Fall into Yoga: Why Autumn is the Perfect Time to Start Your Teaching Journey

Picture this: crisp leaves crunching under your feet, the scent of pumpkin spice in the air, and you... starting your yoga teacher training? Yep, you read that right! Fall isn't just for cozy sweaters and apple picking – it's the ideal season to kick off your journey to becoming a yoga instructor. Let me tell you why.

Embracing Change: Autumn's Yoga Journey

Meet Autumn Cochella. No, she wasn't named after the season (though it would've been fitting). Autumn grew up in a family where hunting and hearty Southern cooking were the norm. But this gal had different plans.

At 18, she went vegan. Talk about a plot twist! Then, she discovered yoga. Was it love at first downward dog? Not exactly.

"I woke up the day after that class and was so sore I could barely move," Autumn laughs, remembering her first encounter with yoga.

But she stuck with it. Why? Because sometimes, the best things in life make you sore at first. (Just kidding... kind of.)

Why Fall is Yoga's BFF

Now, you might be wondering, "Why start in autumn? Why not wait for the New Year like everyone else?" Well, my friend, let me break it down for you:

1. Change is in the air: Just like the leaves changing colors, fall is all about transformation. It's the perfect backdrop for your personal growth journey.

2. Time to get cozy with yourself: As the days get shorter, we naturally turn inward. It's like the universe is giving you a big ol' push towards self-reflection.

3. Ground yourself (and not just in leaves): Fall has this amazing grounding energy. It's all about finding your roots – both in yoga and in life.

4. Harvest your potential: Traditionally, autumn is harvest time. In your yoga journey, it's time to reap the benefits of your hard work and dedication.

Beat the New Year's Resolution Crowd

Let's face it – gyms and yoga studios in January are like Black Friday sales, minus the discounts. By starting in fall, you'll be way ahead of the game. Imagine being the calm, centered yoga teacher while everyone else is still figuring out which way is up in downward dog.

Plus, you'll have a secret weapon for surviving the holiday season. While others are stressing about burnt turkeys and family drama, you'll be floating through on a cloud of zen. (Okay, maybe not literally, but you get the idea.)

Learn at Your Own Pace (No Need to Fall Behind)

One of the coolest things about modern yoga teacher training? You can do it at your own pace. Autumn loved this about her ISSA certification. "I'm a person that likes to get things done. I dove in," she says.

So whether you're a "let's do this in one weekend" type or more of a "slow and steady wins the race" person, there's a training style for you.

More Than Just Fancy Poses

Here's a little secret: yoga teacher training isn't just about learning to touch your toes (though that's a nice bonus). It's about personal transformation. As Autumn puts it, "I've gotten a lot of certifications and degrees in my life, but this is one of the certifications I'm most proud of because it aligns with where I want to be and how I want to make a difference."

And let's not forget about meditation. Autumn admits it wasn't her strong suit at first. "Meditation does not come naturally to me... But then I pushed myself to just sit with myself and it's really stuck with me and been a good thing for me." See? Even the pros struggle sometimes!

Ready to Fall into Your New Career?

So, are you ready to trade in your pumpkin spice latte for a yoga mat? (Don't worry, you can totally have both.) This autumn could be the beginning of your yoga teaching adventure. Who knows? By this time next year, you could be the one teaching that "Falling Leaves" yoga flow.

Remember, like Autumn Cochella, your journey might not be a straight path. There might be a few wobbles in your warrior pose along the way. But that's all part of the fun.

Ready to take the plunge? Check out ISSA's Yoga Certification program. Your future students (and your future self) will thank you.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to practice my tree pose in a pile of autumn leaves. Namaste, y'all!