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Meditation Teacher Training

Introducing the Happy Melon Meditation Teacher Training program. A 6 week, 80-hour, one-of-a-kind program combining the science, history, philosophy and teaching methodology of meditation.

TRAINING DETAILS

  • The Course
  • Training Dates and Location
  • Investment and Inclusions
  • What You Will Gain
  • Course Requirements and Certification
  • The Curriculum

The Course

*FINAL SPOT AVILABLE FOR OUR OCTOBER TRAINING*

Introducing the Happy Melon Meditation Teacher Training program. A 6 week, 80-hour, one-of-a-kind program combining the science, history, philosophy and teaching methodology of meditation.

Since its inception, Happy Melon has been at the forefront of the modern meditation movement, as a first-of its-kind mind and body studio that blends mindfulness with movement. As Melbourne’s premier meditation studio, Happy Melon is a place of nurture and community, built on the foundation of teaching practices that bring people together.

This unique 80-hour course is specially designed for those who are looking to become meditation teachers, and to those who are looking to further deepen their practice and knowledge through an intensive training program. Our one-of-a-kind program brings together industry experts Sacha Stewart, Zoe Kanat, Daniel Cerny, Annemaree Rowley and Simon Davey, in a robust training program that combines the science, history, philosophy and teaching methodology of meditation with the opportunity to grow and thrive as a teacher through teaching practice, attendance of in-studio shadow classes and personalised 1:1 mentoring sessions. 

Training Dates and Location

Our 2024 intakes are as follows:

  • Sunday, 13 October – 24 November 2024 (with a week off for Cup Day Weekend on the 3rd of November)

The trainings run every Sunday for 6 weeks from 10am – 4pm.

Training Location: Happy Melon Studios (1252 – 1254 High St, Armadale, VIC).

Investment and Inclusions

Early Bird Pricing: In-Person $2,700 (usually $3,300), Online $2,000 (usually $2,500)
Available until 31 August, 2024. Please note, payment must be made in full to receive the discount.

Upfront Payment: $3,300
Online Participation: $2,500
Payment Plan: $3,500 ($1,000 non-refundable deposit required, the balance to be paid in 5 x $500 instalments prior to training commencing)

* Online Participation *

We are now offering the option to complete our Meditation Teacher Training remotely. All sessions will be live streamed via Zoom so you can contribute to the conversations and as questions and recordings will be made available shortly after each session has finished.

Investment Includes:

  • Teaching and facilitation of the above curriculum at our studio
  • 1 x 60-minute 1:1 Mentoring Sessions with a Teacher of your choice
  • A comprehensive course manual
  • A 6-week Unlimited Full Membership to Happy Melon
  • Happy Melon water bottle

Trainings are limited to 15 people so please register early. Please note that payment must be received to secure your spot.

What You Will Gain

  • A deeper understanding of the Eastern and Western history of meditation
  • The mechanics of stress, the nervous system and how this relates to meditation
  • Different styles of meditation and the influences of ancient foundational bodies of knowledge
  • The skills, confidence and knowledge to lead guided meditation classes
  • The ability the support your students through the experiences they will have during meditation practice
  • The ability to speak about the impact of meditation on the mind and body
  • An understanding of the ethics and values that support the role of a teacher
  • Access to your authentic teaching voice
  • The ability to effectively market yourself as a teacher
  • A deeper commitment to your own meditation practice
  • Connection with a community of like-minded people

Course Requirements and Certification

The Happy Melon Meditation Teacher training is fully accredited with the Meditation Association and is comprised of in-person training sessions, 1:1 mentoring sessions and practice teaching hours (40 contact hours) in addition to assignment work, shadowing meditation classes at Happy Melon, weekly reading material and a daily meditation practice for the duration of the 6-week course (40 non-contact hours). 

The course itself includes theory, practice, group exercises, regular opportunities to guide the class and valuable connection time with your Happy Melon mentors and peers.

The Curriculum

Module 1: Western History, Philosophy and Practices

  • The Happy Melon Philosophy and Values
  • Science and History of Meditation & Mindfulness

Module 2: Eastern History, Philosophy and Practices 

  • Buddhist Philosophy and Practices (i.e. Mantra, Breathwork)

Module 3: Stress, Mental Illness, Trauma and Relaxation 

  • Trauma and Trauma-Informed Teaching
  • Therapeutic Applications for Meditation & Mindfulness
  • Yoga Nidra for Stress Reduction and Relaxation

Module 4: The Happy Melon Teaching Methodology Part One

  • Discover Your Authentic Teaching Voice and Style

Module 5: The Happy Melon Teaching Methodology Part Two 

  • Facilitation Techniques and Strategies

Module 6: The Business of Teaching Meditation and Mindfulness

  • The Ethics and Professional Considerations of Teaching Meditation
  • The Business of Meditation

MEET YOUR COURSE FACILITATORS AND MENTORS

Sacha Stewart

Meet Sacha and hear about what she covers in the training in this short video.

Sacha is a certified meditation and mindfulness teacher through Melbourne Meditation Centre, is a member of the Meditation Association of Australia, plus a certified 200hr Hatha Yoga Teacher through The Practice Bali Yoga.  She holds a double diploma in Kinesiology and Mind Body Medicine from the College of Complimentary Medicine, and is a certified Wellness Coach through Wellcoaches USA. With her formative career as a producer in the advertising and film industries, she knows the pressure of the corporate world, and experienced first-hand how much impact stress had on the mind and body.  Her passion became to educate others in mindfulness and wellbeing practices, to give them the opportunity to use these tools to empower themselves to create work / life balance, increase their vitality, and develop a greater sense of peace and happiness within.

https://insighttimer.com/sachastewart

Zoe Kanat

Meet Zoe and hear about what she covers in the training in this short video.

Zoe is a qualified meditation teacher, mindfulness educator, trained Psychotherapist and Counsellor. She is a tutor at Monash University, Department of General Practice, as part of the Health Enhancement Program led by Associate Professor Dr Craig Hassed. Zoe is also deeply passionate about the art of relaxation, the ancient practice of Yoga Nidra and has spent several years personally and professionally practicing and studying in this area. She is a qualified Yoga Nidra facilitator, specifically in The Daring to Rest Program developed by teacher and author, Karen Brody.  In 2019 Zoe assumed a position on the board of Meditation Association of Australia, the national peak body representing meditation and mediation teachers. Zoe is passionate about sharing the ancient practices of mindfulness and meditation in a direct and accessible way.

https://insighttimer.com/zoekanat

Daniel Cerny

Meet Daniel and hear about what she covers in the training in this short video.

Daniel has many years of clinical experience as a Naturopath, nutritionist and herbalist, he offers a deep insight and respect for the intimate connection between the mind and body, creating space for others so they can feel at home within themselves. In ever-changing world, the mindfulness practice offers refuge, nourishment and connection. The ability to reconnect with our inner sanctuary — a place of peace, stillness and love, and to develop the inner resources to calm and overactive mind, take greater care of ourselves and to live a fuller and more purposeful life.

https://insighttimer.com/danielcerny

Jess Krishnan-Nair

Meet Jess and hear about what she covers in the training in this short video.

Jess is a graduate of the Chopra Centre’s Meditation Teacher Training Program and Perfect Health: Ayurvedic Lifestyle Program led by world-renowned author and holistic medicine advocate Dr Deepak Chopra, Ayurveda and Integrative medicine expert Dr Sheila Patel, and Vedic Educator Dr David Frawley. Alongside teaching, Jess has over 15 years’ experience in various senior roles within large NGOs, specialising in organisational strategy, program design, social enterprise and social impact measurement.  She truly believes that a regular meditation practice enables people to work and live with greater clarity, creativity and efficiency and regularly coaches CEOs, senior management and teams on the benefits of mindfulness and meditation in the workplace. Jess brings a depth of understanding of the intersections between ancient yogic wisdom, modern science and psychology to all of her classes and transcendental meditation courses to help bring greater peace, ease, freedom and inspiration to our busy lives.

Annemaree Rowley

Meet Annemaree and hear about what she covers in the training in this short video.

Annemaree is a teacher of classical Hatha Yoga, Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Mindfulness practises and Meditation with over 30 years of experience. The underlying principle of her work is that a healthy body and a calm mind promise exemplary personal and professional accomplishment in all facets of life and her focus is on relieving anxiety and stress for those she works with.

https://insighttimer.com/annemareerowley

Simon Davey

Simon grew up in rural New Zealand which set the tone for a unique and calm upbringing – one he is incredibly grateful for. After finishing his Physiotherapy degree he made the move to Melbourne where he quickly realised how much stress a big city can create. Seeing there was a need for a home-like space where people could slow down and reconnect, he co-founded Happy Melon, a first-of-its-kind studio that blends mindfulness with movement and has meditation at its core. Over the past 5 years, he has led the business to where it is now as one of the leading wellness studios in Australia.

"The whole experience has been life-changing, giving me an understanding and tools to take with me not only personally, but to share with others"

Here what our trainees have to say..

The Happy Melon Meditation Training was one of my favourite teacher trainings I have done. It was thoroughly planned and thoughtfully executed with immense focus on the detail of each session. The support of the teachers and mentors was incredible and I have finished the course feeling prepared to teach the community.

The Meditation Teacher training at Happy melon with Si and his team of 6 teachers has been transformative. It has offered me the one day a week studies and then the ability to practice all week at the studio – full access to all classes offered at HM! I found this training easily accessible both in studio (and if required on line) and the content expansive. With six teachers of different lineages I felt they were genuine and authentic. We learnt different practices and philosophies all supported with understanding the neuroscience. There is still so much more to learn however the mentoring sessions and teacher access has already helped to uncover next steps for me as a meditation teacher – Anna Le Deux

I would recommend the Happy Melon Teacher Training to anyone wanting to further their understanding of mindfulness and meditation and/or for those wanting to embark on a meditation teaching pathway. The training provided a nurturing way to learn about meditation from different teachers who all have a range of wisdom and experience to draw on. It also provides the opportunity to engage in a daily practice which has so many benefits to the participants – Jenny K

Loved every moment of this course exceeded my expectations. Generous, nurturing, knowledgeable teachers covered an incredible amount of topics and we were able to have hands-on experiences.

A practical and accessible course. I appreciated that I was able to about the religious, spiritual and scientific teachings pertaining to meditation. This will give me the ability to reach out to a wider audience when I go about setting up my lessons plans & guided meditations for patients experiencing mental health concerns.

FAQ's

  • Who is this course suitable for?
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  • Is this course accredited with the Meditation Association of Australia (MAA)?
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  • Will I be qualified to register for membership with the Meditation Association of Australia after completing this course?
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  • How are the non-contact hours structured?
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  • Why choose the Happy Melon Meditation Teacher Training over other available courses?

Who is this course suitable for?

  • Suitable for anyone with two or more years meditation experience that has an interest in guiding or teaching meditation
  • Open to students of all backgrounds and fields of work
  • Typical participants include yoga teachers, psychologists, counsellors, massage therapists, teachers and others involved in education, health and wellbeing

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Is this course accredited with the Meditation Association of Australia (MAA)?

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Will I be qualified to register for membership with the Meditation Association of Australia after completing this course?

  • Successful completion of the course will provide you with access to a Provisional Membership with the Meditation Association of Australia
  • Provisional membership is available to those who have:
    • Had a personal practice of meditation for a minimum of two years
    • Have completed 80 hours of meditation teacher training in the areas of competency described in our curriculum guidelines.
  • Provisional Members can become Full Members after 2 years if:
    • They have engaged in at least 30 hours of regular teaching during that period
    • Preferably under some kind of supervision or a mentoring arrangement

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How are the non-contact hours structured?

The workload outside of the contact hours consists of the following components:

  • Meditate for at least 30-minutes daily for the duration of the 6-week course and keep a record of these hours
  • Attend 1 x 60-minute 1:1 Mentoring Sessions with a Happy Melon teacher of your choice
  • Facilitate 1 x Community Class at Happy Melon (25 mins each)
  • Shadow 2 x Meditation Classes at Happy Melon (25 mins each)
  • Complete course reading materials as required (approx. 1-2 hours per week, including note taking in preparation for any questions you may wish to ask in your mentoring session)
  • Assignment 1: Research and write a 45-min presentation explaining the physiology, psychology and neuroscience of meditation in your own words
  • Assignment 2: Create two class plans in accordance with the Happy Melon teaching philosophy
  • Assignment 3: Record your community classes and make feedback notes for your own improvement
  • Ideally these aspects are completed during the 6-week course, however, extensions can be arranged

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Why choose the Happy Melon Meditation Teacher Training over other available courses?

  • Learn from a broad range of industry leaders
    • In learning from 6 expert facilitators you will gain access to an invaluable level of knowledge and depth of experience
  • 1 x 60-minute 1:1 Mentoring Sessions with a Teacher of your choice
  • A 6 Week Unlimited Full Membership to Happy Melon (valued at $600)
  • The opportunity to teach and shadow classes at Happy Melon Studios – Melbourne’s premier meditation studio
  • The opportunity for ongoing mentorship following completion of the course
  • A Happy Melon water bottle (valued at $35)
  • A comprehensive course manual
  • Online learning portal, access to recordings of sessions, all course content and community of like-minded peers