Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) has been an incredible journey of growth, learning, and self-discovery. Reflecting on why I embarked on this path, my intentions were clear: to deepen my physical practice, explore the mind-body-soul connection, learn the history and philosophy of yoga, gain tools for personal growth, take a step toward clarity and passion, and face my fears. Each of these motivations shaped my experience and outcomes.

The Structure of the Program

The program led by Jess and Adam from Barefoot Yoga School was thoughtfully designed to achieve a harmonious blend of technical teaching, anatomical knowledge, and spiritual and philosophical exploration, truly embodying their motto of "Science meets Spirituality."

For three weeks, our days began at 6 or 6:30am, unfolding with a full schedule of sessions, shared breakfasts and dinners, and about two hours free for lunch. We wrapped up around 6:30pm each evening for dinner and had one day off per week. Here are some key components:

• Vinyasa and Yin Yoga: We delved into asanas, history, and theory, practicing two classes daily taught by either leads or fellow students.

• Teaching Techniques: The teaching modules were exceptionally well-structured, introducing us gradually to concepts, including cueing, sequencing, ambiance, and hands-on/off adjustments. This approach built my confidence and prepared me to lead full-length classes, which we taught multiple times.

• Meditation and Pranayama: While we focused on visualization meditations, I felt this aspect of the training was minimal and could have been explored further. However, learning foundational pranayama techniques and their science opened my eyes to the powerful connection between breath and our (conscious and subconscious) mind.

• Anatomy: Understanding the skeletal and muscular systems and their application to yoga practice was fascinating. It’s empowering to recognize how bodies move and how to support students safely and effectively.

• Yoga History and Philosophy: Learning about the Yoga Sutras, the 8 limbs of yoga, and different yogic philosophies (dualism and non-dualism, circle of Samsara, etc.) offered profound insights into yoga as a holistic practice.

• Spiritual Aspects: Topics like chakras and nadis were intriguing, though I struggled to fully embrace them due to my naturally skeptical and logic-driven mindset. I remain curious and open to exploring them further.

What I Learned

Confidence in Teaching

The biggest surprise for me has been discovering how much I enjoy and feel capable of teaching yoga. Heading into my first Yin class, I was incredibly nervous. Teaching has never come naturally to me, and I was worried about making mistakes, losing the trust of my students, and falling short of their expectations. My confidence was particularly shaky after struggling to differentiate my hands and feet while teaching sun salutations during the first week. Leading full-length classes—especially vinyasa—felt daunting.

However, the way the program was structured made all the difference. Step by step, we were guided through the foundations of teaching, and each opportunity to practice helped me grow. By the end of YTT, I felt ready to teach public classes. I learned that perfection isn’t the goal—what truly matters is creating a safe, supportive space for students to connect with themselves.

The Physical and Beyond

While my physical practice didn’t advance significantly (aside from learning a tripod headstand and improving alignment), I feel more comfortable to flow on my own without the guidance of a teacher or video. I now know what to look out for when doing a pose because I’ve learned the proper alignment for many foundational postures. I’ve even found myself thinking through flows and transitions in my head that I’m excited to try out on my mat.

Beyond the physical, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for yoga as a practice of stillness and self-discovery. The 8 limbs of yoga have highlighted that being an exceptional yogi isn’t about mastering complex poses but embodying balance and mindfulness, while searching for the “absolute truth” and “blissfulness”. I'm excited to continue exploring yoga beyond the physical practice.

Respect for Teaching

Teaching yoga is far more intricate than I imagined. From crafting sequences to managing ambiance, music, and modifications, every detail matters. I’ve developed immense respect for instructors who excel at creating inclusive, engaging, and impactful classes. Behind every seamless yoga class lies a tremendous amount of preparation and effort, from crafting sequences to refining cues and creating the right ambiance. I aspire to embody this "effortlessness" in my teaching.

Fascination with Anatomy and Breathwork

Anatomy has been a surprising highlight for me. Studying the musculoskeletal system enhanced my understanding of alignment and safety in poses, highlighting how different muscle groups engage. For instance, exploring the interactions of the hips, spine, and shoulders in poses like Downward Dog emphasized the importance of honoring each student's unique body.

Pranayama captivated me as a powerful tool for enhancing both physical and mental well-being. Techniques like Nadi Shodhana, Extended Breathing, Box Breathing, and many others connect breath with our consciousness, profoundly influencing our nervous system, focus and emotional states. A particularly transformative experience was during a Tummo breathing journey, where the breath induced unique trance states in each student—ranging from hallucinations to paralysis and tears. This illustrated the profound effects of breathwork on our consciousness.

Recognizing that students respond differently to breathwork encouraged me to approach my teaching with sensitivity, fostering an environment for exploration and safety. The interplay between anatomy and pranayama has enriched my understanding of yoga as a holistic practice, and I look forward to continuing my education in order to incorporate them into my daily practice and sharing this knowledge with others to empower their journeys.

Overall Reflection

As I conclude this transformative yoga teacher training journey, I find myself filled with gratitude and a sense of purpose. This experience has been intense yet incredibly rewarding and empowering. I have learned so much about myself, yoga, and the exciting possibilities of a potential path into the health and wellness space.

One of the highlights of this journey has been sharing the experience with 11 other incredible individuals from diverse backgrounds, countries, genders, and life experiences. Together, we created a safe, encouraging, and often “humerus” space that allowed us to connect deeply throughout the “yoga retreat”. The bonds we formed will last a lifetime, and it was inspiring to witness many of my peers blossom into confident yoga teachers by graduation. I look forward to seeing where everyone takes their newfound knowledge and skills.

This training has profoundly shaped who I am, helping me become a more confident yogi and yoga teacher. It has taught me to embrace the process—a lesson I often struggle with—and to accept imperfections along the way. I tend to be very hard on myself, striving for perfection and wanting to excel in everything I do. However, I’ve realized that it’s okay to make mistakes and that I am still learning and growing. This journey has encouraged me to be kinder to myself and to appreciate the learning process rather than just the end result.

The emphasis on the holistic nature of yoga—balancing the physical, mental, and emotional aspects—has reshaped my perspective. I’ve come to appreciate that yoga extends beyond the mat; it is a way of life that emphasizes mindfulness, self-compassion, and community. I feel inspired to embody these principles not only in my teaching but also in my daily interactions and decisions.

Ultimately, this training has reinforced my belief that teaching yoga is not just about imparting knowledge but about creating a sense of belonging and empowerment. I am grateful for the challenges faced, the lessons learned, and the relationships formed throughout this process. As I step into my role as a yoga teacher, I carry with me the insights and experiences that will shape my approach to teaching and help guide others on their journeys of self-discovery.

What’s Next?

Immediately after completing YTT, I embraced the opportunity to start teaching in Sri Lanka at hostels like Makai and Happy Hammocks. I'm thrilled to report that my first full public class was a success! This experience has allowed me to put my training into practice while everything is still fresh in my mind.

As I move forward, I have several key goals in mind:

1. Deepening My Personal Practice:
I plan to continue exploring my personal yoga practice, seeking to expand my knowledge and education through consistently getting on my mat and practice, reading books and articles about topics of interests, and attending workshops, online courses, and (maybe) further teacher training. This ongoing commitment to learning and curiosity will enrich my teaching and personal journey.

2. Reflecting on My Future Yoga Journey:
I’m taking the time to consider what my future with yoga looks like. What kind of teacher do I want to be? How and why do I want to teach? What type of community do I want to build around my practice? These questions are essential as I begin to understand my values and ethos within the yoga space. I want to explore how I can incorporate my unique skills into my teaching and create an inclusive, supportive environment for my students while defining what success means for me in this journey.

3. Building a Consistent Wellness Routine:
I am committed to establishing a consistent wellness routine for 2025 that incorporates meditation, breathwork, journaling, and the physical practice. This holistic approach will support my mental, emotional, and physical well-being, allowing me to show up as my best self.

While I don’t have all the answers regarding my broader vision for yoga, I recognize the importance of teaching consistently and continuing my journey of self-discovery. I believe that through this process, I’ll uncover the path that aligns with my aspirations and ultimately shapes my unique contribution to the world of yoga.

Completing my YTT has been a transformative experience that has expanded my horizons and deepened my connection to yoga. I am incredibly grateful for this journey, the knowledge I’ve gained, and the community I’ve built. I’m excited to see where this path leads me next, and I look forward to continuing to grow as a yogi and teacher.