Posts Tagged ‘yoga instructor training’

Are You Ready For Yoga Teacher Training

Thursday, May 12th, 2011

yoga certificationBy Kimaya Singh

There are several questions to contemplate if, or when, you are considering participation in a Yoga teacher training program. One area to consider is your external level of commitment to the Yoga certification process itself. This commitment is most evident in the form of attendance, studying, and practicing, as well as the financial commitment necessary to attend the training program.

Additionally, there is the aspect of your level of inner commitment to the classic Yogic principles and teachings that you will learn during your Yoga teacher course. You will also want to evaluate your readiness to align your thoughts and behaviors with Yogic principles as enumerated within Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

Yoga teacher training programs take time and money. Different training programs will require varying levels of tuition fees and dates of attendance. It is critical that you are able to attend very close to 100% of the classes given during the training program. This level of attendance will ensure that you receive a thorough background in the philosophy of Yoga, pranayama techniques, asana demonstrations and corrections, as well as modification ideas for working with special populations.

There are a wide variety of Yoga teacher training programs available to students today. Some Yoga instructor training programs are even offered online or in sequential module formats. You must evaluate your lifestyle and decide which kind of program would fit most easily into your lifestyle. A month-long Yoga teacher training program may work best for you at this time, or possibly an online Yoga teacher certification course, or even a series of multi-day modules may mesh more easily with your current work, family and school obligations. Ultimately, you must evaluate if you currently have the time and money necessary to comfortably and successfully attend the Yoga teacher course of your choice.

Another aspect to consider when you are about to embark on the journey to become a Yoga teacher is your level of readiness to live by the Yogic guidelines you will learn during the teacher training program. The guidelines are most succinctly outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. These explicit Yogic guidelines are known as the Yamas and Niyamas. The adherence to the Yamas and Niyamas govern a dedicated student’s external and internal thoughts and behaviors. For example, one of the Yamas is the practice of non-violence. This practice is both an external restraint of acting in a violent manner and also an internal restraint of not luxuriating in violent thoughts about oneself or others. A prospective Yoga teacher intern must consider whether or not her or she is ready to live by these ancient Yogic guidelines of dharmic behavior.

© Copyright 2011 – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our selection of Online Yoga teacher training courses, please visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste!

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How to Become a Yoga Teacher – Self-Study

Saturday, December 25th, 2010

Yoga Teacher Training Center on the water - AsiaBy Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Where does one begin the journey of Yoga teacher training? Does Yoga instructor training start in a course, an intensive, or through years of practice with a Swami? The calling to teach any subject; stems from learning enough about the subject, to be able to guide others who wish to know more.

The first requirement of advanced training, in Yoga, is to be willing to know one’s true self. This internal study makes Yoga unique, in comparison to some subjects, which require us to study how a particular subject is related to external matters. Yogic self-study requires hours of research, practice, and modification.

To see one’s true self may be difficult because the ego is a great deceiver. The ego’s primary objective is more often related to self-protection than deceit. The Yogic practice of withdrawing the senses, and focusing on the inner self (Pratyahara), is a method for finding the truth. At the same time, Pratyahara helps the Yoga practitioner expel emotional damage.

There are many good, quality books for the study of Yoga; but the “Yoga Sutras,” by Maharishi Patanjali, and the “Hatha Yoga Pradipika,” by Swami Swatmarama, are excellent foundational references. There are many interpretations from Sanskrit to English, so it may take some cross-referencing to reach a state of clarity in reading the above-mentioned classics, however, the time is well worth it.

There are many forms of Yoga; some are not well known outside of India. Although Hatha Yoga has reached worldwide fame, it is necessary for teachers to understand the differences and similarities in the main Indian Yoga systems. After investing time in study and practice, we realize that Yoga is a complete holistic system, which allows us to understand ourselves on the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual planes of existence.

When direct sensory perception (Pratyaksha) becomes a difficult method for finding the truth, meditation, mantra, and objective listening, may also be useful tools. Objectively listening, or reading the opinions of others, requires patience, as there are many different points of view. When we absorb opposing opinions, and rationally consider them, we may likely come to a third point of view, which is some form of a mutual agreement.

Mutual agreements and compromises are not for the selfish. Arbitration and resolution are the result of higher forms of thinking. Reconciliation is very difficult, if we cannot put the ego aside, see ourselves, and think logically.

© Copyright 2010 – Paul Jerard / Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division

To see our complete selection of Yoga teacher certification courses, please feel free to visit the following link.

http://www.aurawellnesscenter.com/store/Teacher-Courses/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul

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Yoga Instructor Training – The Gateway to Your Passion for Life

Saturday, July 10th, 2010

By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Have you thought about how to become a Yoga teacher? Do you envision a brighter future, living your passion, and doing work that you love? Who wants to work at a dead end job for life? How many people can say they truly live their lives with passion? Let’s look at these questions a little deeper and live our passion.

There are many options to consider when deciding to choose onsite, or online, Yoga teacher training courses. It is very beneficial to get professional advice about marketing and business, which is specific to Yoga, as well. You could spend hundreds or thousands, depending on the type of training you select.

Taking action toward your goal is the first step. It may require saving, studying, or taking a stepping stone that is affordable now, and can be expanded upon, at a later time. Education is never wasted. Our life experiences may be filled with joy and pain, but we learn from both. We learn to take calculated risks to maintain our survival and suppress our inner fears.

Regardless of which type of Yoga teacher course you decide on, your life path will change during the training, and after you graduate. Your self-confidence and self- awareness will expand in many directions. When your mind is open, new ideas will gravitate toward it. Much like gravity, new ideas have always been around you; but your mind has the ability to open or close the flood gates.

If you envision a happy life, of living your passion, it will eventually come to you; but it helps if you move toward your objective at the same time. For many people, life is a rut, and their jobs are seen in the same light. This makes any objectives appear to be impossible to reach.

Anyone who firmly believes they deserve less will settle for less throughout life. Why do people continue to work at jobs they hate? The two most common answers are – survival and internal fear of the unknown. Yes, we need jobs to survive, but not if our jobs eventually kill us.

Life is not an endless struggle, when you follow your passion every day. You do not mentally equate work with doing something you love (following your passion). You can follow your passion toward any objective, and be grateful for the experiences you encountered on your journey.

© Copyright 2010 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste.

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Six Reasons Why Online Yoga Teacher Certification Makes Sense

Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Whether you need non-contact continuing education credits, or you are seeking your first Yoga teacher training diploma, online courses have many positive advantages. It is true that not all online Yoga teacher education is equal, but there are some easy ways to tell who is genuine and who is not.

Is the online training course written, designed, and graded by Yoga teachers? This may sound curious, but some courses are not designed by Yoga instructors. Is the course recognized by an accrediting body? Research the course and the school before you make a decision.

One more point to consider: Does the certifying institution focus on creating Yoga courses or do they have diplomas for gun smiths, dog grooming, computer programming, and appliance repair? You should consider a school that exclusively educates Yoga teachers.

Yoga is a very large topic, and it cannot be brushed over in a single course. Continuing education is an accepted part of Yoga instructor training. With this in mind, please consider the following benefits of online education for Yoga instructors.

1. Going Green: Traveling hundreds or thousands of miles by car, boat, jet, train, or bus takes a toll on the environment. If you are planning a vacation, and have no obligations to your children, you could create a Yoga training vacation. However, if the sole purpose is to become a certified Yoga teacher, long-distance travel is contributing toward air pollution.

2. Time: Each day, something or someone demands your time. If you ask your employer for a month off to attend an intensive training for Yoga instructors, will she or he understand? Holding onto a job is essential to survival and onsite training may not be an option.

3. Accessibility: You can communicate with your tutor at any time. Email and telephone support is a big help. However, forums and online chats with graduates, interns, and teachers is a big plus. This allows you interaction with like-minded people from every part of the world.

4. Documentation: Your Email conversations can be recorded in your files. It is not that easy to compile your notes in an in-person Yoga training intensive. In fact, some face-to-face trainings demand that you not have a lap top or recording device, because it is not considered “traditional.”

5. Cost: An on-site Yoga certification course can cost thousands of dollars or more. Yoga teacher training, by correspondence or online, will cost you hundreds. In a nutshell, distance learning for Yoga teachers is expensive when you train in person.

6. Flexibility: For Yoga teachers pursuing non-contact continuing education credits, shutting down the studio for a month may not be a viable option. For prospective teachers – telling your family and job to stay on hold for a month is not realistic. Training by correspondence, online, or a combination of the two, gives you plenty of flexibility in your schedule.

© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.”

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul

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Yoga Instructor Training – A Gateway to Self-Mastery

Thursday, July 2nd, 2009

Yoga class on the beachBy Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Taking an intensive Yoga course is a great way to take control of your life, direction, and destiny. Not everyone wants to teach Yoga classes, but an intensive course will instill inner confidence and reveal many methods for establishing self-mastery.

Intensives often reveal hidden facets of Yoga practice. These are not usually covered in regular classes, due to the revolving door of new students. It is easy for most students to become side-tracked during class time, in pursuit of physical mastery, but that is only one preliminary step toward mastering oneself.

The mind sits in the “driver’s seat” of the body. To develop a trained mind, through study, meditation, transformation, self-analysis, and self-realization is true self-mastery. To be in control, when surrounded by criticism and pessimism, is pure inner strength.

How often have you seen an elite athlete lose concentration during a competitive event? In a sporting event, the difference between victory and defeat is often related to the competitor’s frame of mind. Just the slightest lack of focus can become a major difference in the outcome during contests between professional athletes.

Many of us are so addicted to thinking that physical prowess is the final answer to everything; we often forget the mind is the driving force behind our physical actions. We see many people who display control, compassion, grace, awareness, and fortitude into their senior years.

Yet, seniors are often under appreciated, when engaging in conversations with their grandchildren. Who holds a grandchild’s attention longer – the cell phone or the good conversation with Grandma? If the cell phone rings off, most grandchildren will answer, even though they are in the middle of a conversation with a grandparent.

There is no need to say, “Excuse me” anymore. Do we blame society, parents, or technology? This is not the time for blaming anyone, or anything. It is time to realize that the power of the mind is being ignored by too many people. Technology has leaped so far forward that we are losing touch with ourselves.

It is often said that we are losing touch with nature. While this is true for a great many, it is also true that many of us run on auto pilot. Sometimes, children grow and nobody notices, until they move out. Sometimes, people consume two or three thousand calories during their commutes to work, without giving it a thought.

What could a Yoga teacher training course do to change this rapid pace of life? It depends on the subject matter covered, but you can easily find out by researching the course online or over the phone. You may want to inquire about the objectives, benefits, and requirements of a Yoga teacher course.

Recently, a friend of mine mentioned that the top requirement for all teacher interns, to graduate, was to stand on their head, at one of the Yoga intensives she attended. That is such a silly, ludicrous, and superficial requirement, that I could not contain my laughter.

Most children, who are 10 years of age, can easily pass the test; but if you have eye problems, have had a previous stroke, high blood pressure, heart problems, neck problems, sinus problems, or epilepsy – you would be wise to avoid performing a headstand.

Therefore, do your research about courses before taking one. Yoga is much more than a gymnastic event. Yoga instructors are human too. Many good teachers have eye problems, have had a previous stroke, high blood pressure, heart problems, neck problems, sinus problems, or epilepsy.

© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

Yoga Teacher Training. FREE Yoga Report. FREE Yoga Newsletter. FREE Yoga Videos. Free Podcasts. Bonus: Free Yoga e-Book, “Yoga in Practice.” http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/

On-Site or Online Yoga Teacher Training Courses

FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles). Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul

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Questions About Yoga Teacher Distance Learning

Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008

Half Moon PoseBy Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

Below is a long answer to a short question, which we receive quite often.

Q: I just found a Hatha Yoga teacher training course for $19.95 in US Dollars. I’m doing a price comparison. Can you tell me what the difference is in courses and course prices? Also, how fast is the turn-around time?

A: If you are price shopping for the cheapest, quickest, and fastest Hatha Yoga certification, it might seem that the course for $19.95 is a good deal, but do you think student safety is important? The reason I ask is, for $19.95, it is doubtful that anyone is correcting your work.

Carefully correcting your work, and sending you a critique, are important components of the learning process. Some things to think about, when considering distance learning, are the intangible values. Below is a list of aspects that many Yoga teacher interns should consider when signing up for a Yoga teacher correspondence course.

1. Who is the teacher trainer? For example: Is the Yoga instructor training program directed by a Yoga teacher? Is the Yoga teacher, in question, qualified to teach Yoga instructors and interns?

Please be sure that you study with an organization that specializes in developing Yoga teachers. If the same organization creates certifications for computer languages, and gun smiths, it may not be in your best interest to sign up.

2. Are you receiving Unlimited Tutoring? This point is missed very often. Some programs have unlimited tutoring, some have limited tutoring, and some have none at all. Tutoring is important when you have a question. Make sure you will receive tutoring by Email, at the very least.

3. How many hours of study are required? If a Yoga teacher course is less than 200 hours, take the next level as well. It is in your best interest to safely teach Yoga classes with knowledge and competence. Safe teachers make all of us look good. On the other hand, unsafe teachers put everyone at risk.

4. If exams take a while to be graded, you know the testing organization is backlogged with exams. This means they actually review and grade your work. Although everyone wants a quick turn-around, for everything, it must be realized that marking and grading do not happen in the blink of an eye.

It’s always good to receive questions. This benefits all of our readers. If you ever have a question, please feel free to contact us.

Namaste,

Paul

© Copyright 2008 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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FREE CONTENT: If you are a Yoga Teacher, Yoga studio, blogger, e-zine, or website publisher, and are in need of quality content, please feel free to use my blog entries (articles) – Please be sure to reprint each article, as is, including the resource box above. Namaste, Paul
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