Yoga Student Testimonial – Tina

My experience as a Portugal Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Training Student

In November I travelled to Portugal to join School Yoga Institute for their 50hr trauma informed yoga teacher certification. I had found SYI online while doing a search for a 200hr training because I felt like I needed a refresher, but this particular training is what I ended up doing, and I am so glad that I did. All of my interactions with SYI were really easy and they were always helpful. With Covid still a front and center I had fears and concerns about traveling internationally, but again, they helped me feel more comfortable going. So I set out.

After a few days in Lisbon, I met up with the group to travel south to Orada. Once there I was blown away by the beauty of the retreat center. The accommodations were comfortable. And I felt safe. I can’t even begin to describe the beauty of Orada. I can still close my eyes and see the sun coming up over the hills through the tall line of trees along the ridge. I can feel the rush of prana as it filled every fiber of my being as I floated down the canal. SYI did a really lovely job of choosing a perfect location for this training. I can’t say enough about the staff. And the food! Out of this world. I felt so nourished on multiple levels.

The training was more than I imagined. The program was facilitated by Jeanine and Vanessa. They both brought their own brand of magic and knowledge to the training, both inspiring me and reminding me of what I know to be my calling. What I gained most was really a more refined lens through which I can filter how I interact with the world, and especially in how I approach teaching. We discussed trauma and it’s impacts, how yoga can be an effective practice to help how our bodies respond to, release, and navigate some of that stored trauma. I was especially excited to be using Bessel van der Kolk’s book, The Body Keeps the Score.

All around I found the program really well organized, informed, and implemented. I have a real interest in psychology, trauma, and recovery. It w q qas great to have things I’d already learned validated and expanded upon, and it was great to learn new information and perspectives. Again, I felt supported and heard, and when my own emotion came up I felt safe. I enjoyed this experience so much that my plan is to join SYI next year if they end up offering a 300hr trauma informed YTT. Either way, I really hope to connect with them for another training. Thank you, SYI for facilitating this program and for making it possible for me to join!