Yoga Teacher Training Forum

I have never been a fan of any company that wants to engage in the mind control of yoga instructors. Yoga instructors used to be mystics and independent thinkers. That said, there is a value in joining a registry in some cases. If you live in a highly populated area like New York City, you might have to join a trademarked company that issues you letters and numbers after your name.

Times are changing and the old guard is heading off to assisted living. So it's up to the younger teachers to decide if they want to be controlled by a corporate entity disguised as a not for profit business. I agree that it's wise to be insured, certified, and educated in order to teach classes. 

Ashmin, you really see the big picture and times are changing. We used to have small classes and now some classes are so large they have moved to warehouses and parks. This is good for yoga, but popularity also brings it's own brand of baggage. People resist regulation, but want to be protected from everything. I can remember a different time, but that time has passed. Sadly, I must bow to the registering companies, because their guidelines are more acceptable than government regulation.

Imagine a day, when walking, talking, and breathing are regulated. If you think I'm joking, pick up a newspaper or visit a news site. There is little happiness, kindness, or mindfulness in news stories. There is a constant chatter of blame for nonsense and the mantra is "sue them." There are worse stories, but when there is a lack of stories, the blame game goes on with a spicy scandal here and there. The point being the registries are becoming necessary for today's teacher, because they work to protect us and for that we should show them respect and gratitude.