Let’s change that.

After students graduate their 200 hour YTT, they are often left floundering, wondering where to go next.

I know this because this was what happened to me too.

I was lucky to have taken my YTT at a studio that offered a weekly Karma class from new teachers, and started to teach classes there. My next class was a class at a local gym, which I felt unprepared for, but managed to bumble my way through. I kept attending classes, observing classes and taking any workshop or training that came through my city. I taught anyone who would let me teach them! My friends, who laughed hysterically when I chanted OM. Friends of friends, who laughed hysterically when I tried to give an assist. Slowly, I got on the sub list at a studio and started to teach my own regular classes and found a few privates.

I had been teaching for about a year, when I felt like I was missing something. I had questions about situations that had happened in class. I had questions about cuing, sequencing,theming and what the next step in my teaching journey should be .

When I approached the owner of the studio I worked at, I told her that I felt like I didn’t really know enough and I needed to take another 200 YTT. She looked at me and said “No Jonni, you don’t. You are fine. Just keep teaching.”

So I did.

And in a way she was right.

And in a way, she wasn’t.

What we both didn’t know at the time, is that I was looking for a mentor.

This was 2007, and such a thing didn’t really exist in the yoga world at the time. Which is strange, because this is also the traditional way of teaching. Studying directly with a teacher.

I finally understood what I was looking for, when I read an interview with Seane Corn a few years later. She talked about how she had been approached by Kathryn Budig, as a young teacher and asked to be mentored by her. She spoke about her hesitation and internal conflict. Here was a young and up and coming teacher, asking to be mentored by her. In the yoga world, there is competition and here it was staring her in the face. She examined her own feelings about it and then agreed. She also agreed, with the promise that when Kathryn was asked in the future by an up and coming teacher, she would also agree to mentor the new teacher.

Yoga Mentoring Program

Empower Your Teaching Journey

Are you a yoga teacher looking to grow your skills and be part of a supportive community? Our Yoga Mentoring Program is designed to help you elevate your teaching and deepen your practice through personalized mentorship and community engagement. Running from September to January, this program is the perfect opportunity to refine your craft and connect with like-minded teachers.

Why Mentorship?

Mentorship is the missing piece in the yoga world. As a new teacher, you may have questions and seek guidance on how to grow and develop your teaching skills. This program offers you the chance to be guided by experienced mentors, gain valuable insights, and practice your new profession with confidence.

Program Overview

Our mentorship program is a small group with a maximum of 8 teachers hat you must apply to join. This ensures a personalized experience where each participant receives the attention and support they need to thrive.

Monthly Themes and Homework: Each month, we focus on a specific theme that is integral to your development as a yoga teacher. You'll receive homework assignments to deepen your understanding and application of these themes.

Active Teaching Requirement: Participants are required to be actively teaching at least one class per week. This hands-on experience is crucial for applying what you learn and growing as a teacher.

Monthly Meetings: We meet once a month on a Saturday or Sunday for a 4-hour session where we will :

Practice teaching a peer group and get feedback
Learn the skill of the month
Address questions and challenges that have come up
Discuss yogic philosophy and how to integrate it into our personal lives, ensuring we are living yoga, not just talking about it
Strat your yoga business and get support and help in the process

Teacher's Practice: In addition to the monthly meeting, we will gather once a month for a teacher's practice session. This is optional but a great way to build community and be a part of a peer group practice. This is a dedicated time to deepen your own practice and connect with fellow teachers from Victoria. This teachers practice is open to all local teachers in Victoria and Sidney and takes place at Muse studio in Esquimalt.

Areas Covered

Throughout the program, we cover a range of essential topics, including:

Hands-On Assists: Learn how to safely and effectively provide hands-on assists to enhance your students' practice.
Theming: Master the art of creating meaningful and cohesive class themes that inspire and engage your students.
Teaching Off the Mat: Discover techniques for taking your teaching beyond the physical practice, incorporating philosophy, meditation, and more.
Starting Your Yoga Career: Gain insights into building your yoga career, from finding teaching opportunities to marketing yourself effectively.
Dharma Talks: Understand how to deliver impactful Dharma talks that resonate with your students.
Weaving Yoga Philosophy into Your Classes: Learn to seamlessly integrate the rich philosophy of yoga into your teaching, making your classes more profound and meaningful.

Join Our Community

Our Yoga Mentoring Program is more than just a learning experience; it's a community of passionate teachers committed to growth and excellence. If you're ready to take your teaching to the next level and be part of a supportive, inspiring group, we invite you to apply.

Apply Now

For more information, please contact us at hello@jonnilynfriel.com

Investment

The investment for the 4 month group mentorship program is $1008.

A monthly payment plan is available.

Module 1

This can also be used as module towards a 300 hour yoga teacher training within Namaha Yoga School.

Starts September 22nd.

Continuing credits through Yoga Alliance are available upon completion.