Frances Coburn’s Passionate Why

At a YMCA class over a year ago, the instructor asked, “Does anyone want to teach yoga?” I didn’t hesitate. Yes, was my response. I became NETA certified through on-line courses and in-house Y training, and have taught 2-3 classes a week since.

Yoga has been part of my life for over twelve years. While I was working, I attended classes often, but on no regular schedule. It helped me relax, helped me ease neck and back pain, maintain muscle strength and flexibility, and helped me cope with life. After retirement, I started practicing at least 3 times a week and became aware of the enormous health benefits for myself and for the rest of our aging population.

I feel blessed every time I lead a yoga class because I am sharing something of value that I love. I know in my heart that every student is gaining some small benefit whether it’s better balance, a better ability to cope, or the simple stretching of tight muscles. I know the value of “stopping the fluctuations of the mind” and I want to experience this to the fullest and share this with others. I especially want to help senior citizens enjoy their lives with more comfort.

Being in front of a class quickly rekindled my life long desire to teach. It reminded me that some of the best times at my former employer were while I was in marketing and responsible for training the sales team on various products. I spent 23+ years with Roche, working my way up to marketing and corporate sales. Most of this face-paced lifestyle was exciting and invigorating. I had great opportunities to travel globally, work with international colleagues and with dynamic brilliant people. But as I neared retirement, I started to see how little my contribution meant to the big company. I learned that I had many work acquaintances, but no real work friends. I had chronic neck and back pain. I’d become hooked on sleeping pills. I was haunted by the guilt of neglected family duties.

Since becoming a yoga instructor and by focusing on a more yogic lifestyle, including regular practice and routine teaching, I have eliminated sleeping pills (Yeah! You can’t believe how hard that’s been.), I take no more prescription medications, and I’m trying to be a more relaxed person. Deep breathing is not only something I do regularly, but something I share almost everyday in coaching my family and friends through stressful situations.

Would you like to Jumpstart Your Yoga Teaching Career in 2015? Please check out this page for more detailed info on our intensives:http://claytonyoga.com/intensive-yoga-teacher-training/.
We begin all 15 day Intensive courses at 7am and Weekend Yoga Training Courses at 6am. All course days finish at 5pm! We also recommend that you call us (314-630-1677) with additional questions and allow us to help you sign up for a fabulous yoga training soon!