by Silvia Mordini

What if I said to you that I wanted to get eye surgery? Lasik, to be precise. What advice would you have for me?

Here’s what I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t say to me:

1. Find the Cheapest doctor possible.
2. Find the Cheapest facility (hospital) possible.
3. Find the least qualified doctor possible.
4. Find the newest doctor possible.
5. Just go where it’s closest.
6. Do it yourself. Read how to do it online.

Then why oh why would you choose a Personal Development Program such as a Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) impacting your Soul and Spirit in this manner? Sort of like Lasik surgery, this is not one of those times to bargain shop and cheap it out. Make a decision based key criteria about the school and be honest about your own values.

First things first, thereare requirements by Yoga Alliance, the governing body of yoga schools that all programs must cover. They set up rules and regulation for Yoga Schools and also provide a certificate to those institutes who fulfills their criteria. With that said, the intensity and depth of these modules will vary school to school.

Secondly, be clear on what your intentions are for dedicating yourself to 200 hours to the study of yoga. Some questions to ask yourself include:

1. Are you certain you want to teach group Yoga classes?
2. What types of students do you want to teach?
3. Are you easily distracted by work and home responsibilities?
4. How do you learn the most easily?
5. What is your current work/life schedule?

Here are some key criteria to consider.

1. Cost of the course
2. Qualifications of Trainers
3. Length of Program
4. Experience of Program

The cost of the course. 


Cost of Yoga courses differs. A high-priced Yoga training doesn’t guarantee it’s the highest quality of learning. Understand fully what you get for your investment. Just don’t make it all about the money. Look beyond price to the quality of the school itself. Do your research and figure out why one program is more expensive than another. Is because they have years more experience or the expertise of the teaching faculty? Be clear quality trainings with higher tuition often have more experienced trainers. How important is it to you to have a quality education?

Location of the training.

It’s the closest one is not a great answer. Don’t be lazy. Figure out which program is best for you beyond just proximity. Unless you’re not that into the learning and just want to be done with it then go ahead and choose the closest to your front door.

Qualifications of Trainers

See beyond shiny photos and slick marketing. Don’t let yourself be fooled by fluff over substance. The teacher trainers most experienced in marketing may not be the best teachers. Be sure that you know the experience level of the trainers beyond pretty photos of poses. Holding space for this level of vulnerable personal development work requires leadership, someone that has experience in holding space for all the emotions that arise. Ask about what qualifies this trainer to manage small group dynamics, do they have other experience leading groups? Have they done the self-work to be ready to be in highly charged emotional experience of training?

Length of Program

Be wary of any program that promises 180 required contact hours in a week. Ask to see their syllabus and schedule.

Experience of Program

There is a program that is right for everyone. It depends on what you’re looking for aligned with your intentions. Consider this:

1.  If you are seeking serious plant medicine ceremonies to experience Ayuahuasca, Kambo, San Pedro, then you should do the ceremony program that is focused on that. Don’t get upset that the program you chose didn’t offer this or had too little if that’s not its purpose.
2. Location, location, location. You know if you are a cool weather, bundle up, warm hat, kind of person. You know if you are a water person, warm sunshine, and bikini breakfast person like myself. Peru and Bali are not the same. If you like pool time every day, enjoying your morning cup of coffee while in the pool for breakfast then that’s Bali somewhere like it. Only you know your preference.

3. Do you want to be able to teach yoga at the end? How practical do you want your YTT to be? Are you interested in knowing how to teach, having the tools and time dedicated to practice teaching? Being hirable at the end where you not only have your Yoga Alliance certification (that’s easy to give someone a certificate) but to actually be prepared to be a great teacher with ongoing resources available to you as Alumni?

4. What level of experience do you want your YTT School to have? What are their graduates doing years later after their program?

As I always tell people here’s what I promise you walk away with from Alchemy of Yoga Teacher Training Authenticity and joyful self-confidence in living YOUR dharma!

How can you tell if you feel the vibe of my #AlchemyofYoga Tribe?

1. Your heart already speaks the language of enthusiasm.
2. You have always been in love with love. (You are a Love Alchemist)
3. All your life you’ve been more sensitive than most.
4. Your capacity for compassion is bigger than what words can explain.
5. You love to laugh!
6. You never stopped believing in magic.

May I suggest that you take my list and make a list of any other program you are considering and compare them? Then mindfully decide which is the BEST fit for you. No two programs are alike.

You see I don’t want you to just take a Yoga Teacher Training I want you to be ENTHUSIASTIC about your choice of Yoga Schools. No matter what I want you to choose what is best for YOU.

Remember to listen to your heart. You are choosing your forever Tribe, life-long supporters and a Mentor not just a Yoga Teacher Training Program.

Love yourself, love your day, love your life!

Silvia