om yoga ttg2018
Dealing with your own mental and emotional issues on a yoga teacher training course
T
eacher training can be an
intense experience for some
students, both on a physical
level and an emotional level. It
can bring up emotional pain and
unresolved issues.
A good teacher training facilitator will
place as much focus on the emotional
and psychological safety aspects of their
students as they would on asana practice to
avoid physical injury.
Indeed, teacher trainings are an
opportunity for a student to go deeper on
all levels - mind, body and spirit.
A good facilitator will create the conditions
for a student to safely meet and greet the
emotions that arise, so that they do not feel
overwhelmed, but rather empowered by them.
Sitting with their feelings in a safe, nurturing,
group environment can be a life transforming
experience, and one of personal growth for a
yoga teacher training student.
Learning to look at our own ‘emotional
baggage’ and let go of things that no longer
serve us is part of our spiritual growth.
And it is this that will enable us to connect
with our students in a truly honest and
compassionate way.
As yoga teachers we may pass on a
message of letting go. However, for that
to truly resonate, we will need to work on
letting go ourselves. That does not mean
that this is all going to happen on our
teacher training. We may open a door and
get a glimpse of emotions and feelings that
are there. We can work through them as we
figure out stuff on and off our yoga mat.
If you are feeling overwhelmed on your
course, ask for some one-to-one time
with your course facilitator. Sometimes
you just need to share and get support.
Not everybody wants to do this in a group
setting, so this too should be respected.
Having taught many students on teacher
trainings, I have witnessed both laughter
and tears, both of which are part of life’s
rich tapestry and a part of a yoga teacher’s
training journey.By Cherie Lathey of Yoga Mama
(yogamama.co.uk)Managing your mental health
triyoga teacher training
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training, supervision + mentoring
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