Starting a yoga teacher training (YTT) program is a big deal. It can really improve your own practice and get you ready to teach others. But not all YTT programs are created equal. It's important to look for specific things that make a program great so you get the most out of it.
Here are seven important things to look for in a top-quality yoga teacher training:
1. A Comprehensive Curriculum
A great yoga teacher training program should cover all aspects of yoga in its curriculum, such as:
Asana (Physical Postures): In-depth guidance on different poses, focusing on alignment, benefits, and modifications. Yoga is for everyone, but not all yoga poses (asanas) work for everyone. There can be significant differences even within the same style of yoga. I only truly understood the healing power of Ashtanga Yoga after meeting Petri Raisenen at Purple Valley. The intention is everything.
Pranayama (Breathing Techniques): Techniques for managing and controlling breath to enhance physical and mental well-being.
Practising asanas is a necessary step before attempting pranayama. The scriptures clearly indicate that pranayama should only be tried after establishing a solid asana routine. Regardless of good health, it's important to recognise that there may be hidden issues in internal organs, such as the heart, liver, lungs, thymus, thyroid, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, bladder, reproductive organs, endocrine glands, and nervous system. Regularly practising a comprehensive set of asanas makes you more attuned to your body, its challenges, and the importance of addressing them. Exploring the concept of pranamaya kosha (the pranic sheath) from an Ayurvedic perspective and considering the role of the five senses can offer valuable insights into our spiritual practices.
Meditation and Mindfulness: These practices help you find inner peace, stay focused, and become more self-aware. While there are many forms of meditation and mindfulness, exploring more practices relevant to the time, such as those with an evidence base, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), may be interesting to explore. Systematic reviews of such practices have shown improvements in measures of anxiety, depression and pain scores.
Yoga Philosophy: In-depth exploration of fundamental texts like the Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, and other philosophical underpinnings.
I find those ancient yoga texts super inspiring, but I need a teacher to help me understand how they apply to everyday life. I want to know how the Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, and other philosophical texts can help me be a better husband, father, and community builder.
Anatomy and Physiology teach you about the human body, how to prevent injuries, and the impact of yoga on different bodily systems.
As a yoga teacher, you certainly don't need a Ph.D. in anatomy or physiology. However, having some knowledge can help you explain yoga philosophy better and keep your students safe during practice.
Teaching methodology includes good communication, planning classes, arranging the sequence, and helping students with adjustments and healing. Teaching techniques are just as vital as effective practices in helping us refine our perceptions. This enables us to share teachings free from our emotions.
2. Experienced and Passionate Teachers
When you're looking for a great YTT program, it's important to check out the teaching team. Look for teachers who:
1. Have lots of teaching experience: Experienced instructors have plenty of helpful insights and practical teaching methods.
2. Hold advanced certifications: Teachers with broad certifications and specialised training bring extra knowledge to the table
3. Show passion and inspiration: Enthusiastic teachers can motivate students to improve their practice and start their teaching journey.
Remember, it's more about quality than quantity. Ensure you know who the teachers are in your selected training programme and what they will cover. Feel free to contact the team with any important questions, but avoid contacting the administrator.
3. Emphasis on Hands-On Practice
Practical experience is super important when it comes to becoming a great yoga teacher. The best yoga teacher training programs should include:
Peer Teaching: Opportunities to teach classmates and receive feedback in a supportive setting.
Supervised Teaching: Real-world teaching practice with supervision and constructive criticism.
Feedback and Mentoring: Continuous feedback from instructors and peers to improve your teaching skills and boost your confidence.
4. Creating a Supportive and Nurturing Atmosphere
An environment that offers support is beneficial for learning and personal development. Some key things to focus on are:
Building a Community: Cultivating a sense of community and solidarity among participants.
Small Class Sizes: Ensuring individualised attention and tailored guidance.
Access to Resources: Supplying various materials, such as manuals, books, and online tools.
When we create a nurturing environment that honours the sacredness of life, there is no one correct way of doing things. I came across an interesting insight in a gardening blog that many plants develop two distinct types of roots: 1) roots that seek water and 2) roots that repel water. This made me reflect on how I could provide a space where individuals can cultivate the roots that are most beneficial for their growth.
5. Personal Development Focus
Yoga goes beyond physical postures; it is a journey towards personal growth. High-quality programmes highlight:
Self-Reflection: Encouraging introspection and self-awareness through journaling, discussions, and reflective exercises.
Mentorship: Offering guidance and support from experienced teachers.
Holistic Approach: Integrating aspects of self-care, lifestyle, and personal well-being into the training.
As guides, we carry the torch, stay unwavering, and illuminate the way forward. Each of us must walk our unique path, a journey that only we can undertake.
6. Accreditation and Recognition
Accreditation by reputable organisations like Yoga Alliance ensures the program meets high standards. Benefits include:
Recognised Certification: Graduates receive certification that is respected within the yoga community.
Standardised Curriculum: Assurance of a comprehensive and consistent curriculum.
Opportunities for Further Education: Providing access to advanced training and continuing education.
7. Ongoing Support and Community
The best YTT programmes offer support even after the training ends. This may include:
Alumni Networks: Connecting with a network of graduates for support, opportunities, and community.
Continued Learning: Offering workshops, advanced courses, and retreats for ongoing education.
Career Support: Providing resources and guidance for finding teaching opportunities, building a brand, and growing a yoga career.
It is impossible to accomplish anything enduring by ourselves. By constructing bridges, we uncover our inner strength, reaffirm our purpose, and guarantee that we do not stray from our path.
So in a nutshell, a great yoga teacher training program is defined by its comprehensive curriculum, experienced teachers, hands-on training, supportive environment, focus on personal growth, accreditation, and ongoing support. Choosing a program that excels in these areas will effectively prepare you to enhance your practice, share the benefits of yoga with others, and embark on a fulfilling teaching journey. Whether you aim to teach or simply improve your own practice, an outstanding YTT program lays the foundation for a lifelong journey of growth and exploration in yoga, celebrating the joy of being alive.
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