My true study of yoga began on January 10, 2019 when I stepped into the first session of a 200 hour yoga teacher training, taking coursework toward my registered yoga teacher certification. I completed that course yesterday, July 30, 2019.
It was a journey I never expected; a path that challenged and surprised me. I was overwhelmed at times, joyful and curious at times, sad at times, exhausted a lot of the time, unsure, unsteady, and doubtful any of it would lead to anything but time and money spent on something I'd soon ignore.
Um...shows you how much the Ego knows! I'm still processing where this path has led me, but I know in my bones (anatomy!) that I am changed. I did not go into this a complete novice. I've practiced yoga for 11 years, I've meditated for almost as long (sporadically), I've done lots of reading and chanting and hanging out with people who share the spirit of Yoga. Yet, this deep dive has been the unifying force I needed to bring it all under one umbrella.
In addition, my adult-life passion for personal growth work has been expanded exponentially. I get it all now, not just on a psychological level, but a spiritual one. It feels like a clean slate, like heaviness has been lifted and Light is shining in.
And I've made new friends of all ages. When one reaches a certain age, it is harder and harder to meet and become friends with people. Well, that has been my experience. I'm not in the paid workforce; I don't attend a church; my PTA days are behind me; I am cordial with my neighbors but we mostly wave and chat briefly when we see each other. I am involved in politics, but that is a one-topic "friendship" for the most part. But in this yoga training we were all in the trenches together, no one person more skilled, more confident, more knowledgable than the next. We supported each other, cheered each other on, held each other in vulnerability and in joy, shared about our families, our lives. What a surprise! I didn't anticipate finding this in the training.
Our teachers/mentors were unfailingly supportive as well. With wisdom, knowledge, experience, humor, and empathy we were led on a journey of discovery and learning. It wasn't easy. The monthly intensive weekends, and the culminating 4 day Learning Retreat, were truly intense. I went home exhausted. We had textbooks and homework. If we missed a session we had to make it up on our own dime with a private session. Homework was due on time and evaluated. We didn't receive a grade per se, but we needed to demonstrate proficiency and complete all the required hours and assignments.
Going into it, I thought I'd take the course to deepen my own practice. I thought I'd challenge this sometimes lazy brain with new learning and knowledge. I thought it might be sorta fun.
It was all of that....and indescribably more. I feel eager to continue to study, to prioritize the many aspects of yoga and incorporate them in all I do, and to (dare I say it?)....teach!
I don't know where or when or how I will manifest the teaching goal, but unlike the first time I stepped up to teach part of a practice in class, unsteady and unsure, I am now (with some thought and preparation) confident I have something to offer others and sharing what Yoga can give us motivates me to try.
For those of you who may be interested, I believe this course will be offered again in 2020. Just. Do. It.
Namaste, donnajurene
Photo: Me and my certificate with our instructor Elizabeth Gray at the Family & Friends "Grad" Party.
I love how you’re curating your “one wild and precious life 💖
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful experience(s) this has been for you! I'm excited to see where it takes you.
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