MARCH 2014 After doing the Summer 2013 Teacher Training, Jordan has been involved with Y.O.G.A. for Youth as an assistant teacher, and served as lead teacher for one of the “After 3” programs with Communities in Schools. She taught at three middle schools in Hillsborough — where she herself went to school! She also brought her background in media production to Y.O.G.A. for Youth NC, working on the social media and a bit of video. Jordan teaches yoga in the triangle, and is considering further training to become a yoga therapist.
Why Y.O.G.A. for Youth? I had been teaching yoga for about six months, and I had come to realize that I wanted to do more with it — to teach more, in communities that may not be exposed to it. Kundalini yoga has had a great impact on me, and it seemed like a great opportunity right here in Durham.
After Y.O.G.A. for Youth Teacher Training: I worked in Y.O.G.A. for Youth NC programs this Fall and Winter, so it became part of my livelihood. (And those classes became highlights of my week!) When I move, I hope to find more work teaching yoga to this age group, and perhaps start new programs too! With the training and experience, I feel more confident in this.
Favorite Part of Y.O.G.A. for Youth Teacher Training: I really enjoyed some of the writing activities Krishna Kaur led. Each of the five days, there is a really nice, well-rounded balance to all of the material covered. You really have the chance to examine your own yoga practice — the chance to identify and cultivate your strengths as a teacher and yogi!
Lessons Learned: After this training, I felt better prepared to communicate with teens. I had a greater respect for some of the circumstances that they face, too. I really benefitted from learning – and practicing – classroom management. Whenever something comes up in a yoga class with youth, it’s usually something that was anticipated and discussed in the training.
Advice for Those Considering the Training: Do it! This is truly a special program, led by two amazing Kundalini yoga teachers. I am so grateful I made time. Even if your schedule is too busy to teach right away, do the training, so you’ll be prepared to step up when the time is right!
Jordan Harrell created a blog on yoga and enjoys finding books and articles that line up with the philosophies and practices of yoga and mindfulness. For some of her infographics and mindfulness practices, see her website, GroundingYoga.com, or follow her Grounding Yoga Pinterest Board! And a video she made for Y.O.G.A. for Youth NC: What Can Yoga Do For Youth?