Yoga Teacher Training Graduate Feature: Marc

Meet Marc, our 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training graduate from our 2018 training in Kingston, Ontario. Marc currently teaches at Studio 330 and Immerse Wellness Centre in Kingston, Ontario. Marc shares his yoga teaching journey and what he has learned along the way.

Why did you do your 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training?

I decided to do my YTT as a way to deepen my practice. I thought it would be great to learn more about yoga from early to present day. I was practicing yoga regularly and really had a hunger to learn more.

Which practices from the training have supported you most in life?

Yoga has helped me so much in my daily life by allowing me to be more in the present in the moment. It has also given me a better understanding of my own body. Self-awareness was never something I found time for until I landed on my mat. Keeping my body moving has also been really beneficial. Working a job that requires me to be on my feet all day using my arms can be exhausting and yoga has really helped with dexterity and pain relief.

What are some of the things you've discovered as a practitioner and a teacher?

As a yoga practitioner I have had the opportunity to discover myself and my capabilities as a person. I’ve met so many people who have been integral on the path of getting to know myself, challenging me, and teaching me along the way.

As a teacher I’ve really enjoyed practicing and sharing gratitude with others. Becoming a teacher was never part of the plan for me. It was something that just fell into place. I am actually still shocked when I teach a class that I'm actually teaching a class. I was never one that liked getting up and speaking in front of groups of people, but somehow this has been such a freeing experience that I would not change for anything. The relationships I have cultivated with people have been some of the best in my life.

What are some of the lessons you’ve learned on the mat that are supporting you to meet the challenges of life?

The most important lesson I have learned on my mat is to breathe. When life gets crazy, and it does, one breath at a time will get me through. Focusing on my breath is the most grounding thing I can do.

What do you love about yoga?

I just love yoga. All aspects. The way it strengthens the body and the mind is amazing. It is kind of like a two for one deal. You get stronger but also soften at the same time. You gain a better understanding of yourself inside and out. I also love that even though I’ve been practicing for years now I still feel like I'm always finding new ways to get out of my comfort zone.

I would definitely suggest YTT it is such a life changing experience that can open doors to new beginnings.

Interested in taking your YTT?

Join us in beautiful Mui Ne, a peaceful and quiet fishing village on the southeast coast of Vietnam. Our unique yoga teacher training is a 22-day immersive journey of yoga, mindfulness, and self-discovery by the ocean in Vietnam. The training runs from November 24 to December 15, 2024. Learn more.