The Differences, Up-sides / Down-sides, and Discovering What Works For You
Finding The Right Yoga Teacher Training
Embarking on a yoga teacher training journey can be daunting, with thousands of options, locations, and styles to consider. Understanding what you need to achieve your goals is crucial, and navigating this landscape alone can be challenging. This is your opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the YTT experience, but choosing incorrectly or following misguided advice can lead to setbacks. This guide aims to provide valuable information to assist you on your path to discovery.
Each option has its pros and cons—take the time to ensure you find the perfect fit for you.
Tip #1 - Holding space in your community
Deciding Between In-Person YTT and Online YTT
A significant aspect of becoming a yoga teacher involves the essential skill of holding space, which refers to the ability to create a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for your students. This skill is crucial, as it allows individuals to feel comfortable and secure enough to explore their practice, both physically and emotionally. As you embark on your journey through yoga teacher training (YTT), you will discover that this ability to hold space will develop organically. It will evolve alongside your personal growth, your deepening understanding of yoga philosophy, and your cultivation of a unique teaching voice.
The Advantages of In-Person YTT
While online YTT programs offer flexibility and convenience, in-person training provides unparalleled opportunities for developing the vital skill of holding space:
Direct Interaction: Engaging face-to-face with instructors and peers allows for immediate feedback and nuanced communication. You can observe body language and emotional cues in real-time, enhancing your ability to respond to the needs of students.
Community Building: The relationships you build with fellow trainees are pivotal. In-person training fosters deep connections rooted in shared experiences, creating a strong support network that extends beyond the training itself.
Shared Vulnerability: Navigating the challenges and triumphs of YTT together in a physical space encourages moments of vulnerability and self-discovery, deepening your understanding of what it means to hold space for others.
Immersive Experience: In-person training provides an immersive environment where you can fully engage with the material and practice techniques that become second nature, allowing you to create a classroom atmosphere of acceptance and non-judgment.
The Limitations of Online YTT
While online YTT can be beneficial, it often lacks the depth of connection and immersive experience that in-person training offers:
Limited Interaction: Online platforms can hinder the ability to read body language and emotional cues, making it more challenging to develop the nuanced skill of holding space.
Reduced Community Engagement: The virtual setting can create a sense of isolation, limiting the opportunities to form meaningful bonds with fellow trainees.
Less Immersive Learning: The distractions of home environments may detract from the focused learning experience that in-person training provides.
Ultimately, the journey of becoming a yoga teacher is not just about mastering the physical postures or learning the intricacies of anatomy; it is also about developing the emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills necessary to guide others on their own paths. As you cultivate these qualities through in-person training, you will come to realize that holding space is a profound gift you can offer to your students, allowing them to embark on their own transformative journeys within the safe haven you have created.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
Tip #2 - Developing confidence in your voice
For those of us with limited public speaking experience, standing in front of a class and sharing your heart and creativity can be daunting. However, like anything that once frightened us, confidence comes with practice. Everyone felt scared the first time they went down a slide or took their turn at bat during softball practice, but with time and dedication, it became easier, and that fear gradually disappeared! This is exactly what happens during our time together at YTT. From the very first day, students work through postures, find their voice, and develop short flows. This progression continues until you can teach entire classes with ease! This supportive learning environment is reinforced by the reassurance that each of your classmates is experiencing the same nerves and working through the same awkward moments as you, as you discover your confidence as a teacher!
“There are two types of speakers: those that are nervous and those that are liars.” – Mark Twain
Tip #3 - Find your soul community
There's a vast world out there filled with people who share your interests, passions, and creative spirit. If you're considering YTT as your path, think about embarking on this journey with like-minded individuals. This adventure is meant for you, but having companionship and allowing yourself the time and space to fully engage in the program can significantly impact how you grow, blossom, and thrive. The connections you form in these two weeks will be profound and will last long after you leave. Building a bond with someone while delving deeply into our core selves and examining all that shapes our lives and communities creates a truly special and enduring connection.
If YTT is the path that you are looking to follow, consider sharing the journey with like-minded people.
Tip #4 - When was the last time you tried to learn something new?
For a significant number of our students, the journey of learning a completely new language, alongside the intricacies of philosophy and diverse teaching methodologies, can indeed feel overwhelming. The process involves not just memorizing vocabulary or understanding theoretical concepts, but also embodying a new way of thinking and communicating. It is essential to engage in the physical practice of postures, allowing students to explore their own bodies in relation to the poses, while also observing the alignment and movements of their peers. This kinesthetic learning is vital, as it enables them to connect with the material on a deeper level. Moreover, engaging in discussions that delve into the philosophy, history, ethics, and practical applications of the subject matter is equally crucial. These conversations enrich the learning experience, offering different perspectives and insights that can illuminate complex concepts. It is through these dialogues that students can begin to appreciate the nuances of the practice, fostering a deeper understanding that transcends mere academic knowledge. As students attempt to visualize the flow of a class, they must also consider how they would effectively adjust their students during practice. This involves not just technical knowledge, but also emotional intelligence and sensitivity to the needs of others. The ability to have healthy and accommodating interactions with students is paramount, as it creates an atmosphere of trust and openness. These interactions need to be felt in the body, as they require a certain level of empathy and awareness that can only be developed through practice and experience. Creating a safe and supportive learning environment is essential for students to navigate through all of these sometimes awkward and challenging "figuring it out" moments. This space allows for exploration, experimentation, and the inevitable mistakes that come with learning something new. It is within this nurturing context that students can build their confidence and begin to find their unique teaching voice. Consequently, this foundational step is not merely an academic requirement but a crucial part of their personal development on the journey towards becoming a skilled and compassionate teacher.
Tip #5 - You should enjoy the process, and take the time to fully immerse in the practice
Yoga teacher training is not merely a means to obtain a certification or to pursue a side hustle; rather, it is an immersive journey into a practice that is both sacred and steeped in a rich tapestry of history. This program is designed to transform your perspectives, inviting you to embrace a wealth of knowledge that transcends the conventional framework of just 200 hours of teacher training. It offers an opportunity to delve into the profound depths of yoga philosophy, anatomy, and the art of teaching, all while fostering a deeper connection to yourself and the world around you. Stepping away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to engage in this transformative experience allows you to slow down, reflect, and go inward. This process of introspection is essential; it is within these quiet moments that you can cultivate mindfulness and truly appreciate the richness of each experience. The most significant aspect of yoga teacher training lies in this journey of self-discovery and personal growth, which is far more valuable than simply learning to instruct asana classes. Indeed, the teaching of asanas is merely a side note in the grand scheme of what yoga encompasses. There is an entire universe to explore beyond the physical postures, including meditation, breathwork, and the philosophical underpinnings of yoga that have been passed down through generations. Engaging with these elements can lead to a profound transformation in how you perceive yourself and your interactions with others. Moreover, these invaluable lessons and insights can only be truly experienced through genuine connection—both with yourself and with your fellow trainees. Making the conscious decision to dedicate time and space to this practice, free from distractions and the incessant demands of modern life, is crucial. This commitment to focus your energy on the myriad offerings of yoga teacher training allows you to unlock the deeper meanings and teachings that lie within the practice. In essence, yoga teacher training is an invitation to immerse yourself fully in a journey of self-exploration, growth, and connection. It encourages you to embrace the transformative power of yoga, not just for the purpose of teaching others, but as a means to enrich your own life and the lives of those around you. The experience is designed to empower you, equipping you with the tools to navigate both your personal and professional paths with greater clarity, compassion, and purpose.
The decision is yours, but the choice to honour the practice, and fully experience YTT is favourable
Each person's path is unique, which is a wonderful aspect of the journey, but selecting what genuinely resonates with your passion and objectives is crucial for your success.
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