Journey to My Edge

4 months ago I jumped head first into Yoga Teacher Training with CorePower Yoga (CPY). I signed up the day before it started without fully knowing what I was getting myself into, nor knowing how much it would alter and impact my life. The 200-hour Teacher Training (TT) was 8 weeks long (+ another 5 weeks for their Extensions program). We met every Thursday night for lecture and all day Saturday for practice. On top of that we had weekly homework assignments, books to read, and 60 classes to take and journal about (16 C1 Foundation classes, 39 Power Yoga classes, 2 observances, and 3 outside classes). To say it was a full 8 weeks is an understatement! 

I set a goal for myself at the beginning of TT to finish all of my requirements on time. Had I signed up earlier, I could have counted 15 classes towards my 60. But being the stubborn, strong-willed person that I am, I wanted to do it on my terms. I created a plan to ensure that I would get all of my classes in on time. And I made sure to journal after each class so that I wouldn't get behind. Towards the end of the 8 weeks, I even threw in a last minute whirlwind trip to Chicago to hop CPY studios to make the adventure even more fun. 

I pushed myself to the max during TT. My body and mind transformed. I found both strength and heartache throughout the journey as we dug deeper and deeper into the meaning and philosophy of yoga. I shed many tears on and off my mat as I cracked open my heart and discovered so many truths (both hard and profound) about myself. And it only made me stronger. Suffice to say, I am not the same person that I was when starting this journey. 

There were many sacrifices, setbacks and criticisms from others that I had to navigate through and overcome. I gave up watching TV (and learned I really didn't miss it), put hanging out with friends and travel on hold (staying in one place is so hard for me!), and even had to limit my time with my nieces and newborn nephew. It wasn't easy but those closest to me understood the sacrifice and supported me along the way. I didn't do the best at honoring my body by getting healthy amounts of sleep or eating regular meals (Garden of Life plant-based Protein shakes and bars saved me). But with all of that, I kept pressing forward. 

I connected so deeply with the beautiful souls in my TT group and have found friends and "omies" for life. I witnessed each person grow into his/her own and discover their own hard truths. We laughed and cried and cheered each other on. The connection and relationships created are worth this journey and more times a thousand. 

I discovered that I am capable of so much more than I give myself credit for and have the power within me to transform lives. I found the courage to take risks in various areas of my life and found freedom along the way. This journey transformed my life for the better and I am forever grateful to my instructors and fellow TT'ers for pushing me to my edge. 

Yoga Teacher Training may not be for everyone, and that's okay. But if there is any part of you that feels a pull or hears a voice telling you to take a chance, trust your intuition. You will thank yourself (and me) later. 

Tips & Advice for those Considering Teacher Training

1. Set your ego aside. In the beginning I set out making this about me and my journey. I thought I was limitless and could still attend classes that didn't count towards the 60. I soon learned that was not going to hold up and had to pause anything extra. In the end I got in 73 classes in 60 days! And it didn't take long for me to recognize I'm not a superhuman. 
2. Get plenty of rest and eat well. I am not the best at having a regular sleep routine in general and during something as intense as TT, it's so important to get healthy amounts of sleep! Make sure you are giving your body and mind plenty of rest. And fuel your body with healthy food and lots of water. I found that I couldn't drink wine or other beverages during this time. 
3. Give yourself some grace. You will likely face many ups and downs during this journey. Remember, you're doing something new! So you're not going to know the language or all of the poses at first. Be patient and compassionate with yourself. 
4. Document your journey. Yoga Teacher Training will transform your life. Journal about it so you can look back and remember how far you've come. 
5. Have fun! Enjoy the process - learning, making new friends, putting yourself out there. It's a wild ride and super fun. Allow yourself to laugh, make mistakes, and open your heart. 

Thank you CorePower Yoga for this life-changing journey!