by Devata Active

The best yoga teachers begin as dedicated students. With a clear commitment to deepening one’s knowledge and a reverence for the yoga tradition, training students spend focused time and energy on transforming their personal practice into acts of service as leaders and teachers in their community.

The Devata Scholarship Program is part of our ongoing effort to make the path of becoming a teacher more accessible to a wider range of students. Yoga Teacher Training can be a significant investment for many. While we believe deepening your practice and understanding is a worthwhile investment, we also know that it is not always a practical option for some who truly desire to move forward on their yoga journey. Our scholarship program is our commitment to these passionate and deserving students. We sincerely hope that our scholarships will open the door for those who may need some extra support in making this a viable option.

The Devata 200HR Yoga Teacher Training Program will help to enrich your yoga practice, expand your knowledge of yoga teachings and philosophy, and support you in discovering your unique voice and teaching style – all while experiencing a little adventure along the way! Our modular training program provides you with an opportunity to dedicate focused time to your practice. The unique format of our program allows for personal transformation and growth on and off your mat. Get ready to dig deep, learn a lot, and connect with new friends while also working hard and having a lot of fun along the way.

We had some questions for Melanie Cherney, the founder of Devata and Lead Teacher Trainer.

1) What are the main reasons to participate in teacher training?

Teacher training is an incredible opportunity to not only dive deeper into the study of yoga in a more academic sense, but a dedicated time for personal growth. Having been involved in numerous training programs, I’ve seen firsthand the transformation that can occur through the process. There is often a great deal of insight and reflection throughout the training program. I know that is something I’ve really tried to create opportunities for and allow space for during our program. Of course, I want students to leave with a clear understanding or alignment and teaching principles. My personal belief, though, is that the poses are kind of empty without the other “stuff”. Without the awareness, mindfulness, accountability – the poses are just shapes. Yes, they can help us to feel good in our body and that can be enough sometimes but they have the potential to give so much more. Like the stuff that changes who we are and how we live. I want students to experience this and be inspired to carry it into their teaching if they decide that is the path they want to go.

2) What do you hope a scholarship will offer prospective students?

Since we started Devata, we have always tried to find ways to offer discounts and scholarships to our trainings and events. It makes me happy to be able to make these opportunities more within reach for people who may not be able to afford the full tuition. Some of the students who we have offered scholarships to have really taken the opportunity and run with it. It always makes me super proud to see that they have taken advantage of their knowledge and skills and are paying it forward. I think yoga teachers have the potential to make a significant impact and be a true source of support in their communities. I don’t want finances to get in the way of someone being able to move forward in that way.

3) How can someone make sure they are choosing the right program?

Nowadays there are A LOT of training programs out there. It makes sense that it would be a confusing decision for students looking to explore that option. My best advice is to choose a teacher who you connect with. Try to get to know their background and perspective as a teacher to make sure it aligns with where you are at right now and what you need most. There’s no one training that is going to give you everything. 200 hours is actually a very short amount of time to get everything in, so teachers and programs have to be selective about what to include. The teacher or program director will need to choose which aspects to emphasize and which to be less focused on. Choose a program/teacher or has the same priorities as you. If you have questions, reach out to them by email or phone and have a conversation.

4) What is your personal background?

Oh gosh, how long do you have. Honestly, looking back I think my yoga path started long before I was even aware of it. From a very young age I was very introspective and asking big questions about life, happiness, purpose. My inquisitive nature led me to pursue an undergraduate degree in Philosophy. During that time, I was exposed to eastern philosophy and started reading some of the main yogic texts such as the Bhagavad Gita. I also became really interested in Buddhism and started a meditation practice. My interest in Eastern philosophy and religion led me to move to Nepal when I was 25. I wanted to spend time in the place where the Buddha was from. After some adventures and explorations, I moved to Seattle and pursued my Master’s in Clinical Psychology and Art Therapy. I worked as a psychotherapist for several years before realizing that my true passion is working with people from a yogic perspective. I have never found anything more effective and foundational. I have taken a variety of yoga trainings over the years from a lot of great teachers. I also learn a lot through the work itself – my students are my teachers. Today I lead trainings, teach weekly classes and have a private yoga coaching practice where I help people use the philosophy and tools of yoga.