2025 April iRest Level 2 Training with Stephanie Lopez IN-PERSON or ONLINE

Would you like to more deeply experience and embody the core of nondual teachings? Do you want to enhance your confidence and facilitation skills in leading iRest? Is it time to better serve your clients/students and community? The iRest Level 2 Training is your opportunity to:

• Enhance your skills teaching to groups by learning to:
  • Teach an advanced practice of iRest Meditation and articulate its foundational principles
  • Study iRest as a trauma-informed practice
  • Customize iRest for specific needs and learn to create practices for sleep, stress, pain and more
  • Distinguish when, how and why to adjust the protocol
  • Interview groups and integrate their words into the practice a meaningful way
  • Expand your understanding of the neuroscience of iRest
  • Professionally prepare iRest classes, series, and workshops
    
    
• Learn to better work with individuals by learning to:
  • Facilitate ‘stream entry’ co-meditation dyads with ease
  • Learn new skills in dyads and how to use them appropriately
  • Work with continuums of sensation, emotions, and beliefs
  • Appropriately incorporate the use of opposites, anthropomorphizing, voice dialogue and Awareness
  • Skillfully track responses and reactions
    
    
• Delve into the philosophical perspectives that inform iRest, including:
  • The journey of awakening and the 38-step Map of Meditation
  • The six Koshas and what lies beyond
  • iRest as Mindfulness

In addition to learning new and expanded material, you will have the opportunity to learn about the latest iRest research, receive updates to the 10-Step iRest Protocol, and benefit from the updated, expanded Level 2 Training Manual.

At iRest Institute, we’ve trained over a thousand Level 2 Teachers around the world and we’ve seen how successful they are at sharing iRest with diverse communities. The Level 2 iRest training is your opportunity to expand your understanding of iRest, and to become more confident, effective, and skillful as you bring the transformative practice of Rest to the world.

AGREEMENT OF RELEASE AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY

Please read carefully and discuss questions or concerns by contacting us BEFORE signing.

I hereby agree to the following: 

I understand that I am participating in an event offered by the iRest Institute (hereinafter “Institute”) that offers yoga instruction and iRest. I recognize that yoga may require physical and mental exertion that can be strenuous, and I am fully aware of the risks and hazards involved.

 I understand that yoga and iRest programs may release strong emotions and I accept this possibility and the result of such emotional release.

I acknowledge that there are risks and dangers that cannot be eliminated in this type of event, and even if a risk or danger could have been eliminated, this does not always occur.

I understand and accept that at in person events physical contact between student and instructor may be necessary. I consent to such contact as is considered necessary by the Instructor.

I represent and warrant that I am physically fit and have no medical condition that would prevent my full participation in yoga, iRest and any other Institute programs. I will advise Institute instructors of any and all physical and emotional conditions that could be affected by yoga, iRest and Institute offerings.

I agree to follow instructions carefully and to immediately stop any activity that causes me any unacceptable discomfort, emotional distress or pain. I will report any discomfort, emotional distress or pain to the instructor as soon as possible during or at the end of the program.

In consideration of being permitted to participate in yoga and iRest programs with the Institute, I agree to assume full responsibility for all risks, injuries or damages, known or unknown that I might incur as a result of participating in such activities.

I understand that yoga and iRest may produce a deep state of relaxation that can continue for many hours after the program is complete. I acknowledge that I may need to refrain from driving a vehicle after a yoga or iRest session, until I feel capable of responding to the situations that may arise while driving.

I understand that if this event is being presented in an on-line format it may not allow the instructor to watch my movements or my posture.  I accept any additional risk that may be present because of the instructor being unable to correct any movement or behavior that I may be experiencing and I agree that I will stop any movement or activity that causes me pain or discomfort. 

I acknowledge that during my participation in this event I may be filmed and/or recorded and my image and/or voice may appear in one or more videos or recordings, being produced by Richard Miller or the Institute.  I further acknowledge that one or more of the videos and/or recordings in which my image and or/voice appears may be posted to the Institute’s website and may be shown at various Institute events to support initiatives of the Institute.   I consent to the Institute posting the videos and/or recordings, which contain my image and/or voice, on its website or using the videos and/or recordings at retreats, workshops, trainings and other events where they may feel it is appropriate to promote the Institute or for any other purpose. I am aware that the videos and/or recordings may be shared with and/or sold to various people within the Institute and/or with other people who are not part of the Institute for the purpose of soliciting donations for the Institute and for other purposes and I consent to such use of my image and voice in these videos and recordings.

I release the instructor, substitute instructors, assistants, facility,  Institute and its directors, officers, advisors and employees (referred to as ‘Providers’) from all actions, causes, claims, suits, damages and liabilities arising out of, or connected with, my participation in yoga, iRest and  Institute programs including, but not limited to, personal physical, mental or emotional injury, illness (including death) and/or loss of property. I agree to indemnify and hold harmless all of the Providers.

I, my heirs, assigns, legal representatives and spouse, if any, forever release, waive, discharge and agree not to sue any of the Providers for any injuries or damages I may sustain.

I waive and release any rights I may have under California Civil Code §1542, which states as follows: “A general release does not extend to claims that the creditor or releasing party does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release, and that if known by him or her, would have materially affected his or her settlement with the debtor or released party “

I agree that this waiver will be interpreted, as broadly as allowed by law, and that if part of this waiver is deemed invalid then the balance shall remain in effect  

I further agree that this waiver and any subsequent claims or legal proceedings will be governed by the laws of the state of California.

I freely and voluntarily agree to these terms and conditions even though I would not be able to participate without signing this waiver.  I assert that my participation and signing is voluntary and that I assume all risks.

Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct Policy

An essential element of the Integrative Restoration iRest® practice is the development and maintenance of caring and professional teacher-student and client-practitioner relationships. Clear and appropriate guidelines regarding professional and social conduct and interpersonal (including sexual) boundaries are necessary for creating safe and supportive environments that foster appropriate and healthy relationships. Accordingly, iRest Institute is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical behavior with regards to personal and professional conduct.

This policy serves to support the continued growth of individual iRest teachers, as well as our community of iRest practitioners and students. The following ethical and professional standards are intended to aid practitioners in evaluating appropriate behavior. However, the Code of Ethics
and Professional Conduct of the iRest Institute is not a voluntary standard of behavior. Anyone who is teaching iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation, any teacher who advertises, identifies as, or calls themselves an iRest Level 1 or Level 2 Teacher, or any Certified iRest Teacher, must adhere to this Code of Conduct in order to maintain their privileges as outlined in the iRest Institute
Copyright, Trademark and Permission Guidelines document.

Each person who enters into an iRest Institute training, and each person who completes the certification requirements and becomes a Certified iRest Teacher, agrees to observe and be held to the standard of behavior set out in this policy.

Professional Ethics and Conduct

Commitment to Client/Student
1. I will respect the rights and dignity of my clients/students.
2. I will neither refuse nor discriminate against students on the basis of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, or national origin.
3. I will show sensitive regard for the moral, social, religious and other spiritual standards of my students. I avoid imposing my beliefs on others, although I may express them when appropriate during a class or session.
4. I will maintain professional boundaries in relationships with clients/students and avoid any relationships that may exploit the trust of clients/students.
5. I will obtain informed consent to use ethical touch, as appropriate, in iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation sessions and group classes, such as assisting a client to find a comfortable position for the practice. In general, touch is not necessary in offering iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation and the necessity of the touch and the potential effect on the client/student should first be considered before requesting consent for ethical touch.
6. I will refrain from: 1) Attempting to diagnose a student's physical or psychological condition; 2) Prescribing a treatment; or 3) Suggesting or approving of a client/student going against her/his physician's (or other licensed medical professionals) advice.
7. I will safeguard the confidentiality of all client information whether written or spoken.
8. I will keep or dispose of any records on a student in a manner that assures security and confidentiality.
9. I will bill clients/students accurately and fairly.
10. I will obtain consent from students before photographing, audio or videotape recording or permitting third party observation of iRest sessions.
11. I will ask students’ permission before adding their names to mailing lists and be clear about the content of mailings, respecting also the students’ right to opt-out of the mailing list.

Commitment to Profession
1. I will work to promote high standards within the field of yoga nidra meditation.
2. I commit to maintain and improve my teaching skills through personal practice, ongoing study or mentorship, and to meet any recertification requirements.
3. I will ensure that all information relating to the benefits of iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation and information used for promotional marketing purposes is accurate, clearly stated and not misleading in any way.
4. I will not harass a student, employee or colleague, in person or through online activities, such as trolling, stalking, using hate speech, threatening, intimidating, reporting of false grievances, manipulating, or otherwise harassing in any form or manner.
5. I will not harass or dismiss an employee who has acted in a reasonable, responsible and ethical manner to protect or intervene on behalf of a student.
6. I will abstain from the use of alcohol, illicit or illegal drugs, and non-prescribed medications while actively engaged in teaching an iRest Institute sponsored event, or while actively engaged in presenting an iRest event or class in general.
7. I will seek appropriate professional assistance for any personal issues that may impair my ability to practice safely and effectively.
8. I will neither receive nor pay a commission for referral of a client/student.
9. I will make timely referrals to healthcare professionals as appropriate.
10. I will respect copyright and acknowledge sources when drawing from the work of others, and will adhere to the iRest Institute Copyright, Trademark, and Permission Guidelines.

Commitment to Public
1. I will accurately represent my qualifications including education, training, experience and professional affiliations.
2. I will provide only those services that I am qualified to perform, as outlined in the Scope of Practice document.
3. I will conduct my business and professional activities with honesty and integrity.
4. I will commit to working toward diversity, equity and inclusive access to iRest offerings.
5. I will adhere to all local and national laws.
6. I will bring any concerns about the ethical behavior of another iRest teacher to the attention of the Ethics Committee.
7. I will, as much as possible, commit to environmental sustainability in all business practices, including, but not limited to, recycling, using energy-efficient products, reducing waste, saving water and minimizing environmental impact via travel.

Sexual Harassment and Misconduct
All forms of sexual behavior with students are unethical, even when a student invites or consents to such behavior. Sexual behavior is defined as, but not limited to, all forms of overt and covert seductive speech, gestures and behavior as well as physical contact of a sexual nature.
1. I will not enter into a sexual relationship with a student or client with whom I am actively engaged or working within either private sessions or group classes.
2. I will refrain from establishing a sexual relationship with any student for a minimum of six months after that student has ceased working with me and I will seek consultation regarding entering into such a relationship from the iRest Institute Ethics Committee or other professionals who can advise me on ethical standards of behavior.
3. I will refrain from sexual harassment of students, employees or colleagues.

Acknowledgements
I acknowledge that these ethical guidelines are not exhaustive. I understand that the failure of these guidelines to address any particular conduct does not mean that the conduct is necessarily ethical or unethical.

If I am uncertain about how to ethically proceed in a particular situation I will contact the iRest Institute Ethics Committee for guidance before acting.

Any reports of my breaching this code will be fairly investigated by the iRest Institute Ethics Committee and I agree to cooperate in an ethics investigation. I understand that unethical behavior is a violation of this policy and may lead to a revocation of:

● my privilege to teach iRest
● my privilege to identify myself an iRest Level 1 or Level 2 trained teacher
● my iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation Certification

This policy is intended to assist iRest practitioners and does not create or imply any liability by iRest Institute for a teacher’s behavior.

Questions?
Please direct questions regarding iRest Institute’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct Policy to the iRest Institute Ethics Committee, attention: ethics@irest.org.

• Do I need to be an iRest Level 1 Teacher to do this training?
  Yes, our Level 1 Teacher Training is a requirement. While there is no suggested time frame recommended between Level 1 and Level 2, we hope that following your Level 1, you’ve been able to teach group practices and/or dyads in a variety of settings. Gaining experience in teaching groups and offering dyads will enhance your learning as a Level 2 participant because you will have direct and informed questions based on your ground of experience.
   
• Can I take this training if I’m not currently teaching?
  Yes, as long as you’ve completed our Level 1 Teacher Training and ideally have some teaching experience. Or, you’re interested in deepening your personal practice and exploration of nondual philosophy.
   
• I haven’t perfected everything from the Level 1 Training, can I still take this advanced training?
  Learning is an iterative process. We offer a supportive and dynamic learning environment. If you have a clear understanding of the basics of the iRest Protocol, and some teaching experience, please join us.
   
• I only use iRest tools in one-on-one settings, will this training be valuable for me?
  Absolutely, this training will evolve and improve your facilitation of co-meditation dyads.
   
• Is the history and philosophy religious or dogmatic in nature?
  No, as you learned in Level 1, iRest supports first-hand experiential understanding, pointing each individual within. The teachings fully support this approach.

If you have any additional questions, please contact events@irest.org.