Embarking on a yoga teacher training (YTT) program can be a transformative experience, but it's natural to have some fears! Usually before students sign up, they have some questions they want to ask me! I took my first yoga teacher training and I was terrified that I wouldn't be good enough to be there. If you have fears...you are not alone! Here are some of the most common things students share with me that they are afraid of!
1. "I want to do Yoga Teacher Training...but I am still a beginner!"
- Many people worry that they aren't advanced enough in their practice to participate in a teacher training. They fear they might not be able to keep up with the physical demands or complex postures.
What I like to remind people is that I've met a lot of people who can do headstands or handstands or the splits who are not great yoga teachers. I've also met a lot of excellent yoga teachers who have lots of limitations. Being a good yoga teacher or good at yoga has nothing to do with what you can do with your physical body. Yoga is about practicing presence and compassion and truth. Whether or not you can do a headstand is just extra. If you can practice presence, compassion and truth...then you're advanced enough.
2. "I want to do a Yoga Teacher Training...but I don't look like a yoga teacher."
- Some fear they don't fit the stereotypical image of a yoga teacher, whether due to body type, age, flexibility, or lifestyle. They worry about not being accepted by the yoga community or their future students.
I personally think diversity & representation in yoga is CRUCIAL! Yoga students want teachers who look like them to make them feel like they belong. So you will make an incredible teacher at any age, with any body time, any gender - because there will be students who see you and feel so welcome, comfortable and at ease in your class.
3. "I want to do a Yoga Teacher Training...but I don't think I know enough about yoga philosophy.":
- The depth of yoga philosophy can be intimidating. People often fear they don't know enough about the historical, cultural, and philosophical aspects of yoga, such as the Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, or anatomy.
I like to tell people...there is SO much to learn - there is no way you can know everything before you start (and you aren't expected to know everything, either!) The 200 Hour YTT is a starting & launching point. If you do want to do some pre reading about yoga philosophy, I have a recommended blog post about books you might want to read here.
4. "I want to do a YTT but... I am terrified of public speaking!":
- The idea of leading a class and speaking in front of people can be daunting. Many prospective yoga teachers fear they won't be able to communicate effectively or manage a group setting.
If you are afraid of public speaking...I think the YTT is the most perfect opportunity to break through this fear. In our small group setting, we support everyone going through this journey to become brave and face their fears.
5. "I want to do a YTT but...I'm afraid of spending so much money!"
- Yoga teacher training programs can be expensive. Potential trainees often worry about the cost of the program and the financial implications of taking time off work or managing other commitments.
For me, investing in myself via yoga teacher trainings was one of the best investments I made in myself. Through teaching yoga after my YTT, I was able to earn back all the money I'd spent on the training in a few months time. I highly recommend jumping at the opportunity to do a YTT! As I always say...jump and the net will appear!
6. "I'm afraid I can't balance the training with my personal life!":
- The time commitment required for YTT can be substantial. Many fear they won't be able to balance the training with their personal, professional, and family responsibilities.
If you can't balance the training with everything you have going on, that might mean that signing up for an intensive training and travelling away is the best thing - so you can get away from all your life commitments! If this is you, check out my Bali 200 Hour YTTS!
If you feel like you can't take away three weeks straight to do a Bali 200 Hour YTT, I regularly offer online YTTS, and that might be the option that works.
7. "I'm afraid I'm going to fail!"
- There's a common fear of not passing the training or not becoming a successful yoga teacher afterward. Doubts about one's ability to absorb the material, complete the training, or thrive in a teaching role can be overwhelming.
We are here to support you 100% of the way. If you are a bit afraid of failure, know that we've got you. As long as you show up and put in the best effort you can, you are bound to succeed.
8. "I'm afraid I'm going to hurt myself!"
- With the physical demands of yoga, some fear they might get injured during the training. Concerns about existing injuries or health issues can also be significant.
In our YTTS, we really encourage you to start to develop awareness of the difference between discomfort and pain. We will teach you how to practice and teach poses safely to avoid injury. We want to teach you to know your own limitations so that you don't cause injury to yourself. This is an important part of the practice.
9. "I'm afraid of the financial uncertainties of teaching yoga! Can I actually make a living doing this?":
- For those considering a career change, there's fear around leaving a stable job for the uncertainties of a career in yoga. They worry about the viability of teaching yoga as a sustainable profession.
In my background, having successfully taught yoga for ten years, three of which it's been my full time job, I can give you business related guidance on shifting professions! But you also might not want to switch professions, and that's ok too! Some people just start teaching yoga for their own joy part time.
10. "I'm afraid of healing/being vulnerable/to change who I am."
- Yoga teacher training is often a deep, introspective journey. Some fear the personal changes and transformations that might occur, including shifts in relationships, lifestyle, and self-perception.
Going deep can be scary. But I promise, it's powerful and worth it! For me, the inner work I've done on yoga teacher trainings has been more powerful than any therapy I've done.
If you're really considering YTT but any of this is holding you back maybe it is time to "feel the fear and do it anyway!"
My next YTTS:
July 1-21 in Bali - SOLD OUT
Sept 23 - Oct 3 Hybrid in Bali/Online
October 21 - November 14 300 Hour Advanced YTT in Bali
January 5 - 25 in Bali
Join us!
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