The Training
I currently am a 200 RYT (Registered Yoga Instructor), which is the entry level for yoga teachers. I earned this certification during covid when I was furloughed from my collegiate coaching position and was looking for something to ‘level-up’ my resume and challenge myself. I received so much more than that from the training and found a love for yoga and was challenged mentally and physically throughout. My original training was mostly done online, some in studio (due to the restrictions with the pandemic at the time). I knew that if I ever wanted to gain additional certifications in yoga, I wanted to do a complete in-person training. I will be completing a 300-hour YTT (yoga teacher training) while in Bali, which once completed will give me my 500 RYT certification. This training is 28 days long and will be Monday through Saturday roughly 5:30am-8:00pm each day.
The training I chose offered a variety of yoga styles and courses within the training (vinyasa, hatha, ashtanga, yoga therapy and ayurveda, & pranayama). It also gave options to receive addition certifications, such as Reiki master as well. For those who don’t know, Reiki is a type of energy healing cleansing process. In most major cities in the US, you can find a Reiki master that offers Reiki massage and other spiritual healing services.
Side note: My Mommom, (My maternal grandmother) who has been very ill for the last year or so, has always been a big crystal healing believer and part of my motivation to receive the Reiki Master certification is that I want to be able to go home after my trip and perform Reiki on her.
This training is in Ubud, Bali which is one of the major yoga cities of the world. When my husband, Steve and I came to Bali last August for our anniversary we stayed in Ubud for several days and loved it. That was also a huge part in my decision to come back to Bali. I loved the people, the island and their culture. The island itself is very spiritual and holistic. Having been there already and knowing the area, it made me feel more comfortable going back to a familiar place, rather than a new city, or even country.
Steve and I also had the best driver while in Bali during our trip last year. Choc was amazing and drove us for our transportation needs our whole trip. She was very informative and personable. She was a great guide as well as driver! I look forward to seeing her again! Most of the drivers outside of the airport were men, so you can imagine my excitement when I realized we had a woman driver! This was another reason that made this trip worth coming back. I have kept in touch with her, and she will be providing my transportation to and from the airport!