1. What is one thing that every yoga teacher trainee must do?

Begin your journey with an open mind, otherwise you will miss many wonderful opportunites to see things in a different perspective. When your practice is done with an open mind, you eventually discover and meet your true self. Yoga is about discovering who you are and as a teacher, you should know who you are so that you can guide your students on their own journey of self-discovery.

2. What is one thing that every yoga teacher trainee must avoid?

Never doubt yourself. Always believe in yourself and your abilities as a teacher and as a student. Each time you bring yourself to your mat is a new experience, a new opportunity to learn and grow.

3. Is being a yoga teacher just trendy or is it here to stay?

I believe that yoga is here to stay. Although the western philosophy of yoga is different from the eastern philosophy, it has become more widely popular in so many forms. Yoga is constantly evolving, just as we humans do. However, I believe that any form of a yoga practice should always have the emphasis on Mind, Body and Soul. This way it will be a true and meaningful practice and not just a trendy fad that will be forgotten when the next new “exercise” comes along.

4. Can a yoga teacher still be successful if they are in a crowded niche?

Absolutely! Yoga offers up so many opportunities for a teacher to diversify him or herself. I believe that the sky is the limit with yoga practice and making it your own! If everyone practiced yoga, don’t you think the world would be a much more loving place?

“It is not that the student needs to accommodate him or herself to yoga, but rather the yoga practice must be tailored to fit each person.” T.K.V. Desikachar

5. What has the yoga teacher training done for you?
Where do I begin? In a nutshell, the teacher training was transformational for me. I learned so many things about yoga, life and myself. The training provided me the opportunity to push myself beyond my limits and to build up the strength and courage to face many challenges. I feel like a new person and the possibilities are endless for me to go out into the world and share my new yoga knowledge with others. Last but not least, the yoga training enabled me to meet many wonderful and special people, ones I know I will have friendships with for a long, long time to come.

Yoga is an endless journey and I am forever grateful for the teachers that have come into my life to help me along the way. It is through their teachings that I have been inspired to teach others.

Francesca Di Falco is a recent graduate of the yoga teacher training program here at Body Therapies Yoga Training.