01/02/2024
www.lanareed.com/wildthingphotographyandschoolofyogablog/2022/8/25/how-i-came-to-enroll-in-wild-thing-school-of-yoga
How I came to enroll in Wild Thing School of Yoga
I am new to San Antonio, so my knowledge of studio’s and programs is limited. As I researched, learned that there are various programs available. To determine what was right for me; I first created a list of requirements really helped me to find the right program. Identifying what is important to you as a yogi, is key to guiding decisions.
First things first
Several obstacles stood in the way of me starting. First was how do you pay for Yoga training and the second was ensuring the program I enrolled in was a ‘good fit’ for my learning level and education style. Lastly, I was looking for not only an instructor but for the possibility of a professional yoga mentor as well.
Money: Finding out that Wild Thing School of Yoga was willing to work with my financial realities was a huge deal. When I spoke with Lana we discussed what was possible. She was willing to individualize a play specifically for me. This personalizaion showed me that Lana was willing to make adjustments that would benefit the both of us.
References & Reviews: When I sought out reviews from graduates of other programs a few described the course as “quick,” “efficient,” and “corporate.” These are not terrible things, but they were not the adjectives I was looking for in a program. Honestly, since getting out of the military, these are all things I was looking to avoid. I first heard about WTSY through a coworker who had practiced under Lana and recently went through the course herself. She shared Lana's Instagram page about the course, and I began to investigate the website and application process. On Lana's website, she has a list of different classes, workshops, blogs, mentoring, and photography. Right away, mentoring jumped out at me because it was one of the things I had on my ‘ultimate wish list’ and have been seeking.
Experience: The word ‘advanced’ on Lana’s website was intimidating to me. I can not even hold a handstand. Thankfully, I kept reading and discovered her definition of advanced is untraditional! She says that her idea of ‘advanced’ is a mindset; students arrive to practice with “curiosity” and “playfulness.” These words seemed to me, to be a far better description of what I was looking for in a yoga training.
A Priority on Mentorship
More research landed me in at the blog and it was love at first site. What a relief to read how real Lana is with her journey, experience, and motivation. In Lana’s blog, “8 Things I Learned the Hard Way as a Yoga Professional” she describes her early journey in yoga and the myths around being a struggling instructor. I admit that in the past, I have fallen for the myth that becoming a yoga instructor has the same ideology as becoming a starving artist. Which is one of the reasons it is something I have put off for so long. It was refreshing to see that not only is this a true myth but being an instructor can be a valuable business.
She shares about some of the struggle struggle and how her idea of what a yoga instructor is supposed to look like has changed over time. I find being able to share your struggle, especially about your own business, is very brave.
In reading Lana’s story I identified qualities that I believe a good leader possesses. She neither ‘sugarcoats’ the battles nor dwells on them and s ays she is willing to teach more than just ‘yoga on a mat’. Fear is too often what holds us back from ever trying something in the first place. One thing I want to do is face my fears; because of this I connected with what I saw as Lana’s bravery. The fact that she also is a mentor was a big bonus!
The Application
it was time. Filling out the application on WTSY website was easy. The questions are not judgmental but informational. The decision to apply was a huge step because becoming a yoga instructor is something on my bucket list. I was not going to put put it off any longer. I was doing it. I was excited.
The training became real.
Lana called me the day after I filled out the application to chat and answer questions. The first thing I noticed was her laugh. Other yoga instructors I had talked to through the process were broody, intimidating and not that friendly. The first feelings I received from Lana were warmth and happiness. Everything seemed to click for me. I felt confident that here was where I wanted to step into the unknown; and Lana and her team was who I wanted to learn with.
Researching and deciding on an instructor training is hard choice. Its worth finding a program you feel great about because this is the first step in a brand new adventure.
