Merve | Peru 200hr YTT Testimonial
The 200-hour yoga teacher training with School Yoga Institute (SYI) was a deeply transformative experience that showed me how much a structured daily schedule can contribute to learning, self-discipline, and the integration of new habits into one’s life. Over the course of three weeks, time seemed to move quickly, yet each day carried lessons that will stay with me for years to come. I learned not only new philosophies and techniques, but also revisited and deepened the wisdom I had already known within myself. When my friend first suggested that I choose SYI for my training, she told me that it was one of the best schools out there — not only for its curriculum but for the energy and community it fosters. Her words turned out to be completely true. From the moment I arrived, I felt the sacred and supportive atmosphere of the place. The balance between structure and flow allowed me to open up, to grow, and to truly live in alignment with yogic principles. Throughout the training, I began to see how a daily rhythm rooted in yoga and mindfulness could bring profound changes. I implemented yoga into my routine beyond the mat — in the way I ate, rested, worked, and connected with others. Inspired by this, I created an online yoga offering that I shared with my friends and family over an eight-week course. It was a joy to witness how even small, consistent practices could ripple out and positively affect others’ lives. One of the most powerful lessons I took away from SYI was the importance of making intentional time for meditation and mindfulness. Devoting attention to stillness has had a direct and positive impact on my life. It has taught me that true discipline does not come from rigidity, but from devotion and care — qualities that extend to all aspects of living. By embracing meditation as a daily habit, I began to feel more grounded, more peaceful, and more connected to my inner self. The practice became a sacred time for reflection and gratitude, offering me inner peace, faith, and a sense of structure. The yoga teacher training (YTT) also inspired me to embody a lifestyle that aligns with the principles of compassion and non-harm. During the training, I was encouraged to fully embrace vegetarianism, which has since become a central part of my daily life. It’s a choice that reflects not only care for my body, but also a deeper reverence for all forms of life. This conscious way of living has become part of my spiritual practice, reminding me that every decision we make carries energy — and that energy has the power to heal or to harm.
Another significant takeaway from the training was the importance of storytelling. I have always believed that stories can shape our perspectives, heal collective wounds, and inspire change. The YTT reminded me to keep writing and creating — to use my voice and my art to challenge cruelty and injustice in the world. We live in a time where oppression, displacement, and even genocide are often justified by those in positions of power. Through yoga, I have found a language of resistance that is rooted in compassion rather than aggression. I do not wish to follow the structures of those driven by domination and control; instead, I am here to help create new worldviews grounded in empathy, softness, and unity. For me, yoga is more than a physical practice — it is a form of activism, a way of reclaiming sovereignty over the self while simultaneously caring for others. Yoga teaches us that empowerment comes from connection, not separation. It reminds us to care for ourselves and others equally, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or nationality. In that way, yoga becomes a tool for liberation — both personal and collective. This is also why I create art: to express that union of heart, movement, and spirit. Through painting, writing, and yoga, I aim to empower and connect. Each of these practices nourishes me, helping me to build bridges between people and to cultivate peace from the inside out. One of the most memorable aspects of my time at SYI was the sense of community. Everyone — from teachers to students to the staff at the beautiful Monay Sonqo center — contributed to a warm, family-like atmosphere. I felt truly supported during every stage of the training. The space itself was filled with beauty, from the nourishing food prepared with love to the breathtaking natural surroundings that invited reflection and awe. Every day felt like a ceremony, a reminder that life itself can be a sacred practice when approached with awareness and gratitude.
Looking back, the 200-hour SYI training was not just about becoming a yoga teacher. It was about learning to live yoga — to embody its philosophy, its discipline, and its grace in everyday life. It taught me that the true essence of yoga lies in the union of body, mind, and spirit, and that this union can extend outward to heal communities and the world. I highly recommend this training to anyone who feels called to explore yoga more deeply — not only as a means to teach others, but as a path to self-discovery and transformation. The beauty of SYI is that it doesn’t just teach postures or theory; it invites you to experience yoga as a living, breathing philosophy. It encourages you to question, to feel, and to evolve. Through this experience, I have found a greater sense of purpose and alignment. I now approach each day with more mindfulness, more compassion, and more clarity. The lessons I learned continue to unfold in subtle yet powerful ways — in how I move, speak, create, and connect. This training has truly changed my life, and I carry its teachings with deep gratitude and reverence.
Looking back, the 200-hour SYI training was not just about becoming a yoga teacher. It was about learning to live yoga — to embody its philosophy, its discipline, and its grace in everyday life. It taught me that the true essence of yoga lies in the union of body, mind, and spirit, and that this union can extend outward to heal communities and the world. I highly recommend this training to anyone who feels called to explore yoga more deeply — not only as a means to teach others, but as a path to self-discovery and transformation. The beauty of SYI is that it doesn’t just teach postures or theory; it invites you to experience yoga as a living, breathing philosophy. It encourages you to question, to feel, and to evolve. Through this experience, I have found a greater sense of purpose and alignment. I now approach each day with more mindfulness, more compassion, and more clarity. The lessons I learned continue to unfold in subtle yet powerful ways — in how I move, speak, create, and connect. This training has truly changed my life, and I carry its teachings with deep gratitude and reverence.
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🕓 Last updated: April 24, 2026
