Yoga Teacher Training Forum

Hi Everyone,

Celebs aside. Let's talk about "grass roots" yoga instructors. Most of us common folks start out teaching yoga part-time. Some teachers refer to their classes as "gigs" much like musicians. Does it mean we are in it for the money? That's just one person's shallow inclination. Funny how these things get twisted, but I never mey a yoga teacher who was in it for the money.

Peace,

Amy

Namaskar!

We are talking about "level of commitment." There is a hint in the statement above that part-time teachers don't have it and they are in it for the money. Not my words - I'm just reading the disappointing quote. But as suggested, let's talk about yoga teachers who will never be interviewed by the NY Times, teach classes part-time, and cannot afford to travel around the world because traveleing is expensive and our kids need shoes. Most Yoga teachers are people who never get on a stage other than guiding their students toward a good class. Most yoga teachers are part timers! And they do the best with what they have even if it's reviewing a DVD by somone who really doesn't get the idea of mom's level of commitment toward her poor or middle class family.

Kind Regards to Stacy Rae:

Namaskar!

Dear Lady,

Many things you say make sense, but how can you think less of part-time Yoga teachers who are usually 95% women, while in the same breath you admit you are a part-timer of everything.

If your theory is correct, part-timers are worth nothing. As a part-timer, you have insulted yourself! If Mr. Larcher wasn't attacking part-time Yoga teachers, what was he doing? Paying us a nice compliment? As a single mother and a part-timer why would you assist Mr. Larcher's position in pushing women down? He goes to classes with full-time Male Yoga teachers. Hint - hint......... Please read between the lines with your mind.

He thinks part-time anything is less. Women have many duties, but men usually have their career. Yet, you assist in his stance. I guess I have much to learn in a country where a minority or a woman would join with those who historically exploit them. I'm completely puzzled.

Finally, one more point.

"Yoga is not a class you do." If you were a Yoga teacher, you would have the passion for it to design class or lesson plans. Teachers take Yoga serious, but they might have fun while teaching. Maybe you have fun being a parent or at your part-time job.

Yes - Yoga is a way to live. Please give us your definition of Yoga.

Shanti,
Haresh

I must agree with Mr. Larcher. When I want a massage or acupuncture session, to attend a yoga or meditation class, I begin looking for a practitioner/teacher who does dedicate his or her life to their profession. I want to study with someone who dives the depths of their passions and walks their talk. I am a single mother who works part time. My life is dedicated to my profession. It's not just a hobby or fun thing to do. It is what I live, and it supports my life. It's also how I garden and raise my child and how I am while I clean my house and balance my check book.

And, since this forum is about Yoga....Yoga is not a class you do, it's a way to live. It's easy to be entirely dedicated to Yoga and have a diverse life. Live with dedication, mindfulness... remember Patanjali? Live YOUR truth, express YOUR radiance in your life! There's no competition or comparison there.

What does it matter what Mr. Larcher or Shiva Rea say? They were not attacking anyone. They were just saying how they prefer to study with people who devote their whole lives to Yoga. Study with the experts. Seems like a good strategy to me.

I so agree! I fell in love with yoga by taking classes. Teaching is something that is a part of my life. I feel it is the way I live, the way I see things in general. It has gotten me through so much in life and continues to be a spiritual force in all I do.

J :)

This is a great thread. The fear of teaching yoga is more about the challenge of stepping forward in life. Some people are great team players. They help everyone, raise their kids and support good causes, but they avoid leading all their lives. The challenge of teaching tests your emotional and mental limits. It's not as difficult as some teachers will say, but teaching yoga classes will test you in many ways. For these reasons, a teaching opportunity will help you develop mental strength.