Just wrapped up my second weekend of teacher training and I have to say it's much much more than I thought. It's overwhelming but exciting.
The first weekend focused on the history of yoga and the eight limbs. There is so much more to yoga than exercise or a pose. So much that I didn't know. It isn't just something you do for an hour a day - it's truly a way of life. It is based on thousands of years is teachings, passed down, adapted and influenced by many amazing yogis. Honestly made my head spin with all of the information. I feel like it would be disrespectful to all who have practiced, grown and developed the teachings of yoga, to not use this history, to be the very best teacher I can be. I've read only a small part of the works of the most respected teachers who developed the styles of yoga that shape what we teach today, and I am humbled. I can't wait to share it with students! Lots to take in for a weekend!
Then the ongoing homework happened - 100 classes between now and January - try new studios - try new teachers - try new styles of yoga - learn the sequence. Along the way, improve my practice. Hopefully get some great feed back from some amazing teachers. Figure out what works for me and recognize that it might not be the same for everyone. Even if in the process I find styles I don't enjoy as much, respect what they are and what they offer.
This weekend was the second weekend and if my head wasn't spinning enough, this was all about anatomy. It was not only learning the different muscle groups it is learning how they work together and what poses strengthen and what poses stretch. I learned a whole new respect for connective tissue and fascia and realizing even more that Yin Yoga has a place in my practice. Lots of reading, lots of memorizing and much more analyzing so I can understand how you build a sequence utilizing different muscle groups. We were lucky enough to have an amazing teacher who some how made the science of it all seem fun. I feel like I have only touched the tip of the iceberg!
I feel like I can't fit another piece of knowledge in my brain - and we're at weekend two! But I've got six other amazing women to support me along the way and I'm determined! I am so glad to be doing this! I can't imagine a studio that could offer a better training than Mary Ellen and her amazing team of teachers at Yoga Mves! Keep checking back and I'll keep sharing my journey.
We named her Stephanie
More studying on the mat
A great group of women!
Did I mention the studying???
Surya - the Hindu god of the sun There are many temples and statues dedicated to him throughout India.
