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

Keep up with your homework and assignments on a regular basis. There is far more theory than one would expect so leaving things until a few days before classes is definitely not a good idea.

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

Taking on too much when teaching a session during practicum.

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

I believe that Yoga will become even more mainstream over the next 20 years or so. Qualified and dedicated Yoga teachers will continue to increase in number and in demand. I see Yoga moving into the school system as a way to help children understand themselves, quiet their minds , increase their ability to focus and concentrate and also as a way of teaching empathy and compassion for others. Another benefit will be helping children understand and deal with their emotions.

I think there will also be an increase in the demand for Yoga teachers in the older group of our growing senior population.

So no Yoga teachers are here to stay, I think.

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

Yes I think so.

One of the things that Yoga has taught me is that finding inner peace, awareness etc comes from inside and is not dependent upon external circumstances.

For sure some environments are not as helpful/conducive to the practice of Yoga but this then becomes a teaching space for being right here right now and in the moment and remaining in touch with your self remaining connected to your inner quiet space. I had a group of my students in my home for one session while I was having my bathroom renovated and at first I was feeling negative about trying to have a class amidst the noise of men ripping down walls etc. I gave myself over to the experience and the most wonderful thing happened. We completed our class and even had a wonderful Savasanna.  The students all said that although they heard the background noise, they were able to stay focus on the inner space they had created and after class reported feeling relaxed and energized.  I also feel more energy for daily activities. Yeah for Yoga!!

What has the yoga teacher training done for you?

Yoga has given me so much over the years even though for much of that time and until the last 2 years my practice has been an on again off again one.

It has given me a feeling of really living in my body instead of my brain.

I feel stronger in my body and more confident in my ability to withstand physical as well as emotional, mental and spiritual challenges that life brings.

I have also been given a chance to work with amazing people who are my teachers and my students and whose presence in my life has given me more meaning in my life.

Most of all Yoga has set me on a Spiritual path which I have been seeking most of my life. I have been able to integrate my own meditation practice with my Yoga and feel my connection to my Source and my Purpose.

 Cheryl Fenn is a retired Registered Nurse, Reiki Master and Reflexologist. Cheryl taught in the Nursing and Practical Nursing program at Mohawk College before her retirement in 2007 after 27 years with the College. She is very excited to begin her Yoga teaching practice starting in the spring. Her areas of interest include working with the Zoomer age group, Seniors and Children and Meditation practice.