If you’re serious about advancing your yoga practice or even becoming an instructor, then you will want to enroll in a teacher training course. This is a unique opportunity that is available to all levels of practitioners.
These courses are often held in a beautiful retreat setting surrounded by nature. Students typically stay in simple & peaceful accommodations and enjoy sattvic meals thrice a day.
1. Community of Practice
The feeling of community that develops within yoga classes can help students feel motivated and supported in their practice. The sense of responsibility that comes with being part of a community can also help students to stay committed to their yoga practice and make progress towards their goals.
Many yoga studios encourage community involvement by offering a variety of different events and workshops to their students. This can be a great way to bring in new clients and create a strong sense of community.
Another great way to build community is to engage with your clients online. You can do this by commenting on posts and genuinely engaging in conversations. In addition, you can also host in-studio challenges such as a 21 day challenge to get more people involved. Collaborating with other yoga businesses is also a great way to build community. For example, partnering with a local tea or kombucha company to offer a giveaway can be an excellent way to draw attention to your yoga business.
2. Mentorship
Yoga is often seen as an isolated practice, and many yogis find comfort in knowing they are part of a larger community. Yoga teachers and studio owners can support the development of a community within their classes by hosting workshops, retreats and events that help students connect with one another outside of the classroom.
A sense of community can also encourage students to attend classes regularly. The connections they make with classmates and instructors can provide a source of inspiration and motivation during times when they may struggle to stick with their yoga practice.
Similarly, yoga can be brought to groups of people who would not otherwise access it, such as prisons and residential treatment facilities through the work of organizations like The Prison Yoga Project. This outreach can serve as a form of mentorship and help yogis develop interpersonal skills. In addition, teaching a class for a group of people you don’t normally teach can keep your yoga fresh and inspire you to continue to evolve as a teacher.
3. Personal Development
Personal Development is a journey of self-awareness, improvement and awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses. It is a continuous process that is ongoing throughout your lifetime.
Personal development focuses on a variety of things like communication, people skills, empathy and confidence. It can be a tool to help you overcome obstacles and achieve goals. It can also help you develop a deeper sense of purpose and happiness in your life.
It is important to note that personal development cannot prevent bad things from happening in your life. It will help you to deal with them better however. Having the personal and emotional skills can make you resilient during tough times and even bounce back quickly after a setback. These are called soft skills and are essential for professional success.
4. Networking
Yoga is often viewed as an isolated activity, but there are online community platforms that allow yogis to connect even when they’re off the mat. NomadYOGI, for example, helps students and teachers discover nearby studios, upcoming retreats, and events. They can also discuss and share ideas relating to yoga philosophy, ayurveda, and anatomy.
Developing a sense of connection can be an excellent motivator for yoga students and can help them stay dedicated to their practice. One way to encourage this is by hosting community-based classes. These can include classes at local charities or organizations like domestic violence shelters or detention units.
You can also reach out to local businesses and collaborate on workshops or community projects. For instance, tag a tea or kombucha company in your social media posts to create an opportunity for people to interact outside of the yoga class setting. This is a great way to build a stronger community and to increase brand awareness.