Transformation

Before going to Bali I had read about different yoga teacher training programs and chatted with various people about their experiences. I wanted some idea of what I was about to get into. One common theme that everyone mentioned is that besides becoming certified to teach yoga, you’ll likely go through a transformation on a personal level as well.

Having heard this, I arrived in Bali with an open heart, ready to learn more about myself and what I can offer to others. I can definitely say that the transformation was significant.

I arrived with a lot of self doubt and skepticism. I was afraid of being the worst in the class, of not being flexible enough for the postures, and of not being fit enough to endure three and half weeks of yoga multiple times daily. In addition to the program, I added a few extra challenges for myself. I vowed not to eat meat or drink alcohol for the duration of the program.

The first week was the most difficult for me. I struggled immensely as I constantly compared myself to everyone, convincing myself that I was by far the worst at yoga in the class. I was mentally drowning in my own negative thoughts and was also inhibiting my own progress.

As the program progressed, I began to realize what was happening and I worked to change my outlook and attitude. It’s astonishing how changing my thought pattern completely changed my entire experience. Rather than looking around at what everyone else was doing, I looked inward and focused on my personal path and learning as much as I could.

The importance of meeting yourself where you are has never been so clear to me. By focusing on my own progress, unrelated to where everyone else was in their practice, I was able to see myself improve and celebrate my own little victories, like when I was able to touch my hands flat on the ground and when I got into a headstand on my first try.

As I continue my yoga practice, I am reminded again and again that it is a practice, and that I need to meet myself where I am on a daily basis. Only then can I truly benefit from both the physical and mental benefits of yoga, and only then can I continue to learn and grow into the teacher I strive to be.

With my instructor on the day I passed the final exam for my JogaYoga Yoga Teacher Training program.