Becoming a Teacher

My First Training
I did my first teacher training with Kamal Singh at Tattvaa YogaShala in Rishikesh in the foothills of the Himalayas. I went alone, not sure what I was getting into. That school had been recommended by a friend, but that was the extent of my knowledge about that training. I got there more anxious than ever, tired but very excited to be 100% dedicated to the practice. No work, no boyfriend, no social life, just me. Argh…and my inner monster (yeah… it followed me to India…). And it was AMAZING. A total immersion, just as I hoped for. I was moving Ashtanga, breathing Ashtanga, sleeping Ashtanga. It was INTENSE and real work. I was exhausted, physically and mentally, but also very awake and ready to take everything in. I loved every second of it, even when I was crying in my bed wishing I was back home.

The Physical Transformation
It's in Rishikesh that my first physical transformation happened. Despite always being a very active person, I had a very ordinary body. I never did gymnastics, dance, or any kind of competitive sport. I could not touch my toes, let alone make ANY attempt at padmasana (lotus OR half lotus). I was clearly physically behind all the other students that surrounded me, which, on some days, was discouraging. No one else had to use 3 blocks to sit on the floor…

Painful nights

During this intensive training, I spent countless hours on those 3 blocks for Pranayama and Philosophy classes. 6 days a week of moving through Mysore morning practices, adjustment clinics, and afternoon LED primary classes. It was very demanding. I started waking up with strange and intense pain in my lower back and behind my legs. But it would not last. It was closer to cramping. But then it started happening. My body began to adapt to the demands of this rigorous routine. I became stronger and more flexible. My forward fold started deepening, my backbend started opening, my lotus… meh…. I’m still waiting on that one (might never come, and it has to be okay). I am, after all, an ordinary practitioner.

My first teaching experience

After I “graduated” from Tattvaa YogaShala, I boldly asked if I could stay and teach at their small little Shala by the Ganges. And this was THE best opportunity. Right after an intense month of absorbing the practice and the complex hands-on adjustment training, I got to put it all into application. Nobody knew I was new to it, so I got to fake it until I made it. And it WORKED. Some kind of confidence grew inside of me, and I could see that my hands and my words were helping the students.

And right away, I absolutely loved teaching.