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When I first had the idea of doing yoga teacher training, I asked a couple of the people closest to me what they thought, and I got an unexpected response. They said they really couldn’t see me as a yoga teacher. I know that no harm was meant by the response but it totally knocked the wind out of my sails. So it seemed that the idea was dead and buried. However the seed was still there. It was just dormant and after a few weeks it started to take root again. My regular yoga teacher, Conrad Paul, had a teacher training school (Yoga Professionals). I had a tentative look at his website, and really started to mull over the possibility of making this real. In some way, the response from my nearest and dearest turned into defiance. I started to think ‘hang on a minute; I think maybe I could be a yoga teacher, at the least I should try….I’ll prove you wrong’. And this actually motivated me. I spoke to Conrad and asked him what he thought. I was expecting him to say that I was not there yet, and that I had to develop my practice more before I would be ready. My confidence in my practice wasn’t that high... I am not naturally flexible or strong, and I thought that I would have to reach a lot more ‘milestones’ before I would be good enough. Like nailing a handstand. Or maybe even scorpion pose. I was therefore surprised when Conrad said he thought I had a lovely practice and that I should go for it. He told me what the course consisted of, that it was a lot of work, but was achievable with determination. So I seriously started looking at course dates and before I knew it I was enrolled. I went into the course with a totally open mind and heart. I didn’t know whether I would actually end up teaching but just thought I would go along for the ride and see where it took me. At the least it would deepen my understanding and knowledge of yoga. But I knew that if I did teach, I would especially like to help people like me – that didn't think of themselves as ‘physical’ people, that had maybe never been sporty, or naturally flexible. I wanted to connect with people and show them that they could eventually touch their toes (0r whatever "thing" they feel is impossible) and they could maybe even one day do a headstand. It just needs a little bit of work and dedication but most importantly kindness to, and acceptance of, yourself. Maybe it was always my path and destiny (if you believe in that kind of thing of course…). I read somewhere that you may have practiced yoga in a previous life and death interrupted your journey, and this life is where you pick up where you left off. An interesting idea… but whomever I may (or may not!) have been before, I am only truly present in this moment, and this is where I hope to have the privilege of sharing the light of yoga with others. Namaste (I see the light in you). Shelley
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