Yoga is gaining popularity all over the globe, which means that there are more yoga teachers and training programs. Before you start your first teacher training course, here are some things to consider if you want to make your love for Yoga a career.
These tips are based on my personal experience and the experiences of teacher training students with whom I have worked over the years.
Expectations for release
Preparing for the challenges of a yoga teacher training program is impossible. No one can predict what you will experience, nor can they tell you how you will feel. Remember that you only have one chance to make this journey a success.
In the Bhagavadgita, Krishna states, “Return the fruits of all your actions”. This means giving your best, being present in the moment, and letting go of any consequences.
Set your intentions
Set an intention, just as you did at the beginning of a class. Remember why you do Yoga and why it is something you want to share with others. This intention can be a useful reminder if things get overwhelming or difficult.
It’s possible to start your course thinking that you will teach afterward. But, halfway through the course, you may find that teaching isn’t quite as appealing. You may also think you won’t be able to teach, but that can change.
It’s possible to do it yourself.
The most important thing is to learn. You will get the most from your teacher training program, regardless of whether you are interested in teaching. Only after we fully embody something can we share it from an authentic, pure place.
Accept the unknowing
You might not understand words, postures or entire days. You can be sure of this: It’s okay! This is exploration. Be curious, make mistakes and get help. It’s a great way to improve your ego and realize that you don’t know everything. Ask your mentors, teachers, and peers for help if you feel lost. You’ll learn a lot more than if it was all you knew.
Tissues are a good investment.
There will be lots of crying. It doesn’t matter if they are your tears or those of someone else; yoga teacher training is bound to involve some crying. Self-development is an important aspect of yoga teacher training. Before you stand up before a group of people, let go of all your baggage.
When you study something deeply, it is normal to feel tired, overwhelmed or have unexpected emotions. It is normal to feel uncomfortable on a journey of self-discovery and growth. This is a story that I heard which illustrates the idea.
“How does a lobster grow? A lobster’s shell gets too small when it reaches a certain size. It begins to feel uncomfortable, pinching and hurting. The lobster then hides under a rock and discards the shell. It is protected while it grows a new shell.
The lobster will emerge again once the shell has formed around the body. The lobster grows, and the shell becomes tighter, more painful, and pinches. He retreats under rock protection and starts the process over again. The old shell is discarded, and a new one is created.
If lobsters feel uncomfortable, the doctors will prescribe pills to stop them from feeling it.
Crying during Yoga, crying after Yoga, crying while Yoga is being done, and crying throughout the lecture. Let it all happen; let it flow.
Look after yourself
The yoga teacher training course is a mix of physical practice and sitting. When you’re bringing your body from a sitting position to a yoga posture, be mindful and kind; injuries on a training course may occur if you think you ‘need’ to be able to do a certain posture to be a teacher.‘>
Pay attention to your body and remember that you are just starting. The best teachers have learned for themselves and can then pass the knowledge and experience on to others.
You can find the silver lining in any injury you sustain while practicing Yoga. This will help you to learn more about how to help other injured students.
Make sure to study well.
The yoga world is scathing about the number of people who start a yoga teaching career without having enough knowledge.
William J. Broad’s book The Science of Yoga – The Rewards and Risks explores the mishaps and injuries in modern yoga classes. Many students blame their teachers for their injuries due to poor communication or ignorance.
People are willing to be vulnerable when they enter a yoga class. Knowing what you do when you direct people to make their yoga moves and breathe is important. You can be a teacher helping others as more teachers become certified to teach.
Do your research and make the right choice. Learn more about what you should look for in a course.
It’s bumpy.
You may feel like you are in control. One minute you will feel great; the next, you might not be able to look at another yoga mat. Take regular breaks and let this happen.
There will be times when it seems impossible to retain all the information in your head. It’s okay to relax and do something completely unrelated to your yoga practice at times like this.
Take a walk in the woods, meet up with friends to dance, watch a movie, or cook healthy meals. Talk about not about Yoga (remember how that feels? You may notice how what you have learned through your yoga practice is incorporated into your daily life.
Confronting different personalities
It can be an excellent lesson in tolerance to spend long hours learning and growing with the same people.
It is important to recognize that each person is unique when dealing with other people’s natures. Every person has their priorities and peculiarities. It can be hard to manage the egos of others, but it is often us who create the problems we have with one another.
Why you may feel this way is important. Then, choose to react in that situation. Understanding Ayurveda’s different doshas is a great way to recognize that the actions of others are often influenced by their nature.