A New Yoga Teacher

Rebecca Toon has just completed Ashram Yoga’s part-time Level 1 teacher training course and is already in demand as a yoga teacher. We spoke with her to find out about her experience. 

How was the course for you?

I loved it. It turned out to be just what I wanted. I had done hatha yoga before and I spent a couple of years looking for a yoga school that was really wholistic and had links to the traditions of India.

When I started the training I realised just how much it resonated with me and fulfilled what I was looking for. So that was good. 

Did you notice any health benefits from the course?

 I’ve noticed that my whole posture has changed a lot – especially my lower back which used to have a curve in it. And the alignment of my pelvis, my shoulders and my neck. That started right from doing pawamuktasana (the first set of postures) and then built up from there. I feel that the awareness of my body is really different now.

How often do you practice? 

Half an hour everyday. I do postures, yoga for my eyes or relaxation – there is always something that I do.

Do you feel confident teaching other people?

I taught a class on Tuesday. I filled in for Jess who is an Ashram Yoga trained teacher in Coromandel where I live. I had really good feedback – it went really well. I took them through a yoga nidra (guided relaxation) because I had just done the Yoga Nidra Level 2 teacher training course the weekend before. That was really cool. 

Yesterday I took a colleague through yoga nidra. It was a really deep experience even for me and I was guiding it. It was incredible. The energy stayed with me all night. She said afterwards that it was the deepest relaxation that she has experienced in four years. 

Are you planning to have your own class?

Yes, I have been asked to teach quite a few classes at work. The manager came to me and said he wants to learn meditation. Another one was asking me about breathing techniques. And then I gave a colleague a yoga nidra. The admin staff want classes and the general staff want one too. They also want me to teach clients. And I might teach a class in Coromandel. I don’t know how I am going to fit all of it in!

Did you do the course to become a teacher?

I wanted to teach at some point but I didn’t have in my mind what it would look like. I have just been so enthusiastic about the course that people have been asking me. Rather than me actually saying anything they have been coming to me. That’s really cool. So I guess it all just flowed easily. 

Has the course been fun?

Yes, I’ve enjoyed it. It was nice with the group as well. It was also good having lots of teachers coming in. Everyone adds quite a different perspective and I really liked that – rather than learning from just one person. 

Would you recommend the course to other people?

I would definitely recommend it.