YTT Graduation
"My personal experience has been that when I practice yoga, everything else in my life flows more smoothly. I have greater patience and a steadier composure when I practice. We cannot avoid all of the stresses that life offers. Our only real control is how we react to the waves of challenges thrust upon us,"- David Swenson
On Sunday, I officially graduated from the 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training that I have been enrolled in since June 2021. The whole weekend was a beautiful expression of all we have learnt over these past nine months. During this past weekend, we all took turns teaching our final practicum, which meant that each of us taught a one hour yoga class. Part of the class participated as students in these practicums, and the other part would observe. It was so inspiring to see how each one of us had the same parameters for what should be included in our sequence, and each of us used those parameters in a very different way in order to create a sequence unique to ourselves and our practice.
In the final part of the weekend, we had a moving graduation ceremony where each of us got to say some kind words to our fellow students. We were then presented with our 200 hour teaching certificate, and after some hugs and pictures we left with hearts full. I couldn't stop smiling. It was really a joy to be a part of and complete this program.
But, when I got home after the ceremony, I immediately bumped up against reality. After spending the day totally immersed in yoga, I now had to return to the world of doing dishes and folding laundry and bedtime routines. I still felt elated and wanted to reflect and soak that in, but there was no time. The world had kept spinning and my kids wanted hot cocoa and to tell me about their days. I had been riding high on the wave of graduation and now that wave had dissipated.
But, learning to ride "the waves of challenge," is why I do yoga. Learning to calm my mind during a challenging pose or flow can give me some insight on how to calm my mind during a challenging moment in my day or life. It can help me not take myself so seriously. It can help me learn that– no matter what's going on– this wave won't last forever.
I know that I have written it before, but I would be remiss not to say thank you once more to my teachers, fellow students, and my family and friends. Your support means so much, and I'm always learning from you. Let's keep riding these waves together.