Yoga Teacher Training Changed My Life
It was my senior year of college and I was all set to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from Ohio State. My boyfriend’s (now husband’s) mother had just passed away from a quick and scary battle with lung cancer and it really took a toll on our lives. I had resorted to many unhealthy vices and felt disconnected from myself and my life. I knew something had to change and so did the people around me.
My cousin and dear friend invited me to a yoga class and I remember that class so vividly. The GoYoga studio in Upper Arlington, Ohio was cozy and decorated for the holidays, the class was full and the instructor was amazing. It was unlike any fitness class I had ever taken – the music was fun and the instruction was easy to follow. I remember when the teacher instructed us into the pose half moon and I think my jaw hit the floor like “holy crap my body will never be able to do that!”. I walked away from that single class with greater clarity and I knew yoga was going to become a bigger part of my life.
I jumped all in, taking classes daily and soaking up all of the impactful wisdom, positivity and community. I then found out about a yoga teacher training in Belize and as a travel lover, I knew this was a good next step for me. I didn’t have intentions to teach, but knew I wanted to give myself this gift. After all, I was graduating and had been through some rough stuff – it was my time to celebrate how far I’d come!
I landed in Belize, took the water taxi to the Ak’bol resort and was welcomed with a beautiful 3 course meal overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The next morning I started what I now refer to as an experience of a lifetime. The daily meditation walks allowed me to slow down and connect to the present moment. The twice daily yoga practices provided me space to shed away stale layers of emotion, strengthen my body and feel at peace with myself. The trainer-led discussions provided me with more knowledge and I was able to uncover the deeper meaning behind what yoga means (come to find out it’s way more than the poses). I was given space to ask questions, reflect out loud and connect with the other beautiful people in the training.
I wouldn’t consider myself a spiritual person, but this was a spiritual experience. It forced me to ask myself questions I had never thought of. It made me lean into vulnerability and uncover my real self, something that I very much resisted up until this point. It may sound cliché, but I walked away from this training a new person and the people in my life took notice! I had awakened a new confidence within myself and I was radiating positivity.
Towards the end of my time in Belize I had a realization – I had to share this! I felt a deeper desire to spread happiness through yoga, to offer space for people to connect with themselves and I also had a bigger dream: I wanted to come back to Belize, but on the other side… as a yoga teacher trainer.
Fast forward 5 years and I accomplished that big dream! I returned to Belize as a trainer and was able to facilitate the same journey that totally transformed my life. Talk about an incredible moment! I now lead teacher trainings, teach classes, mentor new teachers and create all kinds of exciting programs at GoYoga. Who knew that one brave choice to dive all in and enroll in a yoga teacher training would completely change the course of my life!
Teaching yoga and being a part of the yoga community has impacted every aspect of my life. It has changed the way I handle different situations and pushes me to be honest, courageous and patient. I have had the privilege of learning from some really incredible people along the way and I lean on my yoga practice often for physical, mental and emotional support. I hope through sharing yoga I help others connect the dots and take what they learn about themselves off their mats into their lives. This practice is powerful and whether you teach or not, yoga teacher training is an eye-opening experience and one you will never forget.
Exploring yoga teacher training options? Take a look at our local Columbus, Ohio trainings as well as our destination trainings in other cities here.
Molly Morgan, eRYT500, has been teaching group yoga classes and facilitating yoga teacher trainings for the past several years in Columbus, OH as well as in destinations such as Belize and Sedona, Arizona. She has dedicated her life to yoga, both as a student and teacher and loves to help students, aspiring teachers and current teachers reach their fullest potential and realize their own dreams. She also serves as GoYoga’s Programs Director – planning trainings, workshops and events that help people deepen their understanding of the various tools and practices of yoga. She’s happy to answer questions on our teacher trainings programs or any general questions such as if yoga teacher training is right for you. Reach out to her at [email protected]
