Designing a Plan to Become a Yoga Teacher, Part 1
By Paul Jerard
If you have decided that becoming a Yoga teacher is
your passion, your next step is to create a plan of action. When doing
anything that requires a major change, a call to action is one of
the hardest hurdles to overcome. There are so many people who wish
for goals, but do not plan to go after them. Let's look at a few ways
to make your plan of action to become a Yoga teacher.
What kind of help or support system do you need to
teach Yoga? Remember the saying, "no man is an island."
Everyone needs encouragement, even if you are very confident in your
abilities. Will you need financial help, educational resources, or
to be mentored by a local Yoga teacher? Make an assessment of what
you need and plan accordingly.
What should you learn about becoming a Yoga teacher?
If you really want to teach Yoga, you should explore every resource
available about how to teach Yoga classes. You should also learn about
how to succeed in the Yoga teaching business. These factors will also
determine how fast you progress once your Yoga teacher training course
has concluded.
Where should you learn to teach Yoga? There are many
options for Yoga teacher training, so let's cover a few of them. If
you decide to take an on-site Yoga teacher training, please avoid
the weekend certifications. These programs may teach you a few postures
and breathing techniques, but you will likely know little more than
the average Yoga student.
Having a complete syllabus is important. A complete
Yoga teacher training program should contain information about: Asanas,
Modifications, Contraindications, Proper use of props, Yoga Philosophy,
Yoga Methodology, Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology, Assisting with
Posture Alignment, Working with Special Populations, Insider Yoga
Teaching Tips, Yoga Teacher Ethics, Chakras, Bandhas, Mudras, Doshas,
Yamas, Niyamas, Pranayama techniques, Meditation, Relaxation, Yoga
Business Development, Communication, Marketing, and Networking.
How, in the world, can someone expect that kind of
knowledge to be transmitted and processed in a weekend? There is a
logical reason why 200 hours has become the Level 1 minimum International
Yoga teacher training standard.
There is an unforeseen problem for Yoga interns, who
desire to take a "weekend certification" course, in order
to open the door to Yoga teaching as quickly as possible. This creates
a dilemma of not having enough knowledge to be a safe Yoga teacher
and not having the knowledge to stay in the Yoga teaching business.
© Copyright 2007 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications.
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