My Yin TT Experience
Ever wondered what actually happens on a Yin yoga teacher training? Maybe you are looking to explore one but want to know more. Below our Liz shares her experiences from her course with TJ Maher from YUJMU…
If I had to sum up my ten day, one-hundred-hour Yin teacher training in three words, they would be; immersive, supported, and grounded. The past ten days have provided deep rest and rejuvenation. I was able to let my body fully relax, while also learn about the magic of Yin Yoga. Sow and Root Yoga Studio allowed for an intimate yet expansive journey into the world of Yin, with five other like-minded people and our wonderful teachers; TJ and Beth who was assisting.
Although a hundred hours in ten days seemed daunting at first, it soon became clear how necessary the time was for stillness and rest from the hectic, often mundane everyday. There was space and freedom to just be, and to let go of what was no longer needed. We learnt practical ways to relax and listen to our body and mind, through long-held postures and meditation. I began to feel my body soften and open up as I gave it permission to let go of tension.
Our mornings started with an optional twenty-minute silent mediation, which I found an integral start the day, as it provided my mind and body with stillness and self-reflection. This was followed by a sharing-circle, which was a wonderful time to to express any thoughts or feelings about the course or anything else we wished to talk about. Our mornings then finished with a lecture from our enthusiastic and passionate teacher, TJ. These lectures included - Yin Yoga Essentials, Anatomy, Meditation, Chakras, Chi and Meditation, Breathing and Yin Teaching. TJ ensured to keep the lectures fun and interactive throughout, with plenty of time to ask questions or make comments along the way.
We were given enough time in the day to journal our experiences, which was a particularly useful way to capture the main aspects from the teachings. Our afternoons involved experiencing the practice of Yin Yoga through the eyes of a yoga teacher. TJ guided us through different Yin classes, to enable us to experience the varying forms of Yin. We understood the importance of room set-up, music, lighting and even smells to evoke a certain atmosphere or intention for the class. For example, some classes were required a more energised approach, such as using Dragon and Owl poses, and some classes were more relaxed, with softer music and lighting and restorative postures.
We ended our day with an asana clinic, and learnt about forty-six different Yin postures and how to hold and feel these postures in our bodies. We were provided with a deck of cards which were wonderfully illustrated with the poses and there was space on the back of each card to write down notes and cues.
As the course progressed, I found a deeper stillness and was able to further open my body and mind, which created a great sense of inner space and peace. The course has taught me how to become much more attuned to my body and the natural world around me. I have gained an appreciation to the ups and downs of life and how interconnected we are to nature and all other beings.
I have also gained greater insights into the Chinese philosophy of Taoism — with the importance of Yin and Yang and how one cannot exist without the other — as wells an understanding of the act of Wu Wei, ‘effortless action,’ by remaining in a natural state and therefore appreciate the many contrasts of life, as day becomes night and the sun follows the moon. Taoism fully embodies relativity from one thing to another, how all is exactly as it should be, which allows for more balance and harmony in life.
After completing this course, I continue to be fascinated by the workings of the human body and how integrated it is to the nervous system. Through regular yoga practice — and especially Yin yoga and meditation — I am not only learning how to find more space and clarity on the mat, but also in my everyday life and beyond.
~ Liz Witts