Yoga Teacher Training - Week One

I've spent the last four days digesting the first weekend of yoga teacher training and attempting to come up with a way to share it with you, and I'm just not sure I know how.

It was intense. Because our time is relatively short, we really hit the ground running. We, as students, were given a very small series of poses to lead on the first full day. By the second day we were rotating out of practice to lead the next group of poses. We worked in small groups leading each other and as a whole, taking turns.

It was really intimidating to start leading a class so quickly, and I was kind of surprised at how comfortable with it I felt. Obviously, I'm not great, but I can see my problem areas and they are not - surprisingly - the ability to open my mouth and make directions come out.

I'm terrified of how much there is to learn. It's been a long time since I've had to memorize things without the benefit of using the crap out of whatever it is until it sticks. But I have to memorize the sanskrit, the cues for each pose, what the intention of the pose is and what the typical problems with the pose are. I have to learn about the 8 limbs of yoga and read, read, read.

I am so exhausted.

We were asked to forego gluten, sugar, processed foods, alcohol, and smoking. In my attempt to comply, I neglected to keep an eye on my protein intake, and my muscle recovery time took a nosedive. I'm taking a baby step back so that I can make sure I'm getting the protein I need, because I can't just gnaw off a hunk of cow.

I mean.

I could.

But I probably won't.

I was amazed and humbled by the openness with which students shared their feelings, experiences, problems. Instead of doing the behind-the-back snarking, griping or tattling, if there was a problem, we discussed it. Students took responsibility for their feelings in the situation and discussed what happened and why it bothered them, or why they disagreed with what happened.

Coming from an office setting, where back-stabbing and underhandedness can be the norm, it was truly amazing to see people act like grown ups and tackle a problem head on.

I am overjoyed to be doing this training with people I genuinely enjoy spending time with. I love watching their triumphs and growth. I feel so blessed to be able to witness their journeys.

It's a little overwhelming but it feels so much like home.

I cannot be more grateful to be on this journey, in this community, with these people.

I'm kind of afraid that four more weekends won't be enough.