Become the Best Possible Yoga Teacher in Five Easy Steps

The more we know, the more we realize how muchEven when we have a deep passion for Yoga, we
more there is to learn. In Yoga, and in life, each daymust realize that independent study is not a race. Not
is a new lesson. Some interns think that, the materialeveryone can study for seven hours per week.
they learn in a 200 hour Yoga teacher training will beSome will study more, but most will study less. It is
the "end all" to their education.best to set a steady pace and enjoy life along the
After a month into teaching, most of us of usway.
develop a method for expanding our continuing4. Reflect back on your progress. It is easy to start
education. The following five tips will help any Yogaa journey, but many can become discouraged along
teacher gradually reach maximum potential, while livingthe path. Stop to think about how much you have
a multi-faceted life.accomplished. If we invest just four hours of study
1. Determine your exact direction. This may dependper week, we have 52 hours of study after three
on the needs of your students or your own questmonths. Your own continuing education program is a
for personal growth. Whether you are consideringbig help to students who depend on your knowledge.
training toward the 500 hour level, or becoming a5. Make continuing education a regular part of life.
Yoga teacher specialist, you want to draw up a planEducation, in a subject that we find fascinating, is
to stay on course - without getting "side tracked."stimulating, and makes life worth living. As Yoga
2. Move forward with purpose. Do you think you canteachers, we realize that we are students for life.
make a habit of studying Yoga for one hour perThere are many benefits that come with a Yoga
day? It seems reasonable enough. Imagine how muchteaching position. The lifestyle is healthy. The
you could learn in one year. After one year, you willcontinuing education stimulates your mind. Your
have 365 hours of independent study - in a directionstudents adopt a less stressful lifestyle. You feel the
that you can apply toward your student's needs,rewards of watching your students improve their
your personal growth, or both.lives.
3. Take a realistic look at the pace of your progress.