My Yoga Teacher Training Journey [and how to pick a YTT provider]

Wow… it still feels so surreal to say that I’m a qualified yoga teacher! The last 6 months have been an intense, rewarding, challenging, uplifting, and totally crazy journey, and I’ll never be able to put it all into words, but I’d like to share a few of the key teachings that I’m taking away…

Yoga is SO much more than the postures

For many people, the word “yoga” conjures up an image of someone bending their body into all sorts of crazy shapes. I’ll admit that I originally thought this many moons ago too, and it was the physical practice that first drew me into yoga. However, it was the effects on my mind and my wellbeing that made me stay, and my YTT has given me an even deeper understanding of the roots of yoga.

There are eight limbs of yoga, which are essentially a yogi’s guide to being a good person and connecting with your spiritual self, and the physical postures (or asanas as they’re known in Sanskrit) are only one of these eight limbs. The others include moral guidelines, breathing techniques, concentration and meditation. Furthermore, out of 196 yoga sutras, only three even mention these asanas. Yoga does include a physical aspect, but it’s so much more than that, and diving into these ancient roots of yoga has been truly eye-opening.

Yoga can help you to transform

The past six months of my course have been truly transformational. It was an inward journey where I was able to connect more deeply with my inner self, build confidence, face fears, become more mindful, and learn lessons that are invaluable both on and off the yoga mat. All YTT courses are structured differently, but mine began with a deep dive into each of the chakras. We learnt about which areas of the body they governed, how that could manifest if they were underactive or overactive, how to restore balance, which foods/spices/oils/scents etc. are good for each one, and we also did lots of self-reflection around these areas which was insightful.

Always be the humble student

Although I’m now qualified as a yoga teacher, I’m under no illusion that I know everything. Yoga is an ancient practice and has so many nuggets of wisdom, incredible things that have been passed down through thousands of generations, and a six month course can barely scratch the surface. Remembering to approach things as the humble student allows us to learn from mistakes, take on board feedback, be open to new methods or opportunities, learn from those with more knowledge than us, and continue to develop and grow. This applies to yoga, but also to every other aspect of life. Stay humble, treat others with compassion, and always continue learning.

The answer is always love

This is possibly the most important lesson I learnt, and this quote became a firm favourite in our YTT cohort… “I forget the question, but the answer is always love”. This is just such an important mindset to have – treat yourself with love, treat others with love, treat the world with love, and watch how the world around you transforms.

How to choose a YTT provider?

There are SO many yoga teacher training providers globally now and it can be an overwhelming choice. Some are very fitness based whilst some are more holistic; some are big corporations and others are independent; some are short, intense courses whilst others last for multiple months. All of these are totally valid ways to become a yoga teacher, and essentially it comes down to personal preference.

The first thing I would consider when choosing a course is whether there is anyone that springs to mind. For example, if you always practice at a certain studio or with a certain teacher, maybe check with them first to see whether a YTT course is on the cards. If so, this is the obvious choice (and I actually found my course through a teacher I’d worked with previously). The advantage of this is that you already have a good relationship with them, and you obviously enjoy what they already offer.

Other factors to consider are the type of yoga offered and how that compares with what you currently enjoy (and eventually want to teach), time constraints, location, and cost. Reviews may also play a part in helping you to choose which course is a good fit.

The only type of course I’d perhaps try to avoid unless absolutely necessary is an online-only course. Many providers had to get creative during the pandemic which I respect, but I feel that in-person courses are more beneficial now that they’re able to take place again. Of course, some people do prefer the flexibility of working through online modules at their own pace, but if this is you, I’d recommend trying to look for a hybrid course where you still have at least a few days of in-person teaching. These in-person days are invaluable for form adjustments, practising assists, sharing wins and struggles, and generally just building a community and being around like-minded others.

Whatever course you choose, I’d recommend that you:

• Do your research before committing
• Fully commit to the process – physically, mentally, spiritually 
• Be open to everything it offers you (even if perhaps it’s not what you expected)
• Have fun!

I’d love to hear any reflections about your own YTT journey, or help to answer any questions if you’re currently considering taking this path!

Natalie x