What I Learned in Yoga Teacher Training: My Life-Changing Month in India
My group of new yoga teachers, celebrating at our graduation ceremony.
Hi beautiful friend,
Welcome back to the blog! I’m really starting to find my flow with writing, and it means the world to share this journey with you.
Today, I’m inviting you into a little window of my life - a transformative month in India, where I fully immersed myself in all things yoga.
We’ll explore the key lessons I learned, the powerful sense of community I discovered, and the most amazing surprise that occurred.
The Biggest Lesson I Have Ever Learned
It’s hard to believe it’s been three months since I touched down at Gatwick, returning from the most unforgettable month in India. India has always held a special place in my heart from previous visits, but this experience was truly on another level. From sunrise Ashtanga in the yoga Shala’s to slow breakfasts by the peaceful backwaters of Goa, to ice baths, boat trips, experiencing Holi festival and journaling with the sun warming my face - I can’t help but smile as I reminisce about it all.
But it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Yoga teacher training is intense and transformative, and it brought up lessons I’ve been trying to learn for years.
And now feels like the perfect time to share a little secret with you... I’M PREGNANT! I actually found out at the end of week 2 of my training.
Just before the course started, I was chatting with one of the girls about what we hoped to take away from the experience. I told her that I’m a total control-freak. I struggle to let go and trust the process, and I really hoped that this course would help with that.
Well, the universe heard me loud and clear!
My first thought when I found out was, “Oh my gosh - the plan!” But then I realised… what plan? For a while, I’d been floating ideas with my boyfriend like, “let’s go backpacking,” “let’s move to Australia,” or “let’s buy a fixer-upper.” I realised I hadn’t really chosen a direction yet, so maybe, the timing was actually perfect.
It feels like the universe handed me the exact lesson I’d been seeking on the mat - not in a posture or a book, but in real life. Surrender. Trust. Presence. I’d been trying so hard to figure it all out… but this showed me that life doesn’t always need a plan. Sometimes it just needs the courage to receive what’s meant for you.
The Magic of the Training Itself
Of course, the pregnancy news was the biggest shift - but there were so many other moments that cracked me open in the best way. The community in my training group is something I’ll cherish forever. I told my group and my teachers about my pregnancy, before I’d even told my own family! We supported each other through the physical, emotional, and spiritual rollercoaster that is YTT - from tears on the mat to belly laughs over chai.
One of my favourite moments was when our teaching methodology classes all came together. Suddenly, the 10-minute warm-up and standing sequences we’d put together, the backbend and core drills we’d chosen, the sun salutations and savasana, all came together as our full 60-minute Vinyasa class. For our assessment class, I chose Aparigraha (non-attachment), the 5th Yama, as my class intention, and the experience felt so aligned it gave me goosebumps. It was surreal to be standing in front of a room, sharing something that has shaped me so deeply.
I also got to know the primary Ashtanga series in a whole new way. It’s a style I’d dipped into before, but something about doing it daily, in that immersive setting, really shifted things for me. I came home with a deep appreciation for its rhythm, discipline, and grounding energy.
A New Chapter Begins
I went to India hoping to find some clarity, maybe a bit of direction, and a deeper connection to my practice. What I came away with was so much more. A lesson in letting go. A community that became like family. And a renewed trust in the unfolding of life.
Yoga teacher training taught me that growth doesn’t always come from having a plan, sometimes, it comes from softening into the unknown, and showing up anyway.
Now, I’m stepping into two brand new chapters - sharing this beautiful practice through teaching, and preparing to step into motherhood. Both feel like powerful, heart-led callings, and I can’t wait to embrace them fully.
Thank you for being here. I’m so excited for what’s to come, and to continue this yoga journey together - one breath, one story, one lesson at a time.
All my love,
Let’s Chat
I’d love to hear your thoughts - whether you’re navigating your own big life changes, thinking about doing a YTT, or just beginning your yoga journey. Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments below, or come say hi on Instagram!
A Treat For You
And if this post has inspired you to roll out your mat, I’ve got a little treat for you! Use the code SOPHIE for 15% off at The Yoga Collective, who make the most beautiful, grounding, and grippy mats I’ve ever used.