We are approaching the beginning of our fall Yoga Teacher Training. We've got a good crew registered, ready and enthusiastic. And, I know, a little nervous. Some concerns: Will I have enough time for the additional work load? Will I be the least experienced person in the class? Have I chosen the best training for me? What if life intervenes and I need to miss classes?
While I can't remember the initial source, I'm going to paraphrase a good saying here: A new doctor will have many, many treatments for a single ailment. An experienced doctor will have a single treatment for many, many ailments. The truth is, our trainees are embarking on a huge journey. We could look at each worry one by one, but I'm going to offer one diagnosis...discomfort with the unknown.
So, in order to get more comfortable, let's remind ourselves...what is the journey really about? See if you notice any repetition of wording in the quotes below, gathered from last year's trainees about the program.
"The Immersion has helped me look into my own thoughts and recognize my reactions to my everyday experiences, good and bad."
"The training was life changing! I started out with the idea that "wouldn't it be great to teach Yoga. I'm a good student, I can stand up in front of a class and cue them in and out of Asana." But once you start to study Yoga, make changes in your lifestyle, immerse yourself in yourself, you come to find things you aren't expecting..."
"The Immersion gave me a great focus. I was able to focus on myself, my practice, really tune into my inner voice and hone my skills for my private practice. As a result, I have a deeper connection to myself and really honor that sacred place inside. It is from that place that I draw from for teaching and passing on the great gift of yoga."
"This is a journey not taken lightly. You will discover things about yourself that will change you in ways you cannot imagine."
"For me the immersion had a significant impact in helping me navigate my husband's medical crisis. Pranayama kept me calm and balanced throughout (most) of the situation, practicing detachment (or trying!) was a big part of my attempt to surrender to a higher power when so many things felt out of my control...not easy for a type A personality like me!"
"The immersion has also enhanced my own practice - while time for my yoga practice is always a challenging reality for me, the learning I got from the program motivates me to make it a higher priority than I previously did....and the study of the 8 limbs brings so much more meaning to asana & helps me take my practice off the mat & into the world."
"Approach this as a learning experience for yourself, not so much as becoming a teacher."
"Approach the program as if you are going to deepen your understanding of both the practice and of yourself. From the fullness of receiving there is an abundance to share when teaching. I love the story of the empty tea cup and think that is a great way to approach the program!"
(I'll share that little story very soon...it's a good one!)
Did you notice? One group of letters was repeated over and over: "s-e-l-f". This is the most important thing to remember: This is a journey about discovering yourself. Strengths, weaknesses, interests, passions. Whether your goal is to teach or not, this is a journey about you.
So, if the diagnosis for your nerves is a fear of the unknown, what's the prescription? Approach this program in a way that will enrich, not deplete, you. Don't worry if you seem to learn slowly, if you can't achieve all the asanas, if sanskrit leaves you tongue-tied. Accept these things with the patience and kindness that you would offer a struggling future student. Be willing to take more time where you need it. There is no rush.
This quote sums it up nicely from the student's perspective:
"Approach the program with curiosity & an open mind. Everybody has a different experience, the direction, path & pace of your classmates is unique to them. Don't judge your experience by comparing it to others.
A wise teacher said "Yoga meets us where we are at." This training will meet you where you are at. Pack light and prepare to enjoy the ride.
Focus Yoga's 2014-15 Teacher Training begins Wednesday, September 3, 2014. If you are not yet registered and would like to learn more, contact me (Judi!) at 708.471.0487.
While I can't remember the initial source, I'm going to paraphrase a good saying here: A new doctor will have many, many treatments for a single ailment. An experienced doctor will have a single treatment for many, many ailments. The truth is, our trainees are embarking on a huge journey. We could look at each worry one by one, but I'm going to offer one diagnosis...discomfort with the unknown.
So, in order to get more comfortable, let's remind ourselves...what is the journey really about? See if you notice any repetition of wording in the quotes below, gathered from last year's trainees about the program.
"The Immersion has helped me look into my own thoughts and recognize my reactions to my everyday experiences, good and bad."
"The training was life changing! I started out with the idea that "wouldn't it be great to teach Yoga. I'm a good student, I can stand up in front of a class and cue them in and out of Asana." But once you start to study Yoga, make changes in your lifestyle, immerse yourself in yourself, you come to find things you aren't expecting..."
"The Immersion gave me a great focus. I was able to focus on myself, my practice, really tune into my inner voice and hone my skills for my private practice. As a result, I have a deeper connection to myself and really honor that sacred place inside. It is from that place that I draw from for teaching and passing on the great gift of yoga."
"This is a journey not taken lightly. You will discover things about yourself that will change you in ways you cannot imagine."
"For me the immersion had a significant impact in helping me navigate my husband's medical crisis. Pranayama kept me calm and balanced throughout (most) of the situation, practicing detachment (or trying!) was a big part of my attempt to surrender to a higher power when so many things felt out of my control...not easy for a type A personality like me!"
"The immersion has also enhanced my own practice - while time for my yoga practice is always a challenging reality for me, the learning I got from the program motivates me to make it a higher priority than I previously did....and the study of the 8 limbs brings so much more meaning to asana & helps me take my practice off the mat & into the world."
"Approach this as a learning experience for yourself, not so much as becoming a teacher."
"Approach the program as if you are going to deepen your understanding of both the practice and of yourself. From the fullness of receiving there is an abundance to share when teaching. I love the story of the empty tea cup and think that is a great way to approach the program!"
(I'll share that little story very soon...it's a good one!)
Did you notice? One group of letters was repeated over and over: "s-e-l-f". This is the most important thing to remember: This is a journey about discovering yourself. Strengths, weaknesses, interests, passions. Whether your goal is to teach or not, this is a journey about you.
So, if the diagnosis for your nerves is a fear of the unknown, what's the prescription? Approach this program in a way that will enrich, not deplete, you. Don't worry if you seem to learn slowly, if you can't achieve all the asanas, if sanskrit leaves you tongue-tied. Accept these things with the patience and kindness that you would offer a struggling future student. Be willing to take more time where you need it. There is no rush.
This quote sums it up nicely from the student's perspective:
"Approach the program with curiosity & an open mind. Everybody has a different experience, the direction, path & pace of your classmates is unique to them. Don't judge your experience by comparing it to others.
A wise teacher said "Yoga meets us where we are at." This training will meet you where you are at. Pack light and prepare to enjoy the ride.
Focus Yoga's 2014-15 Teacher Training begins Wednesday, September 3, 2014. If you are not yet registered and would like to learn more, contact me (Judi!) at 708.471.0487.
