Archive for the ‘Yoga Schools’ Category

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Traditional Yoga teacher training requires years of direct face-to-face study with a competent Guru. An essential part of learning how to teach Yoga is to maintain a bond with one’s Guru for life. Within many Yoga schools, the Guru has the final say in most matters. He or she decides when a student is ready to ascend to Yoga teacher.

The Guru’s competence level is never in question, because it is accepted that he or she is always right. If one seeks to become a Yoga teacher, by studying under the most accomplished Guru, this process could take years to be recognized as a formal student.

This step of formal Yoga study is taken, before consideration is given to any aspirations of teaching, on the part of the student. Due to the many social changes around the world, and within India, the traditional process of teacher training has evolved over time.

In fact, what we westerners might label “traditional” today did not exist 60 years ago. One did not study a form of Yoga for a month, with a Guru we never met before, learn a few dozen postures (asanas), become a certified Yoga instructor, get back on a jet, and open a teaching practice at home.

The study of Yoga is a much deeper process. A teacher of Yoga is a student for life. Some of us spend hours studying, practicing, and networking with other Yoga teachers – every day – for life. To safely teach students with different health profiles is not accomplished, unless we see the value of continuing education.

There is nothing wrong with the evolution of teacher training, but the traditional form of training took many years and is much less common today. There are many reasons for this. Family, work, and financial obligations, often top the list. Travel to India, to live in an ashram, may also tax one’s pocketbook and time.

With a variety of Web 2.0 tools, applications, and technologies, the ability to enhance one’s education has expanded opportunities for Yoga enthusiasts, students, and teachers – worldwide. No matter how far you live from the nearest town, you can find high-speed Internet access via satellite.

While some may criticize online Yoga training, it should be noted that many respected institutions and colleges have Internet-based education programs. To spread education worldwide, can only help humanity. People are learning more about languages, history, science, and many other subjects.

Therefore, the volume of Yoga education, training, and information will continue to grow in the future. It is almost a magical experience to see the present and future opportunities available for the education of humanity.

© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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Written by Holly McCarthy

Yoga has become increasingly popular in recent years due to many different factors. Whether you are looking into yoga for its physical benefits, spiritual benefits, or a combination of the two, there are several different factors you will need to consider before selecting a yoga school to develop your skills. Take a look at the following article for some things to consider before making your final selection.

Teacher

Probably the most important factor in the selection of a yoga school is the credentials of the instructor. Where has he or she trained? How many years experience does this individual have? Do they teach the type of yoga that will suit you and your goals, physical and otherwise? Yoga instructors are generally more than willing to share this information with you and should have no problem doing so.

Reputation

Another factor that can ultimately help you to make the right decision when it comes to selecting a place to learn yoga is its reputation. This is very easy to do with the internet. Simply use Google and you will more than likely find reviews, blog posts and plenty of information from actual clients of the studio to inform your final decision.

Cost

Not all schools are created equal. Some may simply focus on the physicality of yoga and leave the spiritual side of the discipline out of classes; others may place a heavy emphasis on the spiritual nature of yoga. After narrowing down your choices based on teacher and reputation, cost of classes may help you to arrive at a final decision. Unlike other things in life, you are not always going to get what you pay for. Sometimes, yoga classes at upscale studios charge a hefty sum and achieve the same results as a more affordable counterpart.

Trust Your Instincts

Yoga is a discipline that will require some hard work and will challenge you physically and emotionally. You want to participate in this activity in an environment where you are comfortable above all else. Eliminating as many barriers as possible will help to ensure that you get the most out of your yoga training in the end.

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This post was contributed by Holly McCarthy, who writes on the subject of trade school. She invites your feedback at hollymccarthy12 at gmail dot com