I NEVER wanted to be a yoga teacher as I was a happy contented student sitting in my corner just observing and absorbing.
When I started my home practices, I would invite my friends to come over and we would flow using videos. A few friends became many friends and my little apartment couldn’t take it anymore and on top of that, my cat Precious didn't like the crowd too much too.
So I rented a small shop unit just under my apartment block and hired teachers for us to continue. It was so silly. I spent so much for rent and wasn’t making any money. As I was making online transactions paying teachers, rent and utilities, I thought why can't I teach? I can probably save some if I do.
I googled, “how to be a yoga teacher” And of course, so many courses popped up.
There were so many. India (I thought hmmmm going alone? Me? I don't think so), Bali (I might end up working in a bar somewhere or dancing at a bar so I thought better not), Malaysia (I won't focus because I would be in the same environment and I will be my lazy self…so, no), Thailand (interesting, and it's close to home so if anything happens, I can come home quickly).
So Thailand it was. I chose Ko Samui and the school that I picked was Vikasa. I spoke to Nabilla, a really good teacher who got certified there and she told me good things about the place and so I signed up.
In order to start teaching one would need 200 hours of teacher training certification from a certified school and the whole thing would take 28 days. I was so afraid of my decision and it didn’t help that I picked dates that fell during fasting month and Hari Raya. I was too excited and I didn’t check.
Oh well, all was paid for and I packed my courage and my bags and went on my way to the beautiful island of Samui. Alone. There were 40 students in my class and I made friends with each and everyone of them. They called me Yaya and some are still friends until now.
This was in 2014 and I managed to be top of my class and graduating with 200 hours of yoga under my belt. It was the best decision I've made and I’ve never regretted it.
I learnt anatomy, poses, philosophy, the yoga business and so much more. There were students from all over the world and I had the most amazing time of my life just learning new things and meeting new people.
Fast forward to now. I am finally bringing Vikasa home to my studio (well now more like into homes online). Yes I am getting students certified as teachers and we will be starting our TTC journey in July. The experience will not be the same I'm sure but I am happy to see that people are doing the best that they can filling up their hours being home doing positive things.
I am also re-taking my 200 hour training from home too and I started earlier as I will be the one mentoring the future teachers. I'm going to be honest in that I have had a very difficult time focusing on my theory. I just need to maybe start drinking coffee? I dont know…but I need to do something about it.
What would be my advice to anyone wanting to further their yoga journey. Well, I have learnt (the hard way) the yoga business can be tough and you would need to work pretty damn hard and really push on with energy all the time (I fake it sometimes).
But it is all worth it. Seeing the smiles of your students after a practice is an indescribable feeling. Just don't over do yourself. It is so important for you to find a good balance between working hard and flowing hard. Have time for your self practice. This week, I am sharing with you a little bit of a typical Vikasa flow. Have fun! - The Vibes. June 30, 2021
