teacher training | shopping guide | recognize the facts

Despite the claims of many programs, yoga teacher training programs do not create yoga teachers. True teaching does not arise from attending a program, no matter how comprehensive; yoga teaching arises as a result of the experience of yoga. This experience is derived from a combination of practice and study. So regardless of how many facts, quotes, and teaching techniques are crammed into your head, it is the practice and corresponding experiences that make you a true teacher.

Thus yoga practitioners earnest in their desire to teach will dive deeply into their own practice, investing time in a thorough and well-constructed teacher training program. The best programs recognize this and are designed to lead student-teachers toward the experience of yoga, while simultaneously introducing yogic philosophy, anatomy, asana theory, and teaching techniques. While longer is not necessarily better, consider the fact that the incubation period for a well-qualified yoga teacher is much longer than the length of most programs.

Remember, yoga is a 5,000 year old tradition. It’s a science that people have devoted entire lifetimes to understanding. It’s a rich and profound journey. With this said, you have to ask yourself how deep your understanding can become as a result of a handful of weekend seminars.