Today we're bringing you the next installment of our series that follows our trainees along their journey through Namaslay® Yoga Teacher Training. A few weeks ago, we introduced the faces of our Tennessee training, asked them how their preparation was coming along, and now that they're halfway through, we’re checking in to find out what aspects they're loving about YTT, what they're missing most from home, and what they wished they had spent less time worrying about prior to coming. Hopefully you’ve been following along as they’ve taken over our IG stories, and if you’re inspired by what you see, you can join us at our next 200hr Namaslay® YTT in Santorini in April. These trainees are working hard, so give them some love in the comments! xo - Candace
This is our fourth teacher training, and though some things have become more streamlined, there’s something new to learn with each group. We hit the ground running on Day 1, and things have been running really smoothly with the help of our whole team. We’ve been fortunate to have beautiful weather and excellent farm to table meals from our chef, and the bonds among the group are already really strong. The trainees are processing what they learn to improve everyday. I’m proud of the work they’ve accomplished thus far, and I know when graduation arrives, they’ll be ready to teach incredible yoga practices and build their own communities and businesses. Read on to get their perspectives, and follow along with us on the Namaslay® YTT Instagram!
Marleny R.
What are you missing from home, and what strategy are you using to help?
I’ve been missing my family. Thankfully this is the 21st century, and I am able to see them everyday through FaceTime. #thankyoutechnology
What do you think has been the most informative aspect of this training?
The entire program is informative, way over my expectations! I am grateful for choosing this specific training. The practicums are the most challenging for me, but I’m so grateful we are being taught to teach from day one!
Is there any preparation you would've done differently?
Yes! Yes! Yes! I would’ve taken better notes on my readings and would’ve studied the Sanskrit way ahead of time. On top of Sanskrit, I would have taught myself yoga sequences out loud.
Give her a follow on IG @_marlenyxo
Maddie B.
What are you missing from home, and what strategy are you using to help?
My doggies! I ask to get pictures of them every day...that helps a lot.
What do you think has been the most informative aspect of this training?
So far, the anatomy portion. I never took anatomy in high school or college, so I wish I knew more. Candace and Dan really emphasize the importance’s on key muscles throughout the body. Learning about those has made my own practice that much better.
What's been your favorite aspect of training so far (it can be anything!)?
Our Kula! The connection and bond we’ve made as trainees has been the best. There is so much laughter, love and understanding for one another.
Give her a follow on IG @mad.bowler
Hannah D.
What are you missing from home, and what strategy are you using to help?
Naps. I’m probably gonna sleep for like 3 days when I get home. But don’t worry this experience is totally worth the exhaustion.
What has surprised you most about Namaslay® YTT?
The “wall” you hit mentally towards the end of the first week is SO real y’all. I knew it would happen at some point, and probably will more than once, but damn! I was just so drained yesterday, mentally and physically, I could barely function. But I pushed through it (albeit barely lol) and woke up feeling great this morning. The wall hits hard, but it does pass!
What do you think has been the most informative aspect of this training?
I really love all we’re learning about yoga for different types of people, i.e. athletes or bigger bodies and yoga for PTSD or addiction.
Give her a follow on IG @hannahshaelin
Laura G.
What do you think has been the most informative aspect of this training?
The teaching experience, hands down. It was intimidating at first, teaching poses and sequences from day one, but the constant practice has definitely increased confidence and will ensure that we all leave training with the ability to safely teach a class.
Did you spend time worrying or over analyzing something before arriving, and now that you're here, doesn't seem to matter?
I was so nervous that I wouldn't be at the right level with my yoga practice or that I wouldn't be able to keep up during strength training. I realize now that was silly to worry about. We are all here to learn and improve, no expectations, just good intentions.
What's been your favorite aspect of training so far (it can be anything!)?
The community of incredible people around me. The days are long and stress levels are high, but everyone is there for each other and we are in this together. It's really comforting, especially being away from home with minimal contact with loved ones for so long.
Give her a follow on IG @laur_g21
Melanie C.
What has surprised you most about Namaslay® YTT?
The amount of tasks that need to be completed in a day. Some days there is just learning and other days there are projects and class time.
What do you think has been the most informative aspect of this training?
Honestly there isn’t one thing that’s more informative than others but the Yoga for (bigger bodies, athletes, etc) has given me so much confidence in teaching in different ways.
What's your overall impression of Namaslay® YTT so far?
It’s been informative and enlightening. The entire team has been welcoming, helpful and engaging.
Give her a follow on IG @yogistylebymel
Joanna W.
What has surprised you most about Namaslay® YTT?
How everyone connected with each other so quickly. Everyone is so amazing and we have become fast friends.
What's your overall impression of Namaslay® YTT so far?
I’m very impressed. It’s a lot of hard work, but I’m learning and growing so much.
What's been your favorite aspect of training so far (it can be anything!)?
Being able to practice yoga everyday, learning about yoga deeper than I would in just a class, and connecting with so many new people.
Give her a follow on IG @joanna_wren
The next time you see these trainees, they’ll be Namaslay® YTT graduates! We’ll bring them back when training is over, so you can hear their final thoughts. If you want to jump on the next opportunity to study with us, click here to apply for Namaslay® YTT in Santorini!