Seat of the Teacher: Virtual YYOGA Teacher Training Experience

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I had no idea what a transformative and emotional experience this journey would be! Being in my own surroundings allowed me to go deeper inward and really embrace the experience.

It’s early Saturday morning as I sit down at my desk with a view of English Bay, coffee in hand, and click on the Zoom link for my YYOGA teacher training. Shortly after, little square boxes of my fellow yogis start to appear on my computer. 

When teacher training transitioned to Zoom, I wasn’t sure how well it would work. Sure, it’s practical and convenient (watering my plants and taking a shower on the lunch break? Yes!), but how could a hands-on program translate into a digital format? I didn’t know what to expect, but the transition felt seamless as we picked up right where we left off.

 Jayme, Mari, and Jasmina created a supportive learning environment as they guided us through the material. Our weekend mornings usually started with a short discussion or lecture followed by a workshop style yoga practice. The afternoons were reserved for asana labs and practical exercises. This group work was a chance to open up and connect one on one with each other from the comfort of our own homes.

I came to see that the electronic barrier was no match for our community. The energy that resonates around yoga was somehow still able to flow through the digital screen!

As someone who values the sense of community in a yoga class, I wondered how I could maintain a connection with my fellow yogis who were now just little boxes on a screen? But between the dharma talks and the intense (2 hour!!) yoga practices, I came to see that the electronic barrier was no match for our community. The energy that resonates around yoga was somehow still able to flow through the digital screen!

When I signed up for teacher training, my intention was to learn more about yoga to take my practice to the next level. But I had no idea what a transformative and emotional experience this journey would be! Being in my own surroundings allowed me to go deeper inward and really embrace the experience.

Jayme, Mari, and Jasmina created a supportive learning environment as they guided us through the material. ​

Like any program, teacher training is what you make it, but having experienced training virtually in our Zoom room, I wouldn’t have any hesitation of doing it again. Beyond being practical and convenient, the content is accessible and I felt confident in my understanding of the material as we progressed through the modules. And as we said our tearful, final farewells on Zoom I realized how much connection and energy can be shared through this format!

This blog was written by our 200 Hour Graduate and beautiful community member Amy McCall

To learn more about our Teacher Training Program click here.

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