Teaching yoga to an empty room is a quiet trial every new teacher faces, and Megan Cowley shares her captivating journey from discovering yoga in Bali to becoming an inspirational teacher.
Originally from the UK, Megan fell in love with yoga during a shavasana in Byron's class, sparking a profound transformation and an obsessive passion for the practice. She booked a training session in Bali, which led to a deeper spiritual connection and a sense of rebirth and empowerment. Despite the initial anxiety and challenges, Megan found the training experience rewarding, leading to hands-on adjustment and advanced sequencing skills.
Her journey wasn't without struggles. After intense yoga trainings, Megan faced a "dark night of the soul," dealing with self-doubt and feeling lost. A supportive conversation with her father provided solace and encouragement during this difficult period. Megan emphasizes the importance of finding a nurturing and supportive community in the yoga world, which she found at a friend's retreat. This environment helped her rediscover her love for teaching yoga and connect with her gifts.
Megan's story highlights the significance of mentorship, networking, and community over competition in the yoga space. She shares how teaching to an empty studio initially felt disheartening but ultimately became a powerful experience of self-witnessing and personal growth. The discussion underscores the value of maintaining a neutral mindset, detaching from ego, and focusing on service rather than personal validation. Megan encourages resilience, authenticity, and continuing to show up for yoga regardless of external circumstances, offering inspiration and guidance to aspiring yoga teachers.
Episode Chapters:
00:00 - Grounding and Gratitude: A Meditation Exercise
05:54 - Megan's Return: Continuing the Yoga Journey
08:56 - From Yorkshire to Bali: Megan's Adventure
10:57 - Discovering Yoga: Falling in Love with the Practice
13:05 - The Empowerment Class: A Transformative Experience
17:12 - Returning to Bali: Starting the Teacher Training
20:59 - Finishing the Training: On Cloud Nine
22:39 - The Dark Night of the Soul: Struggling with Self-Doubt
24:54 - A Friend's Help: Getting Back on Track
28:23 - Teaching at Shanti: Finding Confidence Again
30:01 - Opportunities and Community: Finding Your Path
33:44 - Taking Steps: Trying Teaching Yoga
36:10 - Mentorship and Support: The Role of Friends and Teachers
42:15 - Serving the Community: The Ethos of Yoga
44:49 - The Challenge of Empty Classes: Learning to Show Up
47:15 - Neutrality in Feedback: Handling Praise and Criticism
50:28 - The Importance of Consistency: Teaching Yoga Regularly
54:28 - Serving Beyond the Studio: Being Present in Everyday Life
56:07 - Embracing Realism: Balancing Yoga with Life
57:08 - Connecting with Megan: How to Reach Out
Megan’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/megcowley/
Michael Henri’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelyoga.pt/
Going Pro Yoga Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goingproyoga/
The IN Movement Website: https://theinmovement.com/
Trainings and Events: https://theinmovement.com/events
The IN Movement Instagram: @the_in_movement
The IN Movement Podcast was formerly the Going Pro Yoga Podcast — and before that, the Yoga Teacher Evolution Podcast and the Rat Race Rebellion Podcast. Same mission, evolved name.
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