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How To Prepare for Yoga Teacher Training

So, you’ve decided to make a change in your life, congratulations. It can be scary, especially in these uncertain times to alter the course of your life. However, it can also be exhilarating. There are, however, things that you might want to know when you’re considering becoming a yoga teacher. So how exactly do you prepare for yoga teacher training? What are the dos and don'ts?

First things First: History, Physical and Spiritual

Clearly, if you’re going to become a yoga teacher, you’ve done some research and decided it is something you’re interested in learning more about. Almost anyone who signs up to start down the yoga teacher path is somewhat versed in the physical aspects of yoga.  

However, yoga isn’t just about the physical. The practice of yoga goes back to ancient times and is part of a spiritual discipline. Understanding some of that history and the spiritual teachings can help you better understand the lessons you’ll learn in class and better prepare you to teach those classes in the future.

Take a little extra time to study philosophy, history, and spirituality surrounding this practice. It is thought to date back somewhere between 5,000 and 8,000 years ago, so don’t’ expect to go in knowing everything.

Yoga is thought to have been discussed first in one of the sacred Indian texts known as the Rig Veda. There are four of these sacred documents that were all composed in Sanskrit. Yoga is actually one of the schools of philosophy from Hinduism but is also deeply intertwined with Buddhism. 

Thousands of resources are available to learn more about yoga’s science, philosophy, and spiritual sides, from translations of ancient texts to modern takes on the practice.

Broaden Your Horizons

Most students embarking on their journey to become a yoga teacher have taken at least a reasonable amount of yoga classes independently. However, usually, people find a class or a studio that they love and stick to it. However, when you’re planning on becoming a teacher, it’s essential to get a more comprehensive view of how the industry works.

Online or In-Person Variety is Key

Sign up for a variety of classes in assorted styles and schools. This will let you have a more broadened experience. One bonus coming out of the Pandemic is hundreds, likely thousands of classes have moved online.

Watching these classes can help you understand what it will be like to do the job itself, pay attention to the teachers and how they interact with the class. Does the course have a theme? What is it, and why might they have picked it? There’s a wealth of knowledge out there available and easy to access.

Practice Makes Perfect

Getting into the habit of practicing your craft will help you when you start your classes. It doesn’t have to be an all-day event every day, but make a conscious effort to daily study and apply the things you have studied. Something as simple as incorporating mindful movement into your regular routines will help keep you in the mental space and prepare you for your new career.

Get to Know the School and Expectations

No one has ever been hurt by being over-prepared. Anything you can do before getting started with your yoga teacher training will help you do better during the courses. Take the time to go in and see if you can acquire information about what the coursework is and if there is anything you can get a head start on. They will likely be impressed by your enthusiasm.

The school will likely have a recommended reading list to help you get started on the right foot. Don’t skip things if it’s on the list, there is a good reason.

Most yoga teacher training courses will, of course, be physical and in-person, but they will also provide you with coursework, homework, and extra materials that will help you along your journey. There may be things in this that you can go out of your way to prepare for.

Get the Support You Need

Changing careers can be overwhelming and leave you with some anxiety and apprehension. It’s okay, it’s normal. But it’s advisable to have a support system in place so that when you start feeling like you’re floundering, there are people there in your corner ready to help you get back on track.

There are often spiritual awakenings and personal growth that occur during your training to become a yoga teacher. The more you learn and venture down the yoga path, the more you will likely experience one of these life-altering shifts. It can be beneficial to have a group of friends or family in place that already knows what you’re going through and how to support you.

Schedule Your Time During Your Yoga Teacher Training

Being organised can be the first step in ensuring success during your yoga teacher training courses. You can do this by making a schedule that includes taking time for yourself.

Get or make yourself a planner and use it to keep track of all your assignments and due dates, and class times. But you may also find some personal uses for it while you are becoming

While you go on this journey, you’ll make self-discoveries, and your view of the world as a whole may change. Those are important things to keep track of. Take time to write a journal or notes in your planner to remind yourself what you were feeling during these stages.

What differed from your expectations of this class or session? What did you find the most interesting? What do you want to know more about? Writing all these things down can also help you remember any questions for your teachers.

Journaling can help you to better understand the coursework you’re studying as well as the emotional rollercoaster you may be facing.

Be Present and Mindful

The world is chaotic and busy, and no one ever has enough time to accomplish everything. However, what we can do to combat that is to put ourselves in the moment. When you’re in your yoga teacher training classes, be there, let go of the other worries and responsibilities that you carry through the day. This can be the most crucial step to genuinely learning the subject.

It can also be a very healthy experience and help you in other moments of your life.