Getting in shape is a concept that has taken root in a great many places. All over the world, more and more people are utilizing different means to achieve this goal. Some people choose to train with weights. Others enjoy courses or classes in different martial arts disciplines. Receiving yoga teacher training may be a way to incorporate many aspects of getting in shape into a single, profitable practice.
What many people don’t realize is that the philosophies of yoginis have been around for hundreds and thousands of years. Many of the practices were passed down through generations. Entire societies and religions have been based around some of them. Thus, it was probably inexorable that these philosophies and practices would eventually spread.
From their Indian origins, yoginis and their practices have spread across the globe and passed through yoga teacher training. While people travel, ideas will always accompany them. Spiritual beliefs, cultural norms, and ideas about beauty are carried like cultural luggage. Ideas about how to stay healthy, and what to eat are other notions that are automatically carried by the traveler.
When it comes to yogic practices, the migration to the world outside of India was consciously orchestrated. It is believed that several practitioners were sent to ‘spread the message’ to new peoples. A man called Swami Vivekananda gave a speech in Chicago. It was during the World Parliament of Religions in 1893. His speech was so powerful, and so eloquent, that it is still referenced today.
Some look upon Swami Vivekananda as one of the original yogic pioneers. But, many times, those most responsible for the proliferation of the practices outside of India were foreigners. Theos Bernard was one such person who traveled to India from America and became a student. He returned years later with the knowledge of his studies and published at least one book which became widely circulated.
Richard Hittleman is considered by quite a few people, a prime factor in the further proliferation of yogic practices outside of India. He came back to New York in 1956 and made a crucial decision. He decided to shift the primary emphasis in the teachings from spiritual to physical. This choice was to radically alter the way the populace reacted to yogic practice.
By promoting the physical benefits, he immediately acquired a much larger following than he would have otherwise. He hoped that as students got deeper into their practice, they’d be moved to delve into the spiritual aspects too. He utilized this method to propagate his practices through the 1950′s, and aided immensely in paving the way for others.
Today there are literally a plethora of schools and styles available to pick from. If you find getting in better health mentally, physically, and spiritually appealing, you might want to check some of them out. If you are already involved, you may be at a point where you wish to begin sharing your experience. If so, yoga teacher training could be an interesting means of becoming certified to do just that.
British Colombia’s best yoga teacher training Victoria BC and pilates classes are geared towards those looking to expand their horizons through yoga Victoria. Call us and begin learning how to instruct.