Is a Yoga Teacher Training Right for Me?

How much yoga experience needed to participateyoga enhances your life. There are many
in a yoga certification program?different programs available, each varying
Does this sound familiar? - “I’ve beenconsiderably. The better the program you choose,
practicing yoga for (just a few/or many) monthsthe more it is suited for you, the better it will
or years. Do I have enough experience for aenable you to learn.
training?” In fact, how much training orThings to consider:
experience someone needs before a ‘teacherThere are some points you need to decide upon,
training’ is a topic of much debate amongwhile choosing a yoga teacher training program-
teacher trainers? It is true that at one level, the•    Which trainings best prepare you to
more experience someone has, the betterteach and which also set an atmosphere for you
prepared they are. And for some people trainingto grow and transform both personally and
leads to ‘knowledge’ which blocks learning.professionally (teachers teach largely by their
And – more to the point – Yoga is a statepresence rather than their techniques)?
of being that, as the yoga masters say, it is•    Which programs have the best quality
available to everyone.and diversity of faculty?
In some cases, at the end of a month-long•    Which have the best setting and
intensive, some trainees will still need morefacilities to create the ideal yogic and learning
practice and experience before they are ready toenvironment?
teach. Yet it is amazing to see the progress and•    Which prepare you in a holistic way?
learning that’s possible in a short time when•    Does the program include nutritious
people are open-minded, eager, focused andfoods and other means for supporting vibrant,
present. Training is a success to the degree thatcleaner living?
it inspires, as well as educates and transforms the•    What do former graduates have to
trainees.say?  What is the quality of those who graduate
How to choose a yoga teacher training:the program? 
Yoga training involves an investment of moneyThere are different benefits and restrictions to
and time. What you explore, learn and practice indifferent approaches and it’ll depend on what
a training can affect every aspect of your lifefits your lifestyle. The study of yoga is for life.
from then onward. Whatever training you chooseYoga is to be ‘taught’ by presence, by
will be a learning experience. Any program thatwho we are, and there’s always more to
teaches about yoga and facilitates you practicinglearn and experience.