I was drawn to the 200-hour yoga teacher training (YTT) at Eclipse because I wanted to deepen my understanding of yoga philosophy, anatomy, and physiology. My aim was to explore how to integrate asanas, pranayama, and meditation to grow as both a practitioner and a teacher.
Yoga teacher training is unique because it emphasizes experience over theory—while theory gives us context, authentic understanding comes through practice. For me, practicing yoga meant stepping out of the analytical mind to notice subtle sensations arising from the body. By focusing on somatic experiences, I learned to listen more deeply to myself, responding to my needs through self-regulation techniques.
During my time at Eclipse, I developed greater commitment and awareness as a yoga student. This foundation allowed me to expand my teaching capabilities because, as I discovered, you can only teach what you truly know and embody.
A crucial insight from my yoga teacher training in Dubai is that effective teaching begins with dedicated self-practice. Only by embodying the lessons ourselves can we genuinely guide others. To inspire physical and mental transformation in students, a teacher must provide a unified experience that nurtures the body-mind connection. This is impossible without deep self-awareness and continual self-practice, which serve as a platform for self-reflection and experimentation.
The most challenging yet empowering part of my training was stepping outside my comfort zone, learning to teach myself first before guiding others. Self-practice can be both satisfying and difficult, requiring creativity, discipline, reflection, and resilience. It forced me to confront my weaknesses but also gave me profound insights into who I am and what I have to share.
This journey is ongoing—there is no endpoint. Authentic yoga teacher training offers a safe space to embrace your true self, enabling you to become a competent, conscious, and compassionate individual prepared to serve others responsibly. It emphasizes
self-care and self-awareness, making it an ideal path for those seeking transformation.
A yoga teacher isn’t just someone who guides postures; they are individuals who embody yoga off the mat, applying its principles in daily life. While instructors provide detailed cues for asanas, a yoga teacher shares personal insights and experiences that inspire change and promote holistic well-being.
If you’re ready to embark on this transformative journey, join Eclipse’s yoga teacher training program and become an authentic, inspiring force for others!
Author: Joanna Rutkowska
