Congratulations to our Namaslay® YTT Santorini graduates! They worked hard, woke up early, stayed up late, adhered to strict schedules, and exhausted their bodies and minds. They also made deep connections, profound discoveries about themselves, and grew into tremendously talented yoga teachers. We are so excited to see where their teaching journeys take them! Today a few of the trainees share their final thoughts as they approached graduation, featuring beautiful shots by Namaslay® YTT instructor, Kat MacLeod. Be sure to follow them on IG and watch all the good they spread as they travel home from Santorini!
Julian G.
What's one thing you were surprised to learn about yourself?
That I can handle a lot more than i thought I could.
What will you miss most about this experience?
The support! The bonds we created.
What is one piece of advice you would offer to someone who's just signed up to do an intensive yoga teacher training program?
Do your readings. Take different yoga classes. Learn foundational Sanskrit. Be open to really embrace everything that you learn.
What was your most impactful learning moment of the training?
Learning about yoga specialties and all bodies and the science to sequencing your own yoga flows.
Follow Julian on IG @julezfit
Hillary C.
What's one thing you were surprised to learn about yourself?
My ability to be so open with emotions and that I can work well with limited amount of time.
What is one piece of advice you would offer to someone who's just signed up to do an intensive yoga teacher training program?
Be willing to be open with the information that it given to you and know you are entering a safe space with a great tribe of people who want to see you succeed.
What are your plans for teaching when you return home?
I have created a website that I am excited to expand on. I’d like to do private lessons for the people in my local area.
What area of your teaching do you feel you gained the most strength in?
So many things. 14 days ago I couldn’t do any of the things I can do now. It feels like months worth of knowledge I have gained. I feel so confident going out into the world knowing what I know now.
Follow Hillary on IG @hi_crooks
Jenner M.
What was your most impactful learning moment of the training?
Sequencing and teaching my first 60 minute class. I felt so accomplished and it was really a turning point in the process for me. Once that was out of the way, I let go of so many of my fears and was able to better manage the stress and anxiety that comes with an intensive training.
What are your plans for teaching when you return home?
I plan to work with athletes, mainly hockey players. I’d love to get my son’s hockey team doing some yoga!
What area of your teaching do you feel you gained the most strength in?
Confidence! Namaslay® prepares you to hit the ground running.
What will you miss most about this experience?
Without a doubt, the people.
Follow Jenner on IG @jennermaher
Kaitlin R.
What's one thing you were surprised to learn about yourself?
I’m stronger than I think .
What will you miss most about this experience?
The community of like-minded people who are so supportive and teachers who have great feedback for us as individuals who may be struggling with certain things.
What are you looking forward to once you're home?
I’m looking forward to putting what I have learned to use as it is so simplified here and things seem less complicated than when I got here!
Follow Kaitlin on IG @kaitlin.edge.lifestyle
Leah W.
What is one piece of advice you would offer to someone who's just signed up to do an intensive yoga teacher training program?
Enjoy every moment. You only get one chance to experience your first yoga teacher training.
What will you miss most about this experience?
So much - the location, the food, the people.
What are your plans for teaching when you return home?
The plan has always been to keep my "day job" but I would like to explore opportunities for teaching yoga through the gym at my apartment complex or a local studio. And eventually I'd love to expand beyond that.
What are you looking forward to once you're home?
Seeing my partner!! I chose not to have cell service and my phone's Wifi hasn't been good, so I have barely talked to him in the past three weeks. It will be so good to feel his embrace!
Follow Leah on IG @minimally_leah
Kara D.
What's one thing you were surprised to learn about yourself?
I have a calming presence and energy! Much of the feedback I received was about how nice my voice was, and how gentle my classes were. I wasn’t aware of that prior to training, and I started considering teaching Yin and Restorative classes.
What is one piece of advice you would offer to someone who's just signed up to do an intensive yoga teacher training program?
If you’re looking for an opportunity to focus on singularly yoga and actual teaching, this is the place for you. If you have any flaws in your personal practice, that’s even better for your future students. Study Sanskrit words so that you better understand the poses, and know basic anatomy of the body. Above all just go for it- you’re worth the investment.
What was your most impactful learning moment of the training?
Being fully me means embracing my personal power and freedom. Trying to reign myself in for the sake of others is a waste of time and potential.
What area of your teaching do you feel you gained the most strength in?
I feel confident in creating flows that will build-up and encourage students rather than harm them. The best feeling is knowing that as a fresh teacher out of yoga training, I have already led many types of yoga flows. I feel strong enough to start teaching right away.
Follow Kara on IG @karadonovan808
Francesca V.
What's one thing you were surprised to learn about yourself?
That I can learn and accomplish so much by surrendering to what is - by allowing things to be easy. It's all about mindset!
What is one piece of advice you would offer to someone who's just signed up to do an intensive yoga teacher training program?
Let go of any and all expectations - come with an open mind and an open heart. Also, learn the Sanskrit in Namaslay and study the anatomy book. But above all - you got this!!
What will you miss most about this experience?
All of the amazing people I've met on this journey! Candace, all the other YTT teachers, the trainees that took this journey with me, and the hotel staff that looked after our every need. I am immensely grateful for every moment of this journey.
What was your most impactful learning moment of the training?
Talking with Candace and hearing her tell me to let go of all my fears - there is nothing to fear. I needed to hear that and it came at exactly the right moment.
Follow Francesca on IG @francesca.rose.vitale and @cesca.rose.blog
Alexandra C.
What is one piece of advice you would offer to someone who's just signed up to do an intensive yoga teacher training program?
Learn the sanskrit of at least the basic poses and don’t worry if you are not doing all the poses perfectly! It's about learning and growing.come with an open mind and a kind heart so you can live this experience to the fullest.
What will you miss most about this experience?
I will miss all the other yogis who shared this journey with me! They are all amazing people,and I cant wait to see what they'll do! I 'll also miss the structure we had and the intensity of it. It gave a sense of purpose and security.
What are you looking forward to once you're home?
Have a normal shower and eat pizza!!
Follow Alexandra on IG @alexcle3
Larissa S.
What's one thing you were surprised to learn about yourself?
I am stronger than I thought. The amazing people made me realize this and I will forever be grateful for this.
What is one piece of advice you would offer to someone who's just signed up to do an intensive yoga teacher training program?
Do it. It was the best experience of my life and I met amazing people ❤️
What will you miss most about this experience?
The people!!!!!
What are your plans for teaching when you return home?
I will start with teaching privates and sometimes in my local studio. I fell in love with Yin, so I will give this a shot for sure!
Follow Larissa on IG @Lari.slr and on her greenhearts.yoga