Ever since I was a child, I knew I would play a role in awakening people to their full capacity of peace, purpose and pleasure. Teaching yoga has been my primary vessel and tool of expression and service in the world. I grew up with a mom who was a yoga teacher and instilled this practice into my life from birth. I did my first official yoga training at age 19 and after being diagnosed with auto-immune disease at 22 I left the corporate world and never looked back.
I spent the last 10+ years building communities, managing yoga studios, leading YTTs, and transformational retreats. I've lead 20+ retreats and Yoga Teacher Trainings with over 100 graduate students, many of whom have gone on to lead their own YTTs and retreats.
I believe yoga is a way of life and so much more than an hour on a mat. I'm here to guide you into your darkness so you can embrace the full spectrum of this human experience. To me, descension and ascension are equally important to heal/be whole. In the spaces I facilitate, I bring the original medicines of song, dance, storytelling, and silence.
I look forward to praying and playing with you!
Zaia Ortiz
I believe that feeling is our only sovereignty in this life. My awakening began face to the mat in balasana, child’s pose, at a yoga class in a dark basement gym in New York City. I spent months returning to this posture, fascinated by the visceral feeling of the world beneath my fingertips. Since then, after 8 years of teaching and training - every yoga practice I share is different.
The spaces I hold are deep, organic, shamanic, practical, educational, musical and creative.
In 2018, I began a journey of offering trauma sensitive yoga to women and children in domestic violence shelters. I quickly became captivated by the physiology of trauma. Studying with Peter Levine, Stephen Porges, Jessica McGuire, Joann Lutz, Bessel van der Kolk, Aurianna Joy and many more.
I have facilitated thousands of bodies around the world working within a unique trauma intuitive lens that's backed in Somatic Experiencing, Bodywork, Non-Violent Communication, Eastern Energy modalities and years of my own healing. Alongside yoga, I serve as a breath worker, psychedelic integration guide, somatic therapist and reiki master.
"I arrived here with fear and doubt that I couldn't be a leader...and over the course of the last few weeks I am feeling a lot more courage to step into the power of being a leader, and take that into the world."
"The leadership training is creating leaders of the new world...where the new world is about collaboration, community and abundance. I'm thrilled that this experience has given me the community and healing and new ways of being human."
"I have felt a deepening into my self-love, my own purpose, and building a strong foundation so I can grow. Leaving here I feel like I found a community. I've made lifelong friends with likeminded, like hearted people. I'm leaving here a more compassionate leader."
"Yoga is a representation of life. The challenges, and who we are. We did amazing shadow work I feel human now. Before I came here, I was a body, smothered with societal conflict, rules, and judgement. The world needs healing, and this shit is healing."
The Venue
Hidden away deep in Blue Ridge, Wheel of Bliss retreat center overlooks a sea of forested land. Outside, breathe in fresh forest air, hear the rush of waterfalls, and see peaks of mountains in the distance. Gather your group on our spacious deck for yoga, meditation, dining, and more. Hike trails and bathe in fresh spring water. Inside, enter a sacred space. Practice, heal, and relax in our altar room adorned with sacred paintings and effigies from the Himalayas. Rest your head on one of our 16 plush beds, that include soft linens. Practice yoga, breathwork and experience transformational ceremonies in our yurt.
The Daily Schedule
A sample day in the life of a yogi in this Yoga + Leadership Initiation
6:00 AM
Meditation, Mantra and Manifestation
Our morning Sadhana (practice) rituals will include pranayama (breathwork), chanting, and meditation.
6:45 Am
Solar Flow
After Sadhana, we will get our blood flowing with a morning yoga asana practice. Each practice will be 60-90 minutes in length. Some Solar, some Lunar.
8:30 Am
Farm to Table Breakfast
We choose food that is grown locally and prepared with love to fuel you for the long days.
10:00Am - 1:00 PM
Asana Lab
We will break down poses and flows and teach them in small groups. Teaching is a powerful tool for transformation as different blind spots, triggers, and insecurities may rise to the surface. This will also be a great time to deepen your understanding of the physical practice.
1:00 PM
Lunch
Healthy and delicious!
3:00-5:00 PM
Yoga Philosophy/Discussions/Workshops
Afternoons will be focused on philosophy, the art and science of teaching, and educational and enjoyable workshops
6:00 pM
Dinner
Enjoy a conscious meal in the expansive open concept dining room
7:30 PM
Evening Ceremony/Study/Free time
Some evenings we will be in ceremony together and others will be free time to study or hang.
What's Included
200 hour Yoga Teacher Training ($3500 value)
Somatic Leadership Course ($2500 value)
16 nights accommodation ($1000 value)
3 local/organic meals daily ($800 value)
Awaken Yoga School Online Foundations Course ($500 value)
4 Pre-Immersion Preparation Calls ($400 value)
4 Post-Immersion Integration Calls ($400 value)
The Business of Yoga ($800 value)
Awaken Yoga School YTT Manual ($250 value)
Included Excursions ($200 value)
Lifetime Soul Family (Priceless)
Healing + Self-Love (Priceless)
TOTAL VALUE = $10,350
YOUR INVESTMENT = As low as $4,500
What's Not Included
Airfare/Travel to Wheel of Bliss, Hot Springs, North Carolina (Asheville Airport is approx 1 hr away. Charlotte airport 3 hrs away)
Travel Insurance
Additional Excursions + Extras
Tuition
Bliss House
$5000 payment plan
$4500pay in full
Tuition includes a shared dorm room with en-suite bathroom for 16 nights, 3 local/organic meals per day, online course modules for additional support, and 8 pre and post integration calls.
Tuition includes a bring your own tent option with shared shower and bathroom for 16 nights, 3 local/organic meals per day, online course modules for additional support, and 8 pre and post integration calls.
We focus on the framework of a class rather than memorizing a script. this gives you the ability to teach what you love. In this course we focus primarily on Awaken Vinyasa - an all levels practice that is focused on breath and sensation that takes people beyond the physical.
After I complete the course, will I be able to teach?
Yes! This program is Yoga Alliance approved and designed to give you the knowledge, practice, and information to be confident and ready to teach! We even cover the "biz" best practices to get hired at studios + teach online!
How much experience do I need to come to this immersion?
More important than your experience is your willingness to come in with an open mind and open heart. We've had students complete this program after only taking 4 classes!
Can I take the training if I don't plan to teach?
Of course! Many students join our program to deepen their own personal practice and learn more about the history and philosophy of yoga. This program is also designed to help you step into your role as a leader in your life, and the lives around you.
What's included? How much is the total investment?
This is an all inclusive experience - the training, lodging, manual, and meals are included in the tuition price.. The only charges you are responsible for is your travel to the retreat center.
What is somatic leadership?
Remembering that you are the leader of your life. The way you change the world is by changing yourself. as more people become leaders of their own lives, we will create a collective shift. Responsibility, discipline, intuition, intention are just some of the values we cultivate throughout the immersion.
