Yoga master?! First off, there is no such thing as a yoga master. Yoga is a life long practice and we are all students, constantly learning and growing. That’s why they call it a practice!
I jest, but in all seriousness, I get asked this question (or a similar variation) often.
While, it is true that you should have a solid yoga practice before you start (six months to a year is a good benchmark) that is not the most important thing.
Future, would-be teachers always seem to have the fear that they are not good enough. Dare I say, not skinny or young enough?
I can’t put my foot behind my head or I can’t hold headstand for 10 minutes or I don’t even know what Eka Pada Rajakapotasana is! Thus, I can’t be a teacher.
Let me tell you, we ALL have those fears before we start our yoga teacher training.
There are all types of people and bodies, yoga teachers should reflect this.
Students want to see teachers that look like them. If you have an injury that prevents you from something, great! Your students will have injuries as well and you can show them how to thrive and respect your body despite the injury.
Teachers teach in many ways. One of the best ways is through example. Being able to bend in amazingly weird ways does not a good instructor make. A good instructor cares, and inspires their students by living a healthy and joyfully connected life.
What’s most important? Do you have a passion for yoga? Do you love it? Do you want to better yourself and help others? Then you should most defiantly become a yoga instructor, even if you are not a yoga master.
And don’t you worry; you will learn what Eka Pada Rajakapotasana is during training… J