How My 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Transformed My Teaching
The journey of a yoga teacher is one of continuous growth and self-discovery. My 300-hour yoga teacher training profoundly impacted not only how I teach but also how I approach life. Here are three key changes I’ve embraced since completing the training:
Letting Go of the Music
There was a time when curating the perfect playlist for my classes was a priority. Music became an integral part of the experience, with tracks carefully selected to complement every phase of the practice. However, I began to realize that music had become a crutch. I relied on it to fill the space, rather than letting my voice guide the class.
Music has a way of evoking emotions and memories, which can be powerful, but I wanted to give my students the opportunity to fully engage with their own thoughts and feelings. So, I decided to teach without the music, allowing the absence of sound to create a deeper connection within the practice. The result has been profound; silence, it turns out, speaks volumes.
Prioritizing Simplicity
I once believed that the more creative and complex my classes were, the more I could impress my students. Unique transitions and intricate poses were my way of keeping things fresh and exciting. However, my training taught me that simplicity often holds the most power.
My training taught me that simplicity is where the magic happens. When I cut back on the fancy stuff, students could actually feel the poses, connect with their breath, and, dare I say, enjoy a little mental stillness. By focusing on the fundamentals—alignment, breath, and mindfulness—I discovered that less truly can be more. The beauty of yoga lies in its simplicity.
Embracing Adaptability
Lastly, my training taught me to be more comfortable with change, both in my teaching and in life. 15 years ago, I learned certain principles and poses that were considered the "right way." But through my advanced training, I realized that there isn't always one right way. Our bodies have unique blueprints, and there's an optimal way of moving that is different for everyone. Sometimes, in pursuit of the "perfect" pose, I would lose sight of what was actually functional or beneficial for each student. The training reminded me that yoga is not a one-size-fits-all practice. It's about meeting students where they are and adapting the practice to support their individual needs. This lesson has been invaluable in my personal life as well. I've become more open to change, understanding that what worked for me in the past might not serve me in the present. Life, like yoga, is about flexibility — not just in our bodies, but in our minds and hearts. It's about being open to new ways of thinking, moving, and being.
Conclusion
My 300-hour yoga teacher training was more than an educational experience; it was a transformative journey that reshaped my approach to teaching and living. By embracing silence, simplifying my classes, and adapting to change, I’ve created a space where both I and my students can explore the true essence of yoga. This path of self-discovery, presence, and growth is one I am deeply grateful for.
You're Invite!
I am excited to bring this experience to others as I co-lead the 300-hour yoga teacher training at Three Birds Yoga. If you’re ready to transform your teaching and continue on this lifelong journey of yoga with me and our fantastic faculty, you can find out more HERE or reach out to me at hello@threebirdsyogastudio.com
Lovely Sarah! 🙏🏻