I have been practicing yoga for 18 years on and off; never truly understanding. The genie came out of the bottle faster and faster. I couldn't open up the modules fast enough. I wanted to devour all of the magic and flavors swirling around! I felt like I was bursting from the inside out!
I had my moments where I wondered if I would make it through. Thankfully, the amazing mentors—Avery Westlund, Elizabeth Rowan, and Andrew Hoffman—were there to encourage, cheerlead, and guide me through the challenges. I honestly could not have done it without them!
I also had my moments of complete bursts of laughter during filming my exams as I was teaching my husband a pose or falling over myself! Avery often reminded me to just "have fun" with it all. It was an excellent piece of advice! During one filmed exam for the adjustments module that I submitted, I wore a shirt that said: I’m perfect, you adjust! I did that for a laugh for our mentors…and it worked. They work so hard and are so dedicated to keeping all of us teacher trainees supported through the process and it is much appreciated!
My little Yorky, Snooki, intermittently made star performances during the filming, as well as my daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. Everyone on the training enjoys seeing how we fit this incredible process into our life…and how our life (and our families, furry or otherwise) contribute to this tremendous experience.
When I started the training, I was 58 1/2 years old, and I wanted to give the completion of this program as a gift to myself for my 59th birthday. I did it!
All in all, I had no idea the sheer amount of doors and opportunities that would fly open for me upon immediate completion of the program. During the tail end of the program, I was asked to assistant teach yoga at Youth Haven which is a facility for children that have been removed by the state from their homes due to sexual abuse, neglect, or physical abuse. Literally, immediately after graduating, I was asked to teach my own class at the facility. Another wonderful place called House of Gaia also asked me to teach at their studio. This is a place that is all about creativity and inclusion of disabled, elderly, and single parents. This is an incredible opportunity to share what I’ve learned to truly help others.
I am currently registered to take another certification program at the end of July. It used to be called Yoga Gangstersand is now called Connection Coalition. It trains teachers to bring yoga into facilities that deal with challenged populations, such as detention centers, and locations that house teens who are in difficult positions. I am also registered to take an additional training called Rainbow Yoga certification that will allow me to bring this work to children, as well.
With my background as a clinical psychotherapist (LCSW – R), I am finding that my yoga training through The Kaivalya Yoga Method with YogaDownload has been such a thorough and comprehensive experience, and is leading me to incredible and varied opportunities to use my yoga training skills.
I have learned the deepest meaning of karma yoga. I have learned to allow my inner light to beam out into the world and share the excitement of what this program has taught me! It has already truly touched so many others, and I only graduated on 6-29-16!
I can't wait to share more exciting news as this journey unfolds!
Sat nam,
Proud graduate of The Kaivalya Yoga Method Teacher Training with YogaDownload.com,
Denise A. Wind, LCSW-R
Click to read more on Teacher Training FAQs