Wow, what an incredible experience. It was challenging in the best possible way, and I learned so much about myself, my teaching, and how to move forward to make the training even better in the future for our next Namaslay® YTT in Tennessee. While the days were extremely long, the overall time flew by, which in a way makes me a little sad. It felt like I spent all year planning this three week adventure and I blinked and now it's over. Luckily, we've got memories and photos to last a lifetime.
Today we're bringing you the final installment from of our three-part series that followed nine YTT through the first ever Namaslay® Yoga Teacher Training. If you remember, in Part 1 we checked in as they were preparing for their travel and training, in Part 2 where we visited the trainees at their midpoint, and now we're getting their final thoughts as they look back on their experience and ahead to their teaching careers.
Stay tuned to the blog because later today we are revealing our next YTT which will take place this spring!
Eva T.
1. What will you miss most about Thailand and this experience?
I’m going to miss the jungle setting and my fellow #namaslayytt jungle friends.
2. What area of your teaching do you feel you gained the most strength in?
I learned how to plan a yoga class for students who are at different levels, so that everyone can have a safe and enjoyable experience.
3. What are you looking forward to once you're home?
To see my family and friends who have been patiently waiting for my return home, and to give them all a big hug.
Give a follow on IG: @evatzschaschel
Lauren 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?
Be prepared to be emotionally cut wide open, stitch up your wounds, and become a new and improved version of yourself.
2. What will you miss most about Thailand and this experience?
Easy. The trainees. We’ve all bonded and have gone through such an amazing ordeal together. We’re connected on a soul level now, and I feel like 24 pieces of my heart are about to be scattered about the world.
3. What was your most impactful learning moment of the training?
Quiet, one-on-one moments of reassurance from Candace.
Give a follow on IG: @lcbyogi
Andrea R.
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?
Practice teaching as much as you can now! Record videos of yourself teaching then try to follow along with them. It would also be helpful to teach your friends and family. It won’t hurt to have some previous experience. (:
2. What will you miss most about Thailand and this experience?
Rice. HAHA just kidding!!! (; I’m going to miss my new yogi family the most. The thought of leaving and possibly never seeing them again makes me sad. This is the most supportive group I have ever been a part of & I’m very grateful for having them in my life.
3. What area of your teaching do you feel you gained the most strength in?
Confidence! I learned how to sequence intelligently & how to end my classes on time! (: I had no idea wtf I was doing 3 weeks ago & now I am confident with creating my own classes. (Thanks Namaslay teachers)
Give a follow on IG: @andief430
Liz M.
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?
Start experiencing/going to as many different types of yoga as you can. Don’t limit yourself by practicing just one type. The more you explore now the more you will learn when you arrive and go through the YTT.
2. What are you looking forward to once you're home?
Teaching yoga to my friends and family and continuing on this journey! Oh yeah, and tacos and margs.
3. What are your plans for teaching when you return home?
First area of continuing ed: prenatal yoga! Also, focus on gaining experience my first year and teach as many different types of students as possible. I’ll be in the Washington, DC area.
Give a follow on IG: @liz.merci
Ashley S.
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?
Prepare your mind to focus on the positive. There will be long days, short nights and busy schedules, but there will also be opportunities for learning, growth and connection in every moment. Choose to focus on the beauty of those moments when you are tired/cranky/full of rice and missing bacon. Your biggest struggles will come from self doubt and comparison, so set an intention to know you are capable right now.
2. What will you miss most about Thailand and this experience?
My fellow trainees, I mean, graduates (whaaaat?!)! These people have supported and loved me so well, and I am now connected to an incredible network of humans across the globe. What a gift!
What was your most impactful learning moment of the training?
My most impactful learning moment was a self discovery during a Kundalini class. We were meditating, and I was unsure about this whole chakra business. I decided to keep an open mind, but I didn’t expect a diversion from my thoughts or any real feelings of energy flow. I was totally blindsided by a breakthrough in self awareness and healing realizations of my worth which shook me to my core (or rather, my root). It’s amazing what happens when we feel safe, supported, and approach an experience with an open mind.
Give a follow on IG: @breathingbird
Franzi U.
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?
Prepare for an intensive schedule, not only physically but especially mentally. You’ll have lectures all day long and not lots of sleep. On top it’s mentally intense as you’ll digg deep and it’s going to get emotional.
2. What will you miss most about Thailand and this experience?
Our little bubble without real life to worry about. No stress about my job, meeting friends, and all the other crazy things in real life.
3. What are you looking forward to once you're home?
My family, friends and me time <3
Give a follow on IG: @liftheavy_benddeep
Christina F.
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?
Don't expect much down time! You will be up before the sun and long after it sets. All sorts of emotions will come bubbling to the surface and you will likely wonder why on earth you ever chose to put yourself through this torture. But in the end, all the hard work will pay off.
2. What will you miss most about Thailand and this experience?
The support of all the amazing people here with me. I know we'll keep in touch but I will miss my yoga family dearly.
3. What are you looking forward to once you're home?
Smothering my animals with love and eating tacos!
Give a follow on IG: @christina.eve.yoga
Christina G.
1. What's one thing you were surprised to learn about yourself?
That as an ex-ballerina I have horrible posture!
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?
I would advise them to take their time reading through the curriculum but to balance all that work out by journaling through and thinking through their own unique story and why they signed up to become a yoga teacher in the first place. Having that story solid will go a LONG way when faced with the demands of an intensive training.
3. What was your most impactful learning moment of the training?
My most impactful learning moment of the training was the realization that came through getting hurt. Injury can happen and be a total accident, but often it’s actually a big clue about the basic fabric of our lives. For me, hurting my back answered some deeper questions about myself that I didn’t even realize needed answered. I also believe the humbling that comes through walking through an injury will only make me stronger and more relatable as a teacher.
Give a follow on IG: @christinagibson
Alexandra H.
1. What's one thing you were surprised to learn about yourself?
That I actually really enjoy teaching and talking in front of a group of people! This has always been my fear and a still get nervous prior to but maybe its because I just love yoga so much, it makes teaching it/being up in front of a group of people easier!
2. What are your plans for teaching when you return home?
I'd really love to start a YouTube channel first as I need be able to work within my schedule for medical school! I love getting to know people really well so I'd also like to do private lessons because I enjoy adding special touches to my classes :)
3. What are you looking forward to once you're home?
Aside from getting to cuddle my pug again, I'm really looking forward to being able to spend more time on the blog that I'm creating as well as getting back to my own yoga practice and creating cool flows! ;)
Give a follow on IG: @roseandoaklife