A Journey Within - Why train abroad?

A deep dive into my thoughts going into a yoga teacher training abroad.

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, finding a moment of tranquility seems like a distant dream. This is where yoga comes in, offering a path to both physical and mental well-being. As some of you may already know I am taking some time away from Rotorua and my current classes to continue my yoga journey in a new training abroad. While practicing yoga in your hometown is wonderful, there's something enchanting about taking your practice abroad. In this blog, I'm diving into the reasons why I'm embarking on a yoga training journey abroad and what I hope to learn!

Cultural Immersion: Imagine meditating on a serene beach in Bali, performing sun salutations in the foothills of the Himalayas, or finding your balance in the heart of an Indian ashram. Yoga transcends borders and is deeply rooted in the cultures of various countries. By choosing to train abroad, you immerse yourself in the very essence of yoga's origins, gaining a deeper understanding of its philosophy and traditions. I feel this is so important and really allows you to delve further into the cultural essence of yoga.

Diverse Learning Environments: Yoga training abroad introduces you to an array of learning environments. Whether it's a lush forest, a tranquil mountain retreat, or a bustling city ashram, each setting offers a unique ambiance that can enhance your practice. Adapting to different environments challenges you to adjust your focus, strengthening your ability to find peace amid various surroundings. Not only does this align with the above note of cultural immersion, but it also really does enhance or challenge you on your meditative and yogic path.

Experienced Instructors: Yoga training abroad often brings you in contact with experienced instructors and gurus deeply steeped in the yogic way of life. Their guidance, combined with the backdrop of a foreign land, creates an environment ripe for profound learning. These teachers often possess insights that can broaden your horizons and deepen your practice in ways you might not have encountered back home. While there are some amazing instructors in the beautiful New Zealand, I'm really excited to learn from some new and highly practiced Yoga teacher trainers from around the world to learn from their own journeys and varied knowledge. Having the ability to gain insight from an array of well versed Yogis is something I'm really looking forward to.

Personal Growth: Stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the unfamiliar fosters personal growth. Yoga itself is about self-discovery, and training abroad amplifies this journey. You'll find yourself facing challenges and pushing boundaries in ways that will leave you not only a more skilled yogi but also a more confident and adaptable individual. Change is always a challenge and while I'm also lucky enough to be spending some time with family, a big chunk of my journey will be solo travel - which is something I've not done before. Solo travel and heading into this new training offers some space for great challenges, change and growth that I'm excited for.

Community and Connection: Joining a yoga training program abroad allows you to connect with like-minded individuals from around the world. The bonds formed during intensive training are often deep and enduring. Sharing this transformative experience with others creates a sense of community that can last a lifetime, transcending geographical boundaries.

Nature's Embrace: Many yoga training programs abroad are held in natural landscapes that are nothing short of awe-inspiring. Practicing asanas while being surrounded by the beauty of nature adds a whole new dimension to your practice. The harmonious connection with the environment can elevate your mindfulness and help you forge a stronger connection with the world around you.

I'm definitely closing in the thought that although I'm excited for some incredible learning and what is to come, I'm also very much balanced with a feeling of nervousness and pushing myself out of my comfort zone - which is where the best growth is born from. I can't wait to share with you all what I learn on this next stage of my Yoga journey!

Mads xx