This just happened. I am officially a certified yoga teacher! Can I say, Hallelujah?
I've written before here and here how yoga has helped me in my own life. Beyond just the fact that I can now do a freestanding headstand and an elbow balance is that it has helped to deepen my spiritual practice as well as my self compassion. Those are far more important than core strength. My favorite thing about being certified is that now I can pass on the blessings yoga can bring to others, whether that be physically, mentally, or emotionally.
It's interesting how time can change things. Two and a half months ago when I completed my 200 required hours of training, I did not necessarily feel ready to teach. However, after a couple of substitute classes under my belt, teaching my husband in the evenings at home, and getting more training in since then, I now feel qualified. Sure, I have tons more to learn, but my sweet teacher Suzette has been teaching for 30 years and she is still humble enough to learn from her students. THAT inspires me and motivates me to be my best self.
When I first began the program and looked at all the books and training manuals I needed to study, never mind the weekend intensives that I was required to attend, I was overwhelmed. For starters, the Sanskrit names for the many yoga poses was intimidating. So, for the first couple of months I didn't really worry about the books. I flipped through them casually, but mainly I focused on paying really good attention in class and made sure to soak in all the knowledge my teachers had to offer. I would volunteer to demonstrate teaching poses in class when we were asked, and I kept up my own practice at home. Eventually, my desire to learn and dig deeper into the books became natural and it wasn't overwhelming to study. When it came time for me to do my practicum--a 40 minute class in front of my peers and teacher--I was beyond ready. No nerves, just pure excitement and happiness. I was ready.
And then, when you receive warm compliments about how you're a good teacher, it's like all the hard work pays off. It's so rewarding.
And then, when you receive warm compliments about how you're a good teacher, it's like all the hard work pays off. It's so rewarding.
This is how learning should be--we should want to learn because when we have an intrinsic desire, the things we learn will become more a part of who we are, not just what we memorize to pass a class.
9.5 months ago I began traveling to the Yoga School of Therapeutics in Overland Park, 2 to 5 days a week for an average of 3 hours per day. It was my goal to finish a little bit earlier, but having two miscarriages and the Christmas holidays thrown in the mix, I am very happy with what I've accomplished.
The best thing about this yoga training is that it plays very nicely with my exercise physiology bachelor's degree. I love that I can help a so many people with a variety of needs such as:
- Parkinson's Disease
- Stress
- Depression
- PTSD
- Fertility
- Pregnancy
- Relaxation
- Muscular strength
- General wellness
- Balance
- Self-Confidence
- Flexibility
- Etc....the list is truly endless!
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| My cute friends...I couldn't have done it without you all! |
"Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do."
-Benjamin Spock
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