Haley | Portugal 200hr YTT Testimonial
What led me to SYI is not much different from most – I am going through a transitional period in my life, and as yoga has been such a reliable and consistent source of joy and growth for me, I decided to dedicate this time to furthering that. I was not alone in this leap, as everyone in my program was a breath of fresh air, and all of them were going through changes of different forms, hoping to make yoga an even larger part of their day-to-day life. From the moment I saw everyone, huddled up in the Lisbon Airport, I knew I was in the right place. Greeted by wide smiles and friendly introductions, our van coordinated by SYI, to the retreat center, was filled with excitement and laughter. Our collective anticipation was bubbling out of us, giddy to start the journey together.
When we met our instructors at dinner that night, this giddiness slowly transitioned into calmness and serenity, as we learned that we truly were in great hands. The first day was tiring, but in the rewarding way that causes you to sleep so soundly afterwards, looking forward to what’s to come the next day. As we got into the routine of sunrise meditation, asana in the morning and throughout the day, farm fresh meals, and time to practice and get to know our peers, we became more sure of ourselves and why we came.
Though the group that I was with was undoubtedly special, it is clear to me that this is always the case with SYI. The teachers and organizers truly care about the continuation of tradition, knowledge, practice, and community, and the students this energy draws in seem to have these values, just the same. When I was looking into yoga teacher training programs all over the world, not a single one stood out like this did. The energy of SYI staff and faculty jumped out of the computer screen, and I could tell they were just as excited about me signing up as I was.
It is without a doubt a time commitment to take three weeks out of your life and take on something new and exciting like this, but that choice makes those weeks feel all the more valuable and cherished. We spent our evenings talking around the dinner table, long after we finished eating, and hiking as the sun went down. We made up games about learning each other’s languages and read tarot cards. We cherished every moment together because we felt yoga and this program was more than just a coincidence. As a group, we felt so incredibly lucky to be introduced to each other, and ever since we have all been staying in touch, eager to learn about what’s new and how we have been further incorporating yoga teaching into our lives.
In the yoga classroom, this gratitude felt just as contagious and engulfing. We were so thrilled to practice together each morning, only to then guide others through that same flow later in the day. We assisted one another into headstands and shoulder stands, sometimes for the first time ever. Each time a moment like this occurred, the room would cheer and giggle, only further confirming that we are making an impact on each others’ physical practice and emotional progress – within the program, and outside of it.
Each of the instructors were so special and gifted in their own ways, and complement one another so beautifully:
Jananí feels like the physical form of mother earth, and somehow this feels like an understatement. Her love, care, and attention to us, as not only her students, but as people to connect with, was undeniable and constant. Her singing voice is healing, and I feel so lucky to have been connected to these elements of yogic practice, which I was not previously familiar with. Her attention to detail and manner of explaining things was so helpful, and her knowledge of yogic history is rich and eye-opening.
Krystalyn’s spirit truly lights up a room, and her anatomical knowledge was so integral to our studies. Being led through a class with her was the perfect mix of bubbly energy, strength, alignment, and restoration of the body and mind. Her multifaceted artistry translates into her educational practices, and I feel so impacted by her teaching and hands-on assistance.
Jiya was no exception to this incredibly impactful trio of educators. Her calm nature, full life, and beautiful energetic feel translated so beautifully into the yoga classroom and in day-to-day interactions. As she led the group through our program, she consistently reminded us of who we are as evolving and growing individuals, and how that will inherently impact our practice. She prepared us for the transition back to our usual lives following our training, and how to maintain who we have grown into during our time in the retreat.
These three women have tremendously changed my life for the better and I truly cannot imagine having taken part in a program without them. Their reverence for the history of yoga is unwavering and their encouragement for us, as new teachers, to share our information and gift is genuine. I will truly always look back on those three weeks with an immense amount of gratitude, love, and awe. These instructors, this group, and this piece of natural beauty, was meant to come into my life when it did, and I have no doubt about that. Each element of this experience worked so harmoniously with the others, truly making it a seamless transition, both in and out of the program. We enjoyed each other’s company so much that we even spent a day in Lisbon together following the end of the training.
This gushing about the program and my experience is all to say, that if I could tell myself five months ago, when I signed up for SYI, that I was about to make the best decision of my life… I would. It is a daring move, whether you’re a young artist, or retiring professional. However, we’re all in the same boat for one reason, or another. We have found yoga to be a source of something we enjoy and need in our lives, and I got just that from my time at SYI, and oh so much more.
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