Interview of the founders of Yoga Renew Teacher Training Program
Through a big research when I want to take my Yoga license and become a Yoga Instructor I found the Yoga Renew Teacher Training school. From the first moment that I visit their page I felt this deep connection with all of the teachers. I knew that for me Yoga Renew was the vehicle which will travels me deeper into Yoga world. I was absolutely right! The work that the are doing its amazing! The most important part of the journey besides the information, the material, the knowledge they provided is that they are so good people, so kind souls, so enlighten. They are close to every student, support them and after you finished the course they are still beside you for everything. I am really grateful and proud for being a Yoga Renew graduate. Below Kate Lombardo and Patrick Franco the owners and the founders of Yoga Renew Teacher Training answered me in top 6 questions about Yoga. Enjoy them!
What is Yoga?
Patrick: Kate and I like to stick to the classic version of the definition from the Yoga Sutras. Yoga Sutra 1.2 Yogas Chitta Vritti Nirodhah ~ Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind. Basically, this sutra is saying to be in a "state" of yoga the mind needs to quiet.
Which was the reason for you to start Yoga and how it becomes to be your job?
Patrick: I was in my early 20's and seeking out answers to questions I had about "my purpose in life." This first led me to explore Buddhism & martial arts; both of which are rich in tradition and had a lot to offer. I studied both for a few years before I took my first yoga class. I was drawn in by the balance between the physicality of the practice (asana), the quieting of my mind (Yoga Sutra 1.2), and the long history and tradition of yoga as a practical tool for self-realization and purpose. From that moment I made it my life's work which the natural transition led me to teaching. For the last 20+ years the practice and study of yoga wasn't just something I did daily but eventually permeated every aspect of my life and continues to do so to this day.
Kate: I started doing yoga after having a serious health issue. I was looking to find a way to heal my body but ended up finding a way to heal my mind and heart as well. Then, after spending years in a job I didn't love, I'd go to yoga looking to find something else that would make me happy. I finally realized that teaching yoga was the answer. I signed up for my teacher training and ended up leaving my former job a few months later.
Why should someone pick Yoga what it will offer to him/her?
Patrick: Yoga has been a practical & proven tool that human beings can use to help overcome physical, mental, and emotional adversity that comes along with everyday life. I think one reason that yoga has lasted for over 5,000 years is because it works and continues to work. The human condition hasn't changed much over the last 5,000 years. Many of the same fears and worries we long had ago are still with us today. The Yoga Sutras outline a clear pathway for us to reach our fullest potential. It is not the only way to do so but a proven and effective method to do so.
Which is your favorite Asana and why?
Patrick: My favorite asana is still Trikonasana / Triangle Pose. I just love how expansive it makes me feel.
Kate: I love handstand. I love the challenge that it brings me physically but I also love the mental clarity it gives me when I have to focus in order to find balance.
Which one of the 8 principles of Yoga suits you and why?
Patrick: I read in Light on Life by Bks Iyengar that the 8 Limbs align with the different ages of our life, and I found this to be true. The Yamas & Niyamas are meant to be instilled when we are children. Most of these ethical principles we learn from our parents and are instilled in us as core values throughout our life. Asanas are really developed between our early teens, 20's and 30's. The next progression moves us to Pranayama. This is the stage that I am at now. I have worked hard over the last 20 years on my asana practice and have naturally felt the urge to slow down and develop my pranayama practice. As we get older, in our 50;s, 60,'s 70's, 80's, and 90's the last 4 limbs should naturally occur based on our time and effort we spent on the first 4 limbs. Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (enlightenment). It doesn't mean that you forget about the prior limbs as you progress. It just means that during a specific moment in time one limb may become more prevalent.
Kate: Ooo this is a tough one. Truthfully, I'm not sure I can pick just one mainly because I think each one supports the other. There are days that I love nothing more than doing a full asana practice, but then there are other days where my practice looks more like focusing on pranayama techniques. But of course, none of that would be supported without trying to live a yogic lifestyles as guided by yamas and nimayas. And then of course, the higher limbs all need the first four in order to be fully experienced.
Which is the recipe for a successful Yoga Studio and to be a good and successful Yoga teacher?
Patrick: There are a few elements that I have founds to be essential to becoming a good yoga teacher ~
- Continue to study and practice throughout your life
- Be humble
- Be authentic
- Remember you are there to serve your students, not your ego
Owning a successful Yoga Studio is little more complicated but this is what I think ~
- Run your studio based on the principles of yoga
- Also, run your studio like a business
- The top 2 may seem to conflict at times so when in conflict defer to the 1st principle
Patrick Franco
Yoga Director | Yoga Renew
www.yogarenewteachertraining.com
https://www.facebook.com/YogaRenewTeacherTraining
Kate Lombardo
Yoga Director | E-RYT500, YACEP®,
kate@yogarenewteachertraining.com
https://www.yogarenewteachertraining.com
