Notes on Choosing a Yoga Teacher

"I chose my first yoga class by chance: the "Y" where I worked offered regular classes and as a staff member I was eligible for free ones. I didn't know what to expect from yoga. But, fortunately, my teacher turned out to be dedicated, warm, and knowledgeable in the art of yoga. And I turned on to its practice immediately."

"There is an old saying in yoga, "When the student is ready, the teacher appears." If this is true, then finding a teacher must be part destiny, part chance, and part good luck. But once the student has located a teacher, there are quite a few things which that student should expect, and certainly deserves from a person who calls him or herself a yoga teacher."

"There is no recognized licensing bureau which controls the certification of yoga teachers in the United States, and strong arguments can be made both for and against establishing a system of control. Licensing or certification would help to assure that a teacher had completed a specified training course, possibly including studies in physiology, anatomy, philosophy, psychology, and meditation. Yet, just because a person had completed certain legal requirements would be no assurance that that person was a good teacher."

A person chose a first yoga class by chance at the "Y" where they worked and found a dedicated, warm, knowledgeable teacher. Yoga practice relieved arthritis and insomnia and became an important part of life. As a Physical Therapist and yoga teacher, the narrator offers guidelines for beginning students seeking a teacher. An old saying suggests that finding a teacher involves destiny, chance, and luck, and students should expect certain standards. There is no recognized licensing bureau for yoga teachers in the United States; certification could assure training in anatomy, physiology, philosophy, psychology, and meditation, but completing legal requirements does not guarantee a good teacher and yoga involves more than factual knowledge.

Read at Yoga Journal