Namaslay® Yoga Teacher Training: How our trainees are prepping
How to prep for yoga teacher training.
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It's only one month until the first ever Namaslay® Yoga Teacher Training begins in Thailand and the trainees are busy prepping for their adventure in becoming 200hr Registered Yoga Teachers! If you missed Thailand, you can still join the first US-based Namaslay® Yoga Teacher Training in Tennessee August 28th - September 16th, which will also feature Buckles as the official Namaslay® Yoga Teacher Training mascot!
So that you can follow along in their journey, we'll be posting a three-part series that checks in with the trainees first as they prepare, next as they train, and finally, with a reflection of their overall experiences and thoughts. So first, read below to find out what steps some of them are taking to prep their mind, body and soul for this epic journey!
Check out all of our upcoming Namaslay Yoga Teacher Training and Yoga Retreats and let us know what you'd bring or how you'd prepare in the comments below!
PS - Don't forget to follow their entire journey at @NamaslayYTT.
Lauren B.
1. What unexpected or quirky thing will you be packing for your YTT?
I'll be bringing a baby blanket that I wrapped both of my daughters in when they were little bitty! It's an old, ratty thing but I love it so much. It gives me a lot of comfort and will be nice to hug while I'm away from them.
2. What's been the best part of prepping for the YTT? What's been the worst? Why?
Taking all the yoga classes! I've taken back bend workshops, candlelight classes, hot classes, ashtanga classes... This month I'm even taking a TRAP Yoga workshop and I can't wait! (Google it. It's awesome!) I've really loved diversifying my practice.
3. What's your strategy for dealing with missing people/pets/home while you're away at the intensive teacher training?
I'll be bringing my phone and my Windows Surface computer, and plan on face timing with my family, and spending time with them via social media! I'm also leaving letters to my girls for my husband to read to them while I'm gone.
Give a follow on IG: @lcbyogi
Alexandra H.
1. What changes to your daily routine or lifestyle have you made in preparation for this training? How's that change going for you? What's tough, what's easy?
Meditation has become more intertwined within my life which has led to quite a strong focus on intention and connection with the world around me. This has been eye opening for me. I typically meditate not just in the morning now, but in the evenings as well for about 10 minutes or so each (some days are still better than others). On days that I'm not in the hospital working, I usually start my day with my typical glass of warm lemon-ginger water and I now use this time to just sit and let my brain mull over everything that I have been learning through my preparation. Needless to say, I've swapped my med school textbooks for my yoga books this summer so you can find me sprawled out in the mornings with all my yoga readings and a handful of highlighters! Diet wise, I have had to start eating more carbs throughout the day to sustain my muscle strength and take my branch chain amino acids more religiously to speed up my muscle recovery since I am working out a lot more now. Each day is jam packed, its not always easy to get everything done that I want to but I've just come to accept this fact.
2. What unexpected or quirky thing will you be packing for your YTT?
I just can't travel without my medicine box but its not really your typical medicine box because its made up with an array of essential oils, travel-friendly probiotics, vitamin D, and a few herbal blends for upset stomach etc...if only I could add a lemon tree for my love of lemons! haha
3. Do you have any tips for packing, travel in general or getting through a long flight?
For a long flight, I usually have a baby aspirin on hand to help prevent blood clots and I make sure to stretch my legs every so often. I like to always have water on hand so I don't get too tired, and a bag of nuts for snacking during a long flight or just when traveling in general. Oh, a good book is a MUST in case I come across a cute little cafe with delicious coffee! I like to think I can be a minimalist when traveling but in all honesty, I have my fiance comb through my suitcase because he actually knows better than I do what I will really need!
Give a follow on IG: @alexandra.hall.50
Eva T.
1. What's been the best part of prepping for the YTT? What's been the worst? Why?
The best part of prepping for the YTT was that I had to get serious about my physical training, including my yoga practice. I always recommended corrective exercises and yoga based stretches to my clients with back pain, but my own practice was a little sketchy. My preparation gave me the motivation and opportunity to work on my own weaknesses (which are plentiful) in a more strategic way. The best thing about this is that I understand better what issues my clients have, and therefore can help them more effectively. The worst thing is that I had to realize how long actual change takes as I’m nowhere near where I envisioned myself to be for the YTT. I guess this hard lesson will in the end also benefit my clients because I will be more patient with them ;)
2. Do you have any tips for packing, travel in general or getting through a long flight?
When I pack for a long trip, I like to use the dot method to identify what I really need on a daily basis. Here’s what I do: I get a package of self adhesive dots from an office supply store, and place a dot on every item I think I will need. Over the next couple of weeks I remove the dot from any item I use. Then, I’ll check the things that still have dots on them, and only pack the items that don’t have a dot, plus specialty items that I might only use during the trip (for example, hiking boots).
3. What's your strategy for dealing with missing people/pets/home while you're away at the intensive teacher training?
Immersion works best for me. I try to be fully present in my new environment, and connect with people there. If possible, I schedule certain times to contact loved ones, but I prefer not to constantly let my mind wander and indulge in thoughts of missing home. I want to get the best out of my time away, so that I can fully share my experiences when I get back.
Give a follow on IG: @evatzschaschel
Liz M.
1. What changes to your daily routine or lifestyle have you made in preparation for this training? How's that change going for you? What's tough, what's easy?
The biggest change to my lifestyle is incorporating more writing, reading and reflection into my daily life. I started to blog in preparation for my future students, self, and yoga teacher job. This has been really fun and challenging. I've enjoyed exploring other yoga/wellness blogs as well as working on my own writing. This is the easy part, being in the position of a consumer and paying attention to the content/messages that resonate with me. Blogging, writing, creating great content, etc is not easy! There is a science to branding, getting people's attention and generating revenue from social media and your blog. It's become so important to remind myself to be authentic and positive. Another essential reminder is this is all part of the journey. The process of discovery, learning, failing is so crucial to sustainable success, so I'm enjoying it all!
2. What unexpected or quirky thing will you be packing for your YTT?
Oral rehydration salt packets! I have a stash from my Peace Corps medical kit and I think I have enough for every day of the training. In a hot environment like Thailand (in July!) staying hydrated is SO important. These packets are great to drink at the end of a long, physically draining day. You'll wake up refreshed and the salts your body lost will be restored. My body responds super well to them. Also, if any digestive issues go down, these are essential.
3. What's been the best part of prepping for the YTT? What's been the worst? Why?
The best part about prepping for the Namaslay YTT has been the required reading. Practicing physical yoga has been second nature for a while, but delving deeper into yogi philosophy, anatomy, and the brain-body connection has brought me so much joy. It adds another layer to each pose when you're on your mat practicing. It also helps to bring yoga off the mat. You can practice yoga all day everyday if you're listening to your heart and leading with love and kindness. Understanding this is still a work in progress but has altered how I interact with everyone around me. The worst part has been the focus on social media. For me, social media can suck me in very easily. I'm prone to comparing myself to others and spiraling into the thought process of "impostor syndrome". (I'm not good enough/who am I to think I can do this...etc.) This specific training puts a lot of emphasis on how powerful social media can be as a business tool. So, it has been a tricky balance for me. It's easy to get super excited and want to learn everything and do everything but then I realize how many hours I've lost and how poorly I feel about myself...It's been tough. My approach to this problem has been to set "rules." Eg: 1) No social media before 10am. 2) I put the Instagram app on the second page of my iphone in a folder, so it's not so easy to just press when I'm bored. 3) If I spend more than 10 minutes over thinking a caption I say screw this and I come back later when my mind is flowing easier.
Give a follow on IG: @liz.merci
Franzi U.
1. What's been the best part of prepping for the YTT? What's been the worst? Why?
The great books I've read in order to prepare for the training.. my favorite is the Four Agreements. I would have never read that otherwise! The worst though is also reading the books lol. We have to read the Bhagavad Gita which is really hard to read in English as I'm German, it's a tome and even harder to understand... To me this one is a real struggle. (Candace's editing note: This book is brutal even if you're a native English speaker, I promise! It's just one of those 'must reads' for teacher training though, and one you can refer to again and again throughout your yoga path.)
2. Do you have any tips for packing, travel in general or getting through a long flight?
For me getting through a long flight is not a big deal. The key is to bring either good music and a book that you really enjoy or are excited about. I always bring both and I have a sleeping playlist from Spotify which helps me pretty well to fall asleep. Also, make sure to bring a sleeping mask and pillow as well as moisturizer, tooth paste and brush and deodorant for that feeling of freshness whenever you need it. Also I like to take eye drops and nasal spray with me on the plane to fight the air conditioning. And then just chill and enjoy the time not having to call or text someone and being connected all the time.
3. What's your strategy for dealing with missing people/pets/home while you're away at the intensive teacher training?
Focus on the now! Time flies by so fast anyway. And in the end you'd always wish you had more time and back home you wish you could go back. So try to enjoy the time while you are there as much as you can and live in the present.
Give a follow on IG: @bohowonderfullife
Christina G.
1. What changes to your daily routine or lifestyle have you made in preparation for this training? How's that change going for you? What's tough, what's easy?
In preparation for this training I bit the bullet and joined a CrossFit gym for the month. I was ABSOLUTELY TERRIFIED! I used to be a professional ballerina- so anything with weights intimidates me. The day of my first training session, I panicked as I realized that I had left my wet sneakers from jogging that morning in my nice hot car all day at work. They smelled WONDERFUL...& by wonderful I mean absolutely terrible. But my trainer pretended not to notice as I profusely apologized for the reeking odors that wafted up from my feet. She was so patient with me all throughout the training so that I left thinking, “Hmmm, maybe I can do this!” During my second training I thought I was going to vomit after only 3 reps of the work out of the day (those are no joke!). But yet again my trainer was so encouraging and upbeat that my trepidation was gradually subsiding. So for the rest of the month I plan on prepping by going 3 times a week to see how much progress I can make in the month before the training.
2. What's been the best part of prepping for the YTT? What's been the worst? Why?
The best part of prepping for the YTT for me has been the reading. I forgot how much I love to read and study, since it’s been exactly 10 years now since I completed my graduate studies. The worst part has definitely been the burpee and push up parties...sorry Candace! It’s not you!! It’s me. I tell myself that they are like vitamins, they don’t taste good and they’re tough to swallow but they are so good for me. But hey, I’m 37 years old and I still have a tough time swallowing my pills like an adult. So yeah, it’s been rough for me! But I’m sticking with it.
3. Do you have any tips for packing, travel in general or getting through a long flight?
My motto for previous travel has always been “when in doubt leave it out” especially for clothing since I’ve never been away and too terribly upset about leaving that one shirt at home. And I’m always MORE than happy to pick up that one cool, unique new shirt or helpful article of clothing while I’m away to then keep as a momento for the trip. And for the flight compression socks are my best friend! And don’t be afraid to stand up and walking around periodically. On long flights I really feel the circulation from my knees down and those 2 things help a lot! That and a good eye mask and neck pillow for sleeping!
Give a follow on IG: @christinagibson
Andrea R.
1. What unexpected or quirky thing will you be packing for your YTT?
Nail polish and nail polish remover. I cannot stand when my nails aren't done! Check in with me during training to see how they look. If they are severely chipped, you guys will know I'm struggling. Haha.
2. Do you have any tips for packing, travel in general or getting through a long flight?
Always do your research before traveling to a different country. As a guest, it is important to respect the culture. One should educate himself/herself so he/she doesn't insult anyone or end up in jail. Things that might be socially acceptable/legal in your country might not be okay in another.
3. What's your strategy for dealing with missing people/pets/home while you're away at the intensive teacher training?
I always make sure my house sitter sends me TONS of pictures and videos of my dog, Tasha. Although that only makes me miss her more, it is still nice to see what she's up to.
Give a follow on IG: @andief430
Christina F.
1. What changes to your daily routine or lifestyle have you made in preparation for this training? How's that change going for you? What's tough, what's easy?
The biggest thing I’ve been working is my self talk. I’ve spent most of my life beating myself up and telling myself things like “you’re so stupid, you can’t do anything right, and everyone else is better than you”. I realize now, that those thoughts are absolute CRAP, and they have been holding me back from living life fully and reaching my true potential. In effort to change that, I counter every negative comment to myself with three things comforting, loving or positive. It's like the angel and devil on each shoulder. For example if I say something to myself like: “you’ll never be able to get up and teach in front of a group”, I’ll reply with something like: “just do your best, you are going to do great, it’s normal to be nervous.” It sounds like common sense but it’s a behavior that I needed to learn. Another change I’ve made in my life is incorporating new fitness methods. Before I started preparing for this training, I didn’t even know what a burpee was, and could barely do one push-up. They still aren’t my favorite things to do (they actually feel like torture to be honest), but I’ve made a little progress and that feels good. The easy part has been not giving up because it's not even an option. I feel myself changing for the better and it makes me realize I must be doing something right. The hardest part has been trying to have a organized and consistent schedule. I have a tendency to put too much on my plate, get overwhelmed and then procrastinate. It hasn't been easy juggling all the elements of my life and dividing up my time appropriately, but I’m learning I’m capable of more than I ever thought I was.
2. Do you have any tips for packing, travel in general or getting through a long flight?
I would not describe myself as a very experienced traveler. I actually have no idea what I’m doing! Thankfully I have a travel mate, fellow trainee Christina G, coming along with me, so I don’t get lost in the airport. I’ve been outside the country to the Caribbean a few times and that’s pretty much the extent of my international travels. So this is kinda a big deal. As far as getting through a long flight, I’ve never been on one more than 5 hours so I could actually use all the advice I can get! This is the thing I’m most nervous about on this trip. My plan is to entertain myself with books and movies. And to bring melatonin to help me sleep.
3. What's been the best part of prepping for the YTT? What's been the worst? Why?
Best: Having something exciting to look forward to, and challenging myself. I was feeling so stuck in my current life prior to applying and this opportunity felt like an answer that came at just the right time. Counting the days down has kept me more motivated and more focused on my future and my goals than I ever have been before. Worst: My grandma, who I'm very close to, was diagnosed with cancer in March. I’ve really struggled for the past few months with not knowing what will happen, and with planning on going so far from home while she’s in such bad condition. The cancer has progressed really quickly, and she became too weak to fight it. She’s in hospice now living out her final days. This is hitting my family and I very hard. We’ve been staying close by her side and spending as much time with her as possible. It has been especially hard to stay afloat as her condition gets worse. When I told her how conflicted I was about whether or not I should still go to the training, her eyes got wide and she lifted her head up to tell me sternly “Don’t you dare cancel that trip”. The way she said it let me know she meant it. She understands how much it means to me, and I know she’s proud of me for going after this. Having her blessing gives this whole adventure a monumental new meaning. I’m not just doing this for me now, I’m doing this in honor of her.
Give a follow on IG: @christina.eve.yoga
Ashley S.
1. What changes to your daily routine or lifestyle have you made in preparation for this training? How's that change going for you? What's tough, what's easy?
I've added extended, intentional meditation to my daily routine in preparation for my training. It has definitely helped me maintain my focus and consistency in practice. Spending time expressing gratitude, bringing awareness to my feelings and setting intentions at the start and finish of each day has brought a mental clarity I've not experienced before. It's not easy, though, to continually rise early enough to fit this in before I start my day, and sometimes my evening meditation is me laying on the floor, staring at the ceiling and breathing. Whatever it looks like, finding awareness is always powerful, and I'm continually grateful for my check-ins.
2. What's been the best part of prepping for the YTT? What's been the worst? Why?
The best part of prepping for the YTT has been a focus for my training and practice. With an end goal in mind, I'm able to maintain consistency, and in turn, I've made connections with amazing people in my community. The worst part for me has been trying to balance my preparation with all the other aspects of life. I teach high school full-time, tutor part-time, and am continuing my education in other areas while trying to maintain my health, training and social life. Most days I can focus on about three things, and I let that be enough.
3. Do you have any tips for packing, travel in general or getting through a long flight?
Pack light. You probably don't need everything in your bag, and you can always pick up an extra t-shirt or more shampoo on the road. Especially in developing countries, having rolling suitcases and a lot to carry on your own can add stress to an exciting, but sometimes overwhelming experience. Freeing yourself up with less baggage allows you to focus on taking in the sights, sounds, smells of your new locale and can help you avoid feeling sensory overload or frustration.
Give a follow on IG: @ashleyspradlin
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