Why Take A Yoga Tecaher Training If You DON'T Want To Teach Yoga?
I have met SO many passionate yogi’s in my days practicing yoga. The above question is something I get asked regularly. I also get asked “Do you think I can be a yoga instructor?” and my answer is always YES. In this blog I’d like to share my story to becoming a yoga teacher and how I asked these same questions myself. I’m going to get vulnerable and honest with you here.
Students have come through this training program more confident in who they are, in their voice and in their worthiness.
Students have developed self love and stopped addiction through this training program.
Students have healed and gotten off prescription medications through this training program.
Students have strengthened their practice and built strength in their body through this training programs.
Students have transformed their relationship to themselves and those they love through this training program.
Students have changed the trajectory of their lives through this training program.
Students have deepens their faith and relation to God through this training program.
AND
Students have created their own businesses and careers through this training program.
My Personal Journey To Yoga
For over 15 years yoga has been an important tool for me. When I started practicing it was to mend a broken heart, for me it was very therapeutic. My practice became a place where I could process my emotions through moving my body. As I dove deeper into the practice and became more consistent ALL of the other benefits began to reveal themselves. In the beginning I could have never understood how this practice would change my body, mind, emotions and most of all my relationship to myself.
When I took my first teacher training I had no intentions of teaching regularly it was more for self-development because my practice had me feeling so good and I needed to understand WHY. I had doubt around teaching others and fear around using my voice and being seen. Even teaching in small groups during the training I could barely get the words out especially when the lead instructor was observing and I was receiving feedback. I remember my teach-out class I was SO nervous I thought I was going to actually puke. I had no idea the journey my practice would take me on, I felt the calling and said yes. What a journey it’s been, internally and externally.
Community Connection
Yoga has brought the healthiest relationships into my life. I have met more amazing people through yoga then ANY thing else I have done. Trainings create a space for connection, discovery and support. In the trainings I have lead, I have seen relationships and bonds form that are built on growth, authenticity and even struggle. When we learn together we are reminded that we are not alone and support can come from unexpected places. The sharing that occures within a training is inspiring. I have watched students open up about aspects of their life that they may have kept hidden otherwise. These training are a safe space of discovery and depth and we are united in growth.
As our relationship to ourselves deepens so does our relationship to others. This applies to all relationships inside and outside of the training. We are able to share more of ourselves. We are able to contribute more authentically.
If you are looking to connect to a healthy community and develop more healthy relationships taking this training is a great opportunity for that. The meaning of yoga is UNION and in our training we unite.
Building Relationship To The Physical Self
Because it was the emotional piece that drew me in, it was never about the physical body. I didn’t practice to loose weight, to heal from an injury or physical discomfort or to become more flexible or strong. This is what often draws students to the practice, the physical component, if that’s you that is great too, whatever attracts you IS your journey. This physical piece is often because a student wants to “fix” something about their body or they are healing from something physical. Some students use the “hate” (consciously or subconsciously) they feel toward their body to motivate them to do this practice or other physical activities. No matter what your motivation is initially I guarantee you, it will evolve over time as your practice does.
In my philosophy, the student discovers the practice at the right time and the practice gives them exactly what they need from it. I see people daily feeling better in their bodies. It is this feeling good in your body that for many sparks the desire to learn more about this practice. What I have experienced personally and witnessed in others is that through a teacher training you deepen your understanding of your body through the lens of yoga. This understanding builds a stronger relationship to your body. Yoga leads you to healthier habits like drinking more water and taking deeper breaths. Your practice brings body awareness and improved coordination, with these two pieces you start to move with more intention and presence. This practice also brings more grace into how you see and treat yourself. It helps to cultivate more compassion, it actually changes the way you see your physical self. I can say for me, I feel more beautiful sweating, no makeup, raw and real on my mat than anywhere else.
All this being said, even if you don’t see yourself teaching yoga, taking a teacher training will deepen your relationship to your physical self. The Yogi Institute Yoga 200 training starts with a foundation of the physical, that is the focus of module 1 and the first 4 weeks of the training. What I love so much about my program is that we look at the body through the 11 main systems to gain a functional anatomy perspective and how yoga affects these different systems. Understanding the physical body is an important piece of the training and the practice. But that’s not all…
Strengthening Your Relationship To Your Mind
As we deepen the relationship to the physical self, we can expand and strengthen our relationship to the mind. It’s like the physical is a doorway to the thoughts. We learn even more tools to support a healthy mind. I’d also like to mention here that research shows that as we age we naturally experience cognitive decline and a way to overcome that is learning something new. Taking this training will not only build a stronger relationship to your brain but keep your brain sharp. You will be able to see this practice with more depth and experience that within your own experience on and off your mat.
I have had students share the increase in mental clarity that they experience after their practice. Life is more manageable when you have yoga on your side. In module 2 we learn and experience yogic energy shifts, breathing techniques, meditation and see the layers of what makes up this human experience. This is going to benefit you on and off your mat, honestly making your life better and more fulfilling.
Developing Emotional Awareness And Regulation
As we understand and move our bodies, as we become aware and observe our thoughts, emotions rise to the surface of our consciousness. This practice helps us to move energy and in doing so we move E-MOTIONS (I like to think of this as E-nergy-IN-Motion). We are not meant to hold onto our emotions, they are meant to flow through us (yes, even the good ones).
Consider your last yoga class for a moment, how many emotions did you experience in one class? Then consider how you felt emotionally after your practice.
When we are emotionally aware we are empowered. Through the training, the different techniques you will learn for emotional regulation might completely change the way you see your practice. It might completely shift your why. As you learn about your emotions you deepen your relationship to that part of yourself. You can start to intentionally cultivate the emotions you want to feel. This is true empowerment!
Are you gaining clarity on how taking a teacher training will benefit you even if you don’t want to teach?
You may take the training and like me gain the confidence and spark to want to share this practice with your community in your own unique way.
You may take this training and find a new passion and purpose for serving and supporting others like I did.
Other Objections & Uncertainty
There are usually 2 other main concerns that students have when considering taking a training so let’s discuss those too.
TIME- Yes, this is a time commitment, the training is 200 hours and trust me, it could be longer, we pack a lot of information into the 10-week program. If this time commitment feels TOO overwhelming to you or you just cant see where it fits in your schedule then now may not be the time. To clarify the LIVE schedule:
In-Studio Sessions 12-5 PM Sundays (10-weeks)
Weekly Online Content ~6 hours/week
60 Yoga Classes with Journalling (Any length of time / Online or In studio with me or other teachers)
In my experience ANY TIME spent developing yourself is time well spent. Consider this time an investment in YOU!
Important: If it takes you longer then the 10 week time frame to complete the online content or the 60 yoga classes that is ok, you have as long as you need and you will receive your certificate when you complete all the requirements. I have had students take 6 months to complete the certification. If you need more time you got it!
2. FINANCIAL COMMITMENT- Yes, there is a financial commitment of $1200 for the certification. I promise you you will get so much out of this investment in YOU. As we grow and our mindset shifts and we unlock the power of our own energy, our life changes, I see it every day. Also, education is a tax deduction, students that come through the training are able to claim this. There are payment plans available for you. $500 deposit and 2 payments of $350.
Conclusion- I Repeat
Students have come through this training program more confident in who they are, in their voice and in their worthiness.
Students have developed self love and stopped addiction through this training program.
Students have strengthened their practice and built strength in their body through this training programs.
Students have healed and gotten off prescription medications through this training program.
Students have changed the trajectory of their lives through this training program.
Students have transformed their relationship to themselves and those they love through this training program.
Students have deepens their faith and relation to God through this training program.
AND
Students have created their own businesses and careers through this training program.
Sound Good?
If you are still reading you ARE feeling the call.
Do you have any additional questions?
Questions about the industry, the training, payments, schedule or anything else?
Do you feel doubt or fear?
Are you feeling called to dive deeper into your practice?
I am here for you!
Let’s set up a call to answer any questions you have and discover if it is time for you to embark on this beautiful journey to YOU! Text me at 817-889-2996 to set up a call or ask any questions!
