Deidra | Costa Rica 300hr YTT Testimonial
I’m thrilled to tell you about my experience completing my 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training with School Yoga Institute. This program provided a focus on Holistic Yoga Psychology and took place in the magical coastal town of Montezuma, Costa Rica. This transformative month was guided by our incredible facilitators, Mindy and Nadine, whose presence, knowledge, and care shaped every aspect of the journey.
Over the course of the training, we explored the five elements and their connection to our own bodies, minds, and spirits:
Earth – grounding, stability, rootedness
Water – flow, adaptability, creativity
Fire – transformation, discipline, inner power
Air – movement, expansion, communication
Ether – space, connection to the divine, the unseen
We integrated these elements into yoga philosophy, texts, and the study of the chakra system, moving from root to crown, weaving in both physical and energetic awareness. This elemental and energetic lens now deeply informs not only my teaching, but my personal healing and therapy work.
Throughout the training, I gained valuable tools and techniques:
● Anatomy and alignment principles
● Hands-on adjustments to safely support students
● Meditation writing and facilitation (I wrote my first meditation!)
● Pranayama practices, which we wove into daily sessions
● Somatic and trauma-informed movements for inclusive, mindful teaching
● Mantras, medecine song and vedic chanting
● Guidance on building out my own offerings for yoga classes, ceremonies, and wellness experiences
For the final project, I led a 75-minute class that incorporated the elements, chakras, pranayama, meditation, asana, chanting and somatic movement—bringing together all that I had learned throughout this course.
One of the most valuable takeaways for me is integrating more elements of ceremony into my sound healing events. The way Mindy and Nadine opened, held, and closed space will forever inspire the way I facilitate my own offerings.
One of the most valuable takeaways for me is integrating more elements of ceremony into my sound healing events. The way Mindy and Nadine opened, held, and closed space will forever inspire the way I facilitate my own offerings.
The training was held at Aves Hotel and Resort – Retreat Center, a beautiful property nestled in the jungle close to the coast. Surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of wildlife, it was a serene and inspiring place to learn. Every day we woke to the songs of birds and howler monkeys, with the salty ocean breeze as a constant companion. The setting itself felt like part of the teaching—reminding us to be present, grounded, and attuned to the rhythms of nature.
We had four days off during the month, and Montezuma offered so many opportunities to explore. From surfing on nearby beaches to hiking breathtaking waterfalls, each day off was a chance to recharge and connect with the beauty of Costa Rica. One night, I even swam in glowing bioluminescent waters under a canopy of stars—a magical memory I will carry with me forever.
Meals at the retreat center were freshly prepared vegetarian dishes served daily, made with local ingredients. Nourishing, flavorful, and prepared with care, each meal supported our bodies through the intensity of the training. I left feeling not only stronger and more knowledgeable as a teacher, but also deeply replenished from the combination of community, learning, rest, and nature immersion.
This training has instilled a new confidence, inspiration, and deeper connection as a yoga teacher. Mindy and Nadine brought not only their expertise in yoga but also their rich backgrounds in psychology and social work, making this a truly holistic, trauma-informed, and heart-centered 300-hour program.
This experience in Costa Rica gave me more than just a certification—it gave me tools, perspective, and a renewed sense of purpose in my teaching and healing work.
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