Is now over and I passed. All I have to do now is some class observation and write an essay on the future of yoga in the west. Part of the last week of the training was 4 days with Ana Forrest. Wow! She is one strong lady. Really interesting posture work, totally different to Ashtanga, but in a good way. When I went back to normal practice I found my hips were nice and open and also my back. I am definitely going to try and incorporate some of the strengthening exercises into my practice. Probably at night though after morning mysore.
Good grief I am going to end up doing yoga all day!
Last week was pretty stressful though. Partly because it was 7 full on days of yoga practice and teaching practice in a row, and also partly because most of the people on the course were stressing about passing the course. It turned out that a few people did have their certificates witheld. The criteria was based on your practice, teaching skills, adjustments and homework. I need to work on my adjusting but really this is just getting more experience in it. I think some of the others on the course think that being flexible guaranteed a pass, but really I think it was the whole package. And those who didn't pass got things to work on and homework to do so they can eventually get their certificates to teach.
Personally even though I did pass, I don't feel ready to teach yet so I am going to do a further course next year. I must be a glutton for punishment! Maybe after that I will try and start a beginners class. I was thinking it would be good to teach a class at work so I might approach them about it next year.
I think I might look into Iyengar teaching too, although I know you have to be practicing Iyengar for a long time before you can train as a teacher and I am not sure how they would feel about me doing Ashtanga. Something to look into I guess...
One day I will get to Mysore too, that'll help the teaching aim...