Becoming a Yoga Teacher in Your Semi-Retirement

Becoming a semi-retired Yoga instructor is much more appealing in today's job market. All of us reach a point where we want to spend our time making a contribution to our families and communities. The option of part-time work, as a Yoga teacher, is one of many for a new breed of retirees.

Due to laws like The Age Discrimination in Employment Act, forced retirement is not the issue it once was; but some employees, who reach 65 years of age, are quietly encouraged to leave. With an assortment of options, such as: IRAs, 401k investments, part-time work, or Social Security, the option to remain active in the workforce on a part-time basis is a reality.

If you are 50 years or older, you may be contemplating what to do after full-time work. It's not like we want to completely leave the workforce, but it would be nice to have part of the day or week to call your own. Teaching Yoga, as an independent contractor, is a viable option for part-time self-employment.

Many people have spent their younger adult lives working overtime or working two jobs to support their families. At a certain point in life, we realize the need to enjoy life before it's too late. Living the Yoga lifestyle is a great way to extend the quality of life and pass the gift of health on to others.

Matured Yoga teachers tend to be aware of the importance of student safety because experience teaches us to recognize the potential for injuries in daily situations. There is also a huge market for teaching Yoga to the 77 million baby boomers who want to safely practice Yoga for longevity.

Where do I find the confidence to teach Yoga classes? Inner-confidence is an issue at any age. Yet, life is full of surprises.

Even in established Yoga schools, there are times when Yoga teachers become ill, have a family crisis, or have to leave because of obligations. Most often, the senior student, or an established substitute Yoga teacher, will "fill in" for as long as it takes.

What do you do, if there is no substitute teacher available, and the senior student lacks the confidence to teach? This situation is unique, but do not be discouraged. A student with, at least, two years of previous Yoga training, should you have enough knowledge to start teaching beginners, and begin improving with each class.

If you are waiting for perfection, it may never come. Teaching Yoga is much like life. We have to learn from our experiences and improve each time, as we move forward. No Yoga teacher could ever truthfully tell you, that he or she never made a mistake in class.

Experience is a matter of learning from mistakes. You can improve dramatically by networking with other Yoga teachers in your area and scheduling intensive training, when possible. If you search, you will easily be able to find teachers who will work with you.

Each step of Yoga teacher training is one step forward. Your teacher gave you a foundation that you will later look back at with fondness. In Yoga, there is no end to learning. It is a life long journey of discovery. Remember the saying, "If you want to swim, you have to get your feet wet."

This is especially true when Yoga teachers develop a level of proficiency. Almost every competent Yoga teacher has started his or her first class with a lack of confidence. It takes time and practice to develop confidence and competence.

To become a competent Yoga instructor requires time, practice, dedication, and a will to continue the journey.

Copyright 2008 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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