And just like that we have a whole new group of students-turned-graduates of the Namaslay® 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training! I’m so happy for these teachers and so grateful for their hard work, dedication and focus during their time here. And while it was set against the peaceful backdrop of Tennessee’s Smokey Mountains, this training was nothing short of intense. The 200 hr program is condensed into just under 20 days which meant the schedule was packed with tons of philosophy, anatomy, yoga and introspective curriculum, and the nights were short, with 5am wake-ups for meditation and practice. Nonetheless, our trainees were committed to their learning and their practice, and I could not be more proud and excited for what the future has in store for them.
Coming off the Thailand training, I too had some learning opportunities to take into consideration for this training so that I could make this one even more effective and successful. I’m so thankful for the students’ honest feedback because it helps to make me a better teacher and this program more effective for future students. And now, I’m looking forward to some much needed self-care and my bed…for at least a few days, before I head out on our Namaslay® 2.0 Yoga Workshop Tour!
Today is the final installment from of our three-part series that followed these nine YTT through the first domestic Namaslay® Yoga Teacher Training. In Part 1 we checked in as they were preparing, in Part 2 we visited the trainees at their midpoint, and now we're getting their final thoughts as they look both back on their experiences and ahead to their teaching careers.
The next Namaslay® 200 hr YTT will take place in April 2019 in the beautiful city of Santorini, Greece, and with a few spots still available, I hope to see you there!
Jordynn F.
1. What's one thing you were surprised to learn about yourself?
I was really nervous about getting homesick but I was actually pretty good about living in the moment and soaking up all I could.
2. What are you looking forward to once you're home?
Cuddling my animals and sleeping in my own bed!
3. What area of your teaching do you feel you gained the most strength in?
How the human body works and why that is important for designing a yoga class. I had no idea how much went into planning a class.
4. What will you miss most about this experience?
The amazing community of supportive people. Everyone was always there for each other and we created a bond like none other.
Give a follow on IG: @fineryoga
Leota T.
1. What's one thing you were surprised to learn about yourself?
Teaching comes naturally to me. I absolutely love it.
2. What will you miss most about this experience?
The sense of community and all the amazing beautiful and loving souls that I have met.
3. What are your plans for teaching when you return home?
I’m not sure yet. I’m hoping to maybe start private lessons or work with a couple of people I know- to gain a little more experience. I would love to work in a studio. My dream would to quit nursing all together and own a little quaint studio with all the things.
4. What are you looking forward to once you're home?
Honestly, I cannot wait to sleep in my own bed!! Oh, and also my beautiful wife and our fur babies.
Give a follow on IG: @yogitoombs
Katie A.
1. What's one thing you were surprised to learn about yourself?
I am physically stronger than I believed. I really enjoyed the strength portion of the training because I felt amazing during each workout. (Excluding any with burpees!)
2. What is one piece of advice you would offer to someone who's just signed up to do an intensive yoga teacher training program?
Be prepared physically (duh) but also emotionally. Lots of stuff will come up. It’s not pretty, glamorous, or even fun some of the days. I wouldn’t stress myself out and tell myself that I need to have all my “stuff” dealt with beforehand but just be prepared to face some things you haven’t faced in a long time.
3. What will you miss most about this experience?
Morning yoga followed by breakfast with our breakfast groups - mostly just going to miss the supportive women around me all the time.
4. What are you looking forward to once you're home?
My bed! My boyfriend! Phone reception so I can hear my mom’s voice! EVERYTHING! I’m beyond ready to go home!
Give a follow on IG: @ktarnld
Jamie B.
1. What is one piece of advice you would offer to someone who's just signed up to do an intensive yoga teacher training program?
Watch The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Netflix! It’s exactly the roller coaster you will be on during this training. You will bomb hard, then you will gain confidence, then you will be knocked flat again, then you will continue to improve until you’re ready to leave. You’ll feel scared but excited about all of the potential possibilities that are now within reach.
2. What will you miss most about this experience?
The people.
3. What area of your teaching do you feel you gained the most strength in?
Learning how to intentionally sequence a class to lead the students where you want them to go. I’m now realizing how many classes I’ve attended where we were cued into poses that didn’t serve any purpose.
4. What are you looking forward to once you're home?
I can’t wait to see my husband and three little kiddos! I’ve miss them so much!
Give a follow on IG: @momonamat
Jordan A.
1. What's one thing you were surprised to learn about yourself?
I was surprised at how many emotions and thoughts came up when we did introspective work. It really helped me learn how to get rid of negative self talk and begin to love myself. Being surrounded by these empowering women helped me learn that I am just as powerful as them and we are each unique in our own way.
2. What is one piece of advice you would offer to someone who's just signed up to do an intensive yoga teacher training program?
IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE. It is amazing to get 3 weeks to shut out the “real” world and actually focus on yourself, 100% yourself. Not anything else. You will find out so much about you and maybe even start a journey to bettering yourself. You do so much introspective work in this training which I was nervous for but it actually turned out to be one of my favorite parts.
3. What are you looking forward to once you're home?
I am looking forward to cuddling my dog the most! Can’t wait to squish his little face. I’m also soooo excited to visit my boyfriend after the training since we live 6 hours away as well as going home to my family!! Everyone has been such an amazing support group for me and I can’t wait to show them the person I have become thanks to Candace and her team.
4. What will you miss most about this experience?
I am going to miss our tribe of powerful, beautiful, strong, encouraging ladies. Especially my lovely roommate, Katie!!!
Give a follow on IG: @jordanarnold_
Layla J.
1. What's one thing you were surprised to learn about yourself?
That I’m better at strength than what I thought.
2. What is one piece of advice you would offer to someone who's just signed up to do an intensive yoga teacher training program?
Study study study! And then when you’re done studying study some more. And do lots of different yoga classes.
3. What will you miss most about this experience?
The gals and the food.
4. What are you looking forward to once you're home?
Sleeping in my own bed!
Give a follow on IG: @layla_fj
Claire G.
1. What is one piece of advice you would offer to someone who's just signed up to do an intensive yoga teacher training program?
It is just what they say it is, intense. Be prepared, be open minded, stop your negative self talk, be ready to grow and learn more in 3 weeks than you ever thought you could, and despite the challenges, enjoy the ride; it’s such a rare and beautiful thing.
2. What will you miss most about this experience?
The amazing women I met here and being safe inside this beautiful yoga bubble. (Also the amazing food, s/o to Chef Matt.)
3. What area of your teaching do you feel you gained the most strength in?
Confidence. This training is exhausting but so empowering and the instructors as well as my peers were so supportive and up-lifting. It’s scary to stand in front of a group of people who don’t know you and try to teach them and teach them well. However, the well rounded curriculum and amazing circle of support have built the confidence within me to get out there and share what I’ve learned with everyone I possibly can.
4. What are you looking forward to once you're home?
Bringing this amazing practice back to my family and friends, being a better me, sleep, and of course....mint chip ice cream!!
Give a follow on IG: @clairehardtyoga
Jennelle B.
1. What is one piece of advice you would offer to someone who's just signed up to do an intensive yoga teacher training program?
Develop a consistent yoga practice, and practice as many different types of yoga at a school many different yoga studios as you can.
2. What will you miss most about this experience?
Buckles! Loved having a dog around.
3. What area of your teaching do you feel you gained the most strength in?
I gained a lot of confidence in my ability to write a sequenced class. Prior to the training I never really considered why I was picking the poses I was doing, but now I know how to pick poses for a purpose and put them into a cohesive flow.
4. What are you looking forward to once you're home?
Not waking up at 5 a.m. Haha!
Give a follow on: @jennybeeyogi
Claire N.
1. What is one piece of advice you would offer to someone who's just signed up to do an intensive yoga teacher training program?
Keep an open mind. WIDE OPEN. There are so many amazing experiences to be had at a training like this and if you aren't fully receptive, you can miss out on so much.
2. What will you miss most about this experience?
The beautiful souls I met here. They have made my life so bright for the past 3 weeks, and I will miss them when I get home. I'm looking forward to seeing them all again - fingers crossed! I will also miss Chef Matt's amazing cooking... I realized how inadequate of a cook I am after eating so well here!
3. What was your most impactful learning moment of the training?
In one of the anatomy lessons on the spine and trunk we discussed the science behind the asymmetry of the human body, and it really hit home for me! I felt like I understood my body and my yoga practice better and felt more confident in my skin.
4. What are your plans for teaching when you return home?
To be honest, I'm not sure! But I'm looking forward to going home and exploring my options with new eyes and a fresh outlook.
Give a follow on IG: @claire_pauline