By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500
Believe it, or not, some teacher training interns have no intention of teaching, while others cannot wait to get their business cards printed. Some want to give, and others want to open a business as an independent contractor or own a studio.
There are as many reasons to become a Yoga teacher, as there are to attend a class. Below are five of the most common reasons why students decide to become an instructor.
Yoga Teacher Education as a Life Quest: Some interns are looking for a challenge. The type of challenge could be physical, mental, or emotional. A competent instructor should learn mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional self-discipline from his or her first 200 hour Yoga instructor training course.
Giving back to the Community: Social workers, counselors, nurses, physical therapists, chiropractors, and school teachers commonly study Yoga to give their students, clients, and patients the gift of Yogic knowledge for self-maintenance.
The above-mentioned professions attract “givers.” These are people, who help or guide others, to self-manage their lives. Yogic methodology, in all of its forms, will guide a practitioner to a life with less suffering. As simple as it sounds, less pain and suffering is a blessing.
Self-Mastery: Some teachers make the claim that Yoga is not a self-improvement system. Yoga is an art, science, practice, lifestyle; and every modern self-improvement system has borrowed Yogic techniques. If Yoga is not a self-improvement system, it is the mother of all self-improvement systems.
Healthy Lifestyle: Yogic methods give us a realistic view of holistic health. It is really hard for us to be perfect. Diet and exercise can challenge us every day, if we set unrealistic goals. Have you ever met a person who was irritable because of a demanding diet? Hatha techniques offer a path of moderation for exercise and diet.
Teaching as a Craft: Some graduates cannot wait to work for themselves. Maybe they had employers, who did not appreciate their talent, experience, or intelligence. Some instructors teach two classes per week, while others teach more than one class per day.
Conclusion:
Yogic practices give us a better quality life, and we decide to share this knowledge with others.
Whether a teacher identifies with one of the above-mentioned categories, or not, is unimportant. If a Yoga teacher’s heart is in the right place, that is all a student could ask. Safe classes, led by one who demonstrates loving kindness, patience, compassion, and tolerance, is the ultimate objective of the teacher trainer.
© Copyright 2011 – Paul Jerard / Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division
See videos, demonstrations, and lectures related to inexpensive yoga instructor certification intensives and specialized continuing education programs.
Leave A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.