How to become a yoga master: A yoga guide

If you’re reading this article, I think you and I have something in common: a shared interest, passion, and love affair with yoga! You are beginning to recognize that your dedication to yoga practice has become something beyond asanas . Are you wondering, am I ready to take my practice to the next level? How can I help others develop their personal and spiritual practice? How can I turn my passion into a livelihood? These questions signify the beginning of your transition from student to teacher! Here is my easy guide to follow in 5 steps and become a yoga instructor.

1. RESEARCH

It can be daunting to know where to start on your path to becoming a yoga teacher. With the growing popularity of yoga, you will find many different yoga teacher training courses and finding the right one for you is paramount. Some key things to consider are style, accreditation, and logistics.

– Style:

 During your research, try different yoga classes. It’s nice to experience the contrast between, say, a restorative yoga class and a more dynamic one! When you find the style that suits you best, this will help determine which school or training center offers the style of yoga that you would like to teach.

– Accreditation:

 There are four main yoga teacher associations to choose from: The British Wheel of Yoga, Yoga Alliance UK, Yoga Alliance International and the Independent Yoga Network. Each association has its own requirements and offers different types of certification. Courses range from a minimum of 100 hours to 500 hours, over an intensive course to over 2 years or more. Be practical and choose what works for you. This will only help your commitment to your teacher training.

-Logistics:

 Finally, consider logistics, as yoga teacher training courses will involve a certain amount of travel… especially, if you choose a far away place like India. Ask yourself how the course fits into your lifestyle, family and work life.

2. Find a teacher you connect with

You will be spending a significant amount of time with your teacher, so it is important that you connect and identify with their personality. A Great Teacher will inspire you to find your own inner teacher to develop your teaching path and help you become the kind of authentic teacher you want to be. No two yoga teachers are the same! Take the opportunity to meet your teacher, attend his class to experience his teaching style and ask lots of questions. As the saying goes “when the student is ready, the teacher will appear”.

3. Consider your resources

Teacher training is an investment, so it’s important to consider your finances. Ask yourself the following questions:

Will I be teaching in yoga studios and/or starting my own classes?
What other costs should I consider if I’m setting up my own studio (insurance, room rental, marketing costs)?
This can be quite a scary transition, but also a very rewarding one to develop personally and professionally!

4. Follow your passion

There will come a time when you will stop modeling yourself on other teachers. When you embrace your own creative self, you will live and teach your own passion! You can only be you, so be yourself, teach your own style and teach from the heart.

That is the special thing that will distinguish you from all other teachers, being only yourself.

5. Take the time to reflect

So if you are still with me reading this article, you are about to make a change and take the first step towards your new path. Take some time to reflect on why you want to make this change.

As I reflected over the course period to complete my teacher training, I faced my own fears, found my own voice, and gained confidence in leading large groups. Yoga truly takes you on a journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and spiritual development.

Do you have any advice you want to share for our fellow yogis and yogis who are about to go through teacher training? Share them in the comments below!