Joining a Yoga teacher training course in India might feel like a huge commitment for some people. You are going to a foreign country and stay there for one month. You must be excited yet nervous about it at the same time. We completely understand that feeling, it is natural and we have seen many people getting anxious before a TTC. But, keep in mind that it will be a rewarding journey anyway, and with the right preparation, it can be easier from the beginning. Let us give you some advice that helps our students start their course with confidence and peace of mind.
You can start by writing down why you want to do this course and what made you take this decision. Next time, when you feel tense, read this note. It will reduce your anxiety and confusion. You can also read that everyday throughout the course to keep up your motivation.
It is also very important to have a calm and composed mind to take part in a yoga TTC. When we feel anxious, our brain plays tricks and negative thoughts are frequently brought to our mind. We might become confused if our decision is right or wrong. To calm those thoughts, try meditation, something which you will do a lot during the course. You can meditate for as little as 5 minutes a day. If negative thoughts keep flashing in your mind, concentrate on the positive things in your life and maintain peace of mind. As you meditate consistently, the frequency of these negative thoughts will decrease, and then, they will be wiped out completely.
You will be practicing a lot during the TTC. So, it’s better to integrate yoga into your routine before starting the course. Engaging in yoga more often will avoid the feeling of doing something entirely different from your lifestyle. You don’t need to be an advanced practitioner to attend a TTC. Also, you don’t need to be perfect in poses. TTC is a place to grow. Not a test. Here are some asanas that you can practice to prepare your body and mind, 3 or 4 times a week.
• sun salutations
• seated forward bends
• hip - openers
• gentle backbends
Don’t overdo it. Just do whatever you feel like doing. Remember: you don’t need to master headstands. Just build consistency.
Move your body daily, otherwise, long training sessions will feel harder. In addition to yoga, you can also add short walks and light strength straining. This will help you build the strength and stamina* required for the training. Sometimes, when the body is tired, the mind needs to take over to keep doing something, and for that, you need stamina. Strength is essential not only for attaining flexibility, but also in doing day-to-day physical activities.
For living the simple and serene life at the yoga school, prepare yourself by eliminating any habits that are unhealthy like smoking, junk foods and late nights. Then, start syncing into the rhythm of a yoga school by adopting habits such as waking up early, warm water mornings and lighter dinners. No need to reach perfection. Just embrace those habits that make your body and mind feel good. In the classes of yoga philosophy, you will learn that yoga is not just about physical practice, it’s a whole lifestyle. So, try to create a healthy lifestyle by removing those habits that add more stress to your life.
The first step to learning well is knowing what you are about to learn. In the 21st century, there is no limit to the resources available. Use them and try to get familiar with common Sanskrit pose names, basic anatomic terms and the 8 limbs of yoga. If you read about these topics in advance, it will help you to get a better idea of what you are being taught during the TTC.
You can also refer to these books for more knowledge: ‘Yoga anatomy’ by Leslie Kaminoff and ‘Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha’ by Swami Satyananda Saraswati.
If you would like to explore more about our 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Kerala and detailed curriculum, you can click here.
From today, try to live a slower and simpler life as it will not only reduce your mental burden, but will also help you adapt to your new lifestyle faster. Make time for family and friends and also for reflecting on yourself. When you come to the yoga school, bring the least number of things with you. Growth needs space, both mentally and materialistically. You can get anything you want in India. If not, it will be an opportunity to learn how to live with less, and just with what you really need.
To conclude, a Yoga TTC in India is always a life changing experience, especially with the right amount of preparation and the right mindset. You just have to relax and structure your daily routine in order to adapt to the new environment before coming. We understand your feelings when coming to a foreign country for a yoga teacher training course. But, please remember that our team is always ready to help you, feel free to give us a call. Don’t build up more pressure in your mind and just take this experience as it comes.
*Stamina: is your body’s ability to keep doing an activity for a long time without getting tired.
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