Joining the Yoga Teacher Training was a life-changing experience - 這次瑜伽導師培訓是一次改變人生的體驗

“Joining a yoga teacher training was a personal and professional goal for me. I embarked on this journey with great passion and enthusiasm. I started practising Yoga in 2017, as I believed Yoga could help with my scoliosis. In my professional life, I worked a day training centre for adults with physical and learning disabilities AND was fascinated by the idea of learning how to teach Yoga to transform people's physical, mental, and emotional health. After hearing about the YAMA Foundation's work and assisting in their Yoga classes, I realised I wanted to learn more about Yoga and become a teacher.”
“參加瑜伽導師培訓對我來說是個人和職業目標。我懷著巨大的酷愛和熱情踏上了這段旅程。從 2017 年開始練習瑜伽，因為我相信瑜伽可以幫助我改善脊柱側彎。當時我在一家為身體和學習障礙提供成年人日間培訓中心工作，並且對學習如何教授瑜伽以改變人們的身體、心理和情緒健康的想法著迷。自從聽說有關 YAMA 基金會的工作並於他們的瑜伽堂中作協助後，我意識到我想學習更多關瑜伽的知識並成為一名瑜伽老師。”

“My first contact with the YAMA Foundation was in 2018 when I worked at The Nesbitt Centre — a day training centre for adults with learning disabilities. YAMA teachers delivered weekly yoga classes for students with mild to moderate disabilities, and later in 2019, for those with profound and multiple learning disabilities. I have always been interested in mind-body interventions and their benefits for mental and physical health. My supervisors knew about my interests and kindly supported me to schedule my time to be present at YAMA’s sessions. It was exciting and inspiring to witness calming and regulating benefits of yoga practice for learners with disabilities. 
“我與YAMA基金會的第一次接觸是在2018年，當時我在思拔中心工作　——　一家為有學習障礙成年人提供日間培訓的中心。當時YAMA 導師每週為輕度至中度殘疾學生們提供瑜伽課程，後來在 2019 年下半年開始為患嚴重和多重學習障礙的學生教授。我一直對身心干預及其對身心健康的益處感興趣。我的主管知道我的興趣，親切地支持為我安排時間參與 YAMA 的課堂。見證瑜伽練習對殘疾學習者的鎮定和調節益處確是令人興奮和鼓舞的。 

“Individuals with learning disabilities suffer from sensory processing difficulties — the level and range of sensory processing difficulties are highly individual. Group classes designed by YAMA were tailor-made to suit those whose senses function differently. From what I have noticed, everyone's needs were valued and taken care of by YAMA teachers. Those who needed extra stimulation were offered engaging activities like chanting or asana (posture) practice. Those who needed minimum interaction enjoyed meditation and deep relaxation. I noticed the progress that learners were making week by week. They started becoming stronger in their bodies and calmer in their minds. Students were encouraged to advocate for their own needs and choose whatever fit their mood or energy level. 
“有學習障礙的人會遇到感官處理的困難——該困難的程度和範圍亦因人而異。YAMA設計的小組課程是專為那些感官功能不同的學生們量身定做的。據我觀察，每個人的需求都得到了YAMA老師的重視和照顧。那些需要額外刺激的人被提供參與活動，如吟唱或式子（姿勢）練習。那些需要最少互動的人享受冥想和深度放鬆。我注意到學習者每週都在進步。他們的身體開始變得更強壯，頭腦也開始平靜。學生更被鼓勵倡導自己的需求，並選擇適合自己心情或能量水平。 

“I felt inspired and decided to search more about yoga teacher training options in Hong Kong. My research led me to Hersha Yoga School, run by the founder of the YAMA Foundation. Obviously, I couldn't imagine a better teacher than the person behind all these fantastic initiatives I was part of. Without hesitation, I applied for Teacher Training Scholarship, sponsored by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and run by Hersha Yoga School of Teacher Training.
“受到啟發的我決定搜索更多有關在香港瑜伽教師培訓的選擇。我的尋選中帶引我進入了由 YAMA 基金會創始人經營的 Hersha 瑜伽學校。顯然，我無法想像有比我參與的所有這些奇妙計劃背後的人更好的老師了。我毫不猶豫地申請了由香港賽馬會慈善信託基金贊助、Hersha 瑜伽導師培訓學院開辦的導師培訓獎學金計劃。

“In August 2022, Hersha reached out to me to share the great news that I was accepted into the September intake. I was indeed excited, but hesitated. I was anxious about returning to Yoga, because I had taken an extended break due to a back injury. Although my back had fully recovered, I was worried that the yoga would re-injure me. I realised that I had to face my fears because the teacher training mattered to me. I accepted the placement and a week later, joined the first session. “
“2022 年 8 月，Hersha 聯絡我，分享了我被錄取進入 9 月入學的好消息。當時確實很興奮，但又猶豫了。我對重返瑜伽感到焦慮，因為我因背部受傷而休息了一段很長時間。雖然我的背已經完全康復，但擔心因練習瑜伽會再次受傷。但亦意識到我必須面對自己的恐懼，因為這導師培訓對我的確很重要。接受了學位一週後，開始了培訓的第一課。 

“Teach people, not poses.” These were the first words we were asked to write down on the first day of training. Words we needed to remember and keep in our hearts when we finally taught yoga to the public. Words in line with my personal values — inclusivity, compassion, and respect. From that moment, I knew that this teacher training would be completely different from my previous experiences with Yoga, where the asana practice was always about pushing myself to the limit.
“教導人，而不是姿勢。” 這我們在培訓的第一天被要求抄下來的第一句話，一句當我們最終向公眾教授瑜伽時，必需要銘記在心中的說話。這句子完全符合我個人價值觀　——　包容、同情和尊重。從那一刻起，我知道這次導師培訓將與我以前的瑜伽練習經歷必定截然不同，在一般的瑜伽中，體式練習總是鼓吹將自己推向極限。

“The course was intense, meeting every Tuesday night and every other Saturday, not only focusing on the physical aspects of yoga, but Raja Yoga — the philosophy and lifestyle elements as well. With significant homework as well,  I must admit, I found it challenging. I gained insight into the foundations of yoga philosophy and guidelines on how to live a yogic life, but more importantly, I learned how to adapt postures to accommodate different body types, joint structures and abilities. I came to understand why I injured myself in Yoga before. I was always trying my best to be “good at it,” without paying attention to my inner experiences and comparing myself to others. 
“這課程都頗為緊張，每週二晚上和每隔一個週六上課，不僅關注瑜伽身體層面，還需關注”勝王瑜伽 Raja Yoga ” 　—— 哲學和生活方式元素。我必須承認，當中還有大量的家庭作業，並極具有挑戰性。深入了解到瑜伽哲學的基礎和如何過著瑜伽生活的指南，但更重要的是，我學會如何怎樣調整姿勢以適應不同的身體類型、關節結構和能力。我開始明白為什麼我以前在瑜伽中受傷了。我總是盡力追求“做得「叻」”，而沒有關注自己的內心體驗，更常常將自己與他人比較。 

“This teacher training taught me to never blindly follow instructions nor expect our students to. We all have different bodies with different proportions, and our limbs might have different lengths. I had never paid attention to these aspects of physical practice, so this was eye-opening. My personal practice changed a lot. I am now more mindful of what works for me, with my scoliosis, and what can injure me. I haven't had an injury for months now, and my back has been feeling better than ever. 
“這次培訓中學會了永遠不要盲目地聽從指示，也不要期望我們的學生跟隨。每人都有不同比例和不同的身軀，四肢可能有不同的長度。我從來沒注意過體育鍛煉的這些角度，所以今次真的讓我大開眼界。我的個人瑜伽練習也發生了很大變化，我現在更加注意到什麼對我的脊柱側凸有用的，什麼會傷害我的。自此我已經好幾個月沒有受傷了，背部感覺比以往任何時候都更良好。 

“As a future yoga teacher, I must keep in mind that different people can show up in my classes. Some of them can have scoliosis like me, some have high blood pressure, some can have anxiety or a traumatic past. Every single person's needs matter, and Hersha taught me how to create inclusive yoga classes for every body. Each pose can be adapted or simplified, and students can use yoga blocks, blankets, straps, chairs or walls to find a pose that works for them. It feels great because everything is possible.
“作為未來的瑜伽老師，我必須記住，不同的人可能會出現在我的課堂上。他們中的一些人可能像我一樣患有脊柱側彎，一些人患有高血壓，一些人可能患有焦慮症或有過創傷經歷。每個人的需求都很重要，Hersha 教懂我如何為每個人教授具包容性的瑜伽練習。每個姿勢都可以調整或簡化，學生可以使用瑜伽磚、毯子、瑜伽帶、椅子或牆壁來找到適合他們的姿勢。這種靈活處變非常之好，因為，任何動作和式子在任何人身上都變得“有可能”。

“Lastly, joining Yoga TT allowed me to make new friends and meet some inspirational people. Sangha is a Sanskrit word for a community — of those passionate about Yoga who support, understand and accept each other. I shared my Yoga TT journey with seven other students and am forever grateful for the opportunity to meet them. During the weekend retreat with Yoga, I could feel that I was part of a special Sangha. My TT companions were very supportive and I could always reach out to them for help. I hope we can maintain this bond in the future and occasionally meet to practise Yoga together. Hersha is a loving and caring person, and being her student was an honour. 
“最後，加入 Yoga TT (瑜伽導師培訓)　讓我結交了新朋友並認識了一些令人啟發人心的人。Sangha 是一個梵語詞，意思是“社羣”　——　那些對瑜伽充滿熱情、互相支持、理解和接受的人。我與其他七位同學一起共渡這次瑜伽TT 之旅，永遠感恩能有機會認識到他們。在瑜伽週末靜修期間，我能感覺到自己屬於這與衆不同的Sangha的一分子。我的 TT 同伴都非常支持我，可以隨時向他們尋求幫助。真的希望我們以後能保持這種聯繫，偶爾見面一起練習瑜伽。Hersha 是一個充滿愛心和關懷的人，成為她的學生是一種榮幸。 

“In summary, joining a yoga teacher training with Hersha was a life-changing experience. It allowed me to immerse myself in the practice and study of Yoga and to connect with my inner self in a deeper and more meaningful way. I am grateful for the skills, knowledge, and experience I have gained, as for the scholarship opportunity. I am excited to share this journey with others as a yoga teacher who welcomes all types of people in my classes. I hope to give back to the community by teaching Yoga to people with disabilities, seniors, and those who suffer from mental health problems or simply cannot afford regular classes. 
“總括來說，參加 Hersha 的瑜伽導師培訓是一次改變人生的經歷。它讓我沉浸在瑜伽的練習和研究中，並以更深刻、更有意義的方式與我的內在自我聯繫。我很感恩所獲得到的技能、知識和經驗，以及這獎學金機會。作為一名瑜伽老師，我很高興能與其他人分享這段旅程，並歡迎所有不同體格健康的人來我的課堂。衷心希望通過向殘障人士、長者以及患有心理健康問題或根本負擔不起常規課程的人教授瑜伽來回饋社區。