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Online Yoga School: Online Yoga Philosophy Course

Course program

The Online Yoga Philosophy Course by Online Yoga School is a self-paced program that explores the conceptual and spiritual foundations of yoga. It examines the origins, central texts, and evolution of yogic thought, going beyond the physical practice to look at the philosophy underlying it. The course is approved as Yoga Alliance Continuing Education (YACEP).

There are no prerequisites for this course. It is open to yoga practitioners who want a deeper understanding of yoga’s philosophical roots, to existing yoga teachers looking to fulfill Yoga Alliance continuing education requirements, and to anyone curious about the spiritual and conceptual dimensions of yoga that often go unaddressed in modern asana-focused classes.

The curriculum surveys the foundational texts and ideas of yoga, starting from the basic question of what yoga is — and what it is not. Students study the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Bhagavad Gita, and other sacred yogic texts, and explore the eight limbs of yoga, the Yamas and Niyamas, Ashtanga, and the four Purusharthas. The course covers the four paths of yoga — Karma, Bhakti, Jnana, and Raja — and looks at the relationship between yoga and religion.

Other topics include the Four Noble Truths, the root of suffering, aspects of true love, common Sanskrit terms, the branches and styles of yoga, self-care, and the impact of social media on modern yoga teaching. Students also examine the responsibilities of an authentic yoga teacher, holistic lifestyle, meditation, and home practice. Learning materials include video lectures, reading materials, quizzes, and interactive assignments that students can work through at their own pace.

The course is taught by Steph Ball-Mitchell, the founder of Online Yoga School. Steph is an E-RYT-500 and YACEP with more than 25 years of experience in yoga and movement. She holds a master’s in counseling and previously served on the Education Committee of Yoga Alliance.

The course is fully self-paced and online. All content is pre-recorded and accessible on any device — smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop. Students work through the curriculum at their own speed using video lectures, reading materials, quizzes, and interactive assignments. Enrollment includes a free lifetime membership to the Online Yoga School community for ongoing support and inspiration.

The curriculum surveys the foundational texts and ideas of yoga, starting from the basic question of what yoga is — and what it is not. Students study the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the Bhagavad Gita, and other sacred yogic texts, and explore the eight limbs of yoga, the Yamas and Niyamas, Ashtanga, and the four Purusharthas. The course covers the four paths of yoga — Karma, Bhakti, Jnana, and Raja — and looks at the relationship between yoga and religion.

Other topics include the Four Noble Truths, the root of suffering, aspects of true love, common Sanskrit terms, the branches and styles of yoga, self-care, and the impact of social media on modern yoga teaching. Students also examine the responsibilities of an authentic yoga teacher, holistic lifestyle, meditation, and home practice. Learning materials include video lectures, reading materials, quizzes, and interactive assignments that students can work through at their own pace.

Meet your teacher

Steph Ball-Mitchell

Steph Ball-Mitchell is the founder and lead trainer of Lifted Lotus Online Yoga School. An E-RYT-500, C-IAYT yoga therapist, and Licensed Professional Counselor with 25+ years of experience, she teaches with a focus on nervous system regulation, breath awareness, and embodied movement.

Read more about Steph
Steph Ball-Mitchell

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