As someone who practices yoga in all forms and frequently at home, at different studios, and at community events. Yoga has become a big part of my life and I’m really interested in becoming a yoga instructor. I’m starting my osteopathic medical training next summer and I think that learning more about yoga will help me better understand and appreciate the mind-body and spirit connection which will further help me with treating patients in the future. I also feel a specific calling as a POC. I feel like as a yoga instructor, I could inspire other people of color by creating a safe space for us to also explore and appreciate yoga. However, I currently cannot afford the training. The 200 hour trainings are around $1,000-$3,000! Is that normal? I’ve tried applying to the BIPOC scholarships that some studios offer but I haven’t heard back. How did y’all afford the training? Any advice ? Thank you 🙏🏾 Edit: Thank you all for your honest advice and feedback. I’ve read every single response and it’s been very helpful in informing me of my next steps. I have officially enrolled in an online 200 training program through yoga renew and I reached out to a potential mentor, at a studio I go to often, who is a POC instructor and also a primary care physician. I think this is the best option for me at the moment as I cannot afford a payment plan with my current budget since I am already stretched thin with paying for my orthodontic treatments and phone bill . I also did not want to incur more debt before starting school. I am interested in one day enrolling in a 300 or 500 intensive retreat program in a foreign country such as in India, Bali or Costa Rica to advance my practice. I will work on saving for that in the coming years. For now I am excited to learn the basics and start my practice. Thank you again for the words of encouragement. I hope we can continue to have these important conversations about access in the yoga community. Peace and blessings 💕   submitted by   /u/Used-Chicken9379 [link]   [comments]