A personal journey that shifted everything
Before the Training: A Nudge from Somewhere Deeper
I didn’t sign up for a yoga teacher training because I dreamed of teaching. I signed up because something in me felt unsettled. I was tired, disconnected, and looking for something real. I had been practicing yoga in my city for a while, but it felt surface-level.
One night, while searching for a deeper experience, I came across a 200 hour yoga course in Rishikesh. I didn’t know much about Rishikesh at the time, only that it was known as the Yoga Capital of the World. Without thinking too much, I booked my spot. Looking back, I’m so glad I did.
Arriving in Rishikesh: From Overwhelm to Calm
Stepping off the plane in India was like stepping into a whole new world. It was loud, colorful, and full of energy. But the moment I arrived in Rishikesh and saw the flowing Ganges, something inside me softened. The yoga school felt like a quiet refuge. Surrounded by mountains and the sound of chanting in the air, I started to feel at home.
The First Week: Sore Muscles and a Full Heart
That first week was tough. Our schedule began before sunrise with asana practice, followed by classes on anatomy, philosophy, pranayama, and meditation. My body hurt in places I didn’t know existed. But at the same time, something deeper was waking up.
I began to understand that yoga wasn’t just about flexibility or fitness. It was about being aware, being present, and slowly returning to yourself.
The People: From Strangers to Soul Family
One of the most beautiful parts of the journey was the people I met. We were all from different countries and life paths, but we bonded quickly. We encouraged each other during long practices, shared tears during circle time, and celebrated every small breakthrough together.
We didn’t come to impress each other. We came to heal, learn, and grow. That created a bond I still carry with me.
The Teachings: Lessons That Stay With You
I didn’t expect to fall in love with the theory part of the course, but I did. The Yoga Sutras, the Eight Limbs of Yoga, the meaning of self-realization—it all started making sense in a very personal way. Our teacher made ancient wisdom feel alive and relevant. I started seeing how these teachings applied not just in class, but in my daily life.
The Final Practice: Teaching from the Heart
As part of the training, we each had to lead a full yoga class. I was nervous, but when the time came, I found a quiet confidence. I wasn’t trying to perform. I was simply sharing what I had learned and lived. That moment made me realize that I was capable of more than I thought.
After the Training: A Different Kind of Life
Leaving Rishikesh was emotional. I had arrived unsure of what I was looking for and left with a clear sense of who I was becoming. The real yoga began when I returned home, but I was more grounded, more present, and more connected to myself than I had ever been.
If You're Thinking About It
If something in you is calling you toward yoga in Rishikesh, follow it. Whether you want to teach or just deepen your practice, a 200 hour yoga course can be a life-changing step. It was for me. Not because it was easy, but because it was real.
For anyone looking for an authentic, heart-centered place to begin, I wholeheartedly recommend Rishikesh Yoga Valley
This isn’t just a place where you learn yoga. It’s a place where you come home to yourself.
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