Angela Burgess is one of the yoga teacher trainees in our Fall 2018 cohort. Read more about her story and why she’s training at M3Yoga.
Where are you from? Athens, GA
Where do you live? In gratitude
Favorite place you’ve been? Ireland
What’s your passion? Cultivating love, health, joy, connection, and beauty within myself, my family, my community, and, ultimately, the world.
Favorite pose? Vrksasana/Tree Pose
How long have you practiced yoga?
I have practiced yoga on and off for the past 21 years. I remember asking for a 6 week yoga class from Athens Yoga Center for my 20th birthday. Some years I have been more dedicated than others, but the journey sure has been scenic and fun so far. At this point in my life, yoga seems like a dear old friend that I want to hang out with and do everything and nothing together all at once. Just like an old friend, yoga always teaches me something new if I show up and listen.
What’s your favorite yoga style?
Vinyasa Flow, from slow all the way to power, depending on what my body needs. I also have a soft place in my heart for some trusty Hatha yoga.
Why did you decide to attend teacher training?
I decided to attend teacher training because I want to go deeper with my understanding and of yoga as a whole and to strengthen my physical practice. I love to learn in layers, and this immersion has provided me with many opportunities to distill and rediscover what I am most drawn to and what I have to offer as a teacher.
Why did you decide to train at the M3Yoga Center?
I am a registered nurse, so naturally I was drawn to Nick since we share this in common. Yoga at M3 has never failed to bring a smile to my face or a warmth to my heart. The training combines the elements of solid science/anatomy with philosophy, spirit, and style. Speaking of style, I feel encouraged and challenged to find my own voice and while learning the art of holding space and safety in many different ways. This program is the full package and a great fit for my way of learning.
What has been your favorite part of the training so far?
Getting to know so many other wonderfully dedicated people who are all wanting to go deeper into our understanding, not only of yoga, but of ourselves. This type of connection is priceless and infuses my life with a much needed dose of shared community belonging.
What’s been the hardest part of the training so far?
I didn’t realize that we would start practice teaching the very first weekend. That was, and still is, the most intimidating part for me. It’s never fun to do something that I am not good at in front of a large group of people, but you know what? I have to practice teach if I want to learn how to be a yoga teacher, right? Getting out of my comfort zone is hard, but necessary to learn a new skill. Also, if you refer back to the previous question’s answer, this kind of shared group activity is exactly what is needed to bring people closer together. We give each other support without judgement or competition because we are all learning.
What is one thing you wish you knew before the training?
I wish I knew how amazing and transformational this experience would be. I knew in my mind that it would be challenging and wonderful, but I really had no idea how much this experience would mean to me in my life. It’s gone beyond teaching yoga and has really helped nourish my body, mind, and spirit in some very vital and life affirming ways.
What is your advice to someone considering teacher training?
If you are drawn to teacher training, then that is a sign that you need to explore the possibility. Explore all your options. This is an important decision and finding the right fit is vital to your success. Ask yourself why you want to do it, come up with some questions, and reach out to the teachers of the programs in which you are interested. Talking with Nick really helped me solidify my decision to say “yes” to the M3Yoga program. It is a big commitment, so be sure to fully invest yourself and commit to the process. Anything worthwhile takes work. You are worth it and so are your future students.
Thinking about taking a yoga teacher training? Read more about our fundamentals training here.