I started my Yoga Teacher Training search in the spring of 2017 and didn't find one to commit to until the summer of 2018 because (like you know if you've started into this process) there are SO MANY options out there that it can be incredibly difficult to zero in on "the right one". Like most things I do, I went thoroughly over the top in the organization of this endeavor: color-coded spreadsheets, systematic rankings, and even multiple hours of phone "interviews" with the school directors and former students. Throughout this year-and-a-half-long process, I figured out the right questions to ask these people because I figured out what it was I wanted in a program. This blog aims to help you do the same.
In order to do that, walk yourself through the following questions:
1) What sets the classes you LOVE above the rest?
Think to the classes you've taken where you've rolled up your mat feeling blissful and good about life. What happened in those classes that contributed to that? Were you doing slow movements with long holds? Sets of vinyasas? Challenging new postures? Pranayamas interspersed throughout?
For me, it was a combination of a few of the above. I took a dorje crossmat class that had me moving on planes I'd never before moved, breathing in new ways, and doing mindful transit vinyasas that I'd never heard of (much less practiced!). I fell. I struggled with breath retention. I fumbled with the mudras. And I immediately realized that THIS practice was had the depth and mindfullness and vigor I had been craving.
After you find a style that you like, your search can be greatly narrowed, which is a huge help in this process.
2) Is there a specific teacher you'd like to learn from?
When starting my YTT search, a friend cautioned, "Make sure you practice with your teacher beforehand. Focus on the teacher, and everything else will come." And wow, isn't that the truth! With how popular Teacher Trainings are these days, many folks sign up for a program, pay upwards of $4000, potentially travel across the globe, and arrive at a training with a complete stranger as their mentor. For many, this has still worked out just fine, but expecially if you are hoping to cultivate a personal relationship and find a lifelong mentor who you thoroughly admire and respect, then taking time to find a specific teacher can be a smart move.
For me, this was a huge consideration for my TT. I had been studying solo (reading sacred texts and yoga philosophy books; sharing my passion with others via workshops and my website; etc) and had accumulated a bank of questions and ideas that weren't going to find any resolution unless I had a person I trusted to converse with. My journey was at a point where required that I prioritize my teacher. This may not be the same for you.
Your journey may be less about that relationship and more about different aspects of the experience. Still, I encourage you to do some research on the schools/instructors in which you are interested. See if the programs you're interested in have social media and follow them. If you find yourself loving the ideas present within their posts, that's a good sign. If you find yourself thinking "Hmm.. I don't like this style" or "I don't agree with that" then listen to that inner voice and let this direct you the right way. Consider also asking teachers you admire for their input on programs or people from which to learn. They may have the inside scoop you've been looking for.
"I encourage you to do some research on the schools/instructors in which you are interested. See if the programs you're interested in have social media and follow them."
3) What helps you, as a student, to learn effectively?
By this point in your life, you've probably noticed that certain learning environments/set ups work better for you than others. Set yourself up for success by catering to your learning style.
"Set yourself up for success by catering to your learning style."
For example -- do you learn better 1-on-1 or in a group? Do you prefer time to ruminate and do side-research, etc, or do you like to keep a fast pace and push through? There is so much variety for pacing and class size across programs: some have a class cap at 14, others at 40. Some are 2 week intensives, others occur across weekends spread throughout 9 months. Initially, I thought I would want to do a 2-week summer intensive. But I realized that I was leaning toward that only because it'd fit nicely into the schedule of a school teacher - not because it would actually cater to my learning style. I instead opted for a program that is at my pace -- a few hours a week, 1-on-1 lecturing, and wiggle room to pursue tangents of interest or to take a week off for vacation, etc. Almost any option you can image exists our there; it is just up to you to decide what will work best.
... and lastly: 4) What is your purpose?
Why are you pursuing a YTT program? Some options may be:
- as a formality (to get a certificate)
- as a mini-vacation
- as a chance to learn a bit more
- as a chance to learn a LOT more
- as a self-inquiry
- as a way to meet like-minded people
- as a way to better understand and share my passion
- as a way to direct my life path
All of these options (and any others that may come to mind!) are VALID. You are where you are, and there is so much that can be gained from a YTT no matter what your purpose may be. But it is worth clarifying. Many programs offer foundational info on the history of yoga and various styles. This program is great if you are nearer to the start of your yoga journey and aren't set on a style you hope to teach. Others are super specific and teach a very particular school of thought, and cater to someone who knows exactly what they want to teach.
"All of these options (and any others that may come to mind!) are VALID. You are where you are, and there is so much that can be gained from a YTT no matter what your purpose may be. But it is worth clarifying."
Some schools are in exotic places and offer an element of vacation-esque fun -- which is great for a person looking for that, but may actually be a hinderance (or just an unnecessary expense) for someone who is going to school to dive deep and learn very seriously rather than recreate throughout. Again, neither option is wrong -- these are just considerations to keep in mind as you determine WHY you want to go to a YTT. I, for example, originally thought I'd like to go somewhere in Mexico or Central or South America for mine as I love those climes (and food!). But the more I thought about it the more I realized that trying to combine "school" (at least, at the level at which I was wanting to delve into it) and "vacation" (which I also like to take quite seriously) would likely result in neither of those needs being fully met. For someone with different priorities and outlooks, though, that could be the perfect combination -- it all comes down to what rings as true to you. Ultimately, I opted instead for a program that I could do from my own home through the use of video conferencing tools for asana practice as well as lecture (see the computer speaker sitting next to my mat in the picture above). By the time I'd answered all the questions I have listed in this blog, I KNEW the program I'd selected was the right one for me, and I loved that I didn't have to wait to start it.
Which brings me to my last bit of advice: trust yourself, and when something feels right move forward with it. Doing research and ensuring you have a program that sits well with you is important. But it can be overthought, too. I could have looked at my program and said, "Dang, maybe I should wait until next summer and do this in person", talking myself out of it because I had this idea that TT needed to happen in person. I am so glad I didn't do that though! Instead I got to start this part of my journey promptly, and I have already learned so much. And there comes a time when that knowledge, experience, and opportunity outweighs any other preconceived notions. So, when the chance comes around, don't be afraid to reach out and take it.
Comentários