Reflections of a yoga teacher on her training

The biggest lesson for me during teacher training was the incredible journey of connecting to my true Self. This journey helped me realize that the only way to improve my external conditions was to fix what was going on internally. The power is within me and all I need to do is tap into it.

My reason for taking this course was to understand yoga and my body better. I hoped to learn about yoga anatomy and identify how to do the poses “correctly”. The ancient knowledge surrounding yoga intrigued me and I wanted to see how it could assist me in my own journey.

What I learnt is that we are all as unique as a snowflake and that postures adapt to the body, not the other way around. Yes we need to push ourselves to grow but we need to do so slowly and in comfort.  The breath is our biggest guide here. When our breath becomes strained either on the mat or off, we need to understand why and adjust accordingly.

This helped me to understand the concept of yoga – union of the mind and body. It has to do with being present in life. On the mat it can be described as keeping your mind focused on the body as you practice. Really focusing on how the body feels in each pose. We do this through the breath.

On this journey, it occurred to me that I am perfect as I am, with my insecurities, anxiety, fear, etc. That I too could be vulnerable and didn’t need to just be a strong woman to be loved (by myself or others).  That I could love myself exactly as I am in this moment – authentic and raw. That I could overcome any of these things if I tried-and I will It made me see that we are all human with our own “stories” and that everyone counts. My understanding is that we are all connected and essentially face the same challenges in life. Perceptions are important to understand when dealing with people because this is what causes disagreements and turmoil. It is important therefore to be responsible for your own thoughts and emotions. This is all we can control.

I learned to take care of myself first. My body is a gift that I should appreciate. It is perfect as it is, even though it will take me a while to realize that 100%. I have started. Therefore what I choose to put in it is as important as the asana. When I take care of myself, I can give so much more to my loved ones and the world.  I learned to not be so serious. Life is short, we should have fun. Laugh at ourselves, play, experience and live lightly

My favorite part was learning about Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Karma, Tibetan Heart Yoga and the Philosophy of Yoga.

I agree with so many of the teachings but know that I can’t put them all into practice at one time. It will all take a while but I’m in no hurry. My intention is to enjoy the journey.

The training helped me to learn self-acceptance physically, mentally and emotionally and realize that even if I did this course for myself, I owe it to others to teach and learn as I go along I am thankful to Earth Yoga, every one of the teachers and all the incredible woman that participated in this incredible journey. Each inspiring in their own way. Soul sisters forever!

Written by Ramona Sewlal
Picture by Benita Ravyse