Interview: Sharon Ziv

This interview is the second in a series of interviews designed to help you if you want to know how to become a yoga instructor. Sharon was my teacher at a pivotal time. She guided me back to the mat, reminded me of the benefits of practice and shared her passion and skill with humility. Sharon teaches a traditional hatha class with laughter, encouragement and joy. She helped me develop a practice and nurtured the start of what might become an obsession. Sharon was also responsible for advising me on the purchase of my aweseome Jade Yoga Mat.

Why did you decide to take your (first) yoga teacher training course? Did you always know you would teach?

Taking my first yoga teacher training course was a spontaneous decision that I made during a visit to India. I had been doing yoga for almost 10 years at that point and knew that I was looking for a deeper knowledge of the practice. In India I contemplated going to a yoga ashram, or finding a retreat, until an old friend who was travelling at the same time suggested I join her in the TTC she was signed up for. Needless to say, I went for it and it was the best decision I ever made. When I took the course I had no intention of teaching yoga but instead I wanted to work on myself with a deeper understanding of the practice. Later down the road, out of my own self-practice came my love and passion of sharing yoga with others.

What advice would you give to those choosing their course?

Follow your intuition! There are so many options when it comes to doing a TTC that range from styles, teachers, durations and countries. Begin by deciding what type of yoga speaks to you the most and feels most natural to you. As well getting to know your teacher ahead of time can really eliminate any unwanted surprises. I would also suggest taking some of the pressure off from needing to find the perfect course and enjoy the ride. Each life experience, each decision, each path is our teacher.

What’s the biggest / most important thing you learnt during your yoga teacher training course?

The most important thing I learnt from my TTC is strengthening my relationship with myself. I learnt that showing up on the mat isn't an option or about exercise, but it’s a commitment to self-love. The postures / asanas are a tool for self-discovery and I learned that each twist, bend and breath brought me closer to my true self. I felt blissfully alive! Ever since I made that connection I never looked back and gracefully allowed Yoga to change my life.

What advice would you give to someone teaching their first class?

Be yourself! It’s completely normal for anyone to be nervous the first time they teach a class, but breathe and be yourself. Remember why you love yoga, and with an open heart share it with everyone. Don't worry about getting those hard postures or confusing your right with your left, just be genuine and plug-in with your students. Be fully there.

Which is your favourite asana? Which is the one you find challenging or the one you are currently working on?

Savasana is by far my favourite. My meditation practice has really deepened in the last two years and find myself working on quieting the mind in Savasana more and more. In my practice right now I’m really working on fine-tuning my alignments, especially in back-bends. Lots of wheels and handstands these days.

Qualifications

Kailash Tribal Yoga School - 200 Dharamsala, India

Kailash Tribal Yoga School - 100 (refresher) - Dharmasala India

Hatha Yoga World - 200 Rishikesh, India

Sharon recommended some great books for you to read which are available in our store. Check it out here

Be social, come and join me on whichever platform you frequent, click one of the buttons on the left hand side.

Use the buttons below to share this post with your friends.

If you would like to be interviewed - get intouch - info@myyogateachertrainingcourse.com

#interview