If I could pinpoint the single most transformational experience I have ever had, it would be Yoga Teacher Training. Sure, I have had many big life altering moments since, but YTT was the key to unlocking a magnificent, magical and meaningful life. Here’s why.
I wanted to do a YTT because I had fallen in love with what the practice of yoga was giving me. I wouldn’t say that I actually loved the practice itself. I was mostly a distracted yogi; checking the clock, judging myself in the mirror, wandering what I would eat for dinner after class. The 60-90 minutes I spent in class were, for the most part, challenging and confronting. I wouldn’t say I loved it. But I loved how I felt after. I loved the release. I loved how less reactive I was after. I loved how I was beginning to sleep better, focus better, and treat myself better. The nasty voice in my head was changing. I was in love with a new version of myself. I was changing in a way I had never thought possible. I was waking up to my potential. I was seeing life completely different.
I did a YTT because I wanted to know why I felt so good. I wanted to know why my life was changing. I dove in headfirst at age 20 because I was hungry to learn why my anxiety was mellowing, my depression was becoming more manageable and why I was hating myself less and less. So I googled. This was 16 years ago and there were very few options for YTT back then. So I googled “Vancouver Yoga Training.” Only one answer popped up. It was a 200 hour Immersion held in a church building over the summer. I applied. I was accepted, and it changed the trajectory of my life.
If you need a testimonial from me at that point in my life, I have one! I CANNOT believe I am showing you this, but it feels right. This is me. I had just turned 21. This was the last day of my YTT graduation. Watching this, I feel such a strong love for this young one. She is trying to find her place in the world. Still a little performer, with so much sincerity but could use a lesson or two in authenticity and finding her voice. I’ll let you see for yourself. Click here for 21 year old me.
My initial reaction is CRINGE, but fuck that. I LOVE HER. She is beginning to see that she is so much more than her identity as a dancer. She is more beyond the ways she looks, or how much she weighs. She is beginning to see she has a voice and it matters. She is seeing that she is in the driver’s seat of her own life.
YTT changed the way I looked at myself, my body, my mind and the world. It shaped me in a new way. From there I went on to do many trainings. A lot more yoga, pilates, breathwork and more. YTT opened my eyes to the unknown. To trusting something greater than myself. It opened me up to the interconnectedness of all things. It started me on a path of going after what I wanted. It made me fall in love with the actual practice itself.
I love this video because it reminds me of a time where I was just getting to know myself. It also makes me reflect on the YTT myself and Ash Brodeur have created. Feelvana is the lovechild of our individual work The Feelosophy + my work with Girlvana Yoga and Ladyvana Retreats. Five years ago we came together to create our own YTT, Feelvana, a 17 day retreat-like training at Sansara Resort.
We have crafted a truly one of a kind experience that is perfect for anyone who wishes to deepen not just their yoga practice, but truly shift their life. With over two decades of combined experience, we’ve developed a retreat like training that explores movement, the mind, community care, self expression and anti-oppression work, that is trauma informed, rooted in connection and set in the beauty of the jungle of Cambutal, Panama, a family run retreat center. A place to come home to yourself, to explore breath, body, and heart.
This training is life changing. We have heard it time and time again. It is the kind of training I wish I had access to all those years ago. Yes, you learn the yoga postures, anatomy and philosophy like I did back then, but you get so much more. You get a real emphasis on community and 1:1 support. You take a deep dive into self development work, practices and principles. You get alone time to reflect in nature on one of the most gorgeous beaches in the world. You get delicious, chef prepared healthy, organic meals. You don’t have to think about cooking or cleaning as you focus on only you and the training. You get the chance to learn to surf! To laugh, dance and play! We go deep and we keep it light.
If you are feeling the call, let me know. We are getting closer and we only have a few spots left. We filled 4 more spots just last week.
I stand behind this training with my whole heart. It is one of the things I am most proud of in this lifetime. If you know me now, you will know I have come a long way since I was that girl in the video…and I have much to share.
All the info is here if you are interested.
Step one: Review the website
Step two: Apply
Step three: We will reach out with next steps.
Love always,
Ally xo
Hey Ally, as I read this article, I want to participate in your YTT more than ever. I'm a little sad that I'm not there. But I'm so excited to attending the Ladyvana Retreat in Panama in November. I hope I get another chance to be part of one of your YTTs in the future.
With Love,
Lisa