Re-visiting my teacher training via the Graduate Support Program
Tessa Amitacala shares her experience of revisiting her 200hr Intensive teacher training via the Graduate Support Program.
When did you complete your Ashram Yoga Teacher Training and what have you done with your training since?
I came to Ashram Yoga for the Level 1 Intensive in February 2015. I did not do my training to go into teaching as a career, but to deepen my own understanding and knowledge of the science and philosophy of yoga. Since my training, I have continued with my own self practice, and taught 2 informal classes for a bit of fun – one on the top of Machu Picchu in Peru – In Spanish!
What I have really used from the training over the years is the knowledge gained in order to help others when they have certain issues they want to correct with their body – be it stress, back aches, etc; I can suggest some ideal postures or breathing techniques for them to try.
What made you want to return to Ashram Yoga as part of the Graduate Support Program?
I returned because the biggest thing that stayed with me from the initial teacher training was the amazingly zen, calm and collected presence I had attained during my intensive. Life had continued and the stress had continued to slowly build over the years and I realised that I had not been utilizing all of the tools in my yogic toolkit and needed a refresher, as well as to just get away from the big smoke for a while and be in nature again!
How did you find your time on the “other side” of the Teacher Training?
I really loved coming back and enjoying the Ashram Yoga experience from a different perspective. I was able to involve myself in classes that I particularly wanted a refresher on, whilst also getting into the other things that I was really keen to learn more about but didn’t have the time to explore in the intensive. This time, I delved into assisting in cooking the delicious meals served, I learnt and played a few kirtans on the harmonium, I spent a lot of time at the beach and read some fantastic books from the Ashram Yoga library. I also got to have some great conversations and connect with everyone living at Ohui Retreat on a deeper level as well as all of the students on the intensive. It was wonderful to have more time so that I could just ‘be’ at Ohui, and not have to be always ‘doing’ things.
What did you find valuable about re-visiting Ashram Yoga teacher training?
I realised there was a lot of information that I had forgotten about because I had not practised it over the years, so I was really glad to participate the evening discussions about the philosophies of Yoga and the Patanjali Sutras. I found the refresher classes on the chakras, Anatomy and Ayurveda to be valuable and participated in the cleansing practices with the students in the early morning, followed by daily yoga classes delivered by a different person each day. I found that this visit to Ashram Yoga really allowed me to explore and refresh myself on practises that are easily implemented into daily life, and I remembered the importance of self-care for my body and mind through daily practise, which I have now implemented back home.
Who would you recommend the Graduate Support Program to?
Anyone who needs a break or has felt like they have gotten caught up in the hustle and bustle of work/life/family responsibilities and needs to give themselves the time to rejuvenate. Also, anyone that wants a refresher on the content from their learning and to build on the knowledge they obtained from their original training and delve deeper still.
When did you complete your Ashram Yoga Teacher Training and what have you done with your training since?
I came to Ashram Yoga for the Level 1 Intensive in February 2015. I did not do my training to go into teaching as a career, but to deepen my own understanding and knowledge of the science and philosophy of yoga. Since my training, I have continued with my own self practice, and taught 2 informal classes for a bit of fun – one on the top of Machu Picchu in Peru – In Spanish!
What I have really used from the training over the years is the knowledge gained in order to help others when they have certain issues they want to correct with their body – be it stress, back aches, etc; I can suggest some ideal postures or breathing techniques for them to try.
What made you want to return to Ashram Yoga as part of the Graduate Support Program?
I returned because the biggest thing that stayed with me from the initial teacher training was the amazingly zen, calm and collected presence I had attained during my intensive. Life had continued and the stress had continued to slowly build over the years and I realised that I had not been utilizing all of the tools in my yogic toolkit and needed a refresher, as well as to just get away from the big smoke for a while and be in nature again!
How did you find your time on the “other side” of the Teacher Training?
I really loved coming back and enjoying the Ashram Yoga experience from a different perspective. I was able to involve myself in classes that I particularly wanted a refresher on, whilst also getting into the other things that I was really keen to learn more about but didn’t have the time to explore in the intensive. This time, I delved into assisting in cooking the delicious meals served, I learnt and played a few kirtans on the harmonium, I spent a lot of time at the beach and read some fantastic books from the Ashram Yoga library. I also got to have some great conversations and connect with everyone living at Ohui Retreat on a deeper level as well as all of the students on the intensive. It was wonderful to have more time so that I could just ‘be’ at Ohui, and not have to be always ‘doing’ things.
What did you find valuable about re-visiting Ashram Yoga teacher training?
I realised there was a lot of information that I had forgotten about because I had not practised it over the years, so I was really glad to participate the evening discussions about the philosophies of Yoga and the Patanjali Sutras. I found the refresher classes on the chakras, Anatomy and Ayurveda to be valuable and participated in the cleansing practices with the students in the early morning, followed by daily yoga classes delivered by a different person each day. I found that this visit to Ashram Yoga really allowed me to explore and refresh myself on practises that are easily implemented into daily life, and I remembered the importance of self-care for my body and mind through daily practise, which I have now implemented back home.
Who would you recommend the Graduate Support Program to?
Anyone who needs a break or has felt like they have gotten caught up in the hustle and bustle of work/life/family responsibilities and needs to give themselves the time to rejuvenate. Also, anyone that wants a refresher on the content from their learning and to build on the knowledge they obtained from their original training and delve deeper still.
