Bruna | Costa Rica 200hr YTT Testimonial
My Mystical Yoga Teacher Training in Costa Rica was one of the most transformative experiences of my life a journey that opened my heart, strengthened my body, awakened my intuition, and reconnected me to a sense of inner truth that I didn’t even realize I had forgotten. Stepping onto the mat on the first day, surrounded by the jungle, the ocean breeze, and the energy of a group of people who would soon become like family, I felt a mixture of excitement, vulnerability, and curiosity. What I left with was so much more than a certificate; I left with a deeper understanding of myself, a clearer connection to my purpose, and a profound sense of gratitude for every moment of this experience.
The training created a container where the noise of the outside world faded, allowing me to truly listen to my breath, my body, my emotions, and my intuition. The days were filled with movement, meditation, silence, sweat, and reflection. Each morning began with the sounds of nature awakening around us, and as we stepped into our practice, there was a sense that we were syncing with something much greater than ourselves. The physical practice challenged me in ways I didn’t expect. Asanas I thought were familiar revealed new layers; my body spoke new languages. There were moments of strength, moments of frustration, and moments of deep surrender. Through every posture, I learned not just technique, alignment, or structure, I learned presence.
But what moved me the most was how yoga became a mirror. Every day brought up something different emotions I didn’t know were still in me, old memories, patterns, fears, and also joy, courage, softness, and trust. The training wasn’t only about learning how to teach others; it was about learning how to understand myself with compassion. In every breath-based movement and in every meditation, I felt myself peeling back layers that had been built over years of stress, responsibility, and survival mode. There were tears, laughter, silence, breakthroughs, and an overwhelming sense of coming home to myself.
The teachings on philosophy and energetics touched me deeply. Learning about the chakras, nadis, and the deeper meaning behind the practice made everything come alive. Yoga became more than a physical discipline; it became a spiritual and emotional pathway. I began to understand how much of yoga happens internally, in the spaces we cannot see but can feel so clearly. The way Mindi and Nadine held space, taught with wisdom, guided with softness, and supported us without judgment created a sense of safety that allowed true transformation. Their teachings were not just instructional; they were heartfelt, grounded, and honest transmissions. They shared yoga as a way of living, breathing, healing, and relating to the world.
The setting itself played a huge role in the transformation. Being immersed in Costa Rica’s nature surrounded by lush green jungle, animals, ocean waves, and sunsets that looked like paintings, amplified every experience. There was something magical about practicing to the sound of birds and monkeys, meditating with the sun rising over the mountains, or journaling while feeling the warm tropical breeze. It felt like nature itself was guiding the journey, reminding us of simplicity, presence, and connection.
Community was another unexpected gift. The group of people who came together for this training came from different backgrounds, countries, and stories, yet there was an immediate sense of unity. Together, we shared meals, practices, emotions, fears, insights, and laughter. We held space for one another, celebrated each other’s breakthroughs, and supported each other through challenges. By the end of the training, these strangers turned into sisters, a soul family that will always be part of my journey. They witnessed my transformation, and I witnessed theirs. We learned, reflected, and grew together. That sense of connection was one of the most beautiful parts of the experience.
One of the biggest lessons I am taking with me is the understanding that yoga is not perfection; it is awareness. It’s not about forcing myself into a shape, but about meeting myself exactly where I am. It’s the willingness to listen, to soften, to strengthen, and to stay present even when it’s uncomfortable. I learned that yoga is not something I do only on the mat, but something I carry into my relationships, my work, my choices, my breath, and my life. I learned how to root more deeply into myself so that I can move through life with more clarity, authenticity, and grace.
Teaching practicums were another powerful part of the process. Standing in front of the group for the first time, guiding them through a sequence, I felt a blend of nervousness and empowerment. But with each practice, I found my voice, not just a teaching voice, but my soul voice. I realized that teaching yoga is not about being perfect; it’s about sharing from the heart, holding space, and being present with others in a way that invites them into their own experience. I discovered how much I truly love guiding others, how natural it feels, and how aligned it is with the person I am becoming.
As I leave this training, I carry a sense of gratitude that is hard to describe. I am grateful for Costa Rica for its beauty, its rhythm, its serenity, its wildness, and its healing energy. I am grateful for Mindi and Nadine for their guidance, love, wisdom, and devotion to this path. I am grateful for every person in the group who supported, inspired, and taught me something about connection and vulnerability. And mostly, I am grateful for myself — for showing up, for saying yes, for committing to this journey, and for allowing myself to transform.
I walk away not just as a yoga teacher, but as a more grounded, open-hearted, and awakened version of myself. This training gave me tools I will carry for life, not only to guide students, but to guide myself back home again. The deepest gift I received was the reminder that everything I seek is already within me, and that yoga is the pathway that continues to bring me back to that truth. Thank you School of Yoga Institute, for allowing me to experience that.
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