Mary's Yoga Teacher Training

Friends and family: 

A rare opportunity has presented itself: to partipate in a yoga teacher training program that I've had my eye on for several years now. For the first time, my geographic location, work schedule, program schedule, and availability of program slots, all allow for my participation. 

Becoming a yoga teacher has been a goal of mine for many years now and, after having the opportunity to teach yoga to my high school students in Korea for the last six months of my tenure there, I became convinced that it was something I needed to do in my life. Sharing this spiritual and physical practice with others edifies and enlivens me, and I'd love to be able to do more of this work.

Some of my long-term goals are to share yoga and meditation practices with marginalized populations and those who don't typically have access to yoga, including prison inmates, youth, people of color,  LGBTQI folks, and those of lower socioeconomic status. I want to find ways to make yoga more accessible and affordable, and empowering as tool of self-discovery.

One of the greatest lessons I've learned in my practice, is the power of vulnerability.  Those who know me well know that vulnerability has not historically been something I've done well (if at all)--but I've been working in earnest to change these patterns. One of the most difficult ways for me to be vulnerable, is to ask for help when I need it, particularly from those closest to me. But I've learned that giving voice to our needs and desires is both powerful and empowering.

While much is in alignment and I feel this is an ideal time to embark on my training, I'm not currently in a financial position to make it happen. So this is my very scary, but very necessary, attempt to ask for help from those I trust and hold dear. 

A little info on the program itself:

It's unique in that it combines an immersive, retreat-style study component with a more drawn out, self-study/online coursework component. It is led by a master yoga teacher I greatly respect, Tiffany Cruikshank. (For those interested, more info at: yogamedicine.com) It feels like the perfect program for me.

The training begins mid-October, with a week-long immersive training in Tulum, Mexico. Following the retreat, I'll be engaging in self-study and online coursework for 3.5 months, after which I'll complete the final immersive component in Hawaii. The final retreat takes place from Jan 29-Feb 5, 2017, which means that I'll be spending my 35th birthday wrapping up my 200-hour training program. While I always love to spend my birthday surrounded by loved ones, I'd relish the opportunity to ring in the big 3-5 in this different but meaninful way. So, perhaps you might see this as an opportunity to give me a monumentally awesome birthday gift ;) 

 

With love and deepest gratitude,
m. 


Note: Approximately $450 of the fundraising goal is allocated to cover fees charged by GoFundMe...so if you're keen to help but don't want to donate through this site, contact me about other ways to do so.