Ellie | Costa Rica 200hr YTT Testimonial
Before coming to Costa Rica for my 200h Yoga Teacher Training with School Yoga Institute, I felt a little anxious. It was my first time travelling alone, and I was not sure what to expect from the group or what the atmosphere of the training would be like. I remember feeling nervous about the journey to Montezuma, but everyone at SYI and at the Aves resort was incredibly helpful and supportive in helping me get there which helped me calm my anxiety. Then, on the very first day with the group, I realized that I had arrived in a beautiful and safe space.
The facilitators played a huge role in creating that environment. Each of them was very different and brought their own unique energy and perspective to the training. It was inspiring to see three different people living their lives through yoga and expressing their practice in their own ways. It made me realize even more that yoga truly is for everyone. There is not one way to practice, teach, or live yoga and seeing that represented throughout the training was something I really appreciated.
I chose to do my 200h YTT after experiencing how much a simple one-hour yoga class could affect my life. I became curious about that feeling I would have after class. A feeling of lightness, calm, and being more connected to myself. I wanted to understand where that feeling came from, deepen my personal practice and eventually learn how to share that experience with other people.
Before arriving, I imagined that the training would feel like going back to school. I expected to sit in a classroom, take notes, learn information and eventually take an exam. Instead, the experience was completely different. From feeling sacred knowledge being passed down to us to the atmosphere within the shala, it never really felt like school. Of course, we learned an incredible amount about yoga, but I feel that I learned just as much, if not more, about myself.
The training gave me so many little seeds of information that I know I will continue exploring long after leaving Costa Rica. There were so many different subjects, practices, philosophies, and ideas introduced to us that I left feeling curious rather than feeling like I had finished learning. Instead, I felt like I had been given the foundation and the tools to continue growing.
One of my favorite experiences during the training was the gift-giving ceremony. Each person in the group had the opportunity to share a small part of themselves with everyone else through a meaningful gift. It was such a simple idea, but it became one of the most special afternoons of the entire training. Everyone came up with something so unique and personal, and through each gift, we learned a little more about the person behind it. It was also a beautiful way to discover different cultures and perspectives within our group.
I remember leaving the shala that day with my heart feeling so full of joy and gratitude. It was one of those feelings that is difficult to put into words, but it was also the feeling I had originally hoped to understand when I decided to do my YTT. Experiencing that feeling through connection, generosity, vulnerability, and presence made me realize that yoga is about so much more than what happens on a mat.
The biggest highlight of my experience, however, was the connections I made with the other people in the training. From the very first day, there was a sense of connection within the group, and that connection only grew stronger throughout the three weeks. We slowly built our own little community based on kindness, trust, openness, and authenticity. We shared difficult moments, funny moments, personal stories, meals, practices, ceremonies and so many little memories that I know I will carry with me.
It is incredible to think that I travelled to Costa Rica alone and ended up leaving with 25 new friends from all around the world. Everyone came from different backgrounds and had their own reasons for being there, yet somehow we created a space where everyone could be themselves. I learned so much from the people around me and I am grateful that my experience was not only about becoming a yoga teacher, but also about becoming more open to other people and their experiences.
Looking back, one of the biggest lessons I am taking from this experience is how many different ways yoga can bring us closer to ourselves and to others. Throughout the training, I was given so many tools that I can integrate into my daily life and personal practice, but also the desire to share what I have learned with my local community. I especially appreciated that we were encouraged to start teaching short sequences from day one. Having the opportunity to practice taking up that space little by little made a huge difference in my confidence and by day 21, I felt much more comfortable standing in front of a group and sharing my practice.
I came to Costa Rica wanting to understand the feeling of lightness I experienced after a yoga class, and I am leaving with a much broader understanding of where that feeling can come from. I learned that yoga is not about perfect poses or always having the right answer. Sometimes, it is simply about being present, staying open, listening to yourself and creating space for genuine connection.
When I think back to the person who arrived in Costa Rica, I remember feeling nervous about travelling alone and unsure of what the next three weeks would bring. I am leaving with a sense of gratitude for this life changing experience. It has given me more confidence, a new perspective and openness. The many little seeds planted throughout these three weeks will continue to grow as I keep learning and developing my practice. I am excited to see where they take me and even more excited to bring what I discovered at SYI back home.
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