Yoga Teacher Training Podcast: Learn Anatomy, Philosophy, Business and More

Want to build confidence in your practice? I'm hosting a free live training called 3 Mindset Shifts to Build Confidence in Teaching Yoga - register at http://www.quietmind.yoga/confidence

In today's episode I start with the question of "what are the most essential, source texts of yoga?" - There have been so many books written, but where do they originate? Are most modern books on yoga derivative of these texts? What do they teach that has stood the test of time? I will share all about that in today's episode of the Yoga Teacher Training podcast. 

Here are links to the texts I mentioned in this episode:

Thanks for listening!

Jeremy

There are more teacher trainings than ever. How can you know which one is best for you? In today's episode I'll share five essential factors to consider when choosing a Yoga Teacher Training. Having been a part of several trainings as both a student and teacher, I have learned that there are some things that can make all the difference in the quality of your training and your own personal growth. I'll share the lessons I've learned in this episode. 

If you want a training that addresses all aspects I discuss here; from the curriculum, to the learning environment and resources to build your confidence in your practice and your teaching, check out the Quietmind Yoga Teacher Training at  http://www.quietmind.yoga/ytt

Thanks for listening!

In modern discussion of yoga there is a lot of conflict about what is or isn't yoga. Now we have so many permutations, and so many people claiming their yoga is more authentic, who should we listen to? 

In this podcast I will go all the way back to the oldest written mention of the word yoga to explore it's definition and practice and how that applies to our modern, westernized approaches to yoga. 

I'll dive into one of my favorite sources of yogic wisdom, the Upanishads. A treasure trove of incredible teachings that are as relevant now as they were 2000+ years ago. 

Two of my favorite translation / commentaries on the Upanishads are this one by Eknath Eswaren and this one by Thomas Egenes. Both worth having in your library to review for years to come. 

I also mentioned a great documentary you can check out HERE that shows what practices that modern yogis are doing that were also practiced by the yogis of 2000+ years ago 

If you like learning yoga from the roots up then you will love the Quietmind Yoga Teacher Training. Doors open 9/9 and you can join the waiting list here. Can't make it this time? Next class will be in the Spring. 

Enjoying this podcast?

Thanks for listening!

Since I began teaching in 2011 I have noticed there is a pattern to how I have learned over the years. Once I noticed this pattern I asked other experienced teachers if they noticed it too. They did! I began applying it to how I learned going forward and it has helepd my practice stay interesting, engaging and evolving every year since.

PHASE 1: Study the Fundamentals: You've likely heard "you don't know what you don't know." This is where you start. With a beginners mind, curious and open to new possibiliteis. Maybe you feel this way about anatomy, asana or breathwork. This is the time to find a mentor, learn the mindset, and see the big picture. Explore for a while, then decide where to dig deeper in phase 2,

PHASE 2: Deepen Your Practice: Now that you have the basics down, you start thinking "Ok, i get it," but only intellectually. it takes lots of practice and repittion to myelinate your brain and build mind-muscle connection. In this phase you start having realizations, new perspectives. Satchidananda said "stop digging shallow wells, you have to dig deep to reach water." That is phase 2.

Learn more and get your FREE GUIDE that walks you through each step at

http://www.quietmind.yoga/3phases

Thanks for listening!

While creating my online Teacher Training I realized there is a need to have a clear structure and framework for how we approach practice. 

This could be taking classes that interest you and learning pieces as you go. This could be studying a specific lineage and form of yoga. Both approaches have their pros and cons.

I wanted you to have a way to assess your practice - regardless of the style you practice or how long you've been practicing. An assessment that is relevant to you at any level of experience, for as long as you practice.

To create a clear structure, I wrote out everything that goes into yoga - from the postures, to anatomy, to breathwork and anything else you could think of. I combined similar topics and distilled it all down into as few categories as possible. The end result is a way to asses your practice I call the '10 Core Competencies of Teaching Yoga.' 

In today's episode I share how this approach fits in with Samkhya philosophy - the origins of yoga. I also share what the 10 areas are and how you can assess yourself in these areas. Lastly, I share how you can continue to deepen your practice. 

Take the free self assessment at http://www.quietmind.yoga/core10

See more at http://www.quietmind.yoga/resources

Like anything, the more consistent your practice becomes, the more significant results you'll see: increased flexibility, strength, balance and equanimity of mind. Many of the advanced poses will come as a side effect of regular practice. Many of the day-to-day benefits of feeling less stressed and reactive will come as a side effect of regular practice. If we chase these goals directly it will likely lead to frustration and injury. Instead, we can focus on making it easy to have a consistent practice. Here are 5 things I've found to be helpful:

This is a special episode!

Get the full transcript at http://www.quietmind.yoga/blog/tt2

My name is Jeremy Devens and welcome to the Yoga Teacher Training Podcast! This podcast is all about learning yoga, as a teacher, as a student, and going on this long and lifetime journey from student to teacher, back to student, back to teacher. I’ll share what I've learned, in my experience. I’ll talk to experienced teachers and we’ll discuss what's working for them and what can support you in your teaching. 

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Like this podcast? Check out my two other podcasts:
Quietmind Yoga: Weekly 60 minute yoga classes you can practice anywhere
Quietmind Astrology: Weekly lessons based on the 5000+ year old teachings of Vedic Astrology