The first iteration of the Cherished Soul Yoga Advanced Yoga Teacher Training was offered in 2020. This program was created at the request of former 200hr trained teachers. Over the years since our study together at the 200hr level, we had cultivated deep connection. The offering of the AYTT was fueled by my love for these beautiful women, my love for your yoga and by my belief that every person has a purpose in this world. Over the many years of my own study of yoga, Ayurveda, and coaching, I have found so many useful tools to help myself and others fulfill our highest potentials.
You can probably see where this is going. January 2020 dawned with promise and excitement to be in service to these beautiful, wise women and help to guide them deeper into their yoga path. And then….the pandemic. All my intentions for the program changed overnight. How do you teach hands-on assists through Zoom? How do you create deep, meaningful connection to explore the vulnerabilities of a yoga journey virtually?
There was so much grief related to the pandemic and all the unrest in our world at the time. On a personal level though, I had so much wanted to be in physical community with the women who had committed to this training. I had had dreams of sharing meals, laughter, play, and deep conversations. It was definitely challenging. I had to be present with all the losses big and small (and not just related to this training) but the promise of yoga practice is that if we dedicate ourselves to the practice, we can move beyond our suffering and be bigger, more expansive.
Part of the foundation of the Cherished Soul Yoga AYTT is that we use the 8-limbed path to cultivate self-regulation, adaptability, and resilience. The irony of this was not lost on me especially when I was freaking out about how to deliver the program. But, guess what? We did it. We embodied the teachings despite the pandemic and learning on Zoom. We adapted and we became more powerful, strong, determined, and dedicated. We were living in real life the wisdom of yoga.
It is time to grow again. It is time to step towards expansiveness. It is a time to share my knowledge and wisdom (which isn’t really mine – let’s be honest, my wisdom comes from Source!). And perhaps, I will be able to share new experiences with more beautiful women who are ready to make an impact on the world one yoga class at a time.
Peace and blessings,
Mary
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