Embarking on the journey to become a yoga teacher is transformative, marked by self-discovery, learning, and the cultivation of a deeper connection with the practice. At the heart of this evolution lies a key element that often goes unnoticed—the intentional space provided between training weekends. In our 200hr ‘Ignite Your Passion’ Teacher Training Programme, we’ve carefully crafted this pause, recognising its significance in allowing students to not only absorb but truly assimilate the wealth of knowledge imparted, ensuring that it becomes an integral part of their teaching journey.
Understanding the Need for Space:
Teacher training is not a sprint; it’s a marathon, a journey that unfolds gradually. The human mind, a magnificent vessel of learning, requires time to absorb, process, and internalise the depth of information presented during training. Imagine a sponge: when immersed in water, it soaks gradually, allowing each pore to saturate and hold the liquid. Similarly, the mind needs the space to soak in the teachings, to let them seep into every facet of one’s being.
The Overarching Principle: Integration Over Accumulation:
In a world that often values accumulation—of facts, certifications, and experiences—we take a different approach. Our emphasis lies in the integration of knowledge rather than the sheer accumulation of information. Why? Because a yoga teacher isn’t just a repository of facts; they are a living, breathing embodiment of the practice, ready to impart wisdom authentically.
The Weekend Immersion: A Dip in the Ocean:
Our training weekends are akin to dipping into the vast ocean of yoga knowledge. Each weekend is a conscious plunge, a focused exploration of specific themes, techniques, and philosophies. However, merely dipping in and out without allowing the waters to settle can lead to a surface-level understanding. The space between weekends acts as the stillness needed for the sediment to settle, revealing the clarity and depth of the ocean beneath.
The Four Pillars of Assimilation:
1. Reflection and Digestion:
During the interim, we encourage students to reflect on the teachings. What resonated deeply? What sparked curiosity? Reflection is the digestive process of knowledge, breaking it down into absorbable elements.
2. Personal Practice:
Teaching emanates from personal practice. The space provided allows students to weave the teachings into their personal routines, making it a seamless part of their daily lives. The mat becomes a laboratory where theory transforms into experiential wisdom.
3. Application in Teaching:
Teaching is an art, and like any art form, it requires practice. Our approach ensures that students not only grasp the theories but also have ample time to apply them practically. This application is where theoretical knowledge becomes embodied wisdom.
4. Feedback and Adjustment:
Real learning involves a feedback loop. Our structured breaks facilitate interaction and feedback, allowing students to adjust and refine their understanding. This process of continuous refinement is the hallmark of a seasoned teacher.
The Science Behind the Breaks:
The brain’s ability to absorb information is a delicate dance between the conscious and subconscious mind. Studies suggest that spaced learning, with intervals between sessions, enhances long-term retention. Our model aligns with this cognitive science, recognising that true learning occurs not in the information overload but in the thoughtful pauses that allow for consolidation. The result? Mastery through thoughtful pause.
The goal of our Teacher Training Program isn’t to overwhelm with information but to guide students toward mastery. The intentional space between weekends is the bridge between theory and practice, between learning and embodying, ultimately leading to mastery.
“I initially questioned the breaks, but now I see their brilliance. The space allowed me not just to learn about yoga but to fully integrate the teachings.” – Alex
Essentially, the intentional space between training weekends is not a break from learning; it is a pause for wisdom to settle, for seeds to germinate, and for the journey of becoming a true yoga teacher to unfold at its own, natural pace. In the delicate balance of absorption and assimilation, we find the artistry of teaching—the ability to not just transmit knowledge but to inspire transformation.200hr I