What a beautiful time we had in Tennessee during our 200 hour Intensive Namaslay® Yoga Teacher Training. Each day, our team of teachers and all our trainees (now graduates!) woke before the sun to practice yoga, study and learn, create, practice teaching, develop their personal goals, and support one another in becoming the best versions of themselves.
As teachers, we learn so much each time we hold a training and are always trying to improve the experience and the quality of education we provide. For example, this year we aimed to focus the morning yoga practices on something the trainees would learn later in the day. If we were going to discuss hip opening in anatomy, or focus on the principles of assists, we’d practice those things in the flow, so when study time came, there was practical knowledge already at hand.
Laura got a kick out of this strap assisted release for the cervical spine.
Since most of our teachers have a background in public education and curriculum development, we’ve adjusted each lesson to incorporate hands-on learning, self inquiry, and cooperative practices to reach multiple learning styles. After discussing different ways to use props, the trainees practiced cuing one another into the assisted poses and had question and answer sessions about the anatomy, contraindications and modifications someone might need in a yoga class.
We also varied the schedule to incorporate movement throughout the day. Whether it be a strength class or a yoga workshop, breaking the study sessions up with physical, personal practice improves the focus and morale of students in an intensive setting. Besides, our brains need time to process all the information received in an intensive training, and though there’s not much time to sift through it all at the end of the packed days, putting the lessons to use in their own bodies helped these new yoga teachers understand how to guide others into more challenging postures.
Jen walking the trainees through a few prenatal practices.
In our inclusive and adaptive yoga modules, we’d discuss the foundations and need to know modifications, assists, adjustments and dialogue before practicing a sample class for bigger bodies, athletes, amputees, seniors, PTSD, or as seen above, pregnancy. For students who’ve never been pregnant, a pillow really helps you appreciate how challenging it can be to move around a baby!
In all Namaslay® yoga teacher trainings, we dive into the details of what makes a great class, from theme to setting the space. These lavender scented eye pillows and room sprays from ZeetaBody helped us set the mood for restorative and meditative practices and were a great resource as the trainees practiced teaching their own restorative classes.
Between classes, we’d fuel up - because no one learns when they’re hangry! We made vegan chia seed muffins with this pancake mix from Boulder Bake and got creative with the pizza crust mix. They became savory breakfast biscuits and were a big hit!
We topped just about everything with this organic hazelnut spread from Nutiva and made smoothies powered by their SuperSeed mix. It’s nice to have organic, vegan friendly options to mix up the protein and sugar fixes!
We could taste the love and care put into this granola and these paleo cookies from Nora’s Food Company. With no grains, dairy, soy or GMOs, no one thought twice about covering their yogurt with chocolaty, crunchy goodness, or stuffing their pockets with cookies for later.
When there was no time between strength class and a practicum, we’d grab a Perfect Bar for a dose of real superfoods and protein in a bar so good it tastes like dessert.
And thanks to Project Juice, we were able to get a caffeine boost and a full, happy belly on these organic protein shakes. With only a handful of ingredients, these were the perfect solution to the afternoon slump. You can use code YOGABYCANDACE for 20% off 8 or more juices or a juice cleanse order of $100 or more!*
By the end of the day, we were sipping coconut water from Amy and Brian’s Naturals to replenish our electrolytes, or getting a micronutrient boost from these organic Suja blends, and staring at the view of the sun setting over the mountain ridge.
Actually, we were glancing up to appreciate it between studying note cards and catching up on work!
As with all of our trainings, everyone came in with their own doubts and limiting beliefs. They had fears and were unsure of their progress, and determination wavered. But they stuck it out. They came back to the reasons why they came, encouraged one another to keep going, and reminded themselves of their true inner power. Through the long study hours and deep introspective work, to the early mornings and mountains of content, the trainees came out as confident graduates, with a toolbox full of their own unique offerings to hit the ground running as yoga teachers, and a network of support to remind them of their strength when they lose their way.
We are so proud of the progress these yoga teachers made and the incredible things they’re about to bring to this world. Our next training is shaping up to be another transformative experience, and anyone who’s ready to invest in their future as a yoga teacher should check out our 200 hour Intensive Namaslay® YTT in Santorini this coming April. We all benefit when we come together to build each other up. I’m excited to do it again next year!
*Project Juice discount is only available online, not valid on Project Pantry items or in conjunction with other discounts. 1 use per customer. Valid from August to 10/1/19.