Yoga teacher training has been on my bucket list for many years. When I enrolled in the course, I was looking to expand my yoga knowledge and continue my yoga journey. I decided to join the Yoga Centre WinnipegTeacher Training (YCWTT) program because it has an excellent reputation as a Yoga teacher training centre, it is locally owned and operated and the course fits into my busy schedule.
The YCWTT exceeded my expectations. My top 5 takeaways...
1. Slow down, enjoy the journey.
The power of the breath to calm the body and still the mind. I learned a variety of mediations and breathwork techniques that allow me to better handle the obstacles and increased stress of the Pandemic. Breathe - just breathe
2. Perfectly imperfect is perfect
Many people strive to do everything right or perfectly. That’s a lot of pressure we are putting on ourselves. Obviously there are instances where we need perfection, surgery for example. But in our day to day life, I learned to recogize what tasks require a little more attention and what I can let go. Reducing this constant pressure placed upon myself, allows me to enjoy more moments and to be more present in my life.
3. Use props!
Somewhere I picked up the notion that using props during yoga wasn’t really doing yoga. You weren’t doing it correctly. As I gained skills in using props and the importance of props, I just can’t imagine doing yoga without them. With a long term hip restriction injury, using props allowed my body to access the yoga poses and provide support to my body.
4. What do you notice? What do you feel? A part of the YCTT requirement is to observe and take notes of senior teachers/classes at the Yoga Centre. Not only did we have the opportunity to learn a variety of sequencing, observe cueing techniques/phrases but more interestingly, we were able to see how seasoned instructors communicate and engage their students to go inward and feel how the yoga asanas feel in their body. Yoga isn’t just the asanas, it’s noticing how the asanas make your body feel.
5. Sense of Community
There are many online yoga courses or weekend/ one day workshops to learn yoga. However, for me, this sense of community was the game changer. I really appreciated the nudging and encouragement of a yoga teacher to take me through the entire yoga 200 learning journey. In a busy world it is nice to be seen. It’s nice to know that someone cares about you and your yoga experience. Shauna has this unique gift to serve each of us and provide us with the support we need to succeed. Lasting friendships. A group of all ages, of all abilities, of varying backgrounds, coming together to learn and grow. Finally, a special thank you to the Yoga Centre staff for allowing the teacher trainees to observe, participate and learn from them and their classes.
This was a particularly challenging time to complete a Yoga 200hr due to Pandemic restrictions and the flip to online learning. But that’s the beauty of yoga. Yoga builds our physical and internal strength to carry forward in difficult circumstances. Yoga gives us tools to overcome anxiety and fears. Yoga helps us to find calm with the breath so we can continue our journey in this world.
Whether you plan to share yoga with others or just expand your personal practice, teacher training at the Yoga Centre could be your next step on your yoga path.
Kerri Swanson
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