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How My Yoga Teacher Training Helped Me

In this post, Maria, a yoga practitioner from England is sharing how yoga teacher training helped her in transforming her life.

Before enrolling in…

I was a Student Counselor before I started doing yoga on a serious level. After a few years in my job, I started feeling anxious, lethargic and stressed. So my friend suggested me to join yoga classes at the weekends.

In the beginning, I wasn’t quite sure about yoga. I did not think of it to bring any significant change but I was so wrong. Just after 2-3 sessions, I felt my head so light and my body so relaxed, it was like the best feeling ever at that time. Therefore, I converted my weekend classes to weekly classes.

Now I was more involved in my yoga sessions. I will not just practice yoga but read the blogs and books about yoga. Besides, I commenced spending more time with teachers in the yoga studio in order to cool down my curiosity and queries.

 I wanted to know everything like the history of yoga, types of yoga, benefits of yoga, meditation or anything that was related to yoga. After six months, I wanted to be more efficient in my practice and I was not enjoying my current job too. So I asked for the advice of one of the teacher in the same studio. She told me if I want to deepen my practice I can join a Yoga Teacher Training.

Hunting for an ideal Yoga School

I decided to join a yoga teacher training course but was not sure where. So I started exploring Google and found many yoga schools in Rishikesh. Since Rishikesh is the yoga capital of the world, I always wanted to visit it. Besides, Yoga teacher training Courses here were much cheaper than any western countries.

However, choosing a yoga school or ashram to do teacher training isn’t as easy as it sounds. It took me 2 weeks to decide which yoga ashram should I join after doing all the research and hard work. Thus, I enrolled in a 200-hour teacher training course.

During Yoga Teacher Training

I reached Rishikesh one day before in the evening. It is a beautiful city. Now I could understand why it is called the world capital of yoga. The place is serene, peaceful and so spiritual.

Well, I reached the yoga school at 6 pm. It was a yoga ashram. It was located beside the river Ganga. Few students were already there. Most of the students were from the western countries and few from like Japan, Korea or Indonesia.

The day schedule…

The following day, there was an induction meeting then a fire ceremony. Later, we got our schedule for the next 28 days. From the next day, I woke up by 5:30 and get ready to go down for the herbal tea with everyone. Then, we had two classes; Pranayama and Asana practice. Around 9:30 a.m. we get our breakfast and after half an hour we had our alignment and anatomy class. Then get the time for self-study followed by a tasty lunch. Afterward, we get some rest and attend other classes with a tea break in the evening. Our classes used to end up around 6:30 p.m. By 7 or 7:30 we get the dinner and by 8 everyone was in their room.

When I initially saw the schedule I thought that what everyone will do go to their rooms by 8 p.m. However, when I lived that schedule I understood how important it is to go to bed on time and give your body the proper rest. Also, the body used to get so tired; I could not be awake for long at night even when I wanted to.

The meals in the ashram…

The food served there was completely Indian. In the breakfast, we had a dish of grams called chana including some fresh fruits and tea. Sometimes we had sprouts or a veggies sandwich but it was nowhere like the typical sandwich I used to make back home.

For lunch, we were served rice, chapattis, vegetables, lentils, and salad. Vegetables and lentils were almost different every day.

During the dinner, we were served again chapattis, mixed vegetables, grams, curd, salad and sometimes pudding.

For snacks, we used to get freshly prepared snack and not from the packets.

After Yoga Teacher Training

After one month, when I returned to England I could feel the change in myself. I felt like a completely different person. I was patient, optimistic and happy than ever in my life.

After I resigned…

I went back to my job and this time I didn’t find it much joyless though I did resign after one month. I wanted to do nothing but anything connected to yoga. I started volunteering in a few yoga events. Besides, I also started assisting yoga teachers and gurus in some yoga schools, yoga studios, and fitness centers. Moreover, I also started as a freelancing yoga teacher when I thought I could teach people who are amateur in yoga.

The real journey…

This all went on for almost one and a half or two years. Later, one of the yoga studios I was assisting in hired me as a yoga instructor. This was the first time that I would be getting paid appropriately after two years. But nowhere in that time, I complained about what I was doing. I learned a lot during this time and enjoyed every bit of it. It is probably because I never meant to earn money out of my yoga practice. Sure I was happy I can do something for a living that I love but it was not to mint money. You can earn money through so many means but you cannot earn the satisfaction if you are not genuine about your work.

What did I Learn?

There are lots of things I learned from my yoga practice. It taught me to let go of the things and emotions that make you sad and miserable. It taught me to love and appreciate what I have and share it with others. Furthermore, it taught me how important it is to take care of your physical as well as mental health.

In addition, yoga teacher training helped me to connect with myself and trained me to accept the changes and challenges gracefully in life. It took my practice to another level and not to mention it made me a certified yoga teacher or instructor.

I still thank my friend who suggested me to join my first yoga class.

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MEDITATION

“Meditation is not to escape from society, but to come back to ourselves and see what is going on. Once there is seeing, there must be acting. With mindfulness we know what to do and what not to do to help.” Thich Nhat Hanh

From the above quote, you must have understood that today we are going to talk about a thousand-year-old practice called Meditation.

So let’s get started. Shall we?

What is Meditation?

“Meditation is a vital way to purify and quiet the mind, thus rejuvenating the body.”Deepak Chopra

Meditation is an ancient practice of eastern countries. It literally means to think or to ponder.  It was usually practiced by gurus and yogis for thousands of years. Notably, the practice of meditation is used to attain consciousness, attention, and awareness.

Not to mention, it is a way to train our mind and a way to bring peace and calmness to the brain. In fact, it has the capability to transform our mind.

Why Meditation…..?

 “The thing about meditation is: You become more and more you.” 

Meditation is not about controlling your mind. It is about working with the mind while making it more aware. The mind becomes calmer during meditation but not unalert.

“Meditation is like giving a hug to ourselves, getting in touch with that awesome reality in us. While meditating we feel a deep sense of intimacy with God, a love that is inexplicable.”

It's regular practice is a stress relief which can bring harmony in one's life. It teaches about focus, attention and helps to be calm and compassionate.

Besides, it can be effective physiologically as well as psychologically. Various researches have proven multiple benefits of practicing meditation regularly.

Why One Should Practice Meditation?

“Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom.” -Buddha

There are several benefits that speak about the importance of meditation, especially in today’s busy and relentless lifestyle.

In fact, people practice meditation due to a number of reasons. It is used to reduce stress, depression, anxiety, and inner instability. It helps to control blood pressure and improve the condition of insomniac patients.

Not to forget, regular practice of meditation increases emotional stability, inner peace, and positivity.

 “The goal of meditation isn’t to control your thoughts, it’s to stop letting them control you.”

Furthermore, meditation also awakens the brain which increases the learning capacity of the practitioner. It helps to connect with the mind rather than controlling it.

Practice Meditation Under The Guidance

“The more regularly and the more deeply you meditate, the sooner you will find yourself acting always from a center of peace.”

Meditation may seem an easy practice but it cannot be done accurately without a teacher. You can try watching it from videos but you’ll hardly reach there where you meant to be.

Therefore, a good meditation teacher is very important. Besides, there are various kinds of meditation such as mindfulness meditation, concentration meditation and many more. It is very important to choose and practice wisely. Hence start meditating under the guidance of an expert.

In fact, you can join a Yoga Teacher Training Course that will help you to deepen your practice.

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Benefits Of Yoga

Yoga is a fad in recent times all across the globe. And the main reason behind it is the multiple benefits of yoga.

Yoga: Art or Science

The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word “yuj” which means Union which explains its fundamental aim. Usually, yoga's limit is restricted to techniques and postures. However, it does not consist of mere yoga techniques and postures. It is quite different than any other existing forms of a physical or spiritual thing.

It is because the Yoga is both; Art as well as Science. In yoga, one has a purpose to attain the union of the body; mind, spirit, and soul. The learning of yoga isn’t just theoretical, it is practical too. Therefore, it is also called prayogshastra which means practical science.

For instance, in gyming, one can bring its vigor but it can be tiring. On the other hand, yoga has the techniques that make you feel relaxed, calmer and rejuvenated at the same time.

How can Yoga Benefit Us?

Yoga is the only practice in the world which can train a human mind. Also, it can bring back the tranquility and serenity to the mind. All kinds of asanas and meditation make our mind and body healthy.

Furthermore, many pieces of research have shown that yoga helps in regulating anxiety, depression, headache and blood pressure. Besides, it aids in back pain, arthritis, diabetes, asthma, heart diseases and various kinds of other ailments and disease.

Some others are briefly mentioned below:

·         As A Stress Buster

In most of the Western countries, yoga symbolizes calmness and peacefulness. Since it is the practice of unifying brain, body, and soul, yoga facilitates the release of toxins physically and mentally.

Moreover, regular practice brings peace to the practitioner. Also, meditation is a great stress buster. It soothes the brain and brings peace and stability within the heart, body, and mind.

·         Prevents Muscle and Joint Problems

Perfect posture and balance of the body in Yoga go hand in hand. It makes your body flexible and strong. As we know, poor posture causes severe back pain, cervical pain or spondylitis et cetera. But yoga asanas like Tada Asana, Ustrasana, and Veerbhadrasana are really helpful in such situations.

·         Helps in Weight Loss

Yoga gives all the benefits of a proper workout and exercise. Hence, there are many yoga asanas that help in substantial weight loss like Trikonasana, Adho Mukha Svanasana, Dhanurasana, and Sarvangasana.

·         Helps in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Disease:

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, also known as PCOS, is the common disease among the women these days. Therefore, yoga asanas like Dhanurasana (bow-pose) and Bhujangasana (cobra pose) help in activating and galvanizing organs and their functions. It significantly treats the PCOS condition.

·         Long Term Cure for Asthma

Including Pranayama in yoga can be a long term cure for asthma. It allows breathing easier by reducing the stress on the heart and lungs. On the other hand, it helps to control breathing too.

Some of the breathing exercises or pranayama is Anuloma Viloma, Mrigi Mudra, Bhastrika Pranayama, Swara Yoga Pranayama, and Ujjayi Pranayama.

·         Helpful in Insomnia

Since yoga can affect energy levels of body, it proves to be helpful in insomnia. Actually, asanas reduce anxiety causing hormones that help to balance stress and anxiety. Thus yoga asanas like Savasana and Uttana Shishosana help to have a sound sleep and treat insomnia.

·         Managing Diabetes

Though diabetes is incurable, blood sugar levels can be managed by some asanas. Ardha Matsyendrasana (half spinal twist) is quite helpful in controlling sugar levels

·         Hypertension

Yoga like pranayama can be helpful in controlling high blood pressure. Since yoga is a stress buster and can calm the body, it brings the blood pressure down.

·         Healthy Liver

Basic yoga poses like Setu Bandhasana (bridge pose) or Marjaryasana (cat pose) can be practiced to keep the liver healthy. These asanas increase blood circulation in the abdomen area.

·         Prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease

Yoga can help to either reduce or prevent harm to the kidneys. To prevent the kidney from any chronic disease, one should practice Naukasana (Boat Pose), Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), and Padanagusthasana (Big Toe Pose). Such asanas keep everything balanced and normal.

The above-mentioned benefits are not even a fraction of the benefits which yoga practice can provide human beings. Every mentioned disease cannot be cured by yoga. Though practicing it surely help to reduce, manage, help or balance the diseases or its cause.

Moreover, if you wish to explore the world of yoga or want to deepen your practice then you can join a yoga teacher training. However, if you are a beginner in yoga then you can join a yoga studio or practice yoga at home.

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EVERYTHING ABOUT YOGA

Today, we shall discuss everything about yoga that everyone should know.

The popularity of yoga is increasing day by day all over the world. Different people have different reasons to practice it. As some want to attain peace of mind and soul and some just want physical strength and flexibility. Though yoga is much more than these things, people hardly go out of the way to learn or understand other aspects of it.

Do you know the history of yoga and how it evolved over time? If no, then let’s continue to this blog to know everything about yoga.

History of Yoga

Yoga has a rich history, though there is no specifically acknowledged origin of it. It is believed that yoga started long before the founding of any faith or religion. It is expected to be at least eight to ten thousand years old.

Ancient History

There is no certainty in the time of the origin of Yoga and its practices. It possibly started emerging in the middle ages in ancient India. With regard to religion, it is not connected to one but many such as Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism.

Also, the earliest track of the tradition of Yoga is discovered in Rig Veda. But there is no description of its practice. However, practices like Pranayama and Pratyahara are mentioned in Upanishads.

Furthermore, some Buddhist sources of earlier times like Majjhima Nikāya cite about Mediation and Mediators but without using the term Yoga. Besides, Katha Upanishad is considered as the first text to use the term Yoga in the contemporary context and highlights its fundamental principles.

However, Yoga Sutras is considered the first formal and conventional assortment of Yoga doctrine. It was anthologized by the sage Patanjali and considered one of the most important compilations of yoga at present.

Modern History

Yoga was not introduced to the west until the mid 19th century. Swami Vivekananda was the first teacher who diffused and vindicated the aspects of yoga in western countries. N.C Paul is also given the credit to introduce yoga to the broader western audience. His book Treaties on Yoga Philosophy is probably the first of its kind which tried to connect yoga and modern medicine.

Initially, the physical aspect of yoga got more attention in the modern world. The practice and learning of other aspects like meditation took time to spread and practice. Still, the physical aspects like asanas are more popular but knowledge of other aspect is increasing gradually.

Modern Yoga

Today, the word yoga is generally linked to the postures or asanas. It is associated with the physical aspect of Yoga. It is more about pranayama, asanas, vinyasas, and meditation. Modern yoga is considered as the blend of Western-style gymnastics with Hatha yoga's asanas.

Purpose of Yoga

The purpose of yoga cannot be written or settled down in a specific manner. As I mentioned earlier, the goal of practicing and learning yoga might be different for everyone. For example, some may practice just the physical aspect of yoga to get a great, flexible and strong body. Some just want the stability of their mind and soul. Some just want inner peace through meditation. However, the superlative goal of practicing yoga is considered to get salvation or moksha.

Yoga as Therapeutic and Curative Practice

Yoga certainly has positive effects on a human being. It provides flexibility, strength, and Inner peace to one's body. It is found that practicing yoga helps in the improvement of the psychological health of cancer patients. Yoga helps in anxiety, insomnia, depression and reducing stress and blood pressure. There are many diseases and problems that can be cured and prevent by practicing yoga, e.g. back pain, cervical spondylitis, etc

Yoga is one of the most fundamental practices that should be pursued by everyone. Its rich and glorious history has made it worthy of every appraisal it gets all around the world. If you want to bring changes in your life, start with practicing yoga. You can do yoga at home, or join a yoga studio or pursue a yoga teacher training.

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8 Asanas for a Healthy Body

In today’s blog, we are going to discuss eight yoga asanas that help to maintain a healthy life with a healthy body.

Yoga has several health benefits if practiced regularly. It affects an individual physically as well as mentally. Moreover, few asanas per day can bring a significant change in your life.

Here we are listing eight asanas for a healthy body which will keep your body healthy in the long run.

Kapalbhati Pranayama

Kapalbhati Pranayama is one of the poses that do not call for much exertion to perform it. However, it is one of the important aspects of yoga.

Before Practicing Kapalbhati Pranayama

Do not practice pranayama by imitating anyone. perform it under a certified yoga teacher or Guru

Try to increase your capacity gradually and not instantly

It is recommended to know more about Pranayama before commencing its practice

If you have any breathing problem or disease then please consult your doctor first

Benefits

Kapalbhati Pranayama has multiple benefits including rejuvenating and de-cluttering of the mind. Likewise, It-

improves the functioning of respiratory organs

advances the working of liver, kidney, and organs of the digestive system

is extremely helpful in PCOS and heart problems

helps in intestinal problems

gives glowing skin

lessens day-to-day stress

Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)

The word “Dhanurasana” is consist of two Sanskrit words- 'dhanur' and ‘asana' which mean bow and posture respectively. It is one of the twelve basic Hatha Yoga. Also, it is one of the best stretching back exercises.

Before Practicing Dhanurasana

Dhanurasana has multiple benefits but one should remember the following points before practicing Dhanurasana. This Asana-

should not be practiced in fluctuating blood pressure

must not be practiced in severe abdominal surgery

is not to be practiced in neck injury

should not be practiced in hernia

ought to be avoided during pregnancy

should not be practiced with a filled tummy

Benefits

Dhanurasana is very helpful in gastrointestinal problems. Other than that, it-

strengthens abdominal and back muscles

makes the back more flexible

improves appetite and digestion

shapes and tones the muscles of legs and arms

helps in the stimulation of the reproductive system

helps in constipation

gives relief in stress and headache

provides relief in cramps and pelvic pain

Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend)

The word “Uttanasana” is consist of two Sanskrit words- ‘uttana’ and ‘asana' which mean intense stretch and posture respectively. It is a great Asana to soothe the body and mind.

Before Practicing Uttanasana

Before starting Uttanasana, keep the following things in your mind. Uttanasana-

is not supposed to be practiced in case of lower back injury or head injury

should not be practiced in case of heart problems

must be avoided if one is suffering from joint pains

practicing should be avoided in case of abdominal hernia, and sciatica

Benefits

Uttanasana is among the best asana that helps to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Besides, it-

stimulates the functions of kidney and liver

improves insomniac conditions

helps in stress

stretches the back and shoulders

helps in osteoporosis

improves stimulates blood circulation

strengthens calves and knees

Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)

The word “Bhujangasana” is consist of two Sanskrit words- ‘bhujang' and ‘asana' which mean cobra and posture respectively. It is considered to be great to practice for all over body fitness. It is also believed to awaken Kundalini.

Before Practicing Bhujangasana

Before practicing Bhujangasana, the following points should be taken into account. This yoga pose-

is not recommended to practice during pregnancy

should be avoided during recent abdominal surgery

is never recommended to be practiced in hernia

must not be practiced in spinal injuries

Benefits

Bhujangasana is extremely helpful in relieving fatigue. Furthermore, it-

soothes cervical pain

strengthens the back, abdomen and hip muscles

provides relief in headache

maintains correct body posture

improves constipation condition

ChaturangaDandasana (Four-limbed Staff Pose)

The word “Chaturanga” is consist of two Sanskrit words- chatur and ‘anga' that means four and limb respectively.  Furthermore, “Dandasana” is made up of 'danda' and 'asana' which means staff and asana respectively. It is sometimes also called Low Plank.

Before Practicing Chaturanga Dandasana

Some points to keep into consideration before commencing Chaturanga Dandasana.

This yoga pose-

should be avoided practicing with an empty stomach

must not be done in case of a wrist or spinal injury

is not recommended for those who have Carpal Tunnel syndrome

Benefits

It is one of those yoga asanas that tones down the whole body. Also, it-

revitalizes the body and mind

strengthens wrists and makes them flexible

makes back, arms and shoulders stronger

increases stamina

improves the functions of abdominal organs

ViparitaKarni (Inclined pose)

The word “ViparitaKarni” consists of Sanskrit words- ‘viparita’ which means inverted and ‘karni’ which means‘doing'. It is one of the few poses that help in anti-aging with other benefits.

Before Practicing ViparitaKarni

Some factors given below should be taken care of before practicing this asana.

Remember ViparitaKarni-

must be avoided in case of severe eye problem

is not advised to practice in case of a recent knee injury

should not be practiced by hernia patients

should be avoided by pregnant women

Benefits

ViparitaKarni is quite beneficial for patients of low blood pressure. Moreover, it-

helps in detoxification of blood

stimulates immunity

is helpful in insomnia

massages abdominal organs

works as a stress buster

is therapeutically beneficial for varicose veins

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)

The term Setu Bandha Sarvangasana is a derivative of the Sanskrit words. The setu means “bridge," bandha, means "lock," sarva, means "all," anga, means, "limb," and asana means "pose." It is a basic vinyasa form of yoga.

If one is suffering from any injury or sickness, always consult a doctor.

Before Practicing Setu Bandha Sarvangasana

Always keep the note of the following points:

Perform it under the guidance of a yoga expert

If one is suffering from any injury or sickness, always consult a doctor

Setu Bandha Sarvangasana should be avoided in severe back problems

It helps in the reduction of anxiety and stress

Pregnant women should practice it strictly under an expert’s supervision

Benefits

One of the most prominent advantages of practicing Setu Bandha Sarvangasana is that it relieves negative emotions and calms the mind. In addition, it-

is helpful in the treatment of Asthma

stimulates lungs and abdominal organs

stretches and strengthens the lower body as well as upper body

stimulates digestive system

improves blood circulation

Shavasana(Corpse Pose)

The word “Shavasana” is consist of two Sanskrit words- shav and ‘asana' which mean corpse and posture respectively. It is generally performed in the last session for the relaxation. It is used to reduce tiredness and provide relaxation after a long yoga session.

Before Practicing Shavasana

One should take care of the following things while practicing Shavasana:

Stay calm and concentrated

Do not fall asleep

If you feel drowsy, take fast breaths to avoid it

Do not lie on your back for long if you have back problems

Benefits

Shavasana is a yoga asana of deep healing. It might be simple to practice but it has multiple benefits. Doing at the end of a yoga practice session, it

provides relaxation and calmness to the body

controls blood pressure

helps to be more concentrated and focused

makes the body feel rejuvenated

brings peace to the inner self

These are the eight asanas of yoga which, if practiced regularly, can bring constructive and optimistic transformations in one’s life.

These asanas help you to make you the best version of yourself. To go into a deeper approach, you can join yoga TTC of 200 Hour or 300 Hour level. Besides, if you are new to yoga, you can join yoga for beginners or a yoga studio for proper guidance.