Taking Teaching to the Next Level

Photo via yoganomics.net

After months of debating, last night I finally completed and turned in my application & deposit for the Advanced Teacher Training (ATT) program at Tranquil Space. This 500-hr. teacher training is 12 full weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) over 1 year, but I've decided to spread it out over two years so as not to stress myself out *too* much in the next 12 months. But, this still feels like a big decision as both a teacher and a yogini. I am super-excited to get back in training and refill my teaching well, but there are also those nerves that come along with starting something new, and challenging myself in this way again. Why am I doing an advanced teacher training? Why would anyone take an advanced teacher training? There are so many reasons, but for me it boils down to a few things...

• Growing as a teacher: I've now been teaching for a little over a year (my Tranquil Space 1 year anniversary was earlier this month!), and I feel that I'm comfortable in front of a class, that the nerves are gone and I'm truly able to teach, uninhibited. Because I have found this sense of comfort, I feel that I'm ready to take it to the next level, to learn more and begin to weave new information, ideas, poses, and assists into my classes.
  
• To learn more about the areas of yoga that I know least about: especially pranyama (breathing techniques), anatomy and physiology, psychology, energetics, and yoga philosophy. Seems like a lot, yes? That's why I'm doing ATT!
• Growing as a student of yoga: Each time that I learn something new in my own practice and in my own body, I am once again reminded of why I love yoga. Through taking more training, I hope to be able to grow my own practice, and in turn, share this with my students. What I want to learn more about as a student? Obviously, and most-importantly, the things listed above, but also arm-balancing and inversions ;)
  
• I love learning: I really, really, really love learning :) I always loved school, and miss being in a learning environment. The last teacher training that I took (200-hr) was SUCH a life-changing experience (quit my full-time job afterward!) and I grew so much during the training, that I know this one will be enriching, as well. I'm sure that those of you who have been through a teacher training--no matter what the level--can understand this. 
  

Ever thought of taking a teacher training but not sure if you're ready? I highly recommend starting out with a shorter, level 1 training to get your feet wet. It's a great way to see if you even enjoy teaching--if it's really something that you want to pursue--before you pour 200 hours of your life into a longer program. If you're a Tranquil Space student, feel free to chat with me about the teacher training program at the studio. I'll be helping to lead the TT1 in Arlington later this summer (yay! so excited!) and am happy to discuss it in more detail because I. love. trainings. Such a great way to grow!

I am truly looking forward to jumping into this new endeavor, and of course, will share my experiences along the way :)

Namaste,
Mary Catherine

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