Get under the skin of our Yin YTT teacher Kara Herbert
Choosing a Yoga Teacher Training Academy can be overwhelming. There’s the course structure to consider, the content, the cost, but perhaps most importantly, there are the teachers.
In the second of a series of ‘Meet the Teacher’ interviews, Kara Herbert tells all.
Why and when did you decide to train as a Yoga teacher/trainer?
In 2012 I broke my elbow. I was a dancer, thus forced to stop working for a few weeks and unable to attend my regular Power Yoga class. I had been attending classes for 12 years and I really missed it. I started exploring other ways to practice, such as Yin and Restorative Yoga, pranayama, meditation and reading about Yoga philosophy. The more I read the more I wanted to learn, and I decided then I would do my teacher training.
What is your favourite style of Yoga?
A blend. It depends what mood I'm in. I love everything from power flow to Yin and Restorative and most often I like a bit of everything!
Why do people choose to train at the AFYT?
Good reviews, our integrity, kindness, enthusiasm, experience, we nurture the individual. This is important. We don't try to produce copies of ourselves but instead encourage people to be the teacher that's authentic to them.
What courses do you teach at AFYT?
Yin 40-hour, mentoring and workshops on 200-hour Hatha, but we’ve got new and exciting courses in the pipeline!
How does AFYT positively impact the community?
It spreads joy for Yoga, not just the physical practice, but Yoga as a way of life. The Academy encourages the concept of a Yoga community.
What aspirations do you have for your Yin and Hatha students?
To facilitate growth, joy, de-stress, learn more about themselves.
What aspirations do you have for the Academy?
To expand courses, to establish and grow an alumni of like-minded yogis.
Why are you accredited with YAP?
YAP requires you to be qualified and continue continual professional development. This keeps teaching to a high standard and shows my students that I respect the responsibility I have as a Yoga teacher to keep my standards high.
What do your graduates go on to do after completing the course?
Some teach, some choose further study, some go on to further their personal journey. They all leave with a deeper passion for Yoga and its power in the community.
What is your favourite asana?
It changes... of course Dancer! I also like Triangle and Dragonfly and Saddle.
What is your favourite food?
I love fruit and yogurt and porridge, also a dark chocolate hobnob!
What food do you most dislike?
Meat.
Who inspires you most?
My 4-year-old niece Dahlia, I want to be a good role model for her.
What have you learned from the pandemic?
Less doing, more being. The importance of touch.
What have you learned about yourself due to the pandemic?
I miss face to face human connection. I’m grateful for my family friends and my cat Dottie. Grateful to do a job I enjoy, I appreciate the importance of Yoga in my life and my loyal clients. I have developed a deeper love of nature, but I miss swimming and travelling!
How does your dance background support your Yoga practice and teaching?
From a physical perspective it helps with alignment, proprioception, balance, strength, flexibility but really, it's about awareness. I've been working with my body and other people's bodies my whole career, and the more different people you work with, the more you learn about people and yourself.
Which charities do you support and why?
Make-A-Move a local charity that helps people make positive changes in their lives and improve their mental health using movement, music, mindfulness and a range of other creative and therapeutic techniques. I've worked for MAM since the charity founded.
Alzheimers Support; dementia and memory issues affect most of us in some way, at some point, and the work AS do is so important for the community. I've been delivering Moving for the Mind sessions for 12 years now and the positive effect it has is hugely beneficial.
Bath Cats and Dogs Home; after all cats are the zen masters!
What drives you?
A love of learning and wanting to share it with others.
What do you love?
My family and friends, nature, being creative, Yoga!
What do you dislike?
Dishonesty, being unkind.
What is the hardest lesson you have had to learn?
Grief, trust, vulnerability.
What makes you proud?
Good energy from clients. When clients leave a class looking happier, less stressed.
What makes you have a proper belly laugh?
Diane! She can be hilarious.
What is your favourite music?
Depends on my mood! I like all styles of music.
Favourite item of clothing?
Jumpers that my Nan knitted for me.
Favourite Yoga outfit?
So many... Sweaty Betty Power Leggings, but sometimes I prefer a pair of hareem pants.
Favourite hobby?
Yoga, dancing, swimming, skiing, walking, reading, gardening.
Share a lesser known fact about you.
I’m a twin!