Yoga Education for the Individual
Yoga was traditionally taught from teacher to student in an individualized manner. The student first learned asana (postures), pranayama, (breath regulation) and dhyana (meditation), as well as many other tools from his or her yoga teacher. The student often began classes at age 7 and continued on for many years to come. This was considered individualized yoga for health, healing and possibly even spiritual development. The goal was that each student would be a happy, healthy and stable person for his or her family, for work and to fulfill his or her mission in life.
In certain instances, the student had a desire to become a Yoga Teacher. In these cases, the student would begin to learn from his or her teacher how yoga applies to others. For it is incorrect to take the techniques that are good for one person and assume they will heal everyone. Just as doctors would ideally prescribe a specific diet, exercise programs and medication uniquely for each person, so should a Yoga Therapist. It takes many years of training to become a Yoga Therapist who knows the correct tools to use for each individual with their unique body composition, constitution, emotional needs, the pathology of the illness, the progression of the illness and many other factors.
It follows that there are at least two paths for students who want to become yoga teachers. First, as a Group Yoga Instructor. Second, as a Yoga Therapist who can assist in healing self-motivated individuals. Both paths will require that you have a mentor in the KHYF tradition. See the KHYF web site for details on this process.
Path #1- Group Yoga Instructor
If you are interested in learning how to become a Yoga Instructor of group classes, it is recommended that you participate in one of the Teacher Training Programs that Amy recommends on the "Teacher Training" page of this web site. If you choose to participate in an official KHYF Teacher Training Program, you will need to choose a mentor with whom to work with over the next several years. You can find a list of mentors of the KHYF web site. If you decide to contact Amy she would interview you (preferably in person) to determine your goals and needs. Amy is the mentor of several KHYF students and would either agree to be your mentor, or she would help you find a mentor that is a good match for you. Because the mentor and mentee will have close contact for many years to come, it is essential that they have a heartfelt connection to one another. If Amy feels that she can serve you well in this capacity and you have a mutual feeling of openness towards Amy, she will sign you up as one of her mentees and bring you into the group that she currently teaches. If Amy senses that one of her colleagues would be a better match for you, she may ask that you consider meeting with the colleague to determine if the two of you would be better suited to one another. You will progress in the KHYF Teacher Training Program and use Amy or your resource for your personal practice and for guidance of extra studies as needed.
Path #2- Future Yoga Therapist
If you are interested in becoming a KHYF Yoga Therapist, there are many things you can do to prepare yourself. First, take the Teacher Trainings for group classes in the KHYF tradition. Second, begin a relationship with a KHYF mentor so that when you apply to the Yoga Therapy Certification Program, you will already be a part of the KHYF family and you will feel confident about taking the next step. Third, Amy has a small group of advanced students that she meets with several times per year. This is called the "Sanga", or community of people with good intentions and similar goals. If Amy becomes your mentor, you can participate in small group meetings, Skype sessions and all of her workshops at a nominal cost (around $20 per hour). She is able to offer these prices to her mentees because there are 6-12 students who will split the cost of the lesson. This is a very affordable way to participate in advanced yoga studies. Please note that if you are a mentee of Amy's you will also be asked to take a minimum of 5-6 personal yoga therapy sessions per year for your own health and healing, as suggested by the KHYF. You may look at the "Yoga Therapy" page on this web site for more information on how the private sessions will be conducted.