You have made the life-changing decision of joining a month-long Yoga Teacher Training Course. Congratulations! You are about to embark on an exciting and challenging journey, but what exactly can you expect from your YTT?
Before you start packing your bags for the journey or planning your first steps as a professional yoga teacher, read this article to find out more about the journey ahead of you.
1. Become a Certified Yoga Teacher
Of course, one of the main reasons to join a Yoga Teacher Training Course is to become a certified teacher. In your training, you will learn how to create and teach coherent sequences, along with all the tools you need to become an empowered yoga teacher. During the last week, you will teach your very own yoga class for the final practicum, as well as take a written exam on philosophy, teaching methodology, and anatomy.
After the course, you can register with Yoga Alliance, the largest international organization that sets standards for yoga professionals around the world. Being a member can have many benefits from gaining access to their exclusive online workshops and resources to finding international teaching jobs through their directory listing.
2. Go Beyond the Postures
One of the biggest surprises for students is how much time is actually spent off the mat. Even though you will go through several hours of daily asana practice, you will soon find out that yoga goes far beyond the postures:
In the Anatomy classes, you will go deep into the human body – the muscles, bones, and nerves – and find out what role yoga plays in this intricate system. Your Philosophy classes will cover subjects such as the history of yoga, the Eight Limbs of Patanjali, and the chakras. In the Art of Teaching module, you will learn everything from effectively sequencing a class to giving safe and useful adjustments. There will also be time dedicated to daily meditation where we practice settling the fluctuations of the mind.
3. Practice in a Supportive Environment
At One Yoga we aim to create a distraction-free, nurturing space that allows you to fully immerse yourself in yoga. Located on the tropical island of Koh Phangan, our campus with a private beach adds to the holistic experience of yoga, meditation, and a healthy lifestyle. From meditating underneath the palm trees to interrupting your self-study time with a quick jump into the ocean, there are countless ways to recharge in lush nature.
As the food we consume has a big impact on our health, you will be supported by balanced and tasty meals. At One Yoga, we serve mostly plant-based whole foods. Our delicious meals are made with a healthy variety of fruits, vegetables, grains – as well as lots of positive intentions and love by our dedicated staff.
Of course, you are not alone during your Yoga Teacher Training. At any time, our caring team of teachers and staff members will be there to support you. You will also connect with fellow yogis from all over the world. By sharing a life-changing experience and lifting each other up, you create friendships that may last for a lifetime.
4. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
When traveling to a foreign country, you dive into a different culture. The language, traditions, and food might be unfamiliar to you, but with an open mind you will enjoy the adventure of living in a new culture.
In addition, your teachers might introduce you to unfamiliar yogic practices such as the kriyas (yogic cleansing techniques). Be ready to step out of your comfort zone and expand your horizon to new concepts of thinking and living.
5. Experience a Transformative Journey
Your Yoga Teacher Training won’t just take you to another country, it will take you on an intense journey of self-exploration and transformation. Many students go through a – sometimes emotional – process of personal growth. In the words of renowned yoga teacher B.K.S Iyengar: “Yoga does not just change the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees”.
Hopefully, this post helped answer some of the burning questions about your Yoga Teacher Training Course. Nevertheless, our biggest advice would be to go in without expectations. Exactly like meditation is not something we can force to happen, no matter how hard we try, we cannot always meet our expectations. Instead, come with an open heart and open mind, and allow the transformation to unfold naturally.
You haven’t booked your Yoga Teacher Training yet? Check out our 200-Hour Course in tropical Thailand and embark on a journey of transformation!
