5 Life Lessons I Learned from Yoga Teacher Training (YTT)

Yoga encompasses much more than just the poses (asanas) we perform; it is about the life we lead off the mat.

As I reflect on my yoga journey, here are five unexpected, transformative insights that I uncovered during yoga teacher training:

1. Yoga is Ancient Wisdom

Yoga is much more than exercise and fancy poses — it's a way of life. Yoga is rooted in ancient philosophies that date back thousands of years. One of the most impactful teachings I encountered was from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. This profound text emphasizes the Yamas and Niyamas, a series of ethical guidelines designed to cultivate a harmonious and authentic life. For instance, the principle of “Satya,” which means “truthfulness,” encourages us to speak our truth with kindness. This simple yet powerful idea has sparked a profound shift in my relationships, allowing for deeper connections and a clearer understanding of myself and others.

2. Everyone is healing in their own way

Every person has a story, a trauma, or unhealed wounds that shape their behavior. During training, I learned the importance of compassion—how quick we can be to judge others who may act differently from us. This realization struck a chord in me. Each of us is fighting our own battles behind the scenes; when we take the time to understand rather than judge, we create a space filled with empathy and kindness. Yoga taught me to look beyond the surface, recognizing that our shared humanity is something to celebrate, not criticize.

3. Energy protection … seen from a different lens

Many empaths will resonate with this. How often have you tried to avoid people or situations to ensure you don't pick up "negative energy"? While it’s true that we can all absorb lower vibrational energies that impact our well-being, there is something powerful about tuning into our ability to repel these energies by affirming that they cannot affect us. A Balinese healer encouraged me to see it this way. I learned that when I feel drained or overwhelmed, it often indicates that I have not yet discovered or healed certain parts of myself. By practicing mindfulness, I now identify what depletes my energy and what replenishes it, allowing me to navigate life with a sense of balance and clarity.

4. Small Adjustments, Big Rewards

One of the most tangible lessons from my yoga practice has been the realization that small adjustments in posture can lead to significant shifts—not just in mastering a pose, but in how I feel overall. This applies to life as well; minor changes in perspective or routine can lead to enormous transformations in our well-being. Sometimes we just need to adjust our view slightly to see the world in a new light. This has encouraged me to be open to change and to approach challenges with curiosity rather than fear.

5. Vulnerability is a source of strength

Throughout my training, I discovered that true strength comes from being vulnerable. Whether it’s sharing my struggles during group discussions or allowing myself to be seen in less-than-perfect moments during practice, I’ve learned that vulnerability fosters connection. It’s a powerful reminder that we are all in this together, striving and growing. Embracing vulnerability not only deepens my practice but also enriches my relationships, allowing me to connect authentically with those around me.

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