Some links on my website may be affiliate links and I may earn revenue from purchases as a result of buying something through those links.
Yoga instructor training is still underway. I came into today’s class very nervous and a bit anxious. Our entire class was assigned sections of a class to teach. My group consisted of 3 people. I had to do the warm-up portion of our mini yoga class.
The class hasn’t met for 3 weeks so I spent a good part of that time focusing on improving my personal practice and creating my warm-up sequence. Although I knew the sequence like the back of my hand, I was still full of nerves. Teaching a yoga class is so much more different from being a student in a class. My warm-up began in child’s pose and included hip circles, cat and cows, and thread the needle poses.
My Warm Up
When it was my group’s turn I started first. I set the intention, which was Satya. Satya is one of the yamas (ethical disciplines) and it focuses on being truthful and transparent. Although I started out feeling nervous, after about a minute or so, I got into the flow and things seemed to fall right in to place. I noticed that I joked a lot (which I do when I’m nervous) so that made my cues a bit wordier. I thought this would bother people but surprisingly it didn’t. A lot of my classmates actually said they enjoyed the lighthearted feel of the sequence. That made my heart melt. My instructor said that I have a great personality so it’s important to let my personality shine through when I start teaching my own classes.
Anatomy
The second half of the class was spent learning about anatomy. Our teacher (who is also an M.D.), taught us about bones and muscles. Anatomy is so important in yoga because it allows you to anticipate things that students may have with so you can easily correct them and also you will sometimes have students with injuries and if you have a basic foundation of anatomy, you can guide the student into an alternate position quickly.
Tonight I’m studying up on the sutras. I have to teach 4 of the assigned sutras back to my classmates. I feel confident that I will be able to explain each one, however, pronouncing each one correctly, is a whole different story!
Yoga instructor training continues to push me out of my comfort zone. I am filled with a sense of happiness and accomplishment after every class. We are only given approximately 10 opportunities to teach so I’m excited about my next chance.
Being a Yoga enthusiast myself, your post enlightens me on different aspects of Yoga. Warm up is as essential as the main yoga exercises. All the best for your classes!
Author
Thank you so much!
Never read about yoga from this point of view before. This was so enlightening
Thank you for sharing this journey!I have thought about taking a training , and hearing your story lets me know what I am in for!
Author
Absolutely! I hope you decide to go for it.