga classes or workshops with specific focuses such as back care, psoas, SI dysfunction, pelvic floor health, grief and spiritual growth etc.
SYT Level 2 In Person Learning Path Outline:
The second level of the Somatic Yoga Teacher Training includes practicum, theory, philosophy, anatomy, and the gift of grace…for yourself and others.
Beliefs Of A Soma
Chakra Connection
Toes, Feet and Legs: Brains and Jewels Of The Spine
Embodied Writing As Therapy
Somatic Yoga For The Sacroiliac Joint
A Date With Iliopsoas, The Primal Tissue
Somatic Yoga For Pelvic Floor Health
TMJ Disorder
Practice For The 5 Diaphragms and 5 Vayus
Working with Pregnant Goddesses
Healing Chronic Pain And Trauma With Somatic Yoga
Somatic Yoga For Whiplash
Fibromyalgia Student Assessment, Plan And Testament
Psychology And Spirituality in Somatic Yoga
The Koshas In Somatic Yoga
Self Guided Ayurvedic Marma Point Therapy
Somatic Yoga for Grief
We Are Spanda and Adbhuta! Intuitive Core Play
Body Budgeting, Prana, Ojas and Tejas
How to Market And Teach Somatic Yoga Classes, Workshops And Private Therapy
Level 2 Certification & Continued Support
Certification: On completion of the Level 2 course, you will be issued a certification of completion for the Somatic Yoga Level 2 60 hour training, 110 hours of training; showing your successful completion of 110 course hours in IAYT and Yoga Alliance Approved continuing education. The Level 2 course is listed on both International Association of Yoga Therapists and Yoga Alliance as pre-approved continuing education credits.
Teacher Directory: Your listing on the Embody with MM Website Certified Teacher Directory will be updated to show that you have completed 110 hours of Somatic Yoga training.
Super Kula Yoga Video Library: All Level 1 and Level 2 Somatic Yoga Training students can sign up for our online video membership library for the discounted price of €15 per month or €108 for a full year. This is a private ad-free video library with exclusive content released weekly. We will also be adding "Simple Somatic Yoga" videos showing one Somatic Yoga movement per video. Additionally, both the annual and monthly memberships include free registration for the Friday Somatic Yoga Classes live on Zoom and/or zoom recording.
Additional Course Video Viewing: On completion of the Level 2 in person course, you have the option at any time to buy the Somatic Yoga Level 2 pre-recorded video only for one year for €108.
Soma Training Kula Membership Platform: All students are invited to join the Soma Student Kula membership. this is a private community chat that is only for Megan's Somatic Yoga training students. The group platform is used for professional discussion, information sharing and more personal community connection and direct contact with Megan.
Somatic Yoga Training Kula: You are invited to continue to be a valued voice in our monthly zoom meetings where we discuss practical implementation of material, professional experiences and mentoring.
In Person Student Testimonials
Megan is such a great teacher who has a big heart and abundant knowledge and experiences. Not only about Somatics, but also so many precious things as a teacher and a person. The site is so beautiful, full of good energy. The room was very clean and comfortable. The meals were amazing! Incredibly delicious everyday. The music and sound healing was very relaxing and I love the music Michael and Megan created. I am so blessed to have taken this in-person training course.
Eri Hirao, Osaka, Japan
RYT 200, 250 Hr TTC, Yin Yoga Asia TTC
I've had the most insightful, transformative and inspiring time during the 50-hour Somatic Yoga teacher training with Megan and Michael. The training was very professional and comprehensive and the stay at their B&B was amazing. The accommodation, the food, the location, the atmosphere far surpassed my expectations.
Kalyani Hauswirth-Jain, Netherlands
E-RYT 500, co-author 'Hatha Yoga for Teachers & Practitioners'
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