Sophie Boucher our teacher training manager interviews our graduate Zinah Mangera Lakew. Zinah completed her 200-hour degree in December 2021 through our BIPOC scholarship program. Zinah is now a full-time yoga instructor and teaches for MoreYoga and other studios. In this conversation, Zinah shares her 200-hour experience with MoreYoga and her journey to teaching.
Thank you so much for taking the time for this conversation Zinah. I would like to know more about your background and your decision to embark on a 200-hour training course. When did you know you wanted to take 200 hours.
“I come from a dance background and have always been exposed to yoga. At first, I probably started doing yoga once or twice a week, and then I went on a journey of healing work where I started doing yoga about 4-5 times a week, and that’s it. suddenly became very important to me. life. And I think from that exposure, from having a regular practice, and from the fact that I come from a movement background where I was teaching, it seemed like a natural progression and a place for deepen my practice and learn.
Was there anything about taking 200 hours that made you nervous?
“I still wasn’t sure if my practice was strong enough, I think no matter how much experience you have had, you will feel that way. Because it’s like a big unknown. I kind of thought that in order to train to be a teacher, you had to already know how to be a teacher. I think that’s probably why I didn’t do it earlier too, because I thought you had to have a certain level before you could start training. Now I know, it’s much more than that. And it’s much more than the postures and the physical practice… I think, yeah, very quickly. You realize, like, Oh, it’s not really about who’s better at a backbend, or who has a handstand, that stuff just doesn’t like to come into play, really.
Have you had any training advancements or moments or accomplishments?
“I just have a very clear memory. It was a major breakthrough in the meditation practice that we were doing, and I was one of those people who didn’t meditate before because I couldn’t turn it off. I have ADHD and I can’t turn off my brain while sitting. This course was a breakthrough for me, in terms of meditation and its importance, and I didn’t expect it to happen. It felt like a missing piece, something I really needed, and I didn’t know I needed it. I felt so supported and supported by the teachers in this vulnerable space, it was such an amazing thing. “It was a very caring atmosphere.”
Are there any specific lessons that stood out to you that you took away from the mat?
“Yeah, definitely. I remember a text that we were reading. it was about living with the Sutras, I think, and when we were reading this text, we had some really good discussions within the group about how we could integrate it into our daily lives. We had Luana, who was one of our course teachers. And she was really encouraging to let the teachings influence our lives. She said to think about how transformative this could be and what things you could do to live out the teachings. Don’t let this just be something you learn. In order to fully understand it, you must also embody it in your life and then you will understand it on a much deeper level. It made me think more deeply about the need to take vegetarianism more seriously and live with non-violent ahimsa.
Do you remember teaching your first class? How did it go? What was your experience?
“I was so confident that everyone would know it was my first class. I was really nervous! I kept going through all the advice that was given to me, there are so many little tips that you get from your teachers about becoming a new teacher, which was really helpful.
I think as a new teacher things can go wrong. You could be wrong, but it’s not the end of the world, it really isn’t. I remember at first I was so hypercritical myself, like Oh, my God! I didn’t take 5 breaths like everyone could ask for their money or something!
But actually, it was good. It was good and I really enjoyed it. I think that was the main takeaway. “I realized that I love it even when I make mistakes and get it wrong.”
Is there any advice you would give to someone considering enrolling in yoga teacher training?
I would say go to the open day to get a feel for the training and ask questions if you have any. Also know that it is okay not to attend a strong Vinyasa or Rocket practice 5 times a week. You really don’t need it. When you arrive at the training, you will go on this journey of discovery, so if this interests you, go for it.
Okay, last question! What does your teaching look like today?
In the beginning, I was doing so much studio and gym teaching, and it started to wear me out a little, especially if you’re only teaching fairly strong dynamic practices. I took the time to love, step back, and look at how I wanted to teach, and what that looks like for me in my life.
This year I’m focusing a lot more on organizing workshops and building to do my first retreat on my own, which is crazy! It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.