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In advance of the Yoga Teacher Training coming up in a few weeks, we spoke to some of the instructors about their own teacher training experience and how it impacted their lives both personally and professionally.<\/p>\n
While yoga teacher training requires a certain financial and time investment, the consensus from the instructors is that the rewards have been well worth it. Here\u2019s why.<\/p>\n
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Steven Thorsen explains that he gained a deeper understanding of who he is.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile all the expectations of learning about postures, sequencing, and philosophy as they pertain to teaching are accurate, the greatest learning is truly about yourself,\u201d he says. \u201cThe practice of yoga is one of self-discovery, and while we are continually developing over our lifetime, YTT is an opportunity to dive deep with a close knit group in order to unpack your life experiences and rediscover your passion and purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The most obvious reason people have for signing up for a yoga teacher training is to eventually teach. But that wasn\u2019t Hannah Heimer\u2019s intention. She hadn\u2019t even intended on participating in this type of formal yoga training until the owner of a studio where she took classes offered it to her at a discount. So, she thought, \u201cWhy not?\u201d and went into it hoping to gain a deeper understanding of her own practice. She got more than she bargained for\u2014in a good way.<\/p>\n
She explains, \u201cIt\u2019s led me to travel and teach in incredible settings, like beaches in Indonesia, on Joshua Tree camping trips with UCSD, and of course, with Mesa Rim! The 200-hour training is both an outward and an inward journey that can help you understand your body and mind just a little bit better, while also giving you the tools to share those understandings.\u201d<\/p>\n
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When Mindy Tran first considered yoga teacher training, she\u2019d only practiced yoga for about 2 years. She didn\u2019t have many expectations for the course; she simply hoped \u201cto devote more time and energy to being on my mat.\u201d<\/p>\n
Like Hannah, she got plenty more out of the program than a better understanding of breath and postures. What she learned continues to permeate and benefit just about every aspect of her life.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy practice now is not just limited to my mat and the physical postures; I find myself using mindfulness and actively tuning in when I engage with others,\u201d she says. \u201cI practice being in the present moment when I sit in class at school. I use my \u2018yoga breath\u2019 when I climb rocks or lift heavy things.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mindy has also found that her practice has evolved since completing the training.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy journey started out with some pretty physical vinyasa and power yoga practice, and now I\u2019ve narrowed my scope to restorative yoga, mindfulness and trauma-informed yoga,\u201d she says. \u201cI am so grateful to have trusted that process and to be where I am today. I also look forward to where my practice will take me next\u2014hopefully somewhere with lots of nature, and near some good climbing crags.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Hannah believes that yoga teacher training is a valuable endeavor for anyone who loves yoga and wants to know more about it. And as all of the instructors here have suggested, there are plenty of benefits to be derived from the in-depth training.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 200-hour training is both an outward and an inward journey, helping to understand our bodies and minds just a little bit better, while also providing the tools to share those understandings,\u201d she shares. \u201cThe 200-hour provides you with the time for self-reflection, self-care, and introspection that we often have to push way for the daily grind. Even if you don\u2019t want to teach, it\u2019s a worthwhile thing to do for yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n
Steven echoes Hanna\u2019s statements and adds, \u201cBy exploring your body, breath, thoughts, and emotions, you find opportunities for healing, happiness, and connection that have been hiding in plain sight.\u201d<\/p>\n