Yoga Teacher Training | My Experience

This decision was honestly a spontaneous one! Before going to Belize in February, I was searching around for a yoga studio in the area to restart and revamp my yoga practice. Then I came across a studio that advertised teacher training...? I was intrigued and emailed for more information and then sat on it - why would I actually want to spend $3000 dollars for a training? To deepen my practice perhaps? To understand proper alignment for my bum left knee? Did I want to teach? I then brought it up to my boyfriend and his mom in casual conversation (I knew I was about to be laid off from my office job soon and knew I needed to do something I was passionate about - but was that teaching yoga?). They both agreed that it was a great idea and so I took a class at the studio, met with the program director, made the $500 deposit, and reserved my place in the program.

Program Details | 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Certificate

• 12 weeks - 3 days a week

• Thursdays and Fridays 6:40pm - 9:40pm

• Alternating Saturday & Sunday's 9:00am - 5:00pm

• Unlimited Yoga Membership included for duration of training (+ towel and mat rentals)

At first the scheduling seemed daunting but after a few weeks; it became habit and something I very much looked forward to. The program was created and developed very thoughtfully and provided us with materials and knowledge about a lot of the different aspects of yoga: anatomy, philosophy, sequencing, history, breath work, styles, meditations, chanting, chakras, Ayurveda, musicality, teaching authentically, vinyasa cueing and movements, etc. The main focus was on proper and safe alignment and modifications for different body types - understanding yoga in the body. We had five different instructors for their areas of expertise which offered us a wide outlook on the many different and unique outlooks on teaching yoga.

It has been a huge growing opportunity for my body (I can finally do a tripod headstand! And Crow!) and my mind (my off the mat actions and thoughts are more balanced and focused - I'm more content!). Overall, it's been a positive effect on my life and I'm so blessed to have had the opportunity to take advantage of this experience.

I honestly didn't think this training would be as rewarding as it has turned out to be! I have made some good friends and mentors along the way. And given the tools to continue to learn and advance my own practice, but also to guide others through their yoga journey as well. I didn't really think I would have a fire ignited in me to teach and bring yoga to others, but I do! I can't wait to start exploring and sharing yoga with anyone interested! Hope to be guiding you one day.

Find me on Instagram @emilyexploringearth #exploringyoga

Dancer Pose while exploring Neah Bay, Washington State

For more insight into my experience with Teacher Training - check out my YouTube playlist