Teacher Training Week 3: Yoga off the Mat

We’re constantly encouraged by instructors to practice our yoga off the mat. But what does that really mean in our everyday lives? This week Cori DePue, now in week three of Teacher Training at CorePower Yoga’s Grant Studio in Denver, tells us how she plans to practice yoga off of her mat. Read on to learn about her experience!

What have you taken away from Teacher Training so far?

I’ve found a new sense of motivation, confidence and enthusiasm about practicing and teaching yoga. I’ve also made new friends. This program has introduced me to so many unique and inspiring individuals.

What was the focus of this week’s class? How can you apply it to your everyday life?

Last Saturday, we learned about the history of yoga, the Eight Limbs of Yoga and the yamas and niyamas. The yamas and niyamas show us how to look inside ourselves and shift our thinking to grow and gain new perspectives. They help us translate meaning from our everyday experiences and interactions. For so long, I have been listening to yoga teachers telling me to "embrace yoga off of my mat," but I didn't really understand what they meant until now. The challenges we face on our mat are intertwined with the challenges we face off of our mat. The yamas and niyamas help give us a frame of reference for a lot of these challenges.

What has challenged you this week?

We practiced teaching Wednesday night for the first time in groups. While I feel like I have the sequence down, cueing in the correct order seems to be my biggest challenge, but that will come with time and more practice.

What was your favorite moment this week?

I attended Tabitha's Yoga Sculpt class for the first time on Thursday morning at 6:15am—talk about a booty kicking! Tabitha and I are both going through Teacher Training together and watching her in action was really fun.  She is an incredible teacher, motivator and yogi.  The amount of positivity, love and energy that was present in the room at 6:15am blew my mind.

How has your practice changed?

I feel a lot more grounded and focused.  I’m becoming better at leaving my outside worries behind when I step onto the mat.

Have you changed the way you view your yoga instructors?

Teaching yoga is a a journey, not a destination.  The best teachers are those who are willing to constantly learn, grow and change.

What do you still hope to learn? 

I’m eager to learn about the chakras.

Stay tuned for week 4 of Cori’s journey as she continues to explore her new path!