Wise men have said that if you make your passion your career, you won’t have to work a single day in your life. If you are passionate about yoga and are considering the option of pursuing a career in yoga teaching /training, here is the good news for you- you totally can!
However, before one sets out on the magical journey, it is quintessential to ensure that one acquires the requisite qualities/qualifications that may be required to pursue such a career. A large number of yoga courses are available around us, especially on the more prominent styles of yoga and to choose one from these can be really confusing. Here are some tips to find out the right certifications to help you realize your dream.
Tips to Find the Best Yoga Certification Near You
Select a suitable Style: Yoga is a generic term that encompasses a wide variety of styles, some may be conventional while some others have evolved with the passage of time. Completing 200-hour yoga teacher training is the primary requirement of teaching yoga. Studying different styles of yoga that exist can improve your understanding of yoga practices. However, one can also stick exclusively to one style of yoga. It is vital to have a good understanding of the yoga style to determine if it suits one’s requirements
Study the Course Syllabus: Understanding the course syllabus helps in determining whether the course is apt for you. Some courses may be designed for beginners while some may be more advanced. Similarly, some courses may have the same structure and contents but what is happening is inside will be different. Study the syllabus and understand the amount of time they have allocated for each portion. It is better to understand the syllabus fully that the training gives equal importance to both philosophy and teacher training. Don’t fix your selection of the course only by seeing its Yoga Alliance Certification there are other important factors too.
Thorough Research: It must be understood that everything that uses the nomenclature “yoga teacher training ” may not be proper yoga teacher training and due care must be exercised to avoid such unscientific, or even fraud, training. Proper research can also help in identifying the supplementing and complementing styles of yoga. You should make sure the training should bring you proportionate value addition maximizing the benefits. Making a thorough research on the institution where you are going to learn, reading reviews, testimonials, speaking with people who have already finished their yoga teacher training from there is all part of a good research.
Visit the Ashram/studio: While the digital age enables deep research online, one must consider visiting the ashram physically at least once before committing to the course to fully understand the vibe. It goes a long way in ensuring that the virtual profile is not manipulated. It must also be understood that while the guru (master) selects the disciple, the disciple must also select the guru for a fully effective learning experience. So, when you visit the ashram, make sure that you have a meaningful interaction with your teachers and instructors. You should be able to connect with the place and stay there throughout the completion of your course.
Testimonial speaks: The most meaningful and accurate analysis of a course comes from the people who have attended it. It is, therefore, useful to interact with such people before deciding to go for the course. Trustworthy, not curated, testimonials can serve as a good guide. Try reading all testimonials published on their website and google rated reviews. If possible, try speaking with anyone who have completed the same course from the institution, recently. It will help you to understand the holistic approach to their training and teaching methodology.
Check Course Accreditation: When you invest your time, effort, and hard-earned money in a course, you must confirm that the course is approved and accredited by reputed and respected yoga organizations and federations. Preferably, choose the courses that are approved by the organizations which come up with follow-up or improvement courses, so that you always stay updated and on top of the subject. Check if the course is accredited by Yoga Alliance, as the alliance has set certain standards for organizations offering teacher training courses to the students. Though it is not necessary for you to obtain a yoga alliance certified yoga teacher training certificate to teach, the certificate validates your teacher training qualification.
Scheduling your time: Scheduling your study time is important whenever you learn something. Make sure you attend the class regularly and you can balance both your work and student life. Check the timing of your class before you join a full-time yoga teacher training course.
Conclusion
The journey of teaching yoga is made wonderful by the process of acquiring and sharing knowledge, health, and peace of mind. One must endeavor to enjoy the journey. No matter what, it is a priceless investment and an incredible experience. Wishing you a great journey ahead!
