Yoga teacher training (YTT) is not just a pathway to teaching, it’s a journey of deep personal discovery and growth.
This comprehensive guide explores what to expect from a yoga teacher training program, who it’s for, and how it can transform your practice and your life.
The Transformative Journey of Yoga Teacher Training
Embarking on a yoga teacher training program is a significant step in deepening your understanding of how you choose to show up in the world. It goes beyond learning to instruct. It’s an invitation to explore yoga philosophy, enhance your practice, and discover a new life path.
The Essence of Yoga Teacher Training: Deepening Your Practice
If you enjoy the sense of aliveness, contentment and control you feel post-class, YTT offers an opportunity to learn how to create that same experience on your own. YTT offers an immersive experience into the world of yoga, covering asanas (poses), dharana (focus techniques), dhyana (meditation), breath work (pranayama), philosophy, and anatomy. It’s designed to deepen your practice and understanding of the body-mind connection, so you can go far beyond what regular classes offer.
Teaching Skills and Techniques
If you choose, you may go beyond just personal growth; YTT equips you with the skills to safely and effectively teach yoga, sharing the benefits of the practice with others. Sometimes the type of yoga you enjoy in your personal practice is different than the type of yoga you enjoy teaching. So, finding a YTT that provides information on different types of yoga is helpful when beginning your YTT journey.
At Stella Luna Yoga, our 200-hour YTT offers education about many different types of yoga so you can explore different traditions like; Hatha, Yin, Iyengar, Ashtanga, Gentle, Restorative and Kundalini. By getting a taste of different modalities, you’ll be able to choose what you like best, or to combine different techniques to create your own unique teaching style! Click here to learn more.
Is Yoga Teacher Training Right for You?
Self-Exploration and Commitment
Are you seeking a profound journey of self-exploration through the ancient tradition of yoga?
If your answer is yes, then YTT is the perfect next move for you. But not all programs are the same. Make sure to read about the instructors and ask questions about where their particular teaching style comes from.
Passion for Yoga and Teaching
If you love yoga, and want to be able to share yoga with friends and family, a YTT will provide the knowledge and tools you need to share it with others. YTT is for those eager to help make this world a kinder place, it is for those committed to a life of awareness, peace and ease.
Benefits of Yoga Teacher Training
Personal Growth and Self-Discovery
YTT is more about personal transformation than becoming a teacher. It challenges you to grow, confronts you with your limitations, and invites you to explore your inner self. YTT provides the tools and techniques you need to become adaptable and resilient in life. And if you choose, you will also learn how to share these tools with others.
Community and Connection
Through a YTT, you get to interact with like-minded individuals. Those drawn to yoga seek positivity and find ways to support each other. And they understand the value of connection, safe space and non-judgement. YTT helps you foster, deep connections and a sense of community that can last a lifetime.
Considerations Before Enrolling
Time and Financial Investment
YTT does require an investment of both your time and money, but it is not as much as you think. For example, at Stella Luna Yoga School, our hybrid 200-hour YTT is about a 15-week commitment and only costs $1,488. You meet once a week on zoom and have opportunities for workshops, and in-person training. You get out of the program what you put in, so making sure to designate some time each week to explore the curriculum and practices is essential in digesting the material.
Choosing the Right Program
Not all YTT’s are the same. Just like not all Yoga teachers are the same.
Do your research. Find a program and teachers that you want to learn from. Look for programs that match your yoga style preferences, are led by instructors you respect, and offer the right balance of practical and philosophical teaching.
If you have questions, the teacher should offer a complimentary call to discuss your expectations. At Stella Luna Yoga School, we offer 2-3 trainings per year, schedule a call to discuss more.
Preparing for Yoga Teacher Training
Physical Preparation
You do not need to be a flow expert or an athlete to do a YTT. Prepare your body by finding a consistent practice with a teacher that resonates with you. It does not need to be “asana-based” because Yoga is more than just a physical practice. Whether in-person or online, find a style you enjoy. Find teachers you like practicing with and take their classes. The best preparation is to consistently show up on your yoga mat, even if that means you just practice savasana, breathing or meditation.
Mental Preparation
Yoga is a practice of awareness and showing up for yourself. Become aware of your mental chatter. Identify the stories your mind tells you and challenge your preconceived perceptions of life by slowing-down and getting present. Focus on your breath as a tool to get control of the mental chatter. With practice this will get easier.
Emotional Preparation
Awareness and compassion are fundamental teachings of Yoga. Begin today by practicing being a little more kind to yourself. When you operate more out of love than judgment or criticism, things get easier and the universe will line opportunities up for you.
Conclusion: Embracing the Journey
Yoga teacher training is a profound journey of awareness and presence. What you learn in a YTT will have a significant impact on your life. Whether your path leads you to teach or to just deepen your personal practice, YTT offers invaluable lessons and growth opportunities.
FAQs
- Do I need to be an advanced yogi to enroll in YTT? Absolutely not. Most people who take a YTT are beginners looking to learn more about yoga. You’ll find that during your YTT you’ll develop a more consistent asana practice automatically. The only thing you need is a desire to learn.
- Can I take YTT just to deepen my practice? Absolutely. Many participants enroll in YTT primarily for personal growth and to enhance their own practice.
- How do I choose a yoga teacher training program? Consider the style of yoga, the curriculum, the instructors’ experience, and the program’s accreditation. Do your research on the teachers that lead the program. Make sure they are good mentors and will take the time to support your journey. At Stella Luna Yoga we offer complimentary calls to help you get to know our instructors. Click here to learn more about us.
- What if I’m not sure about teaching yoga? YTT can still be a valuable experience for personal growth and understanding of yoga. The decision to teach can come during or after the program.
- Are there any prerequisites for enrolling in a YTT program? Requirements vary by program, but a passion for yoga and a commitment to the training process are generally essential.