Teacher Training

Guide 2018

84-PAGE SPECIAL OM YOGA REPORT


WELCOME
We all love yoga, that’s why we’re here! But
what if you start to like it a little bit more
than everyone else? What if you’re watching
your yoga instructor at the front of the
class every week and thinking: I want
your life!
You want to teach yoga to other people
like they do; you want to practice and to
read up on spirituality all day; and to wear
super cool hippie clothes and hang out with
chilled friends all day long, just like they appear to do…
Well, you’re in luck: welcome to OM’s annual guide to all things
yoga teacher training. We can’t promise that you’ll have the same
life as your very talented yoga instructor (nor those leggings they
wear, which you can’t locate anywhere on the internet!), but we
may be able to help you carve out your own new path, beaming
your yoga light to the rest of the world from an eco-friendly mat.
Inside this special OM report we’ve collected the views and
thoughts of the country’s top yoga instructors to help you along
the way. From making that decision to book onto a teacher
Photo: YogaVenue
training, to picking the right course for you; what to expect on the
course and how you can prepare for it; even tips on how to make a
living once you’re newly-qualified.
Most former trainees would agree that yoga teaching training is
a defining moment in their lives. It marks a journey, a transition to
a more meaningful career, or even just a deepening of your own
practice. Life changing is a phrase that repeatedly crops up.
So be prepared and choose your course wisely as you
commence that wonderful adventure. It’s an exciting time and we
hope that we can help you to find the right path for you. Whatever
your motivations for teacher training (even if it’s just emulating that
charismatic teacher down the local gym!), it’s going to be one of
the most memorable times of your life. So, enjoy the ride, and soak
up the information inside this guide from some of the yoga world’s
brightest and wisest minds.
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3
 Teacher Training
Guide 2018
BEFORE
T
OM YOGA REPOR
84-PAGE SPECIAL

Teacher Training Guide 2018

June 2018
Published by: Prime Impact, Park House,
The Business Centre
Earls Colne Business Park
Earls Colne, Colchester
Essex. CO6 2NS
Tel: 44 (0) 1787 224040
Fax: 44 (0) 1787 223535
e: info@primeimpact.co.uk 8 How To Differentiate Teacher Trainings:
ommagazine.com
Pick The Right Training For You
Chief Editor: Martin D. Clark
e: martin@ommagazine.com 10 Be Prepared:
Designer Manager:
What To Do Before The Course To Better Prepare
Tom Sanderson
e: tom@primeimpact.co.uk
12 Which Course Is Right For You:
Art Director: Emily Saunders Key Things To Consider
e: emily@primeimpact.co.uk

Advertising Manager: Sara Stant 44 (0) 1787 224040 14 What Makes A Great Teacher:
e: sara@ommagazine.com Essential Yoga Teacher Ingredients
Subscriptions and Hannah Allen 44 (0) 1787 224040
Back Issues: e: hannah.allen@primeimpact.co.uk 16 Are You Ready For It:
When To Embark On Your Teaching Course
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18 You Can Balance On One Leg:
Marketing/Press: Hannah Irons 44 (0) 1787 224040 So Why The Wobbles Now?
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Publishing Director: Keith Coomber 20 Finding Your Big Yoga Why:

e: keith@primeimpact.co.uk Know Your Reasons For Starting Out
Managing Director: Julie Saunders
e: julie@primeimpact.co.uk 22 How To Choose A Yoga Teacher Training:
Questions To Ask First
Licensing: Bruce Sawford 44 (0) 1280 860185
e: Bruce@BruceSawfordLicensing.com
24 Be An Inspirational Teacher:
Accounts: Yolande Arnold 44 (0) 1787 224040 How Does The Graduate Become The Guru
e: accounts@primeimpact.co.uk

The Publisher accepts no responsibility in respect of advertisements appearing

26 Formulate Your Plans:
in the magazine and the opinions expressed in editorial material or otherwise do
not neccessarily represent the views of the Publisher. The Publisher cannot accept
Preparing For Your Training Adventure
liability for any loss arising from the later appearance or non publication of any
advertisement. Information about products and services featured within the editorial
content does not imply an endorsement by OM Magazine. OM Magazine is not 28 The Power Of Why:
intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment
of a doctor, qualified therapist, nutritionist or dietician. Always consult your doctor Know Your ‘Why’ And All Will Fall Into Place
before undertaking any exercise programme.

Every effort is made to ensure that all advertising is derived from reputable sources. 30 Movement Meditation:
OM Magazine cannot, however, accept responsibility for transactions between
readers and advertisers. The Garuda Way, Where Movement is All

4
DURING AFTER

34 Amazing Journey: 54 Finding Your Inner Voice:

A Yoga Adventure That Will Last A Lifetime Develop Your Own Teaching Style

36 Student Survival Guide: 56 Teaching With Confidence:

5 Tips To Get You Through The Course Finding Confidence Through Teaching

38 Managing Your Mental Health: 58 So, What’s Next:

Dealing With Your Own Baggage After Your Initial Yoga Teacher Training Ends

40 Short V Long Courses: 60 The Journey Beyond Teacher Training:

Intensives Versus Longer Study Times The Significance Of CPD

42 Tales Of A Yoga Teacher: 62 Flying High:

The Ebb & Flow Of A Typical Training Why Become An Aerial Yoga Teacher

44 Making Yoga A Part Of Your Life: 64 Your Authentic Voice:

Integrating What You Learn Finding Your Own Inner Authentic Teacher

46 5 Things To Help You Through Your 68 Keep On Learning:

Course: Essential Tips Continuous Professional Development

48 Core Skills: The Core Skills Of A Teacher 72 Building A Successful School:

Training Course The Sun Power Yoga Story

50 The Teacher Training Success Formula: 74 The Right Conditions For Hot Yoga:
Becoming A Teacher The Perfect Hot Yoga Studio

76 Insurance For Yoga Professionals:

Key Advice For New Teachers

78 The Business Of Teaching Yoga:

Tips For Making A Living

80 You Are Enough:

Overcome Those Self-Doubts And Embrace It

5
 om yoga ttg2018

BEFORE
Yoga Teacher Training

6
 om yoga ttg2018
How to differentiate
teacher trainings
With so many teacher trainings offering the same syllabus, how do you choose
which is the right training for you? By Michele Pernetta
A
teacher training is a big
investment of time and
money, so what should you
look for to differentiate the
courses?
It’s easy to say the right things as a
course director, to put the right ad-words,
and inspirational sayings on your website.
But a discerning person needs to read
between the lines and not be afraid to ask a
lot of questions.
What to look for:
Have a think about what kind of teacher
you would like to be or what you are
interested in and see if any course leans
towards those interests.
8
The experience of the tutors. For Yoga
Alliance certification the senior teachers
need to have over 10 years experience and
teach 70% of the course. Make sure that
is going to happen. Tales of courses where
the senior tutor popped in for a couple of
workshops are rife.
Some courses lean towards philosophy,
anatomy, meditation and/or spiritual
aspects of yoga. Others towards the
practicalities of teaching different body
types in busy classes. Ensure you know
beforehand.
Just because a teacher might teach
inspirational classes doesn’t mean they are
experienced in supporting others through
a teacher training. Those are very different
skills. Talk to people who have done the
course. Go to an open day, meet the tutors,
see if you connect.
Course format:
Intensives versus correspondence courses.
An intensive is just that – intense. It will
create a crucible that will spark growth, and
with growth often comes challenge. It is an
incredible time, and your mind and body
change dramatically. You gain a network of
friends and support. However, you want to
be sure you are in experienced hands, with
people who have the maturity to support
the process.
A correspondence type course over a year
or two can be convenient if you work or have

kids, and is less intense. As the camaraderie
of an intensive isn’t there, ensure there is
enough personal support given for questions,
discussion and corrections.
It can be daunting to go from a teacher
training to teaching a room full of people.
Ask if there is support or further training
after the course ends.
What to be careful of:
There are many courses that offer strong
syllabuses but have less conventional
ideologies. Occasionally the studio owners/
course tutors have their own ideologies and
while those ideologies might be perfectly
wise or reasonable, they very often have
absolutely nothing to do with becoming
a yoga teacher. They can be a way for
immature teachers to exert their own
ideologies or agenda on students. They
could be about diet, discipline, spiritual
leanings or religion for example. Ensure you
are aware of them and if they are right for
you. For example, becoming vegan might be
something you aspire to, but is a teacher
training the right time for you to take this on
and does it really have any bearing on your
learning how to teach yoga?
Sometimes studios or training
leaders misrepresent who they are, or
their qualifications. They may promote
qualifications that really have no relevance
to teaching people how to teach yoga.
Check. Ask others in the industry.
Some course leaders (especially of
smaller outfits) wait until they have enough
bookings before they go ahead with the
training, often cancelling at short notice.
One woman had the same course cancelled
on her twice after she took the time off work.
om yoga ttg2018
Ask if courses have ever been cancelled or
postponed and check the refund policy.
Where:
There are trainings in your home town
where you can go home at night and have
some down time and residential where
you can be away from all home and family
responsibilities. Think about what might suit
your needs.
And then there’s India! Many people wish
to combine learning yoga with learning it in
the place of its birth. It can be even harder to
separate the poor course from the great one
when it is a culture so different from our own.
Just because a teacher training is in India
doesn’t necessarily make it more authentic or
relevant to being a teacher in the West.
I visited a famous yoga training centre
in India and was astonished to see that
the students were being trained entirely by
Westerners in their 20’s, which again might
not be a problem, unless you were expecting
to be taught by Indian yoga masters.
Teaching Westerners yoga is as big business
in India as it is in the West.
Trainings can be as quirky and original
or as bread-and-butter as the tutors
themselves, so it’s important to gain clear
information. If the information is couched in
self appointed titles, hyperbole and flowery
language, don’t feel timid to question the
organisers, if they are worth their salt they
will be happy to answer your questions.
And once on a course – know that whatever
course you have chosen, you will benefit from
it, and the experience will enrich your life.
Michele Pernetta is the founder of Fierce
Grace (fiercegrace.com)
 om yoga ttg2018
Be prepared
Is there anything you can do before the course to better prepare yourself?
I
t’s exciting and daunting: your first
yoga teacher training! Preparation
is key: you’ll want to ask as many
questions and find out as much as
possible ahead of time. Things like
how much time will you be learning? How
much homework is there? What exams there
might be, as well as what local amenities are
nearby for breaks?
Visit the studio you’re going to be
studying at a few times before your course
starts if possible, especially if it’s a studio
away from where you live. You’ll get familiar
with the facilities, meet the course teachers
and possibly get to know other students who
may be undertaking the course with you. It’ll
help with first day nerves as you’ll have a
few recognisable faces plus you’ll know how
to get there and local places to eat.
Create a daily meditation practice
alongside your home yoga practice.
You might think: “How can I possibly
squeeze a 10 minute meditation practice
into my schedule?” But you’ll soon find
10
those 10 minutes of peace will help
with stress, anxiety and focus.
Read the recommended course books
ahead of time. Especially if you’re going
for an intensive course; the evening hours
will slip away! Read as much as you can
beforehand, then you can go back for
references rather than trying to read the
books at the same time as focusing on
other homework.
Learn Sanskrit names for poses. This is
probably something you have already been
exploring in your own time but learning the
Sanskrit names of the main yoga poses which
are key to your chosen yoga style will be very
helpful, especially if they don’t usually use
them at your regular studio classes.
Make a business plan. This is so you can
dive straight into teaching as soon as you’ve
finished your course. Think about when,
where and how you’re going to set-up after
you finish, and it’ll also help you to focus on
what you might need. Think about setting
up business accounts with yoga equipment
companies (such as Yoga-Mad: they offer a
special teacher’s account meaning you can
get 35% off equipment so you can purchase
mats, blocks/bricks and any accessories
you might need to get started for your first
class, or eventually start to sell equipment
on to your students for extra revenue). It
may sound like early days but if you wish to
keep the ball rolling after you complete your
training, having a plan to stick to will help.
Be prepared to transform too and don’t
forget to set your intention. There will
be highs and lows but it’s all part of the
journey and your intention will help you stay
grounded as to why you’re on your yoga
teacher training path. You’ll learn a lot about
who you are and your practice along the way
– and don’t forget to prepare to enjoy it all!
By Katie Cornish, a keen yogini and
creator of Evolute Yoga in Evesham. She
completed her 200hr certification in 2017 at
YogaVenue, Oxford. Follow her on Instagram
@evoluteyogini
FIND YOUR VOICE
TEACH WHAT YOU LOVE
Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training 200 hour Intensive in Oxford

Learn from experienced,

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yoga teachers

VINYASA YOGA TRAINING DATES IN 2018

Thursday 21 - Sunday 24 June
Thursday 12 - Sunday 15 July
Monday 23 July - Saturday 4 August

CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSES FOR

YOGA TEACHERS IN 2018 (40 HOURS)
Hot Power Flow 27 - 30 September
Hot HIIT Flow 29 November - 2 December

Visit our website for more information

01865 245754 • yogavenue.co.uk

 om yoga ttg2018
Which course is right for you?
Finding the right teacher training course for you. Key things to consider,
by Bryony Duckitt
W
hen I chose to specialise
in children’s yoga 12
years ago, there were
only three courses to
choose from. One was
in the UK and the others abroad, so the
decision was fairly easy for me. Today in the
UK alone there are probably 20 children’s
yoga teacher training courses being offered,
about half of which have surfaced in the
past two years. There are so many options
for trainings, how do you even begin to
decide which is right for you?
It can be a minefield out there and
deciding to embark on a teacher training is
a big decision. Many factors contribute to
finding the perfect match. Every decision
is personal, with different priorities and
considerations for each of us, however there
are some fundamental questions that could
steer you in the right direction.
Here are a few key factors to consider
when setting out on this exciting new venture:
12
Understanding your intention will
determine what kind of training is
right for you
Ask yourself these questions before looking
for the training that best suits your needs.
n Are you looking for a career change or
would you just like to add a class to your
usual work week, for a bit of change in your
everyday schedule?
n Are you hoping to bring some yoga
into your work space (i.e. yoga and mindful
techniques in your classroom or to offer
to work colleagues a class at the end of
their day)?
n Have you been on maternity leave or
are a full-time mum wanting to get back into
work but not in the same capacity as before?
n Are you looking to teach adults or
specialise in children, teenagers, family yoga,
babies or prenatal etc?
n Are you merely looking for ways to
deepen your own practice?
Research training
courses thoroughly
Yoga trainings can vary hugely in terms of
curriculum content, theory versus practical,
philosophies, attention to anatomy, practical
business advice and so forth – making it
important to research as best as you can.
Evaluate the course syllabus/training outline
for the balance of subjects taught. Most
trainings are required to cover a minimum
number of hours dedicated to things like
poses, anatomy, breath work, history of
yoga and Vedanta, so choose a programme
that speaks your language and excites you.
What speaks to you most about the yoga
teacher training you are researching?
n Ensure your training is accredited, as this
will certainly reflect the quality of the training
you are getting. There are various governing
bodies for yoga, which have set the standard
for what a properly constructed teacher
training should contain.

n Talk to people who have been through
the programme and the teachers themselves
if you can. Was the response to your email
a generic one or was it answered directly by
the teacher? Is there a personal touch or are
you only able to chat once you meet? If this
is important to you – seek it out.
n What is your trainer’s philosophy and
mission for their school? What are they
trying to share, what kind of skills would they
want their teachers to develop and leave the
course with?
n Does your training give you an
opportunity to put practice to the theory
you are learning? Do you get to observe and
teach an actual class – to actual adults,
children, teens etc?
n Will your course qualify you for
insurance, as we need this to practice in
public venues?
n What size is the training – is it intimate
or vast (12 students who get personal
attention or 35 students whose names
never get learnt)?
n Does your training provider require that
you have been practicing yoga for a while?
Whilst there is no need to be an expert when
you arrive on a teacher training, if you are
looking to teach yoga it is imperative that
you have a solid regular practice when you
arrive – we must practice what we teach!
n Do you want to be a part of a franchise
or would you like to start your own career?
What are you signing yourself up for?
And finally, online trainings can be a good
addition to what you have already learnt but
being in the presence of a qualified teacher
is very important as you start your journey
of teaching yoga. It is so important to
observe teachings and be observed
whilst you are teaching. Be supported by
an actual human being rather than a screen
if at all possible.
Connect with the teacher
A connection with the teacher is
fundamental in determining how much you
will gain from the course. Training as a yoga
teacher can be physically, emotionally and
mentally challenging so it is good to be sure
that your teacher is able to support you
through this process with sensitivity.
n Have you researched who your trainer
has been studying with and are you familiar
with them? Would you like to know more
about their teachings?
n Do you share a similar philosophy
of teaching?
om yoga ttg2018
n Does their website, personal journey,
teaching intentions, articles and
programmes inspire you?
n How long have they been teaching and
running these trainings?
n And most importantly – will your teacher
continue to support you after your training
is complete? Does your training school have
a sangha/group of teachers who connect
with each other? Are there WhatsApp groups,
private Facebook groups, newsletters or
website forums? It can feel quite isolating
being a yoga teacher, especially when you
start out, so community is paramount –
whether it’s face-to-face or online, make
sure this is something that is offered.
The practicalities:
dates, location and investment
Never overlook the practical bits that will
play a huge role in your decision.
n Choose a price that suits your budget
– many teacher trainings have payment
options and early bird discounts, so it’s
worth asking about this.
n Find a date that works for you. If you are
a school teacher, is your training offered
during school holidays? If you are in a full-
time job you might need to find a training
that is offered on weekends.
n Would you prefer to do a full, intensive
training and integrate all the information
post-training or would you prefer to have it
running over a longer period of time taking
time to integrate and practice all you are
learning along the way?
n When choosing a location think
realistically about what you can commit to,
given your current responsibilities – family,
work etc. It’s important not to overstretch
yourself so think about how you could
manage less travel time at the end of each
training day.
As you can see there is quite a bit to
consider. Don’t be afraid to get online or on
the phone with the person you want to train
with. Feel supported as you move through
your application process. This is a big step
to take, an investment in many areas of your
life … find the right course for you and enjoy
each step of this journey!
Bryony Duckitt is the founder of YogaBeez
Children’s Yoga. Merging her passions of
yoga and Montessori, she runs teacher
trainings around the globe (yogabeez.com)
 om yoga ttg2018
What makes a great teacher?
What are the ingredients you need to be a successful yoga teacher?
A
t YogaVenue, we begin with a
real and unwavering love of
yoga. We aim to share this
love of yoga in our classes
and in our teacher training
courses. We encourage our teachers to
inspire their students and truly enjoy what
they are teaching. We endeavour to always
teach yoga with joy and compassion.
We also believe that a comprehensive
knowledge of yoga is essential for a
yoga teacher. This knowledge includes
a thorough understanding of anatomy,
postures, sequencing, transitions, breathing,
philosophy and teaching skills. Regardless
of the type of class they are teaching,
whether it is a vinyasa class or a hot HIIT
14
class, a yoga teacher should have a deep
understanding and appreciation of yoga
philosophy.
In addition, a great yoga teacher has body
awareness through their own practice, and
can identify a posture done correctly. Having
a solid understanding of anatomy and an
understanding of the practical application of
yoga enables a teacher to provide instruction
to each individual student safely, as well
as identify alignment issues and provide
appropriate corrections in a mixed ability class.
Furthermore, a successful yoga teacher
also needs to understand how to teach. A
teacher should be able to guide students
through a class without forcing or pushing;
instead, a teacher should draw on their
knowledge to encourage and empower
their students to find their own way. A great
teacher creates a positive and supportive
atmosphere within a class to inspire students
to deepen and enjoy their own practice.
We also believe that a yoga teacher should
cultivate their voice to be audible, clear and
calm. Good vocal quality allows a teacher to
translate their yoga knowledge into instruction,
to the great benefit of their students.
Above all, a truly great yoga teacher is
also a student, continuously learning and
exploring their own practice, and expanding
their knowledge and appreciation of yoga.
By Alessandro Gozzi, Yoga Venue
(yogavenue.co.uk)
 Anusara Teacher Trainings
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accredited byand Anusara School of Hatha Yoga.
by
by
Yoga
Yoga Alliance
Yoga
Alliance International,
Alliance
International, Yoga
International, YogaAlliance
Yoga Alliance
Alliance Professionals
Professionals
Professionals
Fully accredited by and
and
andAnusara
AnusaraSchool
School ofHatha
of
School Hatha Yoga.
Yoga.
of Hatha Yoga.
Yoga Alliance International, Yoga Alliance Professionals and Anusara School of Hatha Yoga.

www.bridgetwoodskramer.com
www.bridgetwoodskramer.com
www.bridgetwoodskramer.com
Yogawww.bridgetwoodskramer.com
Alliance International, Yoga Alliance Professionals and Anusara School of Hatha Yoga.
| yoga@bridgetwoodskramer.com
yoga@bridgetwoodskramer.com
Fully || yoga@bridgetwoodskramer.com
Fully accredited
accredited
by
by
| yoga@bridgetwoodskramer.com
 om yoga ttg2018

16

Are you
ready for it?
How to know when you are ready to embark
on a teacher training course
B
eginning a yoga teacher training
course requires dedication and
enthusiasm; it also takes time,
effort and money. So how do
you know when you are ready
to embark on a teacher training? Many
courses suggest a number of years regular
practice with an experienced teacher as a
prerequisite, but is that a good indicator of
your readiness to learn to teach?
The answer to this question is as varied
as the different types of hatha yoga that
are now on offer. I wish I could give you a
one-size-fits-all message. I have met many
students who are looking at teacher training
and it is difficult to pick out the specific
indicators of a student’s ‘readiness’ to begin
a teacher training as everyone is unique.
Also, everyone has their own reasons for
wanting to do a course. From my experience,
here are some of the things that give me
a good feeling that a student has reached
that moment to consider embarking on a
yoga teacher training course:
CURIOSITY REPLACES AMBITION.
Observing a true release in a student’s own
practice. When I see students developing a
real curiosity for their practice, taking time
to express a posture through their body and
self adjusting rather than trying to make it
that perfect pose right away. When I observe
that the student’s breath is becoming softer
and their ability to relax becomes clear,
I feel they could be ready to go further.
Questions like ‘Where should I feel this..’
or ‘Is this meant to..’ are no longer part of
their vocabulary - they are practicing at the
speed of their body and breath rather than
their mind.
A WISH TO DELVE DEEPER. This is
probably one of the main reasons students
that I talk to are considering training. They
have discovered that there is more to yoga
than asana practice and have developed
a desire to explore other practices in more
om yoga ttg2018
depth, such as meditation, pranayama, and
have also developed an interest in learning
about yoga philosophy and how the mind
and body work too. Some students express
improvement in their own health and
wellbeing and start to see the possibility of
helping others do the same.
PERSONAL PRACTICE. Students who
want to incorporate what they learn with
a teacher in class and practice at home,
experimenting with poses and other
practices. This indicates to me that yoga
practice has become more than something
a student does in class with a teacher; it has
become an important part of their life.
YOGA OFF THE MAT. I so enjoy when
students tell me about the positive influence
their yoga practice is having in their daily
life. For example, taking a break at their desk
to stretch away stress or breathing first to
pause and consider before responding in
a confrontation.
THE COMPANY OF LIKE MINDED PEOPLE.
When I run extended yoga classes, retreats
or short courses I often hear students
commenting about the joy of spending time
talking about yoga with people who want
to listen and talk about yoga too. This is
what yoga teachers love about their work,
sharing their passion and helping others find
joy in yoga.
This is by no means a definitive list.
Personally, I believe a clear desire to share
this life affirming practice with others is a
brilliant starting point to embark on this
special journey of learning to teach. Yet
sometimes it’s hard to express why you want
to do a teacher training, it’s just a feeling,
a knowing. I say follow your heart and
intuition and good luck.
Louise Cashin, Course Director Yoga
Yoga Teacher Training (yoga-yoga.co.uk)
A Year of Self Discovery
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 om yoga ttg2018
You can balance
on one leg…
So why does teacher training give you the wobbles? By Steve Heath
S
tarting yoga teaching training is
rather like starting yoga itself: you
can be full of apprehension. Think
back to that first time you set foot
in a studio. You probably convinced
yourself that you’d be the unbendiest
person in the room; even the thought of
Downward Dog made you cower down in
fear, tail between your legs. Looking back
you can’t imagine how you felt like that.
What you felt, though, was entirely natural.
So it is with teacher training: it’s a
18
step into the unknown. But it’s one that’s
definitely worth taking. Remember that all
the teachers you love and respect were
once in exactly the same position. So why
should you be any different? As confident as
they seem now, they’d certainly have had a
bellyfull of butterflies.
That being said, you do need to feel ready
to take the step. The best qualification is
this: a love for yoga. You’ve got the bug and
you’re smitten. It doesn’t matter if anatomy’s
a whole new world to you, and that you don’t
know your tibialis from your teres minor –
that’s what you’re going on the course for, to
learn that stuff. It’s the same with philosophy:
no one starts a course already a past
master in the Sutras of Patanjali. That’ll all
be explained to you over time. Just relax.
A good way to allay any apprehension is
to have a look round at the different courses
which are available. No two courses are ever
the same, just as no two Downward Dogs
are ever the same. By casting your net a
little wider, you’re more likely to find the
 om yoga ttg2018

course which instinctively feels right for you.

It may be one that’s longer but nearer to
home, or one that’s shorter but tucked away
somewhere exotic. It may be one which is
more geared to a physical practice, or one
with a more spiritual bedrock. You’ll have a
gut feeling which one’s right for you, right
now. Trust that feeling: it won’t let you down.
Remember too that there’s no such thing
as perfect. Like online dating, some yoga
faculties may promise you the earth and the
course of your dreams. Reality, of course,
is rather different. Whatever course you
choose, there are bound to be areas which
aren’t perfect,
But so what? As long as the course gives
you a strong and comprehensive foundation,
it’ll foster a hunger for learning which will
continue long after it’s finished. A course
can do many great things, but it won’t turn
you into BKS Iyengar overnight.

The best
qualification is this: a
love for yoga. You’ve
got the bug and
you’re smitten
The success – or otherwise – of your
chosen course also depends on you. More
precisely, whether now is the right time for
you to embark on it. You don’t want to get to
the end of it, then sulk like Mr or Ms Miffed
from Tunbridge Wells because it didn’t meet
your expectations. The truth is: if you’re
already overloaded with commitments, no
course is ever going to cut the mustard. So
be honest with yourself. Do you have enough
space in your life, and in your head, to take
a course? You don’t need to be footloose
and fancy free, with all the time in the world.
You just need enough space to make the
most of the opportunity.
Finally, if you’re in two minds about
whether to take a course or not, it probably
means you’re ready. Once the seed’s
planted, it’ll grow. And you’ll grow with it.
You may never be the best teacher who
ever lived, but as long as you’re a confident,
contented and safe one, you’re there. The
very best of luck.

Steve Heath is a senior yoga teacher

and trainer at Feel Hot Yoga & Wellbeing
(feelwellbeing.co.uk)

19
 om yoga ttg2018

Finding
your big
yoga
‘why?’

20
 om yoga ttg2018
Your ‘why?’ is the one most important
elements in embarking on any project,
including your yoga teacher training.
By Gopala Amir Yaffa
“Many drift into yoga as a kind of workout. Whilst this
keeps us strong, it can neglect anatomical understanding,
the mind connection, and the rich philosophy. Yoga can
transform every aspect of our life.”
SIMON LOW, FOUNDER OF THE YOGA ACADEMY

Y
ou may have all of the classic motives of deepening your
practice or launching a new career with something you
are passionate about. But I would like to tell you that you
can dream bigger than that, as big as the world.

“You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one”
- John Lennon

I started my yoga journey when I was very young and joined a yoga
ashram when I was 16 years old. Shortly after I became a Hindu
monk there in 1994, a beautiful hearted lady from the USA came to
stay with us for a few days. During our conversations, she shared
with me that she is on her way to Jordan and that she is the private
yoga teacher of King Hussein and the royal family.
This was very inspiring for me because I was an active pacifist
in my early teenage years, and I was really feeling at the time
the depth of inner peace that yoga brings. Connecting the dots,
I immediately saw the potential that yoga could have in bringing
peace to the world.
And guess what? Not more than a few months after my meeting
with the American yoga teacher, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin
and King Hussein of Jordan formally made peace, ending 46 years
of war.
A coincidence?
I truly believe that each and every one of us is here to make this
world a better place. We are here to make a difference, starting from
within, then influencing circles of family, friends and community…
and who knows, we might even bring in a new era of peace, of
justice or of compassion.
It doesn’t need to be a revolution and happen all right now. An
evolution, nice and slow and steady, will suffice. But if you keep your
TEACHER TRAINING
dreams small, I’m not sure if it will happen at all.
So, what change do you want to see in the world?
WITH SIMON LOW
Let your yoga teacher training be a step on your way to that Become a yin & yang yoga teacher as a graduate of
global transformation.
The Yoga Academy’s internationally recognised course.
By Gopala Amir Yaffa, founder of Rainbow Yoga Yoga Alliance 200-hour one-month intensives and
(rainbowyogatraining.com)
extended BWY-Accredited diploma courses.
The Yoga Academy offers ongoing training to teachers
through workshops and residential intensives, including
a Yoga Alliance (US) 500-hour upgrade course.
The renowned Yoga Academy faculty includes Simon Low,
Gary Carter, Gill Lloyd and Julie Gudmestad

WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2019.

Register your interest now at:
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theyogaacademy YogaAcademyUK yogaacademyuk
 om yoga ttg2018
How to choose a
yoga teacher training
Questions to ask yourself before diving in.
By Sally Parkes BSc, SYT
T
here are so many wonderful
yoga teacher trainings out
in the world now that it can
be challenging to find the
right one for you. Here are a
few questions you may like to ask before
embarking on your journey.
Are you ready?
Initially it is advisable to check whether or
not you are ready to take on the challenge
of a training course, as teaching yoga is
an honour and not something to be taken
lightly. Have you put the ground work in on
yourself to share this discipline with others
22
yet? Or is there more work to do first? Be
honest with yourself as only you will know
the answer to this. You may find keeping a
journal can be helpful to reflect and to
figure it out.
What style of yoga resonates with you?
Most of us have a style of yoga that we love
or that has been life changing, and that
has brought about so many benefits to us
personally. So it is natural to seek out a
training in the style you love. However, have
a think about the people you will be teaching
afterwards as well. If you will be teaching in
a small village with a lot of seniors as your
clientele for example, then maybe a strong
vinyasa training is not appropriate. Have a
look at your likely demographic and then
consider your options.
Is the yoga school established and are
the teachers senior?
Check how long the training has been going. I
know from experience that it can take a good
five years for a training to become solid
enough to support the students in a way
that they deserve. Check out the tutors too.
Hopefully they are either registered senior or
experienced yoga teachers as this way you
know they have taught for a long time. Also

check who the training is registered with
(for example, Yoga Alliance, British Wheel of
Yoga or Yoga Alliance Professionals).
Course content
Aside from the style of yoga asana, what
is the emphasis of the course? Will there
be a huge amount of anatomy or is the
focus on the more subtle, energetic side of
yoga. What is it that interests and excites
you the most?
Are there exams or is it all
coursework-based?
Personally, I don’t feel that one approach is
better than the other, as it’s subjective, but
if you know exams cause so much stress
that it leads to anxiety, then look for a
coursework-based training. Or if you know
you struggle with self-discipline, look for one
with an exam or two. Then you know you
have to get a study plan together and revise.
What do past students of the course
say about it?
Of course, a website and sales team can say
om yoga ttg2018
what’s needed to get students signed up,
so getting first hand knowledge from past
students can be really helpful, and there are
several Facebook groups that this can be
discussed in. The course leader may even
be willing to put you in touch with some of
their graduates.
Does it fit in with your life?
Does the format of the training (i.e.
weekends, one month away etc.) fit in with
your current life situation, or are you being
unrealistic? Remember you will also have
home study to do as well as the contact
teacher training hours, so think about when
you will be able to do this as well. That
way, you can absorb the information more YOGA
PILATES
effectively as it won’t become stressful to
study, and then the yoga can works its
WORKSHOPS
magic, and hopefully help you enjoy this
potentially life changing experience.
TRAINING
Sally Parkes is the author of the bestseller
‘The Students Manual of Yoga Anatomy’ and
RETREATS
runs yoga teacher trainings and workshops
throughout the year (sallyparkesyoga.com)
CPD
yoga teacher
workshops
Teach yoga for life
Teaching yoga 1:1
Lesson planning
Self-care for teachers
The language of teaching
RETREATS
9-16 June / 22-29 September
Boutique studio
Wandsworth, SW London
www.yogiyoga.co.uk
 om yoga ttg2018
How does the graduate become the guru? By Nina Sebastiane
E
veryone has a favourite teacher. You know the one, often
it’s the first teacher you experience or maybe the first
that you really connected with. They put you at ease and
usually have an effortless way with words - giving you just
what you need in class, when you need it. They can work
you hard, but you love them all the more for it, and as for savasana
- pure bliss. It is these special people that often give students the
motivation and self belief to take the teaching plunge. But what is
the secret sauce that enables these gifted gurus to transport you
from yoga studio to yoga nirvana?
Growing pains
As a yoga teacher trainer since 2012 and student since 1998 I have
loved watching the chrysalis-like transformation of the nervous,
word-stumbling trainee become a confident, effortless teacher.
Getting lefts mixed up with rights is par for the course as is the brain
freeze moment when you can’t even remember your own name. It
happens to everyone. But how does the graduate become the guru?
In my experience, first and foremost is preparation, preparation,
preparation. Trainees can be in a rush to build their signature
sequence and get it out there, but you need to get the foundations
right. Take time to really consider your audience: who are you
teaching? A class that happens at 9am on a Sunday will have a
completely different feel and audience to the Monday 6:30pm ‘after
work’ crowd. Not only the nature of who you are teaching but also
what is going on around them. As as a trainer I encourage all new
teachers to take time to do the prep properly and write down their
class aide memoire – preferably step-by-step and with stickmen to
24
Be an
inspirational
teacher
help visual learners (research has found that most of our new skills
processing is visual so pictures are always a good way to absorb the
information and take into the class with you). But as we progress as
experienced teachers, we often forget these basics. One of our most
senior teachers at Feel Wellbeing still prepares a class plan with
stick figures (something she would do as a student but has never
given up). It helps her to visualise the sequence better which means
it leaves more time for her to see beyond the poses and concentrate
on the nurturing side of teaching.
Which leads us nicely onto TLC. Making your students feel warm
and welcome the moment they walk through the door is another
basic that can be overlooked. Arrive well before the start of your
class; I aim for 40 minutes earlier. Get the room set up with any
mood lighting and nice smelling scents - not overpowering, but just
enough to encourage a feeling of a clean, fresh practice space. I
steer away from the very musky joss sticks and prefer essential oil
of eucalyptus or lavender in a water base which I spray or burn prior
to start of class. Not only does it smell wonderful but it aides the
opening of the airways and the lavender creates an instant feeling
of wellbeing.
Personal attention
No matter the kind of day I have had up to that moment, I do a
short practice or a breath exercise if time-strapped to reset my own
thought patterns. As students arrive I greet everyone with a big
smile. The feeling of someone being delighted to see you is tangible
and can improve the atmosphere of a class from the outset. Often
this is the time students who may be experiencing particular issues
 om yoga ttg2018

come and see you and share a few moments about their day or
what is happening in their bodies and lives. I encourage students
to arrive early so they may (in their own time) transition from their
busy working day to time on the mat. I always ask, ‘how are you
feeling today’? It’s at this stage you hear about the little things: ‘I’ve
had a terrible week at work’, ‘I’m holding a lot of tension in my neck
and shoulders’. With that information to hand and a few mentally
noted tweaks to the sequence later in class: “Hi everyone, welcome
to class. Today, we’ll begin with a little neck and shoulder release to
let go of the day...” Everyone enjoys the release and the ones who
have already shared this little detail will feel that bit of extra special
attention and love.

Keep learning
Never stop evolving your teaching style and refreshing your
knowledge. It is easy to fallback into a safe and well trodden routine
of saying the same things over and again. If you find yourself
reverting to autopilot then perhaps it’s time to do something
differently. Make some time for yourself to try out a new teacher –
it doesn’t need to be a yoga teacher, I’ve been to pilates and even
Zumba sessions and have come away with motivating elements
that could be incorporated into a yoga class. Deconstructing your
session and surprising your yogis with something a little different
will be well received, although I would be wary of trying this if you’re
covering someone else’s regular slot. In those instances, most
definitely stick to the brief.
Lastly and perhaps most importantly, stay humble. When the
big bad ego raises its ugly head it can get…well, ugly. If you find
yourself in a room where bendy people are trying to have a ‘bendy/
headstand/balance off’ remember why you started your yoga journey
in the first place. Most likely it was because you found peace and joy
there. If you keep sight of that, yogis will flock to your classes. There’s
nothing finer at the end of a class than seeing a glowing face beaming
with gratitude for a wonderful class... Now that is nirvana.

Nina Sebastiane is owner and founder teacher at Feel Hot Yoga &
Wellbeing St Albans & Watford (feelwellbeing.co.uk)
 om yoga ttg2018
Formulate your plans
Is there anything you can do before the course to better prepare yourself?
I
t’s an exciting time: you’ve decided to
do the yoga teacher training course.
With any kind of education, you want
to be a little prepared before you
begin. You want to take in all the
information you can to fully understand the
layers of information you need to be a yoga
teacher. Here are some of the things you
can do to best prepare yourself.
Prepare the body
You will want to be doing some form of
exercise daily to build up your strength,
stamina, and endurance. If you’re doing
the yoga teacher training course, it’s
26
likely you’re already invested in yoga. You course, you’ll be practicing yoga for a few
should try to get to as many yoga classes hours a day. Doing yoga beforehand will help
as possible to condition yourself. This is you immeasurably.
because during a yoga teacher training It isn’t necessary to have a yoga practice.
You may actually find that you’re in a better
position than those who do have a practice
You should try already but are doing it wrong. During yoga
teacher training, you’ll be learning how to
to get to as many do poses with perfect alignment. It doesn’t
matter how far you can stretch but how well
yoga classes as you keep the body aligned during any given
pose. This is important for you to understand
possible to so you can then pass this wisdom on to your
students. Flexibility and strength will come
condition yourself naturally throughout the training.
 om yoga ttg2018

Read up
Get to know the philosophy of yoga. There is a
lot to learn so read up on the Yoga Sutras of
Patanjali and familiarise yourself. Getting the
general idea of the philosophy behind yoga
will help you to feel less overwhelmed when
you begin. There are a lot of different aspects
to yoga and when you’re in the midst of the
course, you may not have the time to reflect
on the philosophy. Yet it is of fundamental
importance to the overall course.
Prepare to focus
Yoga teacher training is usually pretty
intense in terms of the time and energy
you’ll be dedicating to it. Make sure you are
free to focus on your yoga practice and the
training. You may have a project to finish or
social commitments. Let people know that
you’ll be unavailable to commit to social
engagements or work projects. You don’t
want to feel any stress while you delve into
the practice of yoga deeply and learn about
all the aspects.
Know where you’re going
Many people will choose to do an intensive
yoga teacher training course abroad. It’s a
wonderful way to see the world and if you’re
going somewhere like India or Goa, you’re
in the midst of where yoga came from. If
you’ve decided to go this route, make sure
you research where you’re going. You don’t
want to feel a sense of disappointment once
you arrive. If you have questions, make sure
to ask the yoga school. Check out what
the weather will be like so you can pack
accordingly.
Your yoga teacher training will be a
wonderful experience if you remain open
to the process. There will be like-minded
people you’ll meet and doing all that yoga
will bring you immense peace. You may be
getting educated but you’re also healing and
centering yourself along the way.
By Meera Watts of Siddhi Yoga
(siddhiyoga.com)

love yoga, teach yoga

An accredited 500 hour teacher training
offering a broad foundation training
in hot and non-hot yoga.
For those serious about teaching yoga.
www.feelwellbeing.co.uk

27
 om yoga ttg2018

The power of why

The power of knowing your ‘why’ when selecting a teaching training programme.
By Dylan Ayaloo

K
nowing your reason – or your ‘why’ – you are doing a
yoga teacher training is of paramount importance. It
is your inner compass; it is waiting to guide you to
that which is in alignment with who you are, what you
want in life, your values and your bigger purpose
amongst other things.
When you know why you want to do a teacher training, it will
be easier to find a training that matches your needs and serves
your outcomes.
Some people train to become a yoga teacher, some to deepen
their practice, others to change careers and some to learn more
about themselves or go deeper into their personal transformational
journey – or a combination of these.
How will you find what you want with clarity and ease when you
don’t know why you want it?
Always start with the ‘why’ first – then the ‘what’ and ‘how’ will fall
into place with ease.

Dylan Ayaloo is the founder of the Dylan Ayaloo Training Academy

(dylanayaloo.com)

28
 om yoga ttg2018

ng in Aerial Yoga is growing in

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29
 om yoga ttg2018
Movement
meditation
James B D’Silva outlines the Garuda
way, a yoga teacher training where
intelligent movement is soulful
G
aruda stems from its love of
movement. We understand
the scope, functionality and
the difference movement can
make in everyone’s life on a
holistic level. We take movement, dissect
it and make it available in its simplest of
forms or most complex patterns.
We coax the intelligent body in finding
its true confidence, strength, endurance
and flexibility.
Garuda is a movement meditation.
We draw from the ancient martial arts,
yoga asana and pranayama practice,
pilates and the different dance techniques
in understanding the space within and
around us.
30
Garuda was created by a dancer
recovering from injuries to ease the body
back into its fittest form; it is now a part of
the healing arts.
But it would be wrong to define Garuda,
as we are different things to different people.
Teachers are taught to recognise and
appreciate the uniqueness and individuality
of clients as they learn to master the
sciences. Education is continuous and
ongoing; complacency is frowned upon and
thinking out of the box is encouraged.
Garuda is soulful: we create a body
truly connected to its senses and the
environment around it. No class is ever
repeated, nor do we believe in the perfect
shape, as it is truly relative. We promote
the healthy option of the body finding Its
own architecture.
Hence, we consider the teacher the
ultimate guide in this voyage of discovery,
thus all trainings are vocations that
call on deep introspection, learning
and perseverance.
This is not easy, yet it is the most exciting
of voyages that a student can make in self
growth and discovery.
We are an ever growing family of like
minded people that believe that through
movement we make the world a better
place. To move is to live, to move is to love.
James B D’Silva is the founder of Garuda
(thegaruda.net)
200hr Yoga Teacher Training
Cotswolds - Cornwall - Scotland - Greece

200hr Weekend Course Cotswolds

300hr Modular Course Cotswolds

"Thank you for giving me the confidence

to follow a dream."

wakingmindsyoga.co.uk
training@wakingmindsyoga.co.uk
 om yoga ttg2018

DURING
Yoga Teacher Training

32
Make this the year
you train to teach
with the BWY

Go to bwy.org.uk/becoming-a-yoga-teacher/
for more information

Join the BWY today

BWY for your
lifelong yoga
Full details of courses including course content, locations, tutors
and contact details are available at www.bwy.org.uk

BWY registration is a prerequisite to acceptance on all courses. journey

 om yoga ttg2018

Amazing journey
Yoga teacher training is an amazing journey that lasts a lifetime.
By Amanda Edlin

S
o, you’ve researched your training course, studied the
curriculum, location and cost. You’ve discussed it with
friends and family. You’ve spoken with the lead trainer and
now feel ready to embark on your yoga teacher training
course. Well done for taking this step into a new and bright
future. Let’s take a walk through what you’ve really signed up to.
As a course director, working with students during their teacher
training is a huge privilege. It’s wonderful to greet a new group of
students who are excited, anxious, uncertain and anticipating the
course to come. Each student is a little bud just waiting to bloom
into a beautiful flower.
You may expect to be challenged physically on a course and most
students prepare for this element by upping their personal asana
practice and building stamina. What you might not expect is the
process of accepting your physical limitations and understanding
the best way to work with your body, rather than pushing against

34
 om yoga ttg2018

it. Allowing you to apply kindness and compassion to yourself, in

addition to your future students. And the varied practices of asana,
pranayama and meditation may lead to a physical or emotional
release that might take you by surprise.
To say yoga teacher training is a journey is a bit of a cliché, but
it’s actually true. And the emotional part of the journey can be the
hardest part of the course: building confidence, removing limiting
beliefs (because you are good enough!), finding your voice, releasing
things that no longer serve you and letting them go. The support
provided by your group and your trainer is essential as you navigate
your way through. Be open to the experience and trust the process.
The yoga community, both during the training and afterwards, is a
hugely supportive family ready to help and guide you.
Choose your training experience wisely, so that you have all the
support and encouragement you need.
Yoga teacher training can be a hugely transforming experience,
taking you from where you are now to where you want to be. It
explores unexpected avenues and brings about lasting change.
Completing your teacher training is just the beginning of an amazing
journey that lasts a lifetime.

Amanda Edlin, founder & course director at Waking Minds Yoga,

200hr, 300hr & CPD courses (wakingmindsyoga.co.uk)
 om yoga ttg2018
Student Survival guide
5 tips to help you through the course. By Ann-Marie Mainprize
1. Comparison is the thief of joy
This is your own amazing adventure into self exploration and
connecting to your true self. You are a unique individual and you are
not training to be a mirror image of anyone else. Avoid comparing
yourself to your peers and other teachers, especially on social
media. Comparison starts a downward spiral within your monkey
mind and raises your anxiety to make you feel inferior. Your peers
may start teaching before you do or may be more advanced in
asana practice: know that this does not demonstrate that they are
an effective teacher. Being an effective teacher comes from within
your heart and your true self and your intentions.
2. Feel the fear and ride the nerves
It is 100% normal to feel anxious and nervous leading up to
commencing your teacher training course and on the first day the
nerves within the group are through the roof. Know that your peers
are feeling exactly the same fears and worries as you are. These
fears and anxieties will continue to raise their ugly head whenever
you are pushed out of your comfort zone – teaching your first micro
teach will feel so scary. If you allowed your anxiety to control you,
you probably wouldn’t have clicked submit when you completed
your teacher training application. Fear and anxiety will stop you from
achieving anything within your heart’s desire if you allow it to. On
the other side of fear and nerves is complete joy and exhilaration,
so embrace the bravery and strength within you, believe in yourself
and ride those nerves.
3. Embrace the obstacles
You can guarantee as you embark on your teacher training that
many obstacles will cross your path to test your resilience and inner
strength. Ultimately, it’s your decision whether you choose to let
36
these obstacles stop you in your tracks or you can dig deep and
embrace your integrity and determination and hurdle right over the
obstacles and learn from the lessons sent to test you.
4. Connect with your fellow students
Encourage yourself to connect with your group. Swap numbers,
arrange to practice or study together, ask questions and provide
support to your peers. Connecting allows us to feel supported and
when we feel supported, we are more open to express how we feel.
At some point everyone will shift emotions and open up fears and
past, unresolved issues that may be buried deep down. With the
support of your peers and fellow trainees behind you it allows you to
process and release, develop and grow and connect deeper to your
inner spirit.
5. Keep a journal
Journaling your thoughts, emotions and feelings enables you to
develop your inner voice and intuition. Expressing yourself in any
way strengthens your ability to communicate and teach. Journaling
also acts as a cathartic release and will enable you to process
your thoughts and feelings realistically without analysing yourself.
What you write down might not make sense at the time but as you
progress and develop you will understand the words with clarity and
deep sentiment.
Always connect to your roots, trust your instincts and listen to
your heart.
Ann-Marie Mainprize is a senior Yoga Alliance Professionals teacher
trainer in East Yorkshire (amiyogateachertraining.co.uk)
 om yoga ttg2018

Managing your mental health

Dealing with your own mental and emotional issues on a yoga teacher training course

T
eacher training can be an
intense experience for some
students, both on a physical
level and an emotional level. It
can bring up emotional pain and
unresolved issues.
A good teacher training facilitator will
place as much focus on the emotional
and psychological safety aspects of their
students as they would on asana practice to
avoid physical injury.
Indeed, teacher trainings are an
opportunity for a student to go deeper on
all levels - mind, body and spirit.
A good facilitator will create the conditions
for a student to safely meet and greet the
emotions that arise, so that they do not feel
overwhelmed, but rather empowered by them.
Sitting with their feelings in a safe, nurturing,
group environment can be a life transforming
experience, and one of personal growth for a
yoga teacher training student.
Learning to look at our own ‘emotional
baggage’ and let go of things that no longer
serve us is part of our spiritual growth.
And it is this that will enable us to connect
with our students in a truly honest and
compassionate way.
As yoga teachers we may pass on a
message of letting go. However, for that
to truly resonate, we will need to work on
letting go ourselves. That does not mean
that this is all going to happen on our
teacher training. We may open a door and
get a glimpse of emotions and feelings that
are there. We can work through them as we
figure out stuff on and off our yoga mat.
If you are feeling overwhelmed on your
course, ask for some one-to-one time
with your course facilitator. Sometimes
you just need to share and get support.
Not everybody wants to do this in a group
setting, so this too should be respected.
Having taught many students on teacher
trainings, I have witnessed both laughter
and tears, both of which are part of life’s
rich tapestry and a part of a yoga teacher’s
training journey.

By Cherie Lathey of Yoga Mama

(yogamama.co.uk)

38
 om yoga ttg2018

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39
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Short v Long
courses
How best to study to become
a teacher: short intensive
courses, versus longer study
options. By Marit Akintewe

40

A
s a yoga teacher who has
studied a lot abroad, I am
often asked about yoga
intensives and whether you
should study teacher training
in one chunk on a beach in Goa, or at home
over a longer period of time. They both have
their benefits of which I am sure you are
aware of many.
Benefits of short intensives
n shorter training time
n intensity of practice
n immersion, the time away can offer a
very welcome space from the demands
of daily life and in that space, a depth of
understanding and practice can prevail
n sometimes cheaper
n sunshine & heat (!)
However, there are limitations to shorter
trainings too. I hope you will find the benefits
of my own experience helpful to add to
the mix.
The yoga school I attended ran its
programmes in intensive month-long courses.
I did the training in chunks: my first month in
Rishikesh was the first yoga I ever practiced
and I got hooked by the teachings there. That
month changed my life forever.
A few years later, when I worked as an
accountant, I had the luck to be offered
three months of leave before entering into
the next phase of my journey with my firm.
I jumped at the chance and headed back
to my original teacher. He had moved the
school to Thailand, so I studied on the
gorgeous beaches there. That was it for my
career as an accountant! I changed path
almost as soon as I returned home. I then
went back and forward to the school in
Thailand each year until I had completed
the hatha and kundalini programmes (26
months).
What was interesting about going in and
out of the school like that was being able
to take the teachings and then try to apply
them for a few months before heading
back for more intensive training. That was
great. Some of the other students there just
stayed in the ‘yoga bubble’ surrounded by
beaches and other young practitioners also
eating brown rice and discussing the latest
colonic advice. It was very easy to assume
you were making progress there, having
amazing meditations with hours of practice
each day and never losing your temper.
You see, when you remove yourself to
practice yoga intensively, a lot of change
can happen very quickly, and so it can bring
om yoga ttg2018
a sort of re-integration period when you
come home:
n Internal conflict at the vast differences in
ethos of the two places
n lack of community and support upon
your return
n lack of time to integrate the teachings
slowly so that they go deep into your being
n gradual melting away of the impact of
the training, and if you do not go away again
all the learnings may disappear completely
n lack of compatibility of the teachings Yoga Teacher
Training
with real life (as a yoga teacher who has
not integrated the teachings with the
Western lifestyle you are not able to really
understand the demands of the life of a
working parent, and so inappropriate advice  Foundation Course
on practices and depth may be given)
n and the most important one: you  200 hour TT
separate yoga from life
 500 hour TT
So, although I highly recommend going away
and doing intensive periods of practice,
 Bridging Course
these should be integrated into the life you
lead. They should support your growth in all
 CPD days
the areas of your life, your work, your family
life, your studies, your place in society, as
well as your personal evolution.
Teach the
I would consider that the benefits of
longer periods of training at home are:
n They can fit around your day-to-day life
(e.g. one weekend per month means no time
off work and not leaving your family and you love
loved ones for extensive periods)
n You will usually be learning from
teachers who are living and breathing their
yoga in the environment in which you live
and so the advice is more relevant
n As you start to live the yoga teachings,
you are supported through the changes
(which can be challenging) by your
colleagues and teachers
n You will become a member of a sanga
(spiritual community) which is close to your
home and can become your yoga network
for the rest of your life
n The pauses in study give time for
integration and digestion of the information,
so more is retained and embodied Offering professional
n You will have a school you can continue training since 1972
studying with beyond your training close by
n You can spread the cost over a longer www.friendsofyoga.co.uk
period of time
secretary.fryog@gmail.com
Ultimately the right choice will depend on
your needs and preferences and what your
intention is for your training. Whatever you
choose, good luck on your yoga path.
By Marit Akintewe of Seasonal Yoga
(seasonalyoga.net)
 om yoga ttg2018
Tales of
a yoga
teacher
Jean Danford charts the ebb and flow of a typical yoga teacher training course
H
aving guided many students and yoga aspirants on
their journey to become yoga teachers, I now know
the pattern that any training course will follow – a
sine wave of experiences, excitement, confusion,
clumsiness to grace, hitting the highs and diving into
the depths. My patient and group-aware partner will look on with a
weary eye. ‘Formin’, stormin’, normin’ and peformin’, he will say, and
that is true to some extent.
A new group will start full of excitement and eagerness, and then
rapidly reach saturation as they wrestle with anatomical names
(Latin) and traditional names for postures (Sanskrit). Suddenly
they are learning new languages, studying biology, philosophy and
theology, along with skills of communication, lesson planning, and
even psychology. That is the richness of yoga.
We unpick the class, separating its components and study each
part – what is happening to the body, the mind, the energy – and
then we piece it all back together. Is it in the right order, how does it
flow, do we know its health benefits, and contraindications? How can
we inspire others, show by example, not simply in our asana practice
but in our dealings with others, and our way of being?
A group of people coming together with a common aim form a
bond; the group has its own energy and becomes its own entity.
As the sangha forms, it begins to breathe and live according to the
vibration of the participants and the tutors. As the bond is formed,
trust builds, and we begin our journey together.
The training group, whatever the length of training, will go through
the same sine wave-like pattern. I often say that any yoga training
42
course should come with a life warning, and especially on a two-year
length training. Life happens. Expect to want to change your life, job,
partner, where you live, your friends, we laugh during the course.
What students mostly expect is to be polishing their asana
practice, becoming adept, going deeper. What they find is that
yoga is offering much, much more. Learning the history of yoga, its
background and philosophy, will change their lives. From the familiar
breathing, asana, moments of stillness, experienced in the average
weekly class, yoga asks that we dedicate ourselves to practice, to
choose a path that feels right.
Midway through the course it happens: as students begin to live
a yoga life, apply Patanjali’s rules for living, things look different,
and are valued differently. There is an opportunity for change.
The supportive nature of the group environment is often in sharp
contrast to life experience. Ups and downs are now measured
in context of Patanjali’s wisdom, or the Bhagavad Gita, and our
outlooks on life change.
And then the magic happens, in the second half of the sine wave,
students begin to clear out what is in the way for now, and they
begin to move forward, confidence builds, Sanskrit has a familiar
ring, practice is established, and balance is achieved. The experience
is always transformative.
Jean Danford is the principal of the Real Yoga training school,
offering training for teachers and accredited yoga therapy trainings
and is the author of Yoga Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease and
Multiple Sclerosis (realyoga.co.uk)
 Vinyasa Flow Yoga Teacher Trainings
at Suryalila Retreat Centre

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 om yoga ttg2018

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 om yoga ttg2018

Making yoga a part

of your life RealYoga
Integrating your course learnings into your way of life. Accredited Yoga
By Charlotta Martinus Therapy Training

I
f your yoga is supporting your growth
as a person, making you more content
and more tolerant of others, creating
unity and cohesion, then it is working.
If this is not the case, then take a look
at how much and what you are applying to
your life.
Some people like to focus on a Yama or a
Niyama per week. You might like to:
n Pop a sticky note on the fridge with a
word on it
n Reflect on the word during your practice
and during your day
n Notice how you could apply the word
more during your day
n Write down as many associated words
as you can think of (translations are often
approximations and tied to a time and a
particular perspective)
You might like to write a spiritual diary every
day noticing your reactions to those around
you. If you are irritable, inflexible, or angry
you might like to adjust your practice. Notice
which activities, people, foods or events
impact your equilibrium - it might be time
to make some tough choices about them,
choosing that which keeps you in sattwa.
(balance, harmony, insight).
The hardest aspect of taking a teacher
training course is that those around you have
not. I remember trying to meditate when I came
back from my course, I ended up having to get
up before everyone else at 5am, which meant
I had to go to bed before everyone else. Even
then, my two-year-old would clamber up into
my lap mid-way! Many people feel the need
to up sticks and change their life completely,
Photographer Katia Taylor
whole person – but that doesn’t mean you Certified Yoga
are perfect!
Many of the texts and suggestions of
Teacher Training
Raja Yoga, for example in Patanjali’s Sutras
and Hatha Yoga Pradipika, are directed Real Yoga has been
towards renunciates. Most of us lead lives of
householders, where we need to earn money
established for over 10
in order to take care of our family. It is tricky years and offers a
for us to lead a life that is directed towards
Samadhi. We need to be realistic and maybe
comprehensive professional
use the Bhagavad Gita as our practical guide training in both teaching
to our dharma, rather than the other texts, yoga and yoga therapy.
that are more esoteric and stoic in their
outlook. I have often found Arjuna’s battle
to be a helpful analogy to my own struggles
and those of my teacher training students.
The Real Yoga Approach:
I watch our new yogis mid-way through our • Traditional
course make brave and difficult decisions,
moving themselves and their families • Therapeutic
towards brighter and more sustainable
futures, helped by the practical and majestic
• Awareness based
aspects of yoga, such as the philosophy, • Safe
meditation and pranayama.
So, breathe, take the yoga off the mat, • Comprehensive
but don’t expect everyone around you to
change. Your outlook will change, you will
become softer, more tender, more peaceful, In training we give you:
which in turn will turn this planet of ours into
a more peaceful place.
• Experienced Tutors
• Small training groups for
Charlotta Martinus. Director - Universal optimum learning
yoga teacher training starting jan 2019
• Individual support for
personal growth.
• Holistic yoga skills
BCYT Accredited Training

leaving partner and family behind. This is

not the purpose of yoga. Yoga is meant to
unite, make you more tolerant, understanding
andflexible in the face of others andtheir
Register with
foibles. Don’t be mistaken in thinking you have CNHC as a
somehow become a perfected being. You are Yoga Therapist
embracing a higher awareness and curious on
how to become a better, more complete and

WWW.REALYOGA.CO.UK
 om yoga ttg2018

5 things to help you

through your course
Amy Clay shares essential tips to getting the most
from your teacher training experience

1 Prepare wisely
The pre-training reading list is a guide and will allow you to rock
up with some background knowledge and arrive in the ‘yogi zone’.
Pre-course homework and reading is meant to be enjoyable so
instead of cramming it in and learning the sutras off by heart just
take small ‘time outs’ in your week…15 minutes with a cup of tea to
curl up with your books here and there will be super beneficial. Top
tip: Download the audio book of Bhagavad Gita! Two or three weeks
before the training begins, remind your family, clients and work
colleagues about your training. You could let them know you will be
out of contact unless it is an emergency – this will help them give
you space during your course to truly delve into the experience. We
encourage our teacher trainees to take a digital detox from their
emails, texting and social media during the yoga teacher training.
Think ahead for your meals and gather up simple healthy foods to
have at your fingertips. In the run-up to your training get into a daily
practice of asanas and meditation. The idea is to arrive rested and
ready to absorb the experience, so don’t overdo it reaching for the
advanced yogi poses – just keep it simple and consistent.

46
 om yoga ttg2018

2 Supporting each other

On the Amy’s Ashram teacher training we have an online space
called Gurukula, which translates to Teacher’s Home. Gurukula is
the most supportive space and all the trainees support each other
months before the training starts, all the way through the training.
People have gone on to form wonderful friendships based on truth,
trust and love. Equally during the training it is important for you to
carve out time for yourself away from the group: a 5-10 minute stroll
or jog or a rest in savasana at lunch time will do the trick.

3 Trust
Let go and enjoy the journey, take each day as it comes. Trust in the
process and the path your teacher is guiding you upon. On our yoga
teacher training we know that our trainees are committed and they Putting everything you are learning into action will ensure your
in turn feel our commitment to them. It is an incredible adventure skills are planted and you will really start to grow as a teacher.
and we want everyone to succeed. Believe in yourself.

4 Get on with it 5 Patience

Any time someone is asked to be the demo of a certain pose
get yourself up there on the mat. If you can’t do it or don’t even
understand what the teacher is asking you to do you are going to
learn so much – just go for it! Don’t hold back, and always be honest
– a good teacher trainer will guide you. Dive into teaching as soon
as possible both on the training with your fellow trainees and at
home with your friends and family. You will quickly build confidence.
Yoga teacher trainings are huge experiences for your body, brain
and heart. There will be transformation and with that comes highs
and lows. Allow yourself the space to work through whatever comes
up. Always be gentle with yourself.
Amy Clay, Amy’s Ashram Yoga Studio, Teacher Training, Retreats &
Wellbeing (amysashram.co.uk)

We encourage our teacher trainees

to take a digital detox from their emails,
texting and social media during
the yoga teacher training

47
 om yoga ttg2018

48

Core skills
The core skills of a teacher training course.
By Sheila Coombes
L
et’s start with an acronym: ‘
TA’ or Task Analysis which
www.dummies.com tells me is
training jargon for ‘the process
of identifying the specific steps
to correctly perform a task’. Then there’s
ADDIE: Analysis, Design, Development,
Implementation, Evaluation. And KSA:
Knowledge, Skills, Attitude.....an exhaustive
list of acronyms and buzzwords to inform
trainers in how to....well....train people.
Imparting core skills has become an
educational science.
I managed to while away a good half
hour on this site (as one does) drinking
my breakfast coffee and waiting for the
inspiration to start writing. And then it
came – wasn’t there someone called
Patanjali centuries ago who developed
a training package for would-be yogis,
synthesising the many elements of ancient
knowledge into one understandable and
accessible form known as the Sutras?
Isn’t the ‘Eight Limbs’ effectively a Task
Analysis? Having identified the task in
chapter one as ‘the ability to direct the
mind without distraction’ Patanjali goes on
to describe (in chapter two) the core skills
needed to achieve this, namely the ‘Eight
Limbs’ which in today’s training speak
could be seen as a flowchart. Or a set
of modules.
We start with yama or social attitudes:
interaction with the environment and
everything within it. Followed by niyama:
behaviour on a personal level. Asana is
the third step teaching understanding
of, and correct use of the physical body.
Pranayama is training in energy balancing
and mental focus through breath
awareness which leads to pratyahara and
control of the senses. Practicing these five
steps enables concentration (dharana)
om yoga ttg2018
leading to meditation (dhyana). Outcomes
= clarity and consciousness.
There are so many core skills contained
within this model of self-development
it would take writing a book to do each
justice, and goodness we have enough
on the shelves already. Yoga is a holistic
training and in my opinion should be
Universal Yoga
delivered as such. As tutors we might
focus on one aspect of asana work:
counterpose, for example, or sequencing,
so that students gain confidence in class
planning and delivery. However, asana
Teacher Training
is not the goal of yoga but one step in a
Learn with experienced yoga
journey.
A story to illustrate (reportedly from teacher trainers from the
Krisnamacharya) is about a student Sivananda tradition. Deepen and
seeking acknowledgment from his transform your understanding
teacher with his perfect headstand. of yoga in a peaceful residential
“Look what I can do,” the student said, setting with a small group
grinning enthusiastically. His teacher
(maximum 15 students).
was unimpressed and told him to keep
practicing. The same thing happened
several months later even though the January 2019 - November 2019
student was a little more subdued. Many £3600 until 30th June, then £3900
more months passed and one day the includes accommodation and
teacher came upon this student, poised
delicious home cooked veg meals
silently in headstand, eyes closed and so
inwardly focused he didn’t notice anyone universalyoga.co.uk/teacher-training
watching him. The teacher said nothing. 01761 470658
Mental focus should therefore be the
training@universalyoga.co.uk
core skill of a yoga teacher training course
and, ultimately, students need to develop
this themselves through personal practice Teachers
- this is the purpose of a foundation year.
As trainers we give them the tools but
it’s up to each student to use them. My
recommendation: when in doubt, get on
your mat.
Charlotta Martinus SYT
Sheila Coombes is a senior tutor and
theory assessor for Friends of Yoga (Int)
(friendsofyoga.co.uk)
Rebekah Abhaya SYT
 om yoga ttg2018
The teacher training
success formula
How to become the teacher you’ve always wanted to be
E
nrolling on a yoga teacher
training course could be one of
the most important moments in
your life. It could also be a big
investment of time and money.
So how do you successfully navigate
the course so you graduate as the best
teacher possible? Here’s some advice from
graduates of the Dru Yoga course which
might help:
1 Take your time
You’re on the journey of a lifetime – so don’t
rush. Consolidate what you are taught and
don’t try to race ahead…you’ll get there with
a better understanding. Each module or
weekend will build upon the last, so let the
experience take you step-by-step into
your greatness.
2 Practice
It may seem obvious, but when you’re really
busy, it can be hard to fit enough yoga or
meditation practice into your busy schedule.
I always tell students on our yoga and
meditation training courses that it’s best
to do a little often – even if it is just 5-10
50
minutes a day. This will bring much greater
benefits than a longer session every once in
a while. Regularity is the key.
3 Get teaching experience
On most courses there will be an interim
assessment after which you’ll be able to
practice teaching groups of friends. I can’t
over emphasise the importance of starting
to teach even tiny groups as it will help you
absorb and apply everything you’ve learned.
Friends, family, even the cat will do as a
student when you start out! You could
even record yourself speaking out
instructions onto your phone, it’s all great
for your confidence.
4 Remember
When things may be challenging on your
training course, remind yourself why you’re
training as a yoga teacher. If you have a big
enough reason to be there, then you’ll gain
strength and motivation to keep going. Think
about how you will make the world a better
place by improving your own health and
wellbeing. Visualise the potential students,
the pregnant mums, the teenagers who are
waiting to benefit from your classes.
Believe in yourself and be the change you
want to see.
5 Keep in touch
with your tutors and fellow students. Many
teacher training courses have facebook
groups to help students connect in between
modules. I’ve found over the years that the
groups that keep in touch the most, produce
the best teachers. Isolation is a killer, so
keep communicating with your peers and
teachers to keep upbeat and motivated.
6 Don’t be too hard on yourself
Perfection isn’t necessary when you’re a
yoga teacher. You don’t have to be the
perfect shape or have huge amounts of
experience or have the best voice. You just
need a loving heart, and passion for yoga
yourself and a desire to transform the lives
of people around you.
Jane Saraswati Clapham is a Dru Yoga,
meditation and mantra teacher trainer
and is based in Snowdonia, North Wales
(druyoga.com)
 om yoga ttg2018

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51
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AFTER
Yoga Teacher Training

52
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54

Finding your inner voice
Developing your own personal teaching style. By Vidya Heisel
L
et’s face it, ‘there is nothing new under the sun’, so we
are unlikely to be completely unique and different in our
teaching style - and nor do we need to be. What we do
need to be is authentically ourselves and not trying to
live up to an idea or an ideal. Sometimes yoga teachers
adopt sing-songy and hypnotic voices, which do not allow their
personalities to shine through.
My recommendation for newer teachers is to develop a good
teaching style based on what you personally like about your
favourite teachers. Really pay attention to what it is you like about
them and try to imitate that. In the end, everything we teach will
likely be a winning combination of all of our best teachers. Pick up
clear and precise cuing from other good instructors.
Another way of finding your own words is simply to instruct
yourself out loud, whilst doing self-practice. Always try to say
simply and directly what you are doing physically and then try
to refine your language even more. Sometimes this takes a little
contemplation.
Pay a lot of attention when doing a home practice yourself.
Notice what small adjustments in your own body make a difference,
especially when you are getting into a more challenging pose. Turn
om yoga ttg2018
these small movements or tips into cues. Your own practice can go
a long way towards informing your teaching style.
Metaphors can be useful, but only when they make sense to
you and you feel comfortable using them. For example, a couple
of metaphors I like to use: ‘allowing your head to hang heavy, like
a ripe fruit’ or ‘turning all of your attention inwards, just like a
tortoise drawing back into its shell’.
Having a sense of humour whilst teaching goes a long way to
getting the students to relax and enjoy the class. This doesn’t
involve telling jokes or being too laid back but just occasionally
saying something that puts a smile on your students’ faces. This
again needs to come really naturally and will happen when you are
relaxed and at ease whilst teaching.
Smiling occasionally also can light up the class, so don’t be
afraid to make eye contact with a student and to smile.
Use your normal voice but speak a little slower and a little
louder. Above all, relax and be yourself, and express your own
enthusiasm for the practice!
Vidya Heisel is the founder of Frog Lotus Yoga International
teacher training (froglotusyogainternational.com)
55
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Teaching with confidence
Confidence in teaching is found in practice itself. By Anna Ashby
I
n signing up for and embarking upon a yoga teacher
training, the depth and breadth of this kind of venture may
not be obvious; teacher trainings may only scratch the
surface provoking the realisation of how little is actually
known and what is actually involved. When you graduate,
that feeling of being overwhelmed and unworthy can put off
even the most aspiring of newly trained teachers. Self-doubt
can manifest as a crippling force that stops the wish to teach
in its tracks. Add to it images from social media and distorted
perceptions around the look and role of the yoga teacher, and the
altruistic impulse to share the essence of this profound and life-
changing practice is suppressed. For others, it may well be a lack
of rigour in training or access to direct knowledge that presents a
very real obstacle in teaching with confidence.
How do you develop the confidence to teach, especially as a
newly qualified yoga teacher? It’s a simple question that entails
a multi-faceted answer. Reflecting back over the past 20 years
of teaching, I can see a number of key aspects that contribute to
successful, confident teaching. If I had to boil it down to just three
things, it would be this: 1) stay engaged in a process of enquiry,
exploration and learning; 2) value your practice, experience and
offering; 3) hold a clear and purposeful intention for your teaching
ultimately wrapped in a deep and abiding sense of service.
All three require the ability to study, contemplate and apply
learning within the context of practice, and ultimately within the
day-to-day moments of life itself. To be able to articulate a clear
intention steeped in the essence of the yoga tradition demands
self-study, exegesis of the tradition’s scriptures, and steadiness
…a good teacher, and a real expert,
knows that they are in a process of learning
themselves. They are not leaders. They are
not making seeds grow… They are fertiliser,
tending to the soil
56
in practice. This type of self-enquiry as a practice forms the
foundation for skilful, confident teaching, a necessary attribute on
the yogic path; atma-vicara – enquiry into the (nature of the) Self -
fuels the creative force that naturally flows through the teacher. A
training programme should be based on this type of rigorous study
and enquiry, which forms the scaffolding for a lifetime of teaching.
For those who hear the call to teach yoga, it involves choosing
a path that challenges false concepts and separating tendencies,
initiating a life-long process of integration. Self-enquiry holds
up a mirror where we see, truly see, what is there. At first this
can be challenging. It asks us to see where we hold back and to
let go of the rigid beliefs that limit perception. When we start to
teach, we expose ourselves and this can be uncomfortable. Yet
this type of discomfort can be deeply liberating if we can stick
with self-enquiry, get to the root of the discomfort and trust
the fire of yoga to purify the lens of perception. Teaching yoga
itself becomes a means to experience its transformation as you
support others in their own unique journey back to wholeness.
As the modern free thinker Nora Bateson says, “…a good
teacher, and a real expert, knows that they are in a process of
learning themselves. They are not leaders. They are not making
seeds grow… They are fertiliser, tending to the soil.” So whether
or not you end up ‘teaching’ why not live in a way that tends the
soil and creates fertile ground upon which new ideas and ways of
being can grow and flourish?
Anna Ashby is an experienced senior teacher at triyoga in
London (annaashby.com)
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57
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So, what’s next?
What’s happens next after a 200-hour yoga teacher training? By Sally Parkes
C
ompleting a 200-hour yoga teacher training programme
is a huge achievement, and many new qualified
teachers after their training hit the ground running.
They just want to get out there and teach to get some
experience under their belt. This is a great idea as
applying what you have learnt as soon as possible is a fantastic
way to learn your trade, and to solidify all the information you have
taken on. Plus, you will learn even more from the people you are
teaching – and the more people you teach, the more likely you are
to receive guidance with regards to finding out what area of yoga
teaching you want to specialise in.
So, for the first year or so of your yoga teaching career, I would
advise avoiding rushing into another course, so you can allow
the teachings from your 200hr training to sink in. And then if you
think you may like to specialise in a particular area one day, then
be observant. Observe what area of yoga you receive the best
feedback on and observe what kind of people are coming to
your classes.
If your classes are very mixed ability for example, you are clearly
great at sequencing and teaching a multi-level class, so maybe
look at courses that focus on the various ways to sequence. If you
are getting more and more pre- and post-natal women coming to
your general yoga class, then it’s clear that you can adapt classes
well for this demographic and have an affinity with them, so have a
58
think about doing a pregnancy yoga training sometime. If you are
attracting people with limited mobility and/or health conditions,
maybe look at yoga therapy so you can really tailor sessions for
them so they get the most out of their practice.
Alternatively, you may find that your class members ask you for
a specific class that you had not considered before. If you have a
lot of parents in your classes for example, you may be asked to run
a children’s yoga class. This can be a great session to run as the
timings are often at times which are otherwise empty for most yoga
teachers, so it can be a great boost to your income.
If, after a year of so, you really feel that you just want to learn
more about yoga in general, however, then joining a 300 hour or
even 500 hour course may be the option for you. Be realistic though,
as studying around running a yoga business can be challenging as
can the financial side when you need to take time off for the contact
hours, and even more so if you have to arrange childcare too. And if
you feel it will not quite fit in with your life at present, then research
all the awesome yoga workshops and short immersions that are out
there right now, as this will give you more guidance towards your
next step and a wonderful taste of your possible future.
Sally Parkes runs 200hr, advanced yoga and pregnancy
yoga teacher trainings and workshops throughout the year
(sallyparkesyoga.com)
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 The journey beyond teacher training
The significance of continuous professional development.
By Jacqueline Annabelle Purnell
A
fter a teacher training that
has taken us to new heights
in our practice, opening the
doors to new opportunities to
share this knowledge with our
students, what next?
We have studied hard, practiced teaching
and now the ‘learner plates’ are off!
Qualifying as a yoga teacher we begin
to work with our students and we feel
the responsibility involved as we share
the benefits of regular practice. This is
where our personal expansion begins:
our evolution to continually improve our
offerings to our students really starts here
(right here, right now).
We are at a high vantage point after
teacher training feeling primed and
confident to teach. In each class we
teach we find we are managing countless
unexpected situations, and our willingness
to learn is our ally.
Continuing education, in-service
training or continuous professional
development (CPD) is taught at a level
to inspire us as teachers to continually
improve our skill set: Keeping us up-to-
date with scientific research and the latest
teaching methodologies.
Nourishing our ability to enhance our
teaching. Deepening our knowledge by
working closely with the most experienced
teachers and experts in their fields.
Depending on the standards set by our
accreditation bodies, we are required to log
and upload our certificates of attendance
of our continuing education as presented
by our continuing education provider.
60
The lists of areas covered are exciting,
and the key is the level at which the
continuing education is provided. It is not
enough to go to a workshop aimed at a
general level. Once we become a qualified
teacher we require dedicated professional
continuing education.
Svadhyaya/Self Development
Chapter 2 verse 32 The Yoga Sutras
of Patanjali
Looking at the ancient texts the priority
to establish correct attitudes and to
develop our potential works well with our
development of our teaching life. The way
to ensure we are the teachers our students
want to study with is by the rectification of
errors and actions within our teaching that
cause problems.
To avoid becoming stagnant, stale or
mechanical in our teaching we are constantly
required to study and honour the necessity to
review and evaluate our progress.
Neuroplasticity
and learning
The good news is that recent research has
shown the brain’s ability to reconfigure
nerve pathways. We now know that
the brain continuously changes the
interconnections forming its pathways. By
our adherence to the concept of ‘life-long
learning’ we not only deepen and refresh
our knowledge and understanding about
our profession of teaching. In effect we
are increasing our neuroplasticity, helping
our nervous system and ultimately the
nervous systems and neuroplasticity of our
students. A win, win situation for all.
We not only find new ways to examine
attitudes that promote wellbeing, we also
optimise our musculoskeletal health by
enhanced physical practice.
As we look to work with our students
on a kinaesthetic or feeling level (as felt
through nerve endings) we cannot be
surprised if they, in turn, feel touched and
invigorated by our increased proficiency. A
proficiency that is earned by adhering to
continual education.
Vitarkabadhane pratipaksabhavanam/
Self-reflection
Chapter 2 verse 33 The Yoga Sutras
of Patanjali
Continuing education encourages us to
evaluate our communication and our
presentation. Discarding unnecessary
teaching and keeping it real. Evaluation
is of great importance for growth and
development.
Networking and reunions
Another benefit in attending continuing
education is the networking element and
the new connections we make. The lifelong
friends we make at our teacher trainings
may also want to join us in our new quest
and thirst for knowledge.
Jacqueline Annabelle Purnell, founder
and director of Yogashala Ibiza
(yogateachertrainingibiza.com) and Yoga
Alliance Continuing Education Provider
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61
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Flying high A
erial yoga is growing in popularity and has a
worldwide community of teachers and students. The
yoga hammock might just be the most creative prop
you will ever use in your class. Whatever style of yoga
you teach or practice, the aerial hammock can be a
great tool to use.
BKS Iyengar introduced props into the modern practice of yoga
Why become an aerial yoga teacher? to allow all practitioners access to the benefits of the postures
By Gillian Watts regardless of physical condition, age, or length of study. For
everyone from the most flexible and strong practitioner to the
least, a strategically placed yoga prop can elevate the physical and
spiritual trajectory of the yoga practice.
Using the aerial yoga hammock as the prop can help
practitioners at all levels gain the sensitivity of a pose while
receiving the benefits over time without overextending themselves.
They allow students to practice asanas and pranayama with
greater effectiveness, ease, and stability.
Not only will the hammock help you find more space, freedom
and stability in your poses, they’re also great teaching tools with
endless uses if you get creative!
Many asanas bring us face-to-face with our fears. The prospect
of inversions or backbends may be terrifying to a student. In this
case, the hammock is an amazing friend in your practice to face,
alleviate, and overcome the fear. For example, learning to do
advanced asanas such as headstand, arm balances, handstands
and many more. The aerial hammock can support the student to
overcome the fear of falling.
One of the simplest advantages of the aerial hammock is offering
a comfortable seat to your students. For so many students sitting
comfortably on the floor is not an option. Inside an aerial hammock
a comfortable and steady seat awaits! As defined in the Yoga Sutras
of Patañjali, it defines asana as follows: “Sthiram sukham aasanam”
which means, “asana is a steady and comfortable seat.” The Sutras
refer to asana in relation to being a posture to be assumed for
meditation, and says little more about it — no instructions, and
certainly no descriptions of particular asanas.
So whatever your yoga teaching focus is please keep an open
mind to the benefits of aerial yoga. The hammock as a prop can
offer so many people adventure, advantages and experiences.
Aerial yoga is growing rapidly in popularity as a prop and as a
discipline in its own right.

Gillian Watt
(aerialyogaedinburgh.co.uk)

62
 G tifi
C a Y i la
C

om o te
ar ed
er
ud P
Academy

pr ga s T
eh & rai
en P ni
s iv M ng
e A
To Move is to Live, is to Love
At Garuda we understand the scope and functionality of movement. We take movement and dissect it
and make it available in its simplest of forms, or most complex patterns. We coax the intelligent body in
finding its true confidence, strength, endurance and flexibility. Garuda is a movement meditation.

We draw from the ancient martial arts, yoga

asana and pranayama practice, Pilates and the
different dance techniques to understand
the space within and around us.

We are an ever growing family of

like minded people that believe
that through movement we
make the world a better place.
We work hard to be better
versions of ourselves and, as
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only matched by our care and
compassion to our clients and
those around us.

To find out more about

The Garuda Academy visit
us at www.thegaruda.net or
email info@thegaruda.net
 om yoga ttg2018

64
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Your authentic voice

How to find your own inner, authentic teaching voice

L
ike most new teachers, I started out attending endless
auditions for a place on cover lists in search of that
elusive permanent teaching slot. New teachers know
the cycle all too well: can’t get in the studios without
experience, can’t get experience without opportunity.
At an audition for a leading gym I was told that I seemed to
undergo a personality change when stepping on the mat. I was
one person when I walked in the room and a different one when
standing in front of it teaching. This was difficult feedback to hear
and it wasn’t something that had been touched on in teaching
training. We had learned the mechanics of teaching, but we hadn’t
necessarily explored a personal teaching style. I realised that
‘my’ teaching was likely to be a close-copy to my (much more
experienced) teacher. I needed to step out of this shadow to find
my own authentic rhythm in order to become the teacher I wanted
to be.

So I started my quest to find my own personal teaching voice.

Here’s some of what I learned on the way:

n Be clear about what you want to share. Particularly as a new

teacher it can be all too easy to bend to the will of your students
and teach what they want rather than what you want. Let go of that
and deliver your teaching from a place of utter authenticity, being
true to yourself.

65
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n Trust yourself. You have the ability and capacity to deliver the
teachings that lie within you. Self-confidence is key and the best
way to grow this is through experience so teach as much as you
can – friends, family, at work – you don’t need to wait for your
favourite studio to call you for cover.
n Self-practice is a must. A regular practice outside of class allows
us to discover the teachings and the practice in more depth. Get on
your mat and explore. It’s one thing explaining and quite another
experiencing. Knowing a posture in a physical sense allows you to
verbalise this experience rather than repeating a scripted sequence.
n Confidence comes from within. Spending still time in meditation
can help us connect deeper with our true self, find answers to our
questions and discover who we are and what we want to share.
66
n BYOB (or be your own brand). Spending time writing your
profile and bio or blogging allows you to examine what you want to
project as a teacher. Making it genuine and truthful will make it less
likely that we fall into the trappings of just delivering what we think
is going to be popular, rather than what we truly believe in.
Our own practice and relationship with yoga and ourselves
comes into play in how we deliver our classes. If we can practice
authenticity towards ourselves and continue our own yoga journey
with the open mind of an explorer, it’s more likely that we will be
able to tap into that voice that lies within and deliver our classes
with passion and authenticity.
By Erika Shapiro of Yogiyoga (yogiyoga.co.uk)
 om yoga ttg2018
Keep on learning
CPD: the importance of ongoing yoga learning and training throughout your career.
By Sarah Swindlehurst/Mulliner
A
s a yoga teacher trainer, training people in teaching
yoga to all ages (pre-natal, baby through to teens)
and as a yoga teacher since 2002, I understand
the value of ‘Continued Professional Development’
(CPD) very well. Whether you have completed the full
200hr yoga teaching or a smaller specialised yoga training, CPD is
extremely important in assisting you to develop yourself and your
teaching further. It is also important for you personally to further
your own understanding for your own yoga practice.
Various registering yoga and therapy bodies may or may not
require that you complete a set number of CPD hours a year,
68
and those that do, CPD can encourage you to continue with your
learning. For example, the CNHC (Complementary and Natural
Healthcare Council) require registrants to participate in continuing
professional development (CPD), which is defined as ‘a range of
learning activities through which professionals grow and develop
throughout their careers to ensure that they retain their capacity
to practice safely, effectively and legally within their evolving scope
of practice’. The requirement is that a practitioner must attend ‘15
hours CPD each year, of which 10 hours must be directly relevant
to the discipline for which they are registered’.
CPD is valuable to you as a yoga teacher and as an individual
 om yoga ttg2018

too, so that you keep learning the deeper aspects of yoga and
so you can also teach these learnt aspects to your students. CPD
can be done by attending a senior yoga teacher’s workshops, such
as pranayama workshops, mantra or chakra workshops etc, or by
attending specialist trainings, such as pre-& post natal, teens yoga,
or parent and baby yoga trainings. When a student completes
one of our trainings, they can also receive a certificate stating the
number of hours it was for and the areas of yoga covered. This
can be useful in keeping a log of how many hours done each year.
Creating a CPD journal (like a diary) is a superb idea too when it
comes to keeping track of your hours, but also so that you can
make notes on what you have done and learnt.
Another important aspect of CPD is in what is called, ‘reflective
practice’ and this you can journal along with the CPD hours.
Reflective practice is an approach that can help a teacher to
identify and decide on their learning needs (what they want to
know more of), and how they can meet these needs. It is ideal
for the teacher so that they can then reflect upon any learning
acquired during the CPD event and how they will feed this back into
their work and/or personal practice. They can then review what
has been done, and at the same time pinpoint any new learning
areas that have been discovered as a result. The ‘Gibbs Reflective
Cycle’ model can help with this and is a perfect tool to use when
doing CPD.

THE REFLECTIVE PRACTICE POINTS GIBBS ENCOURAGES A

LEARNER TO CONSIDER ARE:
Description – What happened? What did you do and what
went on?
Feelings – What are you thinking and feeling about it?
Evaluation – What was good and bad about the experience?
Analysis – What sense can you make of the situation?
Conclusion – What else could you have done?
Action Plan – If it arose again what would you do?

69
 Repeat the cycle
This cycle can be used when attending CPD events and trainings
and is fabulous as a method to use when evaluating your classes
after teaching. CPD and reflective practice are invaluable as they
can assist you in giving your classes and practice so much more
validity and content. Your students will also appreciate you taking
further CPD so that you can share with them what you have learnt
so that they too can learn and deepen their own understanding
of yoga.
CPD helps to keep classes and workshops fresh so students
don’t get bored and so that you continue to thrive as a teacher.
It also helps to discourage you from getting too complacent in
your teaching. Even the teachers that have been teaching over
30 years can learn something from attending CPD events and this
learning never stops. So, whether you need to do CPD or not, be
encouraged to seek further knowledge of your subject or interests.
It’s exciting to continuously learn and develop as a teacher and
it can give you so much more of an enrichment of knowledge,
of a subject area that is so vast in tradition and information, for
yourself, your classes, and your students.

Sarah Swindlehurst/Mulliner is a senior teacher trainer at Yogakidz

Worldwide, a not for profit company that runs teacher training
courses, for teaching all ages (yogakidzworldwide.com)

70
 om yoga
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ttg2018 13:27
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71
 om yoga ttg2018
Building a successful school
Sun Power Yoga teacher training 15 year anniversary
I
n 2003, Anne-Marie Newland took
a risk and decided to start her own
teacher training school. A graduate
of more than one school herself she
saw that training schools at that
time were few and far between and often
so difficult to join that she was aware of a
missing element: and that was flexibility.
As a single mother of four with the
need to work she wanted to do what she
loved. She had been teaching bodywork
since she was 19 starting with ballet and
then contemporary dance at The Place
in London and also with Arlene Philips of
Strictly Come Dancing fame. She was
born to teach and had found her purpose
early on.
Having trained with Iyengar in the 70’s,
qualified with Swami Vishnu Devananda of
the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta School in India
in the 80’s, then Astanga Yoga with Beryl
72
Bender Birch in the 90’s, she was ready
to create a modern school based on
ancient teachings.
So, Sun Power Yoga the school was born.
Now one of the highest accredited schools
in the country and recognised across the
entire world it is hard to believe how far
both the school and their ethos has spread.
Anne-Marie Newland’s personal
statement:
“It has been a joy creating my school and
seeing our graduates flourish and spread
their own wings after their initial course
ends. We always say it’s the start of their
course rather than the end! Much like a
yoga class starts when you leave; using
all the skills of mind and breath control to
manoeuvre life’s obstacles.
I often get asked what is different
about our teachings and how we deliver
our syllabus; apart from being a modern
contemporary school based on traditional
teachings, for me it’s a simple answer:
“Be authentic, allow for all walks of life to
join your classes and remind yourself that
a yoga teacher is no different to being a
servant of the community.”
We attract single parents, gay students,
grandparents, people from all faiths,
the unemployed, and the homeless (by
giving a scholarship and supporting their
endeavours to get a place to live and help
them find a teaching job) as well as GP’s,
physiotherapists and sports specialists. The
Yoga Alliance USA, the YMCA, REPS, IYF, as
well as the Job Centre – of which we are
very proud – also endorse us.
You may be thinking that this is not what
you expect from any organisation but it’s
important to live in the world, of the world,
but to see it from a distance too. Lives are

diverse and so are yoga teachers and their
aspirations for themselves and for their
graduates and that’s a wonderful thing.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that we are
not a business because we are. We support
our staff and their families by paying wages
and the support structure such as printers,
venues, products and of course the
assistants who are apprentices.
You can earn money and be sincere.
I have a problem with those who believe
we are doormats to wipe their feet and
to dump their personal issues on. I
always have a therapist as part of our
team because yoga will detox the body
and the mind, and it can often explode
during a course! We are prepared to be
there to help, but in the end, we are not
professionals in that given area.
I think many teachers out there will have
om yoga ttg2018
CELEBRATING
40 YEARS
experienced fallout and how undermining
it can be both for the team and the group,
when a person becomes highly fraught; but
we can only take each step at a time and
try our best to be kind when needed, firm
when appropriate and to accept defeat
when it’s imperative.
Having a professional therapist and
psychologist has been an asset to our
school as it recognises people who may
need emotional support that often is
released during an intense yoga training.
So it may be dawning on you that
running a yoga teacher training faculty
is a complex job; it is, but it’s also very
rewarding of course when we see our
druyoga.com
graduates transform their own lives then
those of others.
My favourite students are those who
come with no qualifications because at
school they were considered slow, not Meditation Teacher
clever or lazy. There is no such thing –
only negative teaching. It’s such an Training Course
honour to graduate these people, to watch
them start to believe in themselves and Yogic meditation,
to be the person they truly are…amazing
human beings!
chakras & koshas
They work in prisons, hospitals, doctor’s Ideal for yoga teachers
surgeries, in the maternity unit, in schools,
youth offending institutes and care homes. Snowdonia Nov 2018
We have graduates with their own studios
and classes all over the UK and the world
London Nov 2018
who often work together, support each
other, and always encourage the feeling of
family that includes their SPY Babies, so I
am now a grandmother too!
Sound & Mantra
I always say that if I were a stick of rock I Course
would have the word Mother running all the
way through it! OM! Free your voice.
Contact Anne-Marie Newland at:
Learn mantra & kirtan
sunpoweryoga.co.uk
Snowdonia Nov 2018
 om yoga ttg2018
The right conditions for hot yoga
Providing the perfect hot yoga experience is heavily reliant on maintaining the
required temperature and humidity. John Barker of Humidity Solutions explains
O
ne of the key elements of hot yoga is to create
an environment with a combination of heat and
humidity that encourages sweating and detoxing
more effectively than would be the case with
dry heat.
The typical temperature for a hot yoga studio is around 40°C
with a relative humidity (RH) of at least 40%. In this respect, the
humidity is important because perspiration will not evaporate as
quickly at 40% RH as it would in drier air, so the body is not cooled
as quickly by evaporation, thereby encouraging healthy sweating.
Keeping the body warm also enables better stretching, so that
students attain maximum benefits from their exercises.
Humidity and temperature
There isn’t space here to fully explain the relationship between
temperature and humidity but suffice it to say that when from the
outside air is heated its relative humidity falls. This means that if
fresh air entering a hot yoga studio is heated to the required 40°C,
additional moisture will have to be introduced to achieve an RH
of 40%.
74
Given the necessity to raise the RH considerably, a lot of water will
need to be evaporated, which means that hot yoga studios require
a good commercial or industrial humidifier – domestic humidifiers
haven’t the capacity to deliver sufficient moisture to the air.
Solutions
Appropriate humidification solutions range from humidifiers that
use heat to generate steam, through to high pressure nozzle
systems that spray cold water into the air as a fine mist so that it
evaporates instantly. Similarly, there are many heating options, the
most common in hot yoga studios being gas or electric warm air
heaters, or infra-red radiant panels.
The important thing is that the chosen solution suits the size
of the studio, the nature of the building and its utilities, variation
in occupancy and the space available for the humidification
equipment.
Very often the simplest and most cost-effective solution will be
to use an all-in-one unit, specially designed for hot yoga studios,
that combines heating, humidification and air filtration, with
optional heat recovery.
 When
This proved to be the best solution for Coventry Hot Yoga
which (recommended to Humidity Solutions by a number of other
hot yoga proprietors) has installed the Vesuvius heating and
hot yoga
humidification tower with heat recovery. This unit was specially
designed as an efficient and cost-effective solution for hot yoga
studios by Humidity Solutions.
Coventry Hot Yoga owner Inderjit Punian recalled: “Humidity
Solutions were a great help from the initial enquiry through
matters...
installation, and the onsite and after care support have been
second to none. With the Vesuvius we are able to offer a first-class
hot yoga experience for all of our clients.”
Whatever the solution, it is usually advisable to work with
specialists in the field who can develop a specification of required
temperature and humidity levels, taking account of all of the many
design issues.

John Barker has published a guide to designing climate control

systems for hot yoga. For further information email: info@
humiditysolutions.co.uk

Steam Adiabatic
Humidifiers Dehumidifiers Humidifiers

...create the perfect environment.

• Humidity & temperature control
• FREE consultation
• Flexible studio or domestic solutions
• Range of affordable options
• Peace of mind

www.humiditysolutions.co.uk
 om yoga ttg2018
Insurance
for yoga
professionals
Claire Squire of Balens
highlights some key
insurance considerations
for new yoga instructors
T
here is always much to think
about when setting up a
new business, and it can be
tempting to get carried away
with whatever, for you, are the
most exciting elements. However, time and
attention are also needed for the more
grounded disciplines of business, finance,
risk management and insurance.
The complexities of insurance can often
be daunting and thus potentially off-putting.
It is advisable to seek professional advice at
every stage of your business development,
to ensure you are getting the right cover
for your own particular circumstances. The
following is a brief guide to some of the
insurances to consider when setting up as
a yoga professional.
Cover for you
First and foremost, you will require
Professional Indemnity Insurance cover to
protect yourself against clients or others
who may choose to make a complaint or
claim against you. This is insurance for you
as the yoga professional. Good quality cover
will include Medical Malpractice and Public
Liability cover as standard but check what
else is included (i.e. breach of confidentiality,
financial loss, criminal and tax defence, loss
of reputation, cover for Good Samaritan
76
acts etc.). Does the policy include products
cover, should you choose to sell items to
your clients? Will the policy cover you for
temporary trips abroad, should you choose
to offer a yoga retreat in a warmer climate?
What other benefits are included within the
policy (i.e. legal or other helpline advice)?
If your new business is your only source
of income, you may also wish to consider
personal sickness or accident cover,
together with some form of Business
Expenses protection that would cover your
regular business expenses in the event that
you are incapacitated.
Cover for your business
If you are purchasing or renting premises,
you will need to look at cover for contents,
buildings insurance (owners) or tenants’
improvements if you are renting and have
made any alterations. Cover for items taken
away from the premises such as mobile
equipment and laptops or loss of profits
arising from damage to your premise should
also be considered. Employers Liability
insurance is a legal requirement if you have
anyone working for you, even if this is only in
a voluntary capacity.
For larger businesses including corporate
entities with multi therapist clinics, businesses
selling health products or other commercial
ventures, there are various other special
insurance packages available. It may be
that you are looking to set up with a
number of other professionals, yoga or
otherwise, in which case you may require
some form of corporate insurance policy
in place rather than relying solely on
your own individual professional
indemnity insurances.
What if a claim is made
against you?
Should you find yourself in a claims
situation, don’t panic. Contact your broker:
they should be able to give advice on how
best to deal with the situation. Never admit
liability or promise to pay, this prejudices
your insurer’s position, and may mean that
your insurance becomes nullified. There are
a list of common claims ‘do’s and don’ts’ on
the Balens website however if in doubt ask.
We all make mistakes, it is part of being
human, but with good quality support you
can be reassured that you will not be paying
the price of that mistake yourself: you can
then reflect, learn and move on.
There is further information on Insurance on
the Balens website (balens.co.uk) including a
glossary of terms and more information on
the different types of insurance.
 BALENS
Specialist Insurance Brokers

» £6m Medical Malpractice (£4m » Yoga / Studio / Fitness centre

student) Packages
» £6m Professional Liability (£4m » Commercial Business
student)
» £6m Public & Products Liability » Training Schools
(£4m student) » Home Insurance - including
» Taxation and Legal Package seeing your client from home...
» Cover for temporary work abroad & more!
(Excluding the USA & Canada)
» Teaching Covered as Standard
(Exclusions apply)

Optional Extras Can Include:

» Policies available in Europe
» Can include over 3500 therapies /
activities
Balens are a 4th generation, ethical family business providing exclusive insurance schemes in the UK, Republic of Ireland and
Europe. Business Contents, Income Protection and Clinic packages also available.

Telephone: 01684 580 771

Web: www.balens.co.uk
Email: info@balens.co.uk
Balens Limited is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
 om yoga ttg2018

78

The business
of teaching yoga
T
Tips for making a living out of yoga teaching. By Julie Montagu
urning a passion into a way to make a living
is undoubtedly one of the best ways to live
a happy and fulfilled life. Choosing yoga as
the path for you in terms of your work is a
beautiful choice and will enable you to share
this happiness with your students.
Although this will surely be an exciting and rewarding
career, you may also find it difficult at first to solely
make a living out of teaching yoga!
One of the greatest tips that I can give to you is to be
persistent and patient whilst you are getting started. I
used to take my children with me to hand out flyers for
my very first classes. The hours spent doing this would
often not seem worth it at the time, but eventually my
classes began to fill up.
Due to the social media age that we live in, wandering
the streets with flyers may not be your best choice
anymore, as you now have the potential to communicate
with countless people in your area about your yoga
classes. So, invest some time getting to grips with online
marketing – or find somebody to do this for you.
It can also be helpful to diversify what you offer. Group
yoga classes are great, but there’s also the possibility of
one-on-one classes with clients, andyou may also findthat
giving talks and teaching at festivals can be a good way to
make extra money too and get the word out that you are
an amazing yoga teacher. You may also eventually consider
creating online yoga classes through various social media
channels reaching a much wider audience worldwide.
Angela Pham, who is a business coach and mentor
on my Whole Self 200-hour yoga teacher training
has given her top 5 tips:
1. Be you
There is a growing number of yoga teachers each year,
but the one thing that makes you different is you. So be
the most authentic version of you. There’s room for all
of us in the yoga industry, and the key to succeed is to
think of how you can stand out in the crowd. How can
you create value for others? What do you have to offer
that only you can share?
2. Think big
Stop the small thinking; many of us think too small. We
let the fear cripple our growth and success. What are the
ways you can earn money in addition to teaching group
classes? Be creative and dream big on ways you can create
new opportunities to grow your business. Plan a retreat on
a farm in Italy, host a workshop on a topic that you care
deeply about, plan a special one-off yoga event for singles
to mingle, organise a lunch and learn in corporate offices
om yoga ttg2018
to bring yoga into the corporate world, etc. And utilise your
existing network to grow your business.
3. Be smart about your money
Getting paid for that first time teaching a yoga class
will be very exciting. Do your dance and celebrate – but
don’t blow it all on a new pair of lululemon leggings! Be
smart with how you save your money as you start your
business. Limit the costs you put into your business by
leveraging free resources online. Don’t spend loads of
money on your business until you start making profit.
Once you start generating income, be sure to set aside
money for savings, taxes, retirement, investment in
further training courses, etc.
4. “The talking about the thing isn’t the
thing. The doing of the thing is the thing”
- Amy Poehler
Less talking. Less thinking. More doing. You don’t need
to know all the answers before you start. Just start. Take
baby steps. I promise you, you’ll be surprised by what
comes your way when you take even just the tiniest
step. So starting right now, what’s one thing you can
do that will take you one step closer to your goal as a
successful yoga teacher?
5. Silence the inner critic
Half the battle will be within your own mind. It’s that
voice or that noise that will find a way to try to talk you
out of your goals and dreams. When this happens, tell
that inner critic to quiet down and remind yourself why
you want to be a yoga teacher. What’s your ‘why’? What
is your drive to hustle each day to succeed as a yoga
teacher? Rely on your ‘why’ to provide you strength and
empower you at times when you want to give up.
6. Take care of you
Let’s be real here. No one said that following your
dreams and creating this life you want will be easy, but I
guarantee it will be worth it. Believe in yourself. And when
times are challenging, breathe through it and smile. Take
some time out if you need to and then came back to it
when you’re ready. The small moments of self-care are
necessary and important to maintain your focus.
However your yoga career unfolds, be sure to remember
to pay attention to your own practice too so that you
continue to love what you do!
Julie Montagu is the founder of Whole Self Yoga
which provides 200-Hour Teacher Training courses
(wholeself.yoga)
79
 om yoga ttg2018

80

You are enough
Overcome those self-doubts and embrace the teacher training journey,
says Judy Hirsh Sampath
D
o you have dreams of becoming a yoga teacher
or a yoga therapist? When you experience the
immeasurable power and magic of yoga, how it has
become an ally in getting you through the difficulties
life throws at you…and you have first hand
experience of the miracle of the body to repair and heal itself…and
you have deep gratitude for having yoga in your life...it’s natural to
want to share it with others
Is there something getting in the way?
I hear a lot of excitement and good intentions from people thinking
about training to become teachers and therapists, but there is often
the self-doubt part, the inner critic that comes forward: “I don’t know
enough”, “My postures aren’t perfect enough”, “I don’t have enough
om yoga ttg2018
confidence”, “What gives me the authority to teach others?”
Reading between the lines is, “Even though I am already
successful in other areas of my life – whether as a school teacher,
manager, leader, parent, speaker, healer, human being – I am not
confident enough about my postures, my knowledge, or myself to
be a successful yoga teacher.”
Just imagine if you could empower yourself and others to
be enough!
To address the above doubts, training courses are not only to
gain knowledge and acquire skills but to learn how to apply them.
By the end of the training, you should have more than a certificate:
you should have the confidence to take your own yoga out into the
world and then use all your skills to educate others to do the same.
A thoughtfully created teacher training course will foster the
81
 om yoga ttg2018

teacher within you, the teacher that you want to become. You get
to deepen your experience and understanding of practices you’ve
learnt that have meaning for you, and to explore new terrain in the
safe hands of professional and encouraging educators.
Some aspects you will take to like a duck to water and others
are what we like to call ‘growing edges’ – where you feel a bit more
like a duck on dry land! These are places where you feel things are
not sticking or less clear and we all have them regardless of how
long we have been practicing and teaching.
Oh and one more thing - it’s okay not to know everything. If
we knew it all, there would be no room for new learning and we
wouldn’t need to put in the commitment.
So, you absolutely do not have to know everything in advance,
nor do you need to be able to balance on your thumbs or order
your tea in sanskrit – you just have to turn up and be authentically
and unapologetically yourself!
Judy Hirsh Sampath is founder of Yoga United Education, which
collaborates with teachers and therapists to offer new and exciting
courses and trainings in all things yoga (yogaunited.com)

Just imagine if you

could empower
yourself and others
to be enough!

82
TEACH WITH FIERCE GRACE
®

250 HR YOGA ALLIANCE TEACHER TRAINING CERTIFICATION

On this one month course you will learn 2 inspiring mixed-style classes and over 70 poses that cross all major yoga systems

• Join the UK’s fastest growing yoga style and

this breakthrough yoga method.

• Unparalleled teaching opportunities in 23

locations in 10 countries.

• The UK’s only post graduation internship

programme to support you after the course.

• Postgraduate development opportunities

with certifications in the other FG Method
classes. Bring a wider understanding and
offering to your students with Yin, Strength,
Advanced and Injury Modification and
Rehabilitation certifications.

You will learn to correct, modify, inspire and
encourage all levels and body types while
you take your practise to the next level.
• Ground breaking teaching techniques will
see you teaching with confidence by the end
of the course.
• Open your own Fierce Grace® studio with our
franchise opportunities.
You will study with one of Europe’s most
highly regarded teachers Michele Pernetta
and her senior teaching team.

For more info please visit: www.fiercegrace.com/teacher-training

 Est. 2003

LONDON | LEICESTER | MANCHESTER | INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL

Yoga Alliance accredited courses Active IQ accredited courses

@ A double diploma, accredited Yoga Teacher Training @ Aqua Yoga
Intensive Course @ Yoga on the Ball
@ Yoga Alliance 200hrs & 300hrs @ SPY Kidz Teacher Training
@ Approved REPS L3
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@ Nationally & Internationally recognised diploma

Ask about our interest-free payment plans

Course Director: Anne-Marie Newland

+44 (0) 7730 680 221
www.sun-power-yoga.co.uk
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