A gift to myself

It was in the late evening when my phone rang. 

“Can you take a look at my website?” my friend Carla asked as we were putting the finishing touches on our final projects for our Master’s Educational Technology. Carla’s website was all about integrating yoga into the classroom. 

I had first enjoyed yoga during my freshman year of college. Shortly thereafter I began working at a YMCA and over the course of a couple of years and earned certifications in personal training and group exercise. I even went for a weekend yoga course. 

After spending some time perusing Carla’s site and making a few technology recommendations, I started to feel inspired. I started looking for two hundred hour yoga teacher trainings. Before long I came to the conclusion that an intensive course would best suit my lifestyle. 

Then I found Marianne Wells Yoga School. Two hundred hours over two weeks in paradise. I called Carla back. 

“I need you to talk me out of something crazy.” I told her. My intention was to buy myself the yoga teaching training at the Goddess Garden as a graduation present to myself. If you read my post Tearful 2, you may already know I suffered a neck injury a few years back, gained a bunch of weight, and it had affected my confidence in many ways. Another hurdle the trip would present is I would be traveling solo, internationally, and without the ability to speak Spanish. Regardless of these factors, I knew what it she would say; I’m sure it’s why I called her instead of other friends. “I would go with you if I could!” 

The deed was done, I booked a flight and signed up for the course. 

I was anxious and excited when I arrived. I met my first friend and fellow YTT participant shortly after landing. We traveled across the country with 2 other women and one of the best drivers I could have imagined. He took us to a local place to eat and pulled over so we could have fresh fruit and see sloths. 

Arriving that evening, I met my 5 bunk mates. They seemed to have the same nervous energy I possessed. That night we met as a large group and our journey began. 

Even in the whirlwind of emotions, I remember three important parts of that first night. The smiles of the welcoming teaching assistants created a reassuring warmth that cut through the tension. We received training manuals and the tone was set as we learned what our rigorous schedule would be like.  Marianne shared the why behind her journey and asked us each for one word that describes why we were there. My one word: healing.