Yoga is a philosophy of life and a process of transformation. It is both theory and practice. There are many types of yoga. The main ones are: Jnana Yoga (knowledge), Bhakti Yoga (devotion), Karma Yoga (action), Raja Yoga (meditation), and Hatha Yoga (forceful). Each path has its own disciplines.
Most of the yoga practiced in the West is Hatha Yoga. Historically, there had been a lot of disregard for the body, and attention to transcending the body. Tantra changed that, acknowledging the importance of the body in spiritual growth. The aim: to have a healthy body of light, able to hold the powerful energy of the “serpent power”.
The traditional path of Hatha Yoga developed out of the Tantric concerns for a healthy body. Disciplines include moral disciplines, diet, rituals, purification techniques, postures, breath and prana control, seals, locks, meditation/ visualization and ecstasy. The names associated with Hatha Yoga are Goraksha Natha (1150 AD) and Matsyendra Natha (1000 AD).
T. Krishnamacharya (1888-1989) was the guru (and father) of T.V. Desikachar and the guru (and brother-in-law) of B.K.S. Iyengar, and also the guru of K. Pattabhi Jois (1915-2009) and Indra Devi (1899-2002). These individuals are responsible for Hatha Yoga in the West.
The esoteric explanation (not literal meaning) of Hatha is ha the sun, and tha the moon. Yoga is the union of these two forces within, with the result of bliss.
Teacher trainings in Hatha yoga cover a wide variety of styles from the gentle Kripalu, through to the precision of Iyengar, to the dynamic Ashtanga. The student of yoga will likely choose to teach the type of yoga he/she practices.
To find a Yoga teacher training that suits your needs, begin by visiting the official website of the style you are interested in.
Here are a few:
What style of yoga is Integrative Yoga Therapy (IYT)?
Rather than a style of yoga, Integrative Yoga Therapy is a process. A graduate from the IYT yoga teacher training program will be able to select and arrange yoga techniques in a way that the yoga classes fulfill a particular aim.
For example, the teacher decides on “Breath, the Heart of the Class” as the theme of the class. Which inspirational poem, mudra, pranayama, relaxation, meditation and affirmation will be selected? And what order will they follow?
I practiced Ashtanga yoga as well as hatha yoga, can I study in this program?
Yes, you can. The Integrative Yoga Therapy yoga teacher training program will prepare you to teach yoga for total wellness. Students practicing all styles of yoga have completed this training successfully.
Can I teach regular yoga classes with this training?
Yes. In addition to offering yoga classes to the general public, graduates teach yoga-based wellness programs in hospitals, businesses, universities, clinics, and complimentary health care settings.
How much time is required for home study?
There are 3 parts to the home study: reading and answering at least 2 questions, journalism, and practice.
Reading - One chapter of the manual is covered each month. Chapters include The History of Yoga, Ayurveda and Yoga, Stress Management, and Meditation, Imagery, Relaxation and Yoga Nidra. How quickly you integrate the material and answer questions will depend on how familiar you are with the topic.
Journaling – What prepares you to be an effective yoga teacher is your own personal experience and journey of transformation as a student of yoga. As you explore the topic for the month, you capture and share whatever you are comfortable sharing of that experience. Sharing may include creative drawings.
Practice – The foundation of yoga is practice, practice, practice. For this time is required. The yoga techniques are learned systematically and by actually doing them. Developing a daily practice brings many benefits. As you begin to appreciate the value of this, creating practice time becomes part of your flow. In addition, practice teaching to family and friends starts you on your teaching path.
How much time are you willing to devote to get the most of your teacher training? Some find 4 hours a week adequate.
I have just discovered yoga and got so much benefit that I want to share it with others. Am I qualified to take the training?
You must know the basics of yoga before you can train to be a teacher. While in training, you will learn the names of the poses and how to perform the pose correctly. Sometimes students feel they can never teach like their teacher, and are intimidated by this. This program assists teachers in developing their own unique vision and mission, along with the maturity and insight to clarify this vision.
Take the support of family and friends as you can dedicate the time necessary to complete the program thoroughly.
This is the 7th in a series of interviews with graduates from the Integrative Yoga Therapy teacher training program offered through Body Therapies Yoga Training. If you are thinking of becoming a yoga teacher, you’ll find these of particular interest.
1. What is one thing that every yoga teacher trainee must do?
Be willing to reflect and examine oneself deeply.
2. What is one thing that every yoga teacher trainee must avoid?
Seeking perfection.
3. Is being a yoga teacher just trendy or is it here to stay?
I think becoming a yoga teacher is something that a person does for him/herself so it does not matter if it is a trend or not.
4. Can a yoga teacher still be successful if they are in a crowded niche?
Yes, I think each yoga teacher has his or her own style and there will be students who will be comfortable with that style.
5. What has the yoga teacher training done for you?
Yoga teacher training with Heather Greaves has influenced my life immensely, spiritually and emotionally. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my love for yoga with others. Teaching yoga has added a rich new dimension to my life.
Anju Joshi
Integrative Yoga Therapy
email: yogawithanju@cogeco.ca
We hope you enjoyed reading Anju’s experience. And if you’d like to learn more about our Integrative Yoga Therapy yoga teacher training program, check for information at www.yogatogo.com and send us an email.
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