So you enjoy Yoga. You regularly attend a class and are experiencing countless benefits from your regular time on the mat. But could you become a Yoga Teacher? Could you impart your knowledge and share your love for Yoga?
Becoming a teacher can happen by accident
Let me share something with you. I never set out to be a yoga teacher. I was a single Mum who used yoga to get herself through the tough days, the emotional days, the tired days. Yoga was my escapism and healer and I used it 100% for self care.
Then one day, my two year old son joined me on the mat and copied me. Suddenly I am thinking ‘Is this Yoga safe for children?’ That was it, a seed was sown and I sought out a teacher training. Not to become a teacher but to ensure my child could do it safely.
Let me say that again. I never set out to be a Yoga Teacher. However, life has a way of guiding you in the correct direction when you least expect. On my training course I was inspired and equipped to become a successful a Yoga Teacher. All the courses here at Shree Hari Yoga School will leave you with everything you require to successfully build your own business – if you choose to.
Deepening your practice
As your fascination with yoga grows you will naturally deepen your knowledge and attend more training courses. You may not intend to be a teacher initially and that is Ok. You may not have the intention to teach but desire to know more.
Becoming a teacher finds you! And your style! And it happens when the time is right.
So becoming a yoga teacher? Is it for you? Read on to find out and get any questions answered.
Don’t ask yourself if you can be a Yoga Teacher?
First and foremost, it is irrelevant. There is no cookie cutter for a Yoga Teacher, because every individual person requires a different type of teacher. And quite simply the answer to whether you can be a yoga teacher is Yes. Everybody can. We each require different styles of teacher, different styles of yoga and different styles of students to practise with.
Now I know you may be thinking ‘Jo, this is rubbish. You are creating more questions than answers’. But the fact is simple – you can be a teacher because you are You. Consider the answers to the following questions.
Do I have the knowledge and the passion?
Knowledge? No. The knowledge is never known as we learn more and more each time we teach. Teacher training gives you all the foundational knowledge you need to be able to lead a Yoga class. The deep wisdom and knowledge is learnt more and more each and every day.
You will never know all the knowledge. You can only gain more with every class you plan and deliver. It is Ok, you already have what you need.
Passion? Yes. You do have the passion. The fact that you are still reading proves to you that you have the passion. Curiosity and interest will lead you to be a great teacher. There will be someone just as passionate as you, who needs you to guide them.
Consider your passion a little deeper. Is there a style of Yoga that you love? Is there a gap in your local vicinity that you could fill? Be confident in the knowledge that whatever style of yoga lights you up and drives you forward, is the style of yoga that someone else needs too.
It may be Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Flow, Ashtanga Yoga, Yin Yoga, all of which are taught at Shree Hari Yoga School. Find your passion and use it to take a step forward.
What if I can’t interact with my students well?
We can all interact with each other, as we are all part of one thing. It does not matter how you look, dress or speak. Provided you welcome each person as an individual and connect with them as authentically you. On Teacher Training, a lot of your teaching style is covered, as well as problem solving and ethics.
If you don’t vibe, the student will find their own way to another teacher – and that is fine. That is how it is meant to be.
If you want to become a Yoga Teacher to please everyone and teach everyone then I am afraid my love, you are going to be disappointed. Know that you will attract your tribe, it will change and grow often, because us humans do, but by remaining authentically you and true to your Yoga style and pattern of teaching, your students will get the best of you and their yoga session.
There is no doubt that the foundation of being a being a great yoga teacher is being a great yoga student’ – Rod Stryker
Become a Yoga Teacher? Me?
Yes you. And I want to be clear that I am not trying to convince you to become a teacher. But I am saying that if you wish to deepen your knowledge around yoga and learn more about yourself then Yoga Teacher Training is the way to do it. And along the way you may or may not become a teacher.
What next?
Look closely at your own relationship to yoga. The fact that you searched and found this article, you are still reading this article are all little signs that you are ready to move forward.
Your next step? Do some Yoga school browsing and see if anything gets the tummy butterflies going. And if you have any questions then reach out to me. I am here to listen and, if I can, help.
