In February this year I decided to embark on a Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) with AllYoga in Nusa Lembongan, Bali. An experience that thought me more than I could have imagined.
For me a YTT had been something I had been thinking of doing for about five years but life and timing, the first time I thought about it I got distracted by meeting my now Husband and then after that Covid and then a change of career and location, put the idea on the back burner. Towards the end of 2022 I was feeling burnt out and a little uninspired, like I had lost sight of my true self, my passion and my purpose. My own business had taken a back seat and I really felt like I needed space to go deeper into myself. So the idea was reborn and on the 28th of January 2023 I headed off for my solo adventure.
I am not a natural solo creature, after years of an unhappy and unhealthy relationship with myself I was afraid of being on my own and of my own thoughts, those first few days were difficult but once we settled into the course I soon started to crave alone time and I learnt so much about myself – dare I say it but maybe I at last befriended myself.
Dare I say it but maybe I at last befriended myself.
What does a YTT consist of? For us a typical day started with an hour and a half of Kriya, Pranayama, Meditation and Journalling, followed by a ninety minute Ashtanga Primary Series or Vinyasa Practice. We then had a two hour break for brunch and then back for a two hour lecture in anatomy or philosophy, followed by an asana (yoga pose) clinic and then into a final one hour self practice at the end of the day. I would be lying to you if I didn’t say that I had chosen my training based on the fact that I wanted to be challenged physically – as a former professional dancer I have really missed the feeling of being pushed to complete physical limits but what I learnt the most from was the meditation and journalling.
As a former professional dancer I have really missed the feeling of being pushed to complete physical limits but what I learnt the most from was the meditation and journalling.
I remember vividly on day three wanting to literally shout at the lead teacher in frustration of not being able to understand meditation. I could not “get it.” What am I supposed to do here? I was so in my own head, I was so afraid of opening up any old wounds or any cracks I had papered over.
However, with time and perseverance, one day it just clicked and started to flow and it was, without sounding cheesy, life altering. I now meditate on a regular basis, my stress response is better, my mind is clearer and my motivation and drive is reinforced.
Journalling gave me a place to explore all that I was feeling, I did not have to hide, there was no judgement and even after returning to the business of daily life it helps me to check back in with how I’m feeling. I know myself better, I see triggers, I see patterns, it helps me to keep my thoughts clear and a place to dream big. It is a safe space – my space.
I know myself better, I see triggers, I see patterns
What started out as a blog about a Yoga Teacher Training has turned into an article about my own personal growth journey this year. While I practiced many asanas, learnt lots about Yoga and am now a more confident Yoga Teacher it was about so much more than that. Beautiful Bali was also the most perfectly peaceful and spiritual place to experience all this and it is an opportunity I am forever grateful for. The journey from the nervous solo traveller to returning as a woman who has embraced all that she is, that she has been and that she will be as she continues to grow.
If you are considering a YTT – my advice is to go for it!! Do your research but know that no matter how much you research you can never truly know until you go. Go with an open mind and more importantly an open heart. It is a journey, it will be difficult at times but ultimately you will emerge with a whole new understanding and maybe a whole new perspective on yourself on the world around you. The experience of a life time.
Thank you to David, Seline and Jess who were the most incredible facilitators and to all the beautiful souls I shared the journey with and to my not so long suffering husband who always encourages me to go after my dreams. xxx
