You all know I love social media, that's no secret. I mean, it's one of the main components of my business, and it has served me very well. Despite my affinity for online platforms like Instagram, I also understand that there's a dark side to it. There's only so much you can convey in a photo or short video, right? So often it's easy to scroll through your newsfeed and feel like everyone out there has it all figured out, and they're living these perfect lives. I can't speak for anyone else, but I most certainly do not have it all figured out, and I most definitely am not living a perfect life. So in the interest of being transparent, I wanted to continue with our little series about the stories behind the photos you see - some real talk, if you will.
In the past, I’ve featured pictures from LA, Thailand, and Italy. Today, Santorini.
Shoot location: In Oia, Santorini, at a little cafe.
What it looks like: Carefree morning with cappuccino and an incredible view.
What's really happening here: While I did have a (delicious) cappuccino and an incredible view, I was just a day away from leading our third 200hr yoga teacher training program intensive. I was feeling all the emotions because I was solo. The person who took this photo was the woman who waited on me was the server at the restaurant. I was feeling kind of alone, a little nostalgic, a little anxious about the unknown of how the next three weeks would unfold. I was feeling excited and nervous, and also, for the first time since starting our Namaslay® Yoga Teacher Training Programs, I was feeling pretty confident. The first few times I was confident in the content, but I felt like my delivery and my presence could’ve been improved upon. This time around, I finally felt really settled in how I’d present material, how to present the schedules, the classes, and deal with potential problems that may arise. I was feeling like I was finally able to own the role I’d created for myself….while also experiencing some jitters and butterflies. With everything I do, I try to learn. That’s always my number one goal - how can I learn and how can I improve for the future? So while I was still feeling jittery (and I think that’s a good thing - it means you care), I was also really proud of the fact that I felt much more confident. And it was a great teacher training - it went so smoothly! We’re heading back in April for what will be our fifth 200hr Intensive Namaslay® YTT, and I’m confident it will be our best yet! We have multiple accommodation options available for you to choose from when you apply here. Sometimes we don’t feel ready until we start something. If you’re on the fence because of your practice, or some perceived idea of where you should be as a yogi, let us know in the comments or reach out on Instagram. You might be surprised at what you’re capable of when you tell yourself, “Yes, I can.”