A journey of Yoga Teacher Training in Bail

As the first rays of the morning sun peeked over the lush green valley, I rolled out my mat amid the peaceful serenity of the yoga shalas in Ubud, Bali. The warm tropical air caressed my skin as I mindfully flowed through my practice. With each deep breath, I felt more grounded and centered amidst the ceremonial fragrance of incense and frangipani blossoms.

This was my typical morning during the month-long odyssey of immersive 200HRS yoga teacher training in the spiritual heart of the Island of the Gods. Though the journey was as rewarding as I’d hoped, it was one that pushed me to my limits, opened my eyes, and left me forever changed.

When I first arrived at the remote jungle ashram, I was intimidated by the rigor of the program’s schedule – arising before dawn for meditation and nourishing our bodies with an authentic Balinese plant-based breakfast before Asana and Pranayama practices, Anatomy sessions, Philosophy discourses and Meditation workshops. The days were long, with little free time to explore the lush surroundings, save for one blessed day per week where we were free to roam.

Yet, I soon discovered that the discipline and commitment required was a central tenant of this sacred practice. Through the physical and mental demands, I gained immeasurable respect for the ancient roots of yoga and began peeling back layers of the modern Western misconceptions I’d held. Yoga is about far more than just the physical practice of asana, which is only one of the eight limbs of Raja Yoga. It is a holistic system and way of life.

Each morning’s Asana intensive seamlessly bridged the fundamentals of alignment, anatomy and breath work, guiding us into a deeper embodiment of each posture through patient instruction and hands-on adjustments. As the training progressed, we delved deeper into the study of Yogic Philosophy, exploring the ancient texts of the Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita. My global perspectives expanded as I contemplated these universal truths about the nature of consciousness and suffering.

One of the most profound lessons I integrated was the understanding of yoga as a living tool for self-study and self-realization. With patience and devoted practice, I gradually peeled back the layers of conditioned thoughts, habits, and stories that had clouded my innate wholeness. Each evening’s Meditation intensive ushered me into stillness and heightened awareness, revealing the radiant essence that lies beyond the incessant chatter of the mind.

On weeks off from our intensive studies, I explored the spiritual meccas nestled amid Ubud’s dense jungle landscapes – whether meditating inside the ancient Goa Gajah elephant cave sanctuaries, hiking along the cliffside paths to the island’s most sacred and secret waterfalls, or participating in the vibrant traditional Hindu ceremonies. These cultural immersions illuminated the origins of yogic wisdom and its symbiotic relationship with the Balinese way of life.

As the month drew to a close, our cohort’s individual transformations were undeniable. We’d each arrived carrying the weight of our unique mental, emotional, and physical blockages, slowly shedding layers of tension, toxicity and self-limiting beliefs. In their place blossomed lightness, clarity, self-acceptance and palpable joy. The training’s final days culminated in leading our own thematic Hatha and Vinyasa classes to our peers and community, integrating all aspects of yogic wisdom we’d absorbed.

Departing the lush mountainsides of Ubud, I felt a kaleidoscope of embodied wisdom, reverence and expansiveness. My yoga practice is no longer just a physical exercise, but a holistic lifestyle emphasizing mindfulness, balance and self-inquiry. And my role as a teacher is not to impart postures, but to compassionately guide students on their own inward journeys of awakening to their highest selves.

Bali’s treasured spirit has become indelibly etched into my heart and practice. Just as the cycle of sunrise and sunset persists, the island’s sacred wisdom traditions will forever illuminate my path.