At some point or another we all find ourselves feeling burdened by the daily grind, the constant motion, and the glare of our electronic devices. We want to unplug, unwind and ground down – to get back to who we really are and what’s really important to us. As yogis we also wish we could properly immerse ourselves in the practice of yoga in a way that a 75 or 90 minute class does not always allow.
A yoga teacher training program can provide just this opportunity – a chance to break away from familiar routines and push ourselves out of our comfort zone. A month of mindful living can be exactly what the doctor ordered.
There are so many reasons why spending a month at a teacher training intensive can be transformational. We’ve distilled six of them for you here:
Doing a RYT 200 hour will allow you push yourself to new heights:
With long days and lots to learn an intensive month of yoga can be physically, mentally and emotionally challenging. You’ll soon realise, however, that you’re capable of much more than you thought. Pushing yourself to realize this potential on training will open you to the probability that the same is possible when you return home.
Yoga Teacher training will give you a new perspective
While you can undertake yoga teacher training at home, the great thing about going overseas is that you get to see the world, and yourself, in a new light. The unknown can be scary but when you realize you’re capable of navigating it you’ll access a whole new layer of self confidence. And, let’s face it, who doesn’t want an excuse to spend a month in Costa Rica!
Yoga gives allows you to gain a sense of mindfulness
Mindfulness is a term that gets thrown around a lot these days, but how much do we really practice it? Being mindful means bearing witness to what is happening as it happens. Through mindful living we become more aware of how our actions impact others and also impact the world we inhabit. In a new setting we are naturally more inclined to be conscious and curious and so the act of mindfulness becomes a little easier. You’ll begin to realise the profound impact it can have on your life.
On your RYT course you’ll meet like minded people
Unless you’re involved with your studio back home, chances are it can be challenging to find others who you can really talk to about yoga. Now, you’ll have a whole new circle of friends; likeminded people from all over the world who will share this life changing experience with you, and often those friendships, forged during an intensive experience, are ones you’ll carry with you the rest of your life.
Yoga teacher training supports life change
If you’ve ever thought it was time to shake things up a bit and spring clean your life, then there is no better way to develop the space, clarity and insight you need to make that change than an intensive yoga program. It can be difficult to think clearly about big life decisions while immersed the daily responsibilities of work, family and friends. On training, however, there’ll be few distraction and lots of support so you can really make the decisions that are right for you.
Beautiful locations – needs we say more?!
Not only will you be committing to a twice daily yoga practice and the chance to absorb in-depth, the teachings that yoga has to offer, you’re also signing up to an adventure! Combine your commitment to personal development with an inspiring location and you’re in for an exciting month! My personal favourite is Costa Rica…
Shades of Yoga runs yoga teacher training in Costa Rica at the gorgeous Iguana Lodge. Nestled into the jungle, it has its own secluded six mile beach and, recognising that tropical life is about outdoor living you’re never far from a terrace, balcony, gazebo or hammock so you can always keep an eye out for the macaws, toucans, sloths and monkeys that call the Osa Peninsula home. Of course your days will be filled with meditation, pranayama, asana, philosophy, anatomy and practice teaching sessions, but on your days off you can kayak or paddleboard out to the nearby reef, explore the jungle with the resident naturalist guide and relax at the day spa, and of an evening you can look skyward to the Milky Way or see the bioluminescence of the beach.
It will leave an imprint on you that will last a lifetime…
Our next yoga teacher training program in Costa Rica begins 9th November 2015.
