For years, she had been both a practitioner and a teacher of yoga, experiencing firsthand the profound benefits that yoga brought to her body and life. She had seen how this ancient practice transformed her own well-being, as well as, the lives of her students. Yoga, for her, was more than a series of postures—it was a tool for healing and self-discovery. This deep appreciation for yoga’s ability to foster transformation led her to pursue the next step in her journey: enrolling in the Yoga Therapy Program at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA).
Her decision to step into yoga therapy was driven by a desire to understand more than just the physical postures. She wanted to explore the deeper, therapeutic aspects of yoga, learning how to walk alongside others on their healing journeys. The opportunity to facilitate holistic healing and guide others through the integration of mind, body, and spirit resonated with her soul. Yoga therapy, she believed, was the key to unlocking a new level of healing—both for herself and for those she would serve.
Transformation Through Teacher Training
Completing SWIHA’s Yoga Therapy Program was a dream realized. The training offered her the skills, knowledge, and confidence to guide others on their path toward healing. However, it also did something she hadn’t anticipated—it transformed her own life in unexpected ways. The depth of self-healing and introspection she experienced during the program surprised her. The training wasn’t just about learning to help others; it was about looking inward, healing the parts of herself that had been overlooked, and emerging more whole and empowered.
One of her biggest takeaways from the training was the holistic approach to healing that yoga therapy provides. She now views healing as a journey that integrates the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of an individual. This perspective has deeply influenced the way she approaches teaching, allowing her to offer her students not just a practice of poses, but an invitation to experience healing on all levels.
Surprising Depth and Personal Discovery
While she knew the training would be comprehensive, she was amazed at the depth to which it took her on her own healing journey. This aspect of the program was unexpected, yet it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her life. By diving deep into the layers of yoga therapy, she unearthed parts of herself that were in need of healing, growth, and transformation. This personal journey of discovery continues to shape her approach to teaching and serving others.
Spiritual Anchors: The Yoga Sutras and Inner Reflection
Certain teachings within yoga have resonated deeply with her, guiding her practice both on and off the mat. The Yoga Sutras, particularly Sutras 1.1-4, have become a source of inspiration, reminding her of the importance of quieting the mind and reconnecting with the true self. Another phrase that stays with her is a quote from Gurudev: “Your first reaction is free, if you allow it to free you.” These words remind her to embrace the present moment, allowing whatever arises to teach and transform her, rather than reacting from a place of attachment or fear.
As her practice has evolved, she has found herself increasingly drawn toward Pratyahara (the practice of going within) and Meditation. While Asana, the physical postures, originally drew her to yoga, she now recognizes that there is a vast universe within, waiting to be explored through deeper practices. Meditation and inner reflection have become cornerstones of her personal practice and her approach to yoga therapy.
Serving Others Through Yoga Therapy
Today, she teaches multiple formats of yoga, serving diverse demographics, and she is especially drawn to students who are eager to transform their minds, bodies, and lives. Through her teaching, she creates a space where healing can unfold, guiding her clients on their journeys of self-discovery and transformation. Yoga therapy has provided her with the tools to support others in their healing, and she feels honored to walk alongside those who seek holistic healing.
A Message for Aspiring Yoga Teachers
For anyone considering Yoga Teacher Training, she offers one piece of advice: Just do it. The experience will transform you in ways you can’t yet imagine. Beyond the physical practice, you will gain a deeper understanding of yourself, your purpose, and your ability to serve others. The path of yoga is one of continual growth and healing, and through training, you will not only learn to guide others but also uncover the vast potential within yourself.
Her journey through SWIHA’s Yoga Therapy Program is a testament to the transformative power of yoga— as a physical practice and as a holistic healing modality. Whether you are drawn to yoga for personal growth or to help others on their healing journey, the path of yoga therapy offers a way to touch lives in profound and lasting ways.
