The teacher training

success formula

E

nrolling on a yoga teacher

training course could be one of

the most important moments in

your life. It could also be a big

investment of time and money.

So how do you successfully navigate

the course so you graduate as the best

teacher possible? Here’s some advice from

graduates of the Dru Yoga course which

might help:

1 Take your time

You’re on the journey of a lifetime – so don’t

rush. Consolidate what you are taught and

don’t try to race ahead...you’ll get there with

a better understanding. Each module or

weekend will build upon the last, so let the

experience take you step-by-step into

your greatness.

2 Practice

It may seem obvious, but when you’re really

busy, it can be hard to fit enough yoga or

meditation practice into your busy schedule.

I always tell students on our yoga and

meditation training courses that it’s best

to do a little often – even if it is just 5-10

minutes a day. This will bring much greater

benefits than a longer session every once in

a while. Regularity is the key.

3 Get teaching experience

On most courses there will be an interim

assessment after which you’ll be able to

practice teaching groups of friends. I can’t

over emphasise the importance of starting

to teach even tiny groups as it will help you

absorb and apply everything you’ve learned.

Friends, family, even the cat will do as a

student when you start out! You could

even record yourself speaking out

instructions onto your phone, it’s all great

for your confidence.

4 Remember

When things may be challenging on your

training course, remind yourself why you’re

training as a yoga teacher. If you have a big

enough reason to be there, then you’ll gain

strength and motivation to keep going. Think

about how you will make the world a better

place by improving your own health and

wellbeing. Visualise the potential students,

the pregnant mums, the teenagers who are

waiting to benefit from your classes.

Believe in yourself and be the change you

want to see.

5 Keep in touch

with your tutors and fellow students. Many

teacher training courses have facebook

groups to help students connect in between

modules. I’ve found over the years that the

groups that keep in touch the most, produce

the best teachers. Isolation is a killer, so

keep communicating with your peers and

teachers to keep upbeat and motivated.

6 Don’t be too hard on yourself

Perfection isn’t necessary when you’re a

yoga teacher. You don’t have to be the

perfect shape or have huge amounts of

experience or have the best voice. You just

need a loving heart, and passion for yoga

yourself and a desire to transform the lives

of people around you.

Jane Saraswati Clapham is a Dru Yoga,

meditation and mantra teacher trainer

and is based in Snowdonia, North Wales

(druyoga.com)

How to become the teacher you’ve always wanted to be