Do you agree that yoga teachers are students too? We all started as yoga students and just because we completed a 200, 300, (or all at once 500) hour YTT (yoga teacher training) does not magically give us all the knowledge we’ll ever need to teach yoga. We don’t just stop being students. And we shouldn’t.
Learn From Experience
Even if we were able to somehow assimilate all the knowledge we’ll ever need to teach yoga, to be authentic to our students and to be better teachers, we need to continue to be students. We need to experience yoga from a student perspective.
Just as in any other profession, we need time for practical application of what we learned in our YTT. To experience it ourselves as teachers. To build confidence, to see what works for us and what doesn’t work for us and most importantly for our students. So, while your gaining initial teaching experience, of course you will continue to learn.
Yes, a 200-hour certified teacher theoretically has the basics, the foundational knowledge to begin teaching. But it seems like the more you know, the more you realize what you don’t know. I’m sure you’ll agree if you’ve started to teach at that level, there is so much more to learn about yoga.
Read More, Scroll Less
Putting down your phone will allow you more time to read. While you can certainly learn a little from teachers on social media, it can be a black hole that consumes huge chunks of your time. Set an intention to put down your phone and allow more time to learn from reading.
You have no doubt already started a library of resources from the required reading in your YTT. Well, get ready to make space on your shelves for an ever-growing collection of yoga, meditation, anatomy, philosophical, inspirational, and other types of books related to your new profession as yoga teacher.
This collection will never stop growing unless of course, you run out of physical space – and even then, there’s Kindle and the Web! Many popular teachers share information on their websites, such as Brett Larkin who offers free resources and a blog like Yoga Teacher Journey. Sharing books with others is also an option but if you’re like me, you like to have all your resources handy for reference. See my Shop for many of the resources I keep on my shelves.
Continuing Education Trainings
Next, you’ll want to attend other types of teacher trainings to gain more insight, knowledge and experience. If you’ve registered with the YA (Yoga Alliance), you’ll need 30 credit hours of continuing education every three years to keep your credentials in good standing. YA offers many valuable online trainings through their YouTube Channel and has an archive so you can access the trainings as your schedule permits.
If you’ve chosen not to be registered with YA, you’ll still want to attend additional trainings to expand your knowledge. It’s amazing what spending time with other like-minded yoga teachers (in-person or online) can do to feed your soul. Every learning experience enhances your teaching ability as you continue to build confidence and at the same time establish relationships with others who are part of the yoga community.
Is there another style of yoga you’d like to explore teaching, such as Yin or Restorative? Now is the perfect time to add additional certifications to your credentials. Most trainings can be achieved in one or two weekends. In addition to gaining more knowledge and experience to share with your students, you’ll make connections and add certifications to your yoga resume. Find trainings near you through the Yoga Alliance here.
Practice Self-Care, Avoid Burnout, & Learn from Others
Speaking of nourishing your soul, taking classes from seasoned yoga teachers in your local community, either virtually or in-person, is another way to make connections, gain more insight, learn new skills, and practice self-care at the same time.
Yoga teacher burnout is a real thing. It can occur from teaching a heavy schedule, or even from spending a lot of time preparing for teaching a moderate schedule. Even if at this point you feel you don’t need any of what I’ve described above, the fact is you need to avoid burnout and take care of yourself! What better way than to practice what you preach by attending yoga classes and practicing self-care.
You know the benefits, you know the importance, so make time in your own schedule to enjoy the practice of a yoga class led by someone else. Read more about avoiding Yoga teacher burnout in this article by Yoga Journal.
If you’d like to join me for virtual or in-person classes, click here for my online and onsite schedule. I’d love to have you!
As yoga teachers we are in a position to share a precious gift. We should do so responsibly with as much knowledge as possible through whatever means you find works best for you. In our human experience, we never stop learning. We all continue to be students.
