Mentoring
We are survivors of immeasurable events, Flung upon some reach of land,
Small wet miracles without instructions, Only the imperative of change. (Rebecca Elson – 'Evolution')
Mentoring breaks this cycle by offering the chance to share our experiences and the opportunity to seek guidance on how to approach such challenges that appear within the class environment.
Why we need group mentoring
It is a requirement for psychotherapists that they regularly see a supervisor and the same is true for many other fields. I believe there is a pressing need for a similar form of supervision within the yoga field. So often after our teaching trainings, we are thrown out into the wider world with little backup. This belief has led me to develop a mentor group specifically tailored to the needs and challenges of people teaching yoga.
The aim of this group is to provide support – to enable a growing clarity about how we are teaching and to encourage open discussion about the difficulties (and joys) that we all face as yoga teachers. This is about sharing and mutual aid. From participating in this group, I hope you can get advice, practical assistance, emotional support, aids for teaching and insights about practice and people.
How the mentoring works
-The group has a maximum number of five participants, each of whom have to commit to (and pay for) six sessions;
-The structure of the group is a two-hour meeting once a month – the dates are agreed by participants prior to the first meeting;
-Two time slots are available: Sundays 6pm-8pm and Mondays early afternoon;
-The cost is £200 for the six sessions (so £33 for each session); one place per group is available on bursary (50% of cost; so £100)
-The structure of the group is a two-hour meeting once a month – the dates are agreed by participants prior to the first meeting;
-Two time slots are available: Sundays 6pm-8pm and Mondays early afternoon;
-The cost is £200 for the six sessions (so £33 for each session); one place per group is available on bursary (50% of cost; so £100)
Norman is also available for 1:1 sessions (£70 per hour. Note a price increase to £90 per hour from April).
For more thoughts from Norman about the mentoring process, see these articles:
and notes from the book, 'The Yoga Teacher Mentor' by Jess Glenny
About Norman
I have been teaching yoga since 2001 and my first yoga class was more than 25 years ago. I have studied deeply with teachers such as Sarah Powers, Richard Freeman, Judith Lasater and Alaric Newcombe. From 2006-2013 I was a mentor on the Yogacampus Teacher Training and I supported nearly 30 students through that course. I have written extensively on yoga and related matters of personal transformation. After being introduced to meditation in 1998, with my first meditation retreat in December 2000, I have had an established meditation practice for the last 20 years. From 2003 to 2018, I was in therapy and this has significantly aided my teaching. I regularly see a supervisor.Please feel free to contact me either by email at [email protected] or at 07900 027 291 for more information or to discuss this further.
What people say about this supervision practice
From participants
"Excellent session yesterday. I am very grateful for it and took much away from it."
"I just wanted to let you know how helpful and supportive I am finding the sessions. I've also met some teachers I'd not usually have met so a very positive experience."
From teachers
"I just wanted to let you know how helpful and supportive I am finding the sessions. I've also met some teachers I'd not usually have met so a very positive experience."
From teachers
"I am so pleased to learn that Norman Blair is offering this unique group setting for yoga teachers. In this time of turmoil in the yoga world, it is imperative that we support each other in becoming the best teachers we can be. I wish all yoga teachers had the opportunity to gather and discuss the art of teaching in such a group. Thank you, Norman, for sharing your wisdom and devotion to yoga." - Judith Hanson Lasater, PhD, physical therapist and yoga teacher since 1971
"Norman inspired my practice of Ashtanga, introduced me to my teacher Hamish, let me assist his classes and propelled me into the world of teaching yoga. He has mentored me throughout this process both formally (he was my Mentor when I did the Life Centre Teacher Training) and informally over countless coffees over many years. I have found his support and friendship invaluable. The Group Supervision Practice sounds like a valuable tool for committed yoga teachers. It formalises and gives space to explore difficulties and share expertise. It should help to shift us out of our individual ego-silos. I would recommend this project and Norman most highly." - Ruth Westoby www.ruthyoga.co.uk
