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So, you’re interested in starting a Kundalini yoga practice? The good news is that you’re in the right place! The bad news is, well, actually there isn’t any. Apart from the fact that you better be ready for your life to change - Kundalini yoga tends to have that effect…

Kundalini yoga is a fast way to activate stagnant energy in the spine - you know, the kind that makes you feel incredibly out of touch with yourself - and move towards a deep connection with your intuition, creativity, and so much more.

By the end of this post, you’ll know the best ways to set up your space for your Kundalini practice as well as three simple Kundalini practices that you can try today.

To establish a successful, long term practice we recommend making your practice as fun and enjoyable as possible. It is your time to become your highest self after all!

One of the biggest reasons we find students move away from their yoga practice is not because they lose interest. It’s because they don’t have a dedicated space to come to time and time again that excites them to participate in Kundalini yoga.

Here are our best tips for setting the ultimate space for your Kundalini practice.

Make it comfortable
Sitting still and meditating can be hard enough on its own. Therefore, it’s a good idea to make your practices as enjoyable as possible, especially when first starting out.

Though cushions are not required for Kundalini yoga, they sure can make long meditations and breathing practices more comfortable! Grab a bolster, blanket or something else soft to sit on if you’ll be sitting for an extended period of time.

Keep it quiet
Distractions are the enemy of any style of yoga practice. A distraction free environment is key to honing in on that full mind, body, spirit connection.

Keep your space quiet in every way by minimizing both noise and clutter as much as possible. Although some noise may be unavoidable, try to find a spot where you’ll be mostly undisturbed.

Decorate

When decorating your space, don’t go crazy! Remember, we want to avoid clutter. However, you might want to place a few precious items around to make your practice feel more sacred. Also try things like essential oils or smudging to create an atmosphere that really sets the mood.

Once your space is set up, it’s time to dive into the practice!

If you’re new to Kundalini yoga or are just looking for some quick techniques to try here are three simple Kundalini practices to get you started. These can be practiced individually, strung together to make a powerful Kundalini yoga sequence or sprinkled into your regular yoga practice.

Axial rotation of the spine
Sit in a comfortable cross-legged position with the eyes open.

Bring your hands to your shoulders, resting your fingers in front of your shoulder and thumb behind. Inhale through the nose as you turn your upper body and head to the left, then exhale through the mouth as you turn to the right.

Move as quickly or as slowly as you like, using your breath to guide the movement.

Repeat for between 30-90 seconds.

Breath of fire (ego eradicator)
Sit in a comfortable cross-legged position with the eyes closed.

Reach your arms overhead and slightly away from the body. Turn the palms to face forwards and take a breath to roll the shoulders back and down. From here, bring the tips of your fingers to rest on your palms - without making a fist - and keep the thumbs open as if you’re trying to plug them into the sky.

Take conscious, sharp breaths in and out through the nose - bringing your navel in as you exhale.

Repeat for 1-3 minutes.

Frog squat
Start from a standing position with the heels touching and the toes facing the corners of your mat.

Bend your knees to bring your sit bones gently towards your heels and plug all five fingertips into the ground in front of you.

Keep the heels lifted and the fingertips plugged into the ground as you inhale to straighten the knees. Exhale to bring the sit bones back down and look forwards.

Repeat for 26 rounds.

There you have it! Now you have all the tools you need to start your own Kundalini yoga practice.

If you would like to learn more about Kundalini yoga and deepen your practice, we have some other great free resources here and here.

If you’re ready to dive headfirst into the world of Kundalini yoga, we recommend you check out our comprehensive online 200hr Kundalini yoga teacher training. We’ve even made a few lessons available for free so you can get a sense of what the training is all about.

Hello Moonbeams!!!

“but there’s a full moon risin’ let’s go dancin’ in the light” ~ Neil Young, Harvest Moon

September 20th or 21st…The Full Harvest Moon in the mystical, watery sign of Pisces!! Come dancing on this most magical night and let healing and blessings flow!

In numerology, September holds the powerful vibration of the number 9; Three has always been considered the number of harmony, wisdom and understanding and 3 x 3 equals 9. In the Tarot, 3 is the card of the Empress and the Triple Moon/Triple Goddess showing the aspects of the goddess as maiden, mother and crone.

When the moon is new, we plant the seeds of intentions, and when the moon is full, we harvest and release what we have tended. The moon is a gentle reminder of our own inner light and important shadows-She has much to teach us. Under a watery Full Moon like this one, it is time to let the light of the moon settle into your soul and inspire you to go within, to seek some clarity with your thoughts and feelings. Under this moon we can finally “harvest” the results of the seeds we planted back in March under the Pisces Dark Moon. As light and dark balance equally so must the sides of ourselves. When we disconnect from constant rational thought and connect with our emotions, we are in balance and we shine.

On September 22, the sun is leaving earthy Virgo and entering Libra season, ushering in the Fall Equinox/Mabon (Harvest Festival) a celebration that signals the start of a new season, and the start of a new cycle of energy- the halfway point of the year, a time of equal light and dark. Equality and balance, key traits in the Libra world. Libra holds the balance that will allow us to stand strong in our true self and live.

For Women: Drawing in the light of La Luna…

One of the oldest methods of union with the moon was to lay nude beneath the Full Moon in the Full Moon Goddess Posture. This posture is also referred to as the Star Goddess Posture, and is an X formation, arms and legs spread out wide. Next anoint yourself with your favorite moon oil just below your navel forming a crescent. Staring steadily up into the face of the moon, mentally picture drawing the light into yourself with each deep breath. Women draw power through the navel-the center of a woman. This is just one method, but it can be a powerful experience. Stand under the light of this Full Harvest Moon and thank Her for Her wisdom

Big love and moon day blessings!!!

A special treat for your listening delight… Harvest Moon

https://youtu.be/9uIBy71MRQk
 

Hello Moonbeams!!!

Greetings on this New Moon Monday!!! The best feature about a new moon is the feeling of starting anew... a fresh start or a new beginning as you journey through the spiral dance of life.

The season of Virgo and the season of harvest are in full affect now. Virgo vibes are everywhere. Summer’s over and the Wheel of the Year is now turning towards Mabon (fall equinox). Embracing the changes seeded last month is the only way to go and this is the best new moon of the year to begin or re-start nurturing mind, body and soul. Virgo is committed to care of the earth as well as the body and one thing is for sure…our daily rituals are sacred. If the changes you are facing are challenging, take a moment to quiet your mind and connect with your inner self. On the night of the dark moon much healing and guidance can come through.

Tonight, thinking of the moon brought to mind the sun. I am always asked about the sunsets in the Keys. And it is true, no matter how many times you see them; you are still in awe of their beauty. But, think about where you are…we see the same sun setting and it is beautiful there too. They are something we can count on-each nights' sunset reminds us that tomorrow is a new day. So tonight, while I am writing this and watching the sunset, I think of you and know you're watching it also...we're all in this journey together.

Dream your dream tonight and then with that new moon in Virgo (a very contemplative New Moon it is!) choose what you wish to create. Wondrous things are beginning to bubble in the cauldron.

And remember, beautiful yogis, when you allow your true self to shine through, your soul will truly sparkle!

Do you remember when you were completely new to yoga? How overwhelming was it to see all the different styles available to you and then decide where to start?

No matter where you are in your yoga journey, it's possible that the sheer quantity of yoga styles still overwhelms you at times.

Don't worry - we've been there, too.

Still, understanding the various styles of yoga is vital to guiding your practice and having clarity on the type of knowledge and wisdom you hope to spread as a teacher someday.

Knowing the differences between Hatha Yoga and Kundalini Yoga will help you decide which resonates the most with you and how you can incorporate them into your yoga practice.

Together we will explore these two popular yoga styles.

We'll be covering their origins and benefits to help you move forward with greater understanding and confidence in your decisions for both your current and future yoga journey.

Hatha Yoga is the most widely practiced form of yoga. It represents the style of yoga that comes to mind when most people think of the elements of a typical yoga class - breath, postures, and meditation.

Hatha is a general or umbrella term for all physical styles of yoga. The branch of yoga that is Hatha includes styles of yoga such as Ashtanga and Iyengar. Hatha style yoga practices are rooted in a physical focus, and it's often a style that many yoga practitioners begin with. Between its widespread availability to yogis along with its emphasis on the physical aspect, it's no surprise that Hatha Yoga is so prevalent in the Western world today.

You might wonder why Hatha Yoga is an ideal introductory style of yoga for students if there is such great emphasis on its physicality and postures. The answer is not that Hatha is necessarily limited to basic yoga poses. Instead, Hatha is a slow-paced and gentle approach to practicing yoga. The postures in a Hatha Yoga class will range in difficulty, and its slow pace provides more room for modifications and hands-on assists as students need them.

In Sanskrit, "Hatha" means "force." Its breathing techniques date back to Buddhist and Hindu texts from the 1st Century. However, it took another 1,000 years before discovering the postures to enhance one's vital energy, moving it upward through the body. The basic principle of this practice is derived from Tantric Yoga and founded on the belief that you can achieve spiritual enlightenment by connecting with your energy.

Swami Vivekananda brought Hatha Yoga to America in 1893, and in the 1920s, it evolved into more of a flow style of yoga. It wasn't until the 1960s that Hatha Yoga gained mainstream popularity in America.

Then, in the late 1980s, another practice rooted itself in the Western world - one that incorporated mantras and meditation as fundamental aspects of its practice. This style of yoga is known as Kundalini Yoga.

Kundalini Yoga is a practice that focuses on using the breath along with the physical movement to free energy in the lower body. This style of yoga consists of ancient techniques intended to awaken and ignite the mysterious power inherent in every human being to evoke change in mind, body, and spirit.

Yogi Bhajan first introduced Kundalini Yoga to the US in 1969. "Kundalini" means coiled up like a snake. The yogic tradition describes Kundalini as dormant cosmic energy that lies at the base of the spine in the form of a coiled serpent. When Kundalini is awakened, it travels via different channels, upward through the chakras (energy centers) to reach and merge with infinite consciousness.

In other words, the energetic movement throughout the body brings higher awareness of the Self.

Kundalini explores the effects of one's prana or energy through the breath in conjunction with postures. This practice consists of thousands of kriyas or exercises consisting of physical postures, meditation, and chants.

Its other main component is dynamic breath work, as it incorporates pranayama practices such as alternate nostril breathing and the breath of fire.

These two yoga styles are similar in their techniques but different in the way they are structured. Hatha and Kundalini yoga's guiding principle is based on the movement of energy upward through the body, but there are differences in how this is achieved.

A typical Hatha class will involve breath work while flowing through various yoga postures, sometimes including a mediation at the beginning of class. The meditative techniques help yogis calm their minds and turn their focus inward.

The main difference between Kundalini and Hatha Yoga is that Kundalini Yoga incorporates mantras and meditative or breathing techniques with the asanas.

Where the two styles often intersect is when Hatha Yoga classes incorporate kriya mediations or mantra chanting. And since Hatha represents the physical side of yoga, Kundalini Yoga gets its postures from Hatha Yoga.

There are numerous benefits to both practices. Hatha Yoga holds the space for practitioners to become more mobile through stretching and gentle strengthening over time. The generally slower pace of a Hatha Yoga class offers many benefits, including more time for yogis to learn and get into the correct yoga positions. Once there, they have more time to find proper alignment, improve balance, tune into their breath.

The long duration and less vigorous movements in Hatha classes are both energizing and restorative. The process of awakening and moving energy through the body is both energizing and peaceful for those who practice Kundalini Yoga.

Particularly for beginners, the various mantras in Kundalini help students focus and work through the silence of meditation. This style of yoga is ideal for anyone seeking a more spiritual experience through mediation and mantras.

Also, a kriya typically has a specific focus or goal, such as a physical or mental health benefit. For instance, a kriya may be internalized for eliminating anger from your life or following your intuition. Yogis also use Kriyas to aid digestion or ease back pain.

There is much value and exploration to gain through this transformative practice, as yogis learn to move and live more intuitively, finding awareness of the Ego and their self-imposed limitations.

If you are ready to transform and elevate your practice, our online 200-hour Hatha Yoga and Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training courses will guide and support you as you move through various power-packed modules. These online courses are the perfect complement to your unique yoga journey, allowing you to move at your own pace.

Still not sure if Hatha Yoga or Kundalini Yoga is right for you? We're giving you the chance to decide for yourself via our online courses. We're granting you access to a few select free Hatha Yoga Teacher Training lessons and free Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training lessons.

Just tap the links for instant access.

These online yoga teacher training courses will dive deeper into their respective practices, techniques, asanas, philosophies, and structures. In learning how to incorporate either method into your own yoga journey, either course you choose will help you venture into the world of teaching with extensive knowledge and lifetime access to valuable resources you can return to at any time.

Interested in live yoga teacher trainings? We've got those too! Learn more about joining an upcoming in person training here.

The Power of the Moon can hold a spell, The ebbing tides, the waves that swell

The power of the moon both full & new, it steals your heart, this dance of night

It frees your soul within its light, time has no place where shadows bloom

The darkness shines with the Power of the Moon

Hello Moonbeams!!!

The Full Corn Moon on August 22nd, with its vibes of harvest gathering and vitality, gives us a second chance to resolve any issues that arose on last month’s Aquarian moon. And, as if 2 consecutive moons in the same sign weren’t enough, we also have the unexpected gift of a rare, extra special “Astrological Blue” Moon (the third full moon in a season). By season, I mean the time between the solstice and equinox.

Take the seasons- winter, spring, summer, fall-4 seasons each with 3 moons a season. June’s full moon occurred right after solstice so we will have 4 full moons this season, ending with Fall Equinox on September 22nd.

There is beautiful energy flowing with this moon, just what we need right now to fiercely step into the life we want to create. Free spirited, wild & unconventional energy is coming forward...yes, it's time to be our own unique selves and use our personal power for social change, social justice, and community. You are giving birth to a new you.

As witches know, a Blue Moon is an excellent time to infuse plans with extra-shimmery faerie dust, so go ahead and shine! Let yourself be carried away to places filled with true magick as we prepare for autumn.

Namaste' my goddesses!
 

Hello Moonbeams!!!

August 8th ushers in the last New Moon of the summer cycle and the spotlight is on you during these hot sultry summer days. Summer is the time to let your inner fire glow & sparkle-it is time to shine and no sign shines like Leo-the sun is totally at home with the lion. Leo season brings creativity, romance, and self-realization to life.

Leo is usually all about the drama and taking charge (especially during a full moon) but, on the New Moon, well, the lion feels a need to think things through a bit more. The last Cancer moon was filled with concerns of safety in self and home…adjusting to a new way of life. The Leo moon is there to give us the confidence to leave the old/past behind and move ahead on our new path with its strong vibes of courage and flair. (Remember, you can tap into New Moon energy 3 days before and 3 days after the actual New Moon).

Ordinarily, New Moons are the best time to manifest and set goals or plant the seeds for the weeks ahead. But, my loves, this moon will be way, way different, because…major event here…It is also lining up with the Lion’s Gate Portal also happening on August 8th. The Portal is the name for the celestial occurrence that has Sirius rising in the sky during Leo season. Sirius is the brightest star of the night sky and is considered a symbol of spiritual awareness. Rising in tandem with the New Moon, and especially on the exact same day 8/8, makes this moon one of the most powerful for manifestation in any year. Think of this like powering up, a strong, intense boost for bringing your dreams into reality. This is the time to clearly think about what you really want, write down your intentions and open the door in your mind to that high vibrational energy needed to manifest what you truly desire and need. Imagine the rise in our collective consciousness if we all did that?

And with that in mind lets prepare for newMOONness ritual, my goddesses.

Gather: Paper, pencil, jar, candles, and matches or lighter

Light a candle, center yourself and focus on letting go of the chatter in your mind. Think about what you want to release, and what you want to call in. Now take the paper and write down all the things you’d like to bring into your life over the next month. Place paper in a jar with dried roses, lavender & crystals and set outside to soak up the energy. Next day, bring in the jar and place it somewhere you can see it. A month from now look over your list and reflect.

If you have been longing for a major shift in your life, this astral energy will move you forward. The best is yet to come! I know it and I feel it. Blessed New Moon Happiness!!!

How many times have you found yourself standing in Tadasana when your yoga instructor told you to “Activate your Mula Bandha”? Like other yogis in the room, you likely had an understanding of what to do physically. Start with an exhale, engage the pelvic floor, then draw it up towards my navel. Okay, got it. But why am I doing this?

Through yoga, we learn there is an intention behind everything—a purpose behind our breathing and something to learn from every posture. So, when yoga instructors cue subtle adjustments like these, we might question something like whether it’s for our alignment or to keep our minds focused.

As you continue to deepen your practice, you’ll have more opportunities to explore these deliberate movements with intentional thought. Learning about the bandhas and how to activate them to take your practice to the next level is a great place to start.

In yoga, Bandhas are commonly referred to as “energetic locks.” ‘Bandha’ means “to lock,” and your body has four of these interior Bandhas, or locks, that you can activate to enhance your practice on a physical and mental level.

When you engage the Bandhas, you contract muscles in specific parts of the body, enabling you to cultivate more strength and stability. But if Bandhas are inherent to the physical aspect of yoga, what is their connection to and purpose for the energetic body?

Bandha activation is common in asana and pranayama (breath control) practices because it controls the flow of energy, or prana, in your body. Hence why they are known as “energetic locks.”

Often in yoga, we are told to open up, receive, or expand. So, it’s normal to question the purpose and benefits behind locking up our muscles and energy.

For one, Bandha engagement temporarily blocks off our blood flow. Once we release that engagement, it enhances circulation, promoting a fresh flow of blood. The old blood cells are cycled out through this increase in circulation, and our organs become stronger and healthier through this renewal. This restorative cycle can help regulate your internal systems, balancing everything from your digestive to hormonal and metabolic processes.

If you wondered whether Bandhas are cued in a yoga class to help promote better focus, you certainly weren’t off base. Along with strengthening your organs, you can also sharpen your mind because this muscular contraction provides a single point of concentration.

Through this enhanced focus on the body, tuning into the breath with more control and steadiness becomes almost second nature. The benefit of all this is a clearer, more concentrated, and calmer mind.

Finally, Bandhas are beneficial for your brain centers, nadis (where prana flows through), and your chakras (energy centers). By contracting and releasing Bandhas, you can remove energy blockages to create balance and harmony within your energy body.

The connection between Bandhas and energy starts to make more sense when you look at where they lie within the body and how to activate them. For instance, let’s go back to the Mula Bandha, which means the root lock. ‘Mula’ is the Sanskrit term for root - you also see this word in Muladhara chakra or root chakra.

There are four main Bandhas that will help deepen your practice by connecting you to your internal energy flow.

Mula Bandha: Root Lock

When you engage your Mula Bandha during your yoga practice, you contract the pelvic floor muscles. The Root Lock directs your energy flow upwards, making you feel lighter on your mat and lighter within yourself. This upward energy can help you reach a higher level of consciousness.

Uddiyana Bandha: Flying Upward Lock

The Flying Upward Lock is located between your navel and spine - the point where your diaphragm forms an energetic funnel. This Bandha moves energy upwards with a great deal of force, bringing your awareness of higher realms and consciousness with it.

On a physical level, activating this Bandha massages internal muscles in your lower back, helping to stimulate digestion. On an energetic level, this contraction can create more awareness of your heart chakra, inviting more love into your life and releasing stress.

Jalandhara Bandha: Throat Lock

Jalandhara is best understood as the locking of energy flow through the vessels and nerves of the neck area. For this reason, this Bandha is typically engaged along with other breathing practices or meditation. It also helps to heighten these practices by increasing your concentration and moving and holding energy in the upper chakras.

The Throat Lock compresses the main arteries in your neck, which puts pressure on your throat. The physical benefit of this sinus compression is that it helps balance your thyroid to regulate your metabolism.

Maha Bandha: The Great or Ultimate Lock

The Maha Bandha is the activation of all the Bandhas at the same time. This lock has a tremendous impact on quieting the mind. And since it is limited to specific yoga postures, it is typically used in pranayama and mediation practices.

The ultimate goal of deepening your understanding of Bandhas is not just to learn how to guide your students through the steps to engage them. In our 300-Hour Online Yoga Teacher Training course lesson on Bandhas, we will dive further into the specifics of how to engage these locks in your practice. You can view the entire lesson on Bandhas for free here.

Through experience, practice, patience, and repetition, the Bandhas will teach you important lessons to apply to your practice and life off the mat.

Some day you can inspire that same level of curiosity in your students that you once had. One day, you will be the instructor who tells your students, “Activate your Mula Bandha”, with inner-knowing and intention that reaches beyond the physical body.

Learn more about our self-paced online yoga teacher trainings.
 

Hello Moonbeams!!!

In Pagan tradition, this moon is known as the Full Buck Moon; the time of year when the antlers of a buck deer are in full growth. It is also known as the Thunder Moon, the Blessing Moon, the Meadow Moon and the Wort Moon (wort is an ancient word meaning all herbaceous plants or herbs, which are ready for harvest in July to the

delight of all us herbalists!).

Astrologers have determined that every two thousand years, time moves us backward through the astrological signs, into a new age. A New age calls for its own words to live by. Yogi Bhajan, of Kundalini Yoga and spiritual teacher to thousands, shared five principles which he called the Five Sutras of the Aquarian Age.

1. Recognize that the other person is you.

2. There is a way through every block.

3. When the time is on you, start, and the pressure will be off.

4. Understand through compassion or you will misunderstand the times.

5. Vibrate the Cosmos. The Cosmos shall clear the path.

The first of an ultra-rare pair of back-to-back Aquarius full moons is just what we need to forge a path to living and speaking our truth…t0 stand and march to the beat of our own drum. Aquarians are the seekers, visionaries, the non-conformists, the ones who get away with stuff because they are so easy to live with. Face it, moonbeams, it’s their AGE, we just live in it! Those old Aquarian vibes will remind us that we are part of something larger than ourselves, and that acting on our ideas and ideals will benefit everyone.

Under the full moon Luna is at her brightest, most magnificent lamination. She has been gathering the light since the New Moon. The seeds that were planted then are now ready to sprout…those big juicy dreams of a stable foundation within yourself and in your community of magical souls. We now have 2 rebellious moons working in harmony to inspire us to find new ways to deal with the challenges facing our world.

So, as you dance in the flurry of all this moon power take time to reflect on what it brings for you. Get outside and let the light of the moon shine upon you. Then, bring your attention back to what you want to manifest with the moon. What needs to shift for you to bring your goal to fruition?

Hello Moonbeams!!!

Feelings will be spilling out everywhere this Friday, July 9th when the New Moon arrives in the watery sign of Cancer, the zodiac’s sign of home, family, roots and emotion. This could be one of the most powerful new moons of the year as the moon is in its own zodiac sign. Moon ruled Cancer will be particularly emotional, but after the wild ride of the last few eclipse months we do have a lot of emotion to process right?

Cancer protects what is most sacred…a stable home and the desire to always feel safe and secure. We tend to look outwards when talking of home but think about this.

The moon rules the subconscious self while the sun rules the conscious self. When they join together your inner world aligns with your outer world. Maybe it’s time to reflect on your inner home. Ask yourself, do I feel at home within myself? Feeling at home within oneself is all about acceptance. Once you are comfortable in your skin it is easier to shift that peaceful confident state to your outer world and manifest that secure home, just as the crab strengthens its shell.

Altar Ideas for The Cancer Moon:

· Tarot card: The Chariot (new beginnings, moving forward, protection)

· Candle Colors: green, blue, turquoise, white, silver

· Crystal Allies: moonstone (as if it wasn’t obvious), selenite, ruby, rose quartz, chrysoprase…add seashells and sea glass

· Herbs: sage, lemon balm, chamomile, rosemary, honeysuckle

· Oils: frankincense, cypress, rose, honeysuckle and patchouli

· Statues: Cancer rules mother figures so…Yemaya, Brighid, Bast, Demeter, Ashanti, Freya & Gaia

Bath Ritual for The Cancer New Moon:

There is such a soothing and regenerative power to water…why not cleanse your energy under the Cancer moon. Pour in some sea salt scented with some rose, ylang ylang or a fave of mine...frankincense with sweet orange. Submerge a crystal or 2 to charge your bath with the healing energy of the mineral world. Suggestion: moonstone, of course, which embodies feminine power and the energy of the moon itself. A few dried rose petals (organic) thrown in for its' calming effect on the nervous system.

No worries if you cannot actually see the Moon from your window—it’s there and you will feel its presence!

Happy New Moon, Lovelies
 

You have a passion for yoga and a desire to teach it. You probably know by now that yoga is much more than a series of postures that prioritize building flexibility, strength, and balance in the body. Instead, yoga postures are tools that teach flexibility, strength, and balance of the mind and heart.

In other words, yoga is not merely a practice but a way of life, and someday, you will be teaching beyond the poses. Inspiring your future students to search for what is deep within requires you to dive deeper into your own truth and the truth of yoga. Being the teacher and person you want to be means living your yoga. What better way to do this than to become completely immersed in the whole experience?

Becoming a 200-hour yoga teacher is one thing - something you can learn virtually anywhere. But enrolling in a 200-hour yoga teacher training immersion in Costa Rica will teach you and change you.

Yoga teacher training is a big decision. If you have found yourself unsure of where to do yours, here are a few reasons to consider the beautiful sacred lands of Costa Rica.

Exploring the Nature and Biodiversity

Many people might agree that Costa Rica is the place to go if you want to escape your everyday life for a while. This rainforested country with its beautiful beaches, coastlines, and volcanoes can attest to that. Exploring Costa Rica’s jungle filled with diverse wildlife will surely make you feel as though you’ve been transported to a new world. And while it truly is spectacular, we consider coming to Costa Rica less of an escape and more of a homecoming - a return to your biodiverse roots.

Costa Rica is the perfect place to come to reinforce and deepen your connection with nature. During your time here, you will begin to acclimate to not only the climate but the various habitats around you. You will start to feel rooted and grounded and more as if you belong. The more you settle in and become inspired by the beauty and wonder of all that is around you, it can ignite a newfound level of enthusiasm within you. A desire to learn more about yourself, what you have to offer this world, and what you can offer as a yoga teacher.

Throughout your yoga teacher training in Costa Rica, you may start to feel more carefree, confident, and open as your exploration of the world around you translates to and encourages exploration within.

Eating a Plant-Based Yogic Diet

Eating a yogic diet means eating fresh foods, whole and plant-based. In Ayurveda, a nourishing diet that values energizing and balancing the body is known as a sattvic diet. When you eat a plant-based diet and do not eat meat, you do not participate in animal cruelty. This way of eating and being observes the yogic principle known as “ahimsa,” or non-violence.

There is no denying that what you eat impacts your physical well-being and your mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. A delicious plant-based yogic diet comprised of various fruits, grains, and tasty native dishes is what you will find in this destination training. In Costa Rica, you will experience how a healthy gut impacts a healthy mind to sustain both mind and body.

Staying in Eco Lodges

In what ways has yoga increased your awareness of what is around you? Has your deepened understanding and connection driven you to make changes and be kinder to your environment?

We love how yoga has a way of bringing the outer world inside you. Costa Rica is a beautiful place where students can foster a greater appreciation for the earth and the roofs over their heads.

If you haven’t yet noticed any shifts in your environmental consciousness through your yoga practice, it’s okay. Remember that yoga is a process. Yoga is a continuous journey to love, liberation, and healing. The more you focus on these things within yourself, mindful care for your environment tends to come naturally.

Still, it is vital as yogis to have more reverence for nature, and if we just dive into doing our part, we learn as we go. For our teacher training in Costa Rica, students will be staying in eco-lodges, which prioritize positively impacting the environment. Eco lodges use renewable energy sources and energy-efficient lighting to help achieve this. Eco lodges are also a place where the focus is on water preservation, reusing, and recycling.

We hope you will join us on this journey to Elysiana Waterfall, an Eco-Lodge & Retreat Center in the lush jungle near Dominical, Costa Rica. The waterfall, rivers, swimming holes, and hiking trails will provide an introspective experience and opportunity for you to slow down and focus on the miracle in front of and within you.

Yoga is a practice that teaches us that the illusion of separation is at the root of our suffering. That is why our course isn’t only designed to train you on how to teach. This course is a training that unites mind, body, soul.

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