 A Big Impact
Yoga instruction classes lead to a new career and a more balanced life
Astrid Mercer had a good job and a good life, but she wasn’t satisfied. After years of working in the financial/insurance industry as an executive assistant, she decided it was time to make a change, but she wasn’t sure what path to take.
“I went through what I liked to do, and yoga – which I had been doing for five years – kept appearing at the top of the list,” Astrid says. “It was then that I decided to pursue yoga as a career.”
But, once she had made the decision about what to do, deciding where to go was easy.
“I have taken a number of courses through Continuing Education at George Brown College and always enjoyed my experience,” she says. “It’s a reliable college that, for me, is easy to get to. Their courses and certificates are contemporary and relevant, so I always check George Brown first.”
Astrid’s previous experience with Continuing Education at George Brown included both professional development and personal interest courses. (She completed Computer Basics and Microsoft Office I and Introduction to Marketing for work and a photography course and three online creative writing courses for fun.) She hoped the College would be able to help again, and, when she visited the Continuing Education web site, she was thrilled to find the expanded personal wellness offerings.
“I wasn’t aware George Brown had a lot of courses in the wellness area. Finding the Classical Yoga Instruction Certificate was a pleasant surprise,” she says. “I’m happy I’ve been able to study this subject at George Brown.”
The Classical Yoga Instruction Certificate covers all the skills and techniques used to develop an awareness of both mind and body.
Surprising results
“The big surprise for me was the yoga philosophy courses. Because I had no idea about that aspect of yoga, I assumed it would be a class where we learned and discussed theories but never applied them,” Astrid says. “Instead, I’m enjoying them immensely, and I find the philosophies very applicable to my daily life.”
The fact that the certificate is specifically intended for those wishing to teach classical yoga made it a perfect fit for Astrid. But it has also had a bigger impact.
“For our teacher, yoga is not a fad; it’s not a side job. It’s a passion and a way of life – and we can tell,” she says. “In fact, because he applies the methods and theories to his own life, we’ve learned to do the same. And I, for one, am better for it.”
Astrid is still immersed in her studies – and enjoying every minute of it. She will complete the certificate in August 2010, and her future plans include opening her own studio, which will focus on the holistic lifestyle (combining holistic nutrition and yoga). But Astrid plans to keep learning in the future because a great experience is what she has come to expect from Continuing Education at George Brown.
“I have recommended the Classical Yoga Instruction Certificate to others looking to get into the practice and will continue to do so,” she says. “In fact, I often recommend Continuing Education courses at George Brown. There is definitely something for everyone.”
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