Yoga Student Information
The FRYOG Teacher Training Course 2005 Ð 2007 at Fyfield
I had come to yoga only two or three years before, but benefited both physically and mentally so much from the practice that I was eager to
learn more, and, although I could at this point not really envisage teaching yoga myself, the training course seemed an ideal way to expand and
deepen my knowledge Ð and perhaps nurture some confidence.
The once-a-month meetings (on Saturdays) at Carole's welcoming home always started with a yoga practice, followed usually by discussions or
queries on our previous topic and/or an early lunch break. Then we would talk about the next subject(s) in the afternoon. We sometimes shared
very personal feelings and experiences Ð and so there were tears and lots of laughter, hugs as well as arguments Ð we were a group of very different
personalities, all in differing situations and at varying stages in life: our teacher Carole, seven women Ð Becky, Catherine, Debbie, Jackie,
Lynne, Myra, myself and only one - very brave - man, Neil, who learned a lot about the female psyche in these two years (his girlfriend has hopefully
benefited!?). Friendships formed during this time, some of which, I hope, will stay firm for life.
Initially I was worried about writing essays in what is my second language (I'm German) Ð I had written my last one about 25 years ago Ð but,
despite my two-finger-typing-ÒskillsÓ, the computer soon became an invaluable tool, from editing and formatting to thesaurus, spell-check and
more. My approach was to first read the recommended books, but also to research the Internet. I have to say the latter can at worst be confusing,
sometimes misleading and will always mean a lot of trial and error Ð I certainly learned much about the huge variety of approaches and opinions
on yoga - but I still thought it was worth it to get a broad picture and help me form my own view - in time I became more experienced in which
websites might be the most useful. Thus I would be reading, taking notes, comparing, dismissing and making judgements until I felt I had enough
of a grasp on the subject to begin to write. If I got stuck, I would go back to research, find additional reading material (my bookshelf is bursting
thanks to Amazon Marketplace) or ask Carole's advice, which was always available. Sounds time-consuming, admittedly, especially as I turned into
a bit of a perfectionist and tended to revisit my essays over and over until it was time to hand the work in Ð but this method certainly helped
to retain the information! The many topics we covered were interesting, thought provoking and valuable: essential knowledge for a good yoga teacher.
I especially loved the subject of the chakras, yogic diet and creating a mandala. As the focus shifted from philosophical and spiritual aspects
to the more practical side of teaching yoga, I was glad I had not fallen behind with my written work and did not have to worry about unfinished
essays when pressure was building up a bit towards the end of the course with the looming deadlines and assessments.
I think we all learned a lot in these two years, about yoga, about ourselves and about how much more there still is to learn. I confess to occasional
feelings of guilt towards my three slightly neglected children (they probably thought this was a brilliant side effect), but my husband, despite
being in no way interested in yoga (for now), was very supportive. To me the course was an experience that greatly influenced me and confirmed
yoga as a way of life, worth sharing with others.
While one member of our group is finishing the course a little later within the set two-year-time-frame, due to ill health, the rest of us all
managed to pass our theory and practical assessments Ð a wonderful achievement! Many thanks again to Carole and good luck to my fellow students
in their future teaching!
P.S. If anyone interested in the TTC would like to talk to me about any further details, please feel free to contact me via e-mail: cjwalkermail@yahoo.co.uk
With love, Connie |
