“May we continue to give ourselves over to what is deepest and best in ourselves, over and over and over again, encouraging those seeds in our truest nature to grow and flower and— for the sake of all beings near and far, known and unknown— nourish our lives and work and world from moment to moment, and from day to day.”
As of November 12th, 2017, HereNowYoga officially graduated THREE sold out programs of the HereNowYoga 200 hour Alignment Based Teacher Training program. If Becca Impello and I, Kimberly Drye, (lead trainers for the program) had known in the very beginning everything that went into designing and implementing this training -- we would do it all over again again and again! It is the most fulfilling experience of my life and I can only dream to continue its tradition in the coming years. Each program is seven months of study, laughter, tears--moments of pure joy, moments of being just outside your comfort zone on that fine line of knowing you're supported by your peers but also knowing it's up to you to step forward into personal growth and expression. These trainings require courage, discipline, commitment-- but the rewards are huge. My own first experience in a teacher training was one of intense transformation. A teacher training is just the jumping off point for many, the leap into a devoted lifestyle-- devoted to staying true to your self/Self throughout life's fluctuations. How do you define what it means to teach yoga? I'm currently working with this personal definition-- to live, to live fully, and to share the connection to "source" with others. As the journey for each of these teachers continues, their personal definition of "yoga teacher" will become more defined and then will continue to shift.
In an effort to continuously support our graduates and their individual paths, this blog will become a platform for them to share their personal research and experiences. Each graduate completed a "wellness presentation" during their program. Its a goal for the year of 2018 to share their research (with their permission) and showcase where they are teaching and how they've chosen to continue their studies. Stay tuned into the HearNowBlog and on social media to learn more about their varying topics such as: Yoga for osteoporosis, yoga in addiction recovery, yoga and body image, etc.
We've also created a Partners and Affiliates page where we list graduates' websites grouped by location. It's an excellent resource if you are seeking to find a HereNow Yoga graduate, trained in Alignment + Accessible Yoga, in your area.
At each graduation ceremony, we pass around the box of "intention stones" that we use for every morning's ritual so that the current training group can pass on their personal intentions of hope for as deep of a journey to the next group.
You can learn more about next year's 200 hour training program in Birmingham, AL here now. We will also be beginning a 300 hour advanced program in 2018. We would love the opportunity to support you in your transition from student to teacher or on your continuing path as a current teacher.
A few words from our teacher training graduates about their experience in the HereNowYoga 200 Hour Alignment Based Training:
““I think this training was excellent, so professionally done, with so much thought and mindfulness. Thank you both for all you gave us. I’m jealous of the next group.” ”
“Learning from Kim has been a pleasure! She has the knowledge and sensitivity of someone beyond her years. Becca is truly one of the kindest and most knowledgeable teachers I’ve ever known. Her sense of calm and profound insight are second to none.””
“Kim, your knowledge of yoga is so amazing! I love how you helped deepen my understanding of alignment and so much more! Becca, you have such a sweet, soothing style of teaching and such a vast knowledge of the body””
“Kim, I love the way you teach asana! It is so clear, safe, and so accessible— just as you advertise. You make it look like you enjoy every second of it. I want to model your language, clarity, and grace when I teach. Becca, your wisdom and experience shine. Your energy is infectious and you are extremely approachable.
You balance each other well. I highly recommend your program to anyone I talk to about yoga. ”
“The teaching styles of both instructors melted together beautifully for this teacher training. Ther were inspiring, encouraging, and loving to each student while extending their vast knowledge of all aspects of yoga. Becca and Kim set the bar high— and they sustain a high level of expectation for each student. Forever grateful. ”
“It was excellent to have the two of you with your different focuses in all of the methods. I thought the learning process from writing the research paper and hearing each person share theirs was particularly fruitful!”
“I love the way you presented yoga as a way of life. I loved the reading assignment books. ‘The Bhagavad Gita,’ ‘Wherever Yoga Go, There You Are,’ ‘You Are Here,’ they helped a lot with my personal growth and recent situation.”
“Kim— wonderful Iyengar wisdom and style with a touch of playfulness. Insightful, open with her feelings yet firm in her teaching style. Having coached for many years, apprecitaed her teaching technique. Behind the smile...there is Kim— teacher, yogi, reflective soul, and subtle friend.
Becca— thoughtful, organized and sincere. Her broad wisdom and communication with students, where everyone is important, was most valuable and appreciated by all. A yogi in every respect.”