5 Reasons to do a Yoga Teacher Training

Hello Dear Community,

If you're reading this, you might be considering a Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) or simply curious about why someone would embark on such a journey.

There are countless reasons to undertake a YTT, but in this article, we’ll share the top five benefits that we, along with our alumni, believe you can enjoy when participating in a training.

1. Experience the Benefits of Consistent Daily Practice

There is an abundance of scientific research supporting the incredible benefits of regular meditation, breath work, and physical postures for overall health. Studies have shown that just 12 minutes of yoga a day can significantly reduce the negative effects of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Yet, believing in these benefits and actually experiencing them are two very different things.

For many, yoga is something they squeeze into their schedules a few times a week. While even a short practice is better than none, it’s vastly different from engaging in two-and-a-half hours of daily practice every morning for three weeks.

The transformative power of a daily practice often inspires participants to maintain their sadhana (daily practice) after returning home.

Starting each day with intention and practices that regulate the nervous system can be life-changing in today’s fast-paced world. We are deeply grateful when our alumni share how this experience has profoundly improved their lives. It’s not about us—it’s about the power of the practice, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to share it with others who, in turn, share it with their communities.

Many of our alumni have expressed that they felt a sense of loneliness before joining our training. This is often the case for those who choose a different path in life, making it all the more important to find a community that shares the same values and aspirations.

The importance of the Sangha (spiritual community) is emphasised in Buddhist teachings. It is said that the Buddha once asked his disciple Ananda which of the three jewels—The Buddha, The Dharma, or The Sangha—was most important. Ananda answered The Buddha, but the Buddha corrected him, stating that the Sangha was the most essential.

Being surrounded by a supportive group of like-minded individuals makes the commitment to sadhana much more possible. Many participants leave the training feeling supported and connected to a community of humans who aspire not only to take care of themselves and their loved ones but also to consider the well-being of all beings and the Earth itself.

We maintain WhatsApp groups for each YTT cohort, and it’s heartwarming to see alumni continue to engage and meet up long after their training ends.

Here we share photos of the classes 3 of our beloved alumni Fiona, Mary and Phoenix have co-organised and taught in Vancouver Canada. They didn't know each other previously and trained with us in February 2022 and have stayed in touch in a beautiful way.

3. Take Time to Slow Down and Reflect

We live in a society that glorifies constant productivity and future-oriented thinking, often at the expense of rest and reflection. From a young age, we’re asked what we want to be when we grow up. While this is a valuable question, it’s one that should be asked throughout our lives— not just during childhood.

Taking time to ask questions like, "What are my values?" and "Am I living in alignment with them?" is essential for personal growth and societal evolution.

We don’t expect or encourage all our trainees to quit their jobs and become full-time yoga teachers. In fact, most do not. However, many find that after training, they incorporate what they've learned into their existing careers or personal lives. Some report that their relationships improve, they handle challenges with more ease, and their overall perspective on life shifts. This is the true essence of the spiritual journey.

4. Learn Tools to Help Yourself and Others

YTT is not solely for those who aspire to teach yoga professionally. It’s for anyone curious about the origins of yoga and eager to develop the ability to guide themselves through meditation and asanas without relying on external resources like YouTube or Insight Timer—although these tools are fantastic.

We often seek wisdom outside of ourselves, believing others have the answers. However, when we reconnect with our true essence, we realize that we are our own best guides. Our intention is to remind each participant of this inner wisdom, so they, in turn, can remind others.

We also share practical tools and techniques, such as mindful eating practices, gratitude exercises, and breath work—small yet impactful habits that can be easily integrated into daily life.

5. Earn a Yoga Alliance Certificate

While not the primary goal, the Yoga Alliance certification is like the cherry on top of the transformative experience. Over three weeks, you’ll make friends, laugh, cry, learn, practice, and grow. And by the end, you’ll walk away with a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Certification.

We believe that the teaching journey is ongoing, and no certificate can signify the end of that path. However, having this certification allows you to teach yoga anywhere in the world, should you choose to pursue that option.

There are countless other reasons to join a Yoga Teacher Training with us—such as experiencing life atop a mountain at Lake Atitlán, Guatemala, for three weeks, singing mantras daily, and much more. But we invite you to discover the magic for yourself.

Our next 200-hour YTT will be held at our beloved Sanctuary @arcoisis from November 9th to December 1st. You can find more information here, and please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to arrange a call with one of us. We offer support before, during, and after the training.

With love,Melissa & RachaelFounders of Breath Body Earth Yoga School