I teach yoga to go on vacation

Not 100% why I teach yoga but going on almost cost free vacations is definitely a perk. While I have always taken yoga in terms of fitness and cross training, it wasn’t until about 5 years ago when I started practicing regularly that I finally snapped out of my corporate world funk. After years of moving, corporate ladder climbing, traveling weekly to different cities, and stretching myself too thin yoga made me realize how I wasn’t living an authentic life and living for everyone and everything else but me.

I didn’t know what to expect when I signed up for teacher training, I just knew I wanted to learn more about why after so many years of searching I finally felt at peace. Yoga teacher training was a life changing experience. Teacher training taught me to mindful of my actions and thoughts. I learned all sorts of ways to breathe that are sometimes too complex to learn in a group setting. I learned proper alignment. I learned the joy of slower more mindful classes when I felt scattered. I could write a book about the life changing experience if teacher training but my mindful side tells me I can’t add one more thing to my plate. Here are some other reasons to attend teacher training.

Meet other like-minded individuals

I used to love going to a yoga studio. My past career in the corporate world had me surrounded me negative people on an hourly basis. Granted I loved these people but the negativity was contagious. Once in teacher training it was amazing to meet other people who shared my passions and struggles. Instead of feeling like I was fighting a constant battle to stay positive, I found a community where it became easy and effortless.

Teach part time for fun or extra income

There’s no need to jump out of the rat race entirely. Some people enjoy simply teaching others for fun or free while others like to have another form of income on the side to do something they love. Until I quit my corporate job, for 1 hour and 15 minutes out of the week, I felt a sheer joy that I looked forward too. I got paid but I would have done it for free just to feel that happiness. Teaching for fun or a little extra shopping money can bring lot of joy and commitment to your own yoga practice.

Teach full time for a career change

Maybe you’ve just had it with your job or maybe the kids are finally back to school and you’re looking for a job that’s flexible where you can set your own hours. Teaching yoga full time has it challenges but it is also incredibly fulfilling. After quitting my corporate job, even though I had significantly less money, I found it was so much easier to live with less when you’re happy.

Find your own authentic path

Some people choose to do nothing with after completion of the training program but that’s their own path. There’s more time to expand your knowledge versus what is offered in a traditional group class. Yoga teacher training forces you to look inward, it creates awareness, and it will likely change your own yoga practice.

Go on “working” vacations

It’s true, I also loved my teacher training because now I can teach yoga “working” in exotic locations. My honey and I are going to Costa Rica so I can teach at an all inclusive resort for a week. Meals, drinks, accommodations, and activities are all included. So when people get concerned about cost (and we have manageable monthly plans available.) I tell them they’re just front loading lots of vacations.

Sound enticing? Register now for our upcoming 200 hour yoga teacher training. Teacher training is run by Ashley Thesier from Other side of the Mat with adjunct instructors. All graduates will receive a certificate necessary to obtain a Yoga Alliance designation.

About Melissa Leger

After serving in the United States Army and having a successful career in finance, Melissa began to feel how the pressures work and other attachments were negatively affecting her life. After beginning to feel more detached from her own life, she found yoga was a way to stay present and avoid letting negative thoughts get out of control. She began teaching yoga in 2012.

Melissa also owns Ignite Your Bliss, a yoga and creative outlet retreat company that takes participants all over the world. She can be followed on Instagram @IgniteYourBliss