So You Think You Want To Be A Yoga Teacher

I have learned a lot since running out of that yoga class years ago. I started walking, a lot, I took a long hard look at myself, my diet and focused on mindful eating. (If that interests you, I recommend the book savor, mindful eating, mindful life by Thich Nhat Hanh and Lilian W. Y. Cheung, D.Sc., R.D.) I did a lot of research on food, medications, supplements, etc. I joined a gym and swam. Everyone tells you swimming is great for people with arthritis. I found that not to be true for me. I ended up having to see an orthopedic surgeon and start physical therapy after swimming laps a few times a week. It took a toll on my joints, primarily hips, SI Joints and shoulders. We are all different, live in different bodies, we respond differently to things and that’s important to know.

I reframed how I looked at everything in my life and it was working. I had a conversation with a dear childhood friend, that same yoga teacher’s class I ran out of, her name is Erica Denman and she is the Owner and Founder of Balance Yoga & Fitness. We were at her house, on her couch and she asked me if I was ready to get back into Yoga. She knew I was reluctant to do more than restorative. At this point I had shed a lot of weight, close to 50 pounds. I hated the commercial gym I was going to. I went with friends, it was social, I worked hard while I was there but it wasn’t me. I am more of a nature, explore trails, walk near water with your dog kinda gal. I needed a kick in the butt, a boost, I need more than just a gym. I thought about trying yoga again. I had more weight to lose, I had to keep my anxiety and stress levels down, I needed to sleep well, keep a tight reign on my pain levels and I wanted to keep enjoying life. Yoga was the way for me to do that. Erica knew this , she knows me well, she knew I was capable of much more but I was back to staying comfortable and playing it safe. I was scared. In a very great, loving, compassionate, lifetime friend, honest, non-flippant way, Erica said “I think doing yoga regularly and joining the studio would be really good for you so do it or don’t do it, stop trying” She was right. Back to yoga I went. It is what I needed. I knew that yoga was a way of life. I was now going to classes 2–3 times a week coupled with walking up to 5 miles a day . I dropped more weight, I sleep better, eat better, think better, live better. I have learned there isn’t a shortcut. Things take time. Important things take time.

I have come into my own much more than I ever thought I could in the last 2 years. This past March, I was on a hike with Erica. We were walking on a dirt trail, she asked me if I was happy, content. I told her I felt like I had over come so much and basically been through a non stop battle over the last decade. A battle with life, myself, my rheumatoid arthritis, emotional and physical pain. I finally felt like I was in a really good place, a grounded place, everything had finally come together for me and I was ready for m0re of a challenge, more growth but I didn’t know what that looked like yet. She asked me “ Have you thought about the yoga teacher training?” I remember laughing. How ironic right? I ran out of one of her classes thinking I would puke, yoga was something that intimidated me for a long time, learning how to teach it never crossed my mind. I started to think about it. I have a lot of respect for her and take her advice seriously. Erica thought it would help with my practice and had the potential to propel me into the next phase of my life. Side note : Another thing I have learned so far in life is that my way is not always the right way and listening to people who know me, people I trust, like minded, well intentioned people is important. Surrounding yourself with authentic, honest, compassionate, loving, funny and kind people is key! When you find them, hold on tight. Back to the yoga teacher training idea: I made a pros and cons list while on vacation. I had to consider the time commitment and the financial component. I made a long list. My only con was “I’m scared” that in itself was enough for me to know that I had to do it. Fast forward to today, I am 5 weeks into this training and it is by far the best thing I have ever done, it is exactly where I need to be right now, where I am supposed to be. It’s a lot, it’s hard and I’m still a little scared. I am being challenged physically, emotionally and mentally in ways I never thought possible and I have to remember it’s important to stay flexible through it all. (PUN TOTALLY INTENDED)