Want to become a yoga instructor

Yoga Teacher Training
#1

Hi Everyone,

I’m Sarah and I just joined this Forum 3 seconds ago. I joined because never in my 25 years of living have never had a passion for anything like i do with yoga. Some people study to become lawyers, teachers, musicians, graphic designers, a CEO…you name it. Yoga is my calling. I just figured this out about a 3 months ago and have been taking classes non stop and researching yoga every free chance I get. I’ve bought books and bury my nose in them. I just want to gain as much information I can before I take the next step to becoming certified. I’ve been doing yoga on and off for 6 years…for the year its been “on” and I know nothing in life will get in the way of me practicing this passion of mine. Since I never had a goal quite as important as this in my life I’m sort of stuck on how to reaching it. I was hoping If there are teachers on these forums, or other passiante people out there wanting to share with me there yoga journeys that would be just wonderful. I am trying to find the right way to go about this carreer and life path and do not want to screw it up in any way. I can envision my future before my eyes and I just can’t wait to get there. Please share with me stories on how you got to where you are (no matter what dream it is, doesnt even have to be yoga related)

Thanks for reading this and for your time!

peace

#2

Sarah,

Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm! I can relate, for sure. I’ve been studying and practicing for almost a year now. Something about the whole of yoga really resonates with me, and has since my first class (which was just my instructor talking about Yoga). Teaching is something that I consider, but first I’m working on myself. Since I haven’t been practicing that long I can’t share much experience but I can share my attitude towards our common passion.

Although most of the time I too have my nose buried in a Yoga related book I don’t rely on that as much as my experience with the practice. Knowledge is definitely important, but I feel knowledge gathered from personal experience is more valuable, more dense, so to speak. Of course, it’s all about balance.

[QUOTE=twist;34173]

I am trying to find the right way to go about this carreer and life path and do not want to screw it up in any way. I can envision my future before my eyes and I just can’t wait to get there.[/QUOTE]

If you have a genuine and pure intent, no matter what you’re trying to accomplish, the end will mirror the means. So don’t worry about messing anything up, if you continue to learn and put good energy into what you’re doing there’s not many ways you can screw up.

And remember to be where you are! Even though the idea of being that great teacher and being able to truly live Yoga and share it with others is a great vision and goal, it’s not more important than where you are now.

This reminds me of something Ram Dass said- The best and only thing I can do for anyone else is to work on myself.

Hopefully that helps in some way, and sorry I don’t have more concrete advice to offer.

I wish you all the best,
Arthur.

#3

Thank you Arthur for reading my post and commenting. I wrote this quickly and didn’t even have time to proof read it…I am so embarrassed over how poorly written it was. Either way, I thank you for your input. Its always nice to hear encouraging comments and I believe that was what I was looking for when posting-- I want to keep up my high motivation level. It was also helpful to keep in mind that experience is key. Thank you for sharing that Ram Dass quote. Its a very true statement that I try more and more to live by. Is teaching yoga something that interests you too? Peace, Sarah

#4

[QUOTE=twist;34215] Is teaching yoga something that interests you too? Peace, Sarah[/QUOTE]

Yes, but right now it’s kind of secondary. I do know that I want to complete teacher training either way, just for the experience.

Also, enthusiasm is great, but remember to keep the long hall in mind. For a while I was doing two to three hours of practice a day along with reading and meditating. After a while it seemed a little much so I’ve kinda eased up on the gas peddle. It was almost like I needed to prove to myself how passionate I was. That’s coming from a place of fear rather than love. And love is all patient. I don’t want my yogic journey to be something I need to force, but rather something that I’m helping unfold. Pacing yourself is healthy. And of course things like ten day meditations and tapas are just as healthy.

It’s nice to have a dialogue with a like minded person. I haven’t really found a yoga community yet (apart from the great people on here), and none of my friends practice.

Peace love and light, Arthur.

#5

Hello Sarah,

certainly we need more passionate, caring, committed teachers of yoga sharing the practice from the heart and helping others to find the light within.

I would point out that you are never “there”. It is never over or finished. Yoga is so vast it would take lifetimes to know it in its entirety. But we have to start somewhere and teachers have to begin sometime. Hopefully that is after enough training that we can provide student with safety and effect without puffing wind in the sails of our ego.

I’m finishing my tenth year of teaching and I consider myself very committed to ongoing training. To that end I continue to study with a sound teacher, apprentice and assist when possible, and actually use the tool that I have been given through the teachings.

And yet still there are times where I’ll come to class and say to myself “I know nothing at all, what am I doing here”. I find this to be a healthy outlook when it is not all consuming. It keeps me rooted in humility as a teacher and gratitude as a human being. It helps me to look and see, listen and hear.

I don’t believe a perfect path is all that helpful for our growth and at the same time all paths, no matter how they wind or look, are perfect paths. One of yoga’s greater dualities. If you are able to turn down the noise of life’s daily overstimulation you will be pointed in the right direction. The signs will be there for you to see should you care to see them.

#6

[QUOTE=twist;34173]Hi Everyone,

I’m Sarah and I just joined this Forum 3 seconds ago. I joined because never in my 25 years of living have never had a passion for anything like i do with yoga. [/QUOTE]

Make sure that you want to WORK in yoga… it is very different from DOING yoga:)
Wish you luck on your teaching path!

You can find story about my journey into yoga in my website

#7

Arthur,

I appreciate your feedback. [I]All Love is patient. [/I] That was nice to hear-- I have not heard that one in a while & it felt very refreshing. I work 9 hrs a day so practicing yoga 3 hours every day is not something that I can fit into my lifestyle. However, I wish I could!! I practice 1.5 hrs daily but it doesn’t seem to be enough but it’s all I have time for. I want to do more, I feel as though my body and mind [B]love[/B] the positive effects and are craving more. My yoga practice has plateaued, which is why I am so eager to figure out the steps I need to take to bring my practice to the next level. I am enjoying learning so maybe I should linger and be a patient student. I just know that one day I will be an instructor and I can’t wait!!! Okay, okay ill try and be :cool: about it. Obviously my patience needs some work. Toe stand will help me out with that. How long have you been practicing? What type(s) of yoga do you enjoy most?

Peace,
S

#8

[QUOTE=CityMonk;34253]Make sure that you want to WORK in yoga… it is very different from DOING yoga:)
Wish you luck on your teaching path!

You can find story about my journey into yoga in my website[/QUOTE]

I know with all my heart I want to work in yoga. I love practicing myself, I love helping people, I love the human body and feel as though I know it pretty well. Thank you for wishing me luck and for making sure I am aware that teaching is different than doing. I’m not sure how it’s different yet but I am looking forward to finding out!! I am looking forward to reading your story, thank you for sharing!! Are you an instructor yourself?

-Sarah

#9

Gordon,

This post was interesting and I’ll have to read it carefully again and reply. A yoga instructor! Your a inspiration in my eyes :slight_smile: I’m sure I’ll have a few questions if you don’t mind.

-Sarah

#10

Hi Sarah and welcome to wonderful world of yoga! How exciting for you!

Gordon gave excellent advise, as he normally does. Yoga is an endless path. It takes you everywhere and nowhere at the same time. I started a dozen or so years ago and have been teaching for around 5. I practiced when I was in my teens and early 20’s and then stopped for a while after I had my 3 children. No regrets. I wasn’t ready to go to that next step. About 4 years into my daily practice I started to read more about yoga and its roots. I was in search of something more spiritual in my life. I then started learning about Buddhism (through my husband ) and the rest is history. I knew I wanted to learn as much as I could and I wanted to teach. I have never regretted any decision. It has brought so much into my life. The cup is half full!!! To see the look on a student’s face when they finally can feel a pose, or truly relax is pure bliss for me.

Stay in the present moment and learn all you can. In particular learn as much as you can about muscles and alignment. Your knowledge will serve you well if you do.

Best of luck on this incredible journey! Keep us all posted, will you?

Shanti, Om, Shanti

#11

[QUOTE=twist;34264] Are you an instructor yourself?

[/QUOTE]

Yes, I share my knowledge with those who are interested.

#12

Sarah,
I have been a practitioner of advanced pranayama for 10+ years, but never thought myself eligible to teach others. After reading your words, fresh and full of passion, I am inspired to rethink. So, thanks.

Some ideas for you: Perhaps there is some difference between an instructor and a teacher. Disciplines like asana and basic pranayama involve physical “how to” and “do’s and don’ts” and a need for a demo, so one is more of an instructor. But you need to be a presenter and a teacher for Yoga philosophy. Given your 6 years of study and Yoga practice, you can easily plan your career as an instructor building it into teaching, after attending 200 or 500-hour training programs.

“All are learners and all are teachers, difference is only of degrees” Alice Bailey. Please follow a golden rule: never enter a class without a plan and preparation; never leave a class without learning something new. When are you truly a yogi? When you see yourself transforming. So, perhaps your career in teaching Yoga will not be an end in itself, but ideally a means of becoming a better Yogi. Eventually, befitting your passion, your whole life will be Yoga. My good wishes.

#13

Sarah,

Thats great that you found your passion! Personally I started practicing yoga because of the stress reducing aspect of it. Bikram yoga is where I found my niche; Its where I fit in. After a few years of practicing I loved it so much that I decided to become a instructor (for bikram yoga you have to be trained by bikram himself). Needless to say it was an interesting process! After practicing yoga you get such a great feeling that I could never get with working out or running and I felt it was important to hold on to it. I’m so glad you want to become an instructor and good luck to you!

  • K
#14

[QUOTE=keno;34666]Sarah,

Thats great that you found your passion! Personally I started practicing yoga because of the stress reducing aspect of it. Bikram yoga is where I found my niche; Its where I fit in. After a few years of practicing I loved it so much that I decided to become a instructor (for bikram yoga you have to be trained by bikram himself). Needless to say it was an interesting process! After practicing yoga you get such a great feeling that I could never get with working out or running and I felt it was important to hold on to it. I’m so glad you want to become an instructor and good luck to you!

  • K
    ________________________[/QUOTE]

Hey! A brand new studio called “Hot Yoga NJ” opened up in my town two months ago. I got a great deal on the first month: $30 for 30 days! Even though the heat was not up and running during that month I loved the instructors and the styles that were taught. I re-joined again for this month and had my first hot yoga experience last Thursday. I was nervous, scared, and excited all at the same time. It was interesting!! I thought my mind was going to be completely unfocused and lost the whole time due to the heat, however, my mind was actually very relaxed!!! I felt very focused. From head to toe I was completely soaked in my own sweat, I wasn’t grossed out but I felt a bit uncomfortable because never in my life had I perspired like that…that was the only complaint (if you can even call it that). I’m excited to take more classes. My next hot yoga class will be Wednesday. Some of the classes are Bikram style. I hope my schedule allows me to take one soon. Thank you for reading my story and sharing yours!! If you have any advice to give me for my next hot yoga class, please share. I had shorts on during my last class, I feel as though I would have been better off with a tight spandex to at least soak up some of the wetness. My legs were slippery!!! I also think I might purchase a sweat band for my head-- as corny as it may look I think it would also allow my mind to focus because the sweat beading down my face will be one less distraction.

#15

[QUOTE=Suhas Tambe;34564]Sarah,
I have been a practitioner of advanced pranayama for 10+ years, but never thought myself eligible to teach others. After reading your words, fresh and full of passion, I am inspired to rethink. So, thanks.

Some ideas for you: Perhaps there is some difference between an instructor and a teacher. Disciplines like asana and basic pranayama involve physical “how to” and “do’s and don’ts” and a need for a demo, so one is more of an instructor. But you need to be a presenter and a teacher for Yoga philosophy. Given your 6 years of study and Yoga practice, you can easily plan your career as an instructor building it into teaching, after attending 200 or 500-hour training programs.

“All are learners and all are teachers, difference is only of degrees” Alice Bailey. Please follow a golden rule: never enter a class without a plan and preparation; never leave a class without learning something new. When are you truly a yogi? When you see yourself transforming. So, perhaps your career in teaching Yoga will not be an end in itself, but ideally a means of becoming a better Yogi. Eventually, befitting your passion, your whole life will be Yoga. My good wishes.[/QUOTE]

Thank you for your support. Who would have thought that my quick post looking for some inspirations would inspiring others?! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Your points between an instructor and teacher gave me a lot to think about & I agree with you. I hope to one day become a true teacher, gain knowledge, and share my own values and opinions with others. I’m still practicing as much as time will allow and I hope soon feel ready enough for a training program. I also want to find the perfect one for me. I have just finished the book" [I]The Pure Heart of Yoga[/I] by Dr. Robert Butera and he talks about the yoga lifestyle as being very “go with the flow”. In other words, don’t try to force yourself into doing something, if you wish to become something and have a positive outlook on it, then it will come naturally. Since my first post on this thread, I’ve been realizing that if I truly want this, then it will come. I’ve become patient to this dream and taking it one easy step at a time. Everyone’s advice has honestly helped me, or at least gave me something to think about, in some way. I’m glad I decided to post.

#16

[QUOTE=twist;34668]Hey! A brand new studio called “Hot Yoga NJ” opened up in my town two months ago. I got a great deal on the first month: $30 for 30 days! Even though the heat was not up and running during that month I loved the instructors and the styles that were taught. I re-joined again for this month and had my first hot yoga experience last Thursday. I was nervous, scared, and excited all at the same time. It was interesting!! I thought my mind was going to be completely unfocused and lost the whole time due to the heat, however, my mind was actually very relaxed!!! I felt very focused. From head to toe I was completely soaked in my own sweat, I wasn’t grossed out but I felt a bit uncomfortable because never in my life had I perspired like that…that was the only complaint (if you can even call it that). I’m excited to take more classes. My next hot yoga class will be Wednesday. Some of the classes are Bikram style. I hope my schedule allows me to take one soon. Thank you for reading my story and sharing yours!! If you have any advice to give me for my next hot yoga class, please share. I had shorts on during my last class, I feel as though I would have been better off with a tight spandex to at least soak up some of the wetness. My legs were slippery!!! I also think I might purchase a sweat band for my head-- as corny as it may look I think it would also allow my mind to focus because the sweat beading down my face will be one less distraction.[/QUOTE]

I’m glad that you enjoy the hot yoga! The sweat is very weird isn’t it! O but the shower is amazing ha. I always wear spandex/polyester type clothing that is easy to wash and is very supportive in class (plus sexy). I wear Mika Yoga Wear but I know that many other companies such as Lululemon or Lucy sell the same type of clothing for a little bit more.

O by the way…no one wears head bands ha

  • K
#17

[QUOTE=Suhas Tambe;34564]Sarah,
I have been a practitioner of advanced pranayama for 10+ years, but never thought myself eligible to teach others. After reading your words, fresh and full of passion, I am inspired to rethink. .[/QUOTE]

I have never thought that I possess yoga knowledge… though practicing for almost 10 years.

I got to the teaching after attending few classes in the area and I was amazed…people do not know what they are doing! 30 down dogs per session!

When I started to teach, I did not expect people to know a lot. But I was surprised that even meaning of ASANA can be a topic for a class discussion.

You will get student accordingly to your level. If you know little - you can at least teach beginners some simple staff. If you are advanced practitioner, you will see more advanced and experienced students coming.

#18

Have you ever thought about starting a business that can be cross promoted o the students? One were you could make enough money and have a enough free time to teach yoga and not have to subject yourself to doing yoga only to make money?

I love doing yoga and love teaching it but its hard to make a full income teaching yoga. Maybe you love yoga but if it is 100% of your income it might become like a job to you and you might not like doing it as much. Just like pro surfers get tired of surfing for money and get bored with it. Maybe you might feel like its your job in 2 years and not enjoy it as much.

try to find a way to make money with freedom of time so that you can pursue your passion of yoga purely as that a passion rather than a career.

I had the same mindset as you, was in love with doing yoga and wanted to do it full time but after finishing my 200 certification I saw it as a job and the fun side if it was lost so went to doing it for fun rather than to make money and enjoy it allot more.

just make sure that you will be able to keep your passion burning if you go for it as a career

I have started a part time

#19

Sarah,

“I am trying to find the right way to go about this carreer and life path and do not want to screw it up in any way. I can envision my future before my eyes and I just can’t wait to get there.”

Then forget about your carreer and future, they are irrelevant. Go deeper into your own practice. Because if one makes a decision to teach, whatsoever one teaches is going to be a direct transmission of your own direct experience - they cannot be separated. If your experience is superficial, just scratching the surface, similarly that will be the quality that is transmitted in your teaching. Because the authentic teaching is not one of transmitting techniques, or of words and descriptions. It is a direct transmission of the inexpressible, it has not to do with your words, but the space from where the words are arising. It has not to do with your actions, but the presence which is shining beneath your actions. Whatever your state of consciousness - that is precisely what is going to be transferred. So if you are just interested in teaching as a way to make money - that is fine. Because most people who are interested in yoga in the marketplace are not interested in anything else other than it’s physical aspect. But if you are interested in teaching as a means to assist others towards their own freedom and well-being, then you will have to first enter deep into your own practice and gather certain insight into your own being.

#20

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