Interview: Keira Coleman
- ayeshacantrell
- Dec 17, 2014
- 3 min read
This interview is the fourth in a series of interviews designed to help you if you want to know how to become a yoga instructor.
Keira is a long time friend of mine and tsunami buddy. We had known each other a little before that wave hit and very well in the days that followed. In those days, we decided that we would go to India to study yoga together. At that point, I was just along for the ride and took part in around 3/4 of the course Keira mentions. I enjoyed it but back then yoga was far from meaning what it does to me today. Funny how life works.
Here's Keiras take on what you need to know before choosing your yoga teacher training course, teaching your first class and ultimately understanding how to become a yoga instructor.
Why did you decide to take your (first) yoga teacher training course? Did you always know you would teach?
I decided to make my first teacher training course many many years ago when I was in my mid-20s and living in NYC. I never actually completed it at the time however. I spent a long time searching for the right retreat and it wasn't until several years later when I was 33 that I actually took the time off to dedicate to one. I knew for a long time that it was something I wanted to do but I wanted to spend time to really find the course that was right for me.
What advice would you give to those choosing their course?
Obviously the cost is an important factor for the average person. As the vast majority of teacher trainings are far from cheap, it can be a deciding factor for many. Some are prohibitively expensive and some are unusually cheap. Ask around as for recommendations from anyone you know that has done a yoga teacher training course before or someone you know can give you some impartial advice on what would suit you best. That's was I did and I was more than happy with the outcome of my first course which was a recommendation from an Indian friend. The course was at the yoga institute in Mumbai in India. Initially is was rather intimidating as there were very few westerners there however the people were so lovely and made everyone feel extremely welcome and at ease.
What’s the biggest / most important thing you learned during your yoga teacher training course?
That Asana is not as important in the grand scheme of things as we think it is. It does not matter if you cannot do a handstand or a headstand or drop back into Dhanurasana. These are all things that will come with time and regular practice. Being satisfied and accepting of the present while on your path is the real goal. Also, you don't have to be able to "do" everything perfectly in order to teach someone. It is far more important to know how to teach someone.
What advice would you give to someone teaching their first class?
Keep it really simple, don't try and do anything elaborate or complicated on your first class. Start with basics like breathing and demonstrate modified postures. As you find your feet, your voice and your confidence you can branch out from them. Practice teaching on yourself or friends. Physically talk yourself through your class so that the words and the movements become effortless and you can say all that you want to say with a natural flow and sense of ease.
Which is your favourite asana? Which is the one you find challenging or are currently working on?
My favourite asana? I'm not sure that I have just one... I actually have several, but one that I feel very comfortable in always in Padmasana Other favourites are basically any sort of inversion or back bends. I find them all a truly great relief for any stress I may be feeling.
One particular posture that I find challenging is jumping through and jumping back into Chaturanga. Jumping through I can manage, however back has always been a work in progress. All good! :)
Find and Practice with Keira
Keira teaches yoga on Koh Lipe in Thailand, find her on her website here www.keiritasyoga.com
She also owns a dive centre and you can dive with her too here .. www.adangseadivers.com
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If you would like to be interviewed - get intouch - info@myyogateachertrainingcourse.com
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