Abundance and non-attachment

by Katherine Girling, ERYT200/RYT500

Namaste, yogis! The holidays are a wonderful opportunity to appreciate our communities of family and friends, and truly experience gratitude and love for all our blessings. It's easy to be dismayed by the materialism of our modern world, where spiritual traditions have been largely replaced by commercialism. All too often, people tend to get wrapped up in their "stuff": what they have, what they're buying next, what they want but can't afford, what they're giving and receiving. For those engaged in conscious living, there's more to look forward to and appreciate beyond all the stuff. 

In the Tibetan language, the word attachment is translated as "do chag," meaning "sticky desire." It's human nature to become overly attached to the things that bring us pleasure, and to feel the pain of separation when we lose them. We also tend to form attachments to our dislikes, injuries and fears, allowing these aversions to throw us off balance.

The Yoga Sutras discuss non-attachment (vairagya) as an important step on a spiritual path. Embodying vairagya means being aware that your relationship to something - an object, person, or habit - causes you pain or suffering, and being able to surrender it completely. The practice of yoga leads to recognition of the things that bind us. What am I attached to? Why am I attached to it? How does it serve me? The first step is to acknowledge that it binds us and understand why. And then, continued practice in meditation helps dissolve those attachments.

As you engage in the traditions of your own family and culture this year, be mindful attachments, aversions and desires. A few suggestions for stress-free celebration:

• Focus on experiences and connections, which bring lasting joy.
• Avoid the accumulation of more stuff, which ultimately only leads to clutter and dissatisfaction. 
• Lend a helping hand to someone in need: a neighbor, a family member, your local food bank. Share your abundance with others.
• Show compassion to family and friends, to their quirks and eccentricities and button pushing. Don't make a habit of getting irritated or feeding negativity.  
• Let go of grudges and grievances - these are another type of attachment that only hurt you.
• Indulge your desires - whatever form of merriment you choose - in moderation. This prevents your indulgences from infringing on your overall quality of life.
• Carve out a few minutes each day to sit in stillness and silence. Regular meditation will keep you centered and calm.

From our family to yours, wishing you all much lightness, abundance, peace and joy for the New Year!

Living a life you are proud of

by Anna Rhein, Zuna Yoga 500 hour YTT graduate

Recently I exchanged emails with a good friend. We were chatting about our current life situations. She is NYC in her final year of grad school and was expressing how much this last year has already taken out of her, and how all the hard work is about to pay off. One more semester and she will be done with this chapter, moving into another as an Occupational Therapist.  It has been very inspiring to watch her as a student over the last five years, gradually developing into a woman with such passion for what she is doing in life.  

I let her know that I intended to stay in Bali now that my 300 hour yoga teacher training was over, to explore the possibilities of what life had to offer on this side of the world. I too had been living in NYC. However, unlike her, I was in a job that I had little passion for, just going through the motions to pay the bills. I admitted that living in another country was something I never would have imagined for myself, but that a lot of my old ways of thinking had changed during my teacher trainings. My experience helped me see that I had been holding onto past behavior and relationships that no longer served me. It provided me the physical commitment to my body that I love, and also the space and stillness that I needed to hear this inner voice clearly. The entire experience, from the asana practice, the intense meditation to the time alone in a different country had opened my eyes to so much: new friends, new ideas, and a confidence that I was lacking to create this new life.  

Self-discovery during yoga teacher training

She was very excited for me and said, “I had a feeling you would find your groove over there this time. We will miss you, but I am happy you are living a life you are proud of.”  Those few words really hit that place in me, you know that place that makes you instantly tear up, right in the center of the soul.  Not only did the words hit home, but also hearing them come from a person I had been admiring for all her hard work was also very emotional.  I thought -  wow, I am in the midst of living a life I am proud of and others can see it too, how lucky am I! So here I am beginning a new chapter in Bali, making new friends, learning Indonesian, living steps from the sea, using the yoga tools I’ve learned in the last few months to steer my vessel and hopefully inspire others to live a life they are proud of. 

How to prepare for your Bali Yoga Teacher Training

Have you already signed up for a Zuna Yoga teacher training, or are considering signing up? Here we offer practical tips on how to best prepare for the amazing journey of self and spirit that lies ahead. 

Stay curious

If you’ve set your sights on a yoga teacher training, you’ve probably already been practicing for a while. And you probably already fell in love with yoga, for one reason or another, and are eager to learn more. Remember that yoga is a big word, and means different things to different people. It’s a good idea to shake up your routine and try different classes and styles with different teachers. Read articles and books to learn new perspectives and philosophies. The science of yoga is a vast library, and your teacher training is just a chapter in a book in that library. A broader exposure will prepare you for the new, unexpected (and often mind-blowing) ideas you’ll be presented with at your teacher training.

Get the books

Zuna Yoga students are required to get the assigned reading for their 200 or 300 hour training in advance, as well as write a book report for each work to demonstrate understanding and reflection on a personal level. Only upon submission of these book reports and class assignments - either during the training, immediately afterward or in the months that follow - will you receive your certificate of completion. You can find a lot of other great and inspiring books on yoga on our website to expand your knowledge. See above on staying curious!

Get immunized

We follow the CDC recommendations for immunization. Personally, we err on the side of caution and are vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, yellow fever, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and the flu. Some of these require multiple boosters over time to be effective. Check with your doctor. Ultimately, you should do what feels right for you. 

Malaria is extremely uncommon in Bali and Lombok, so the need for taking the prophylactic medication for that depends on how deep into the jungle your travels will take you. Dengue fever, on the other hand, does happen on occasion - that goes for most tropical regions of the world. But there is no vaccine or prophylaxis for that. Instead, we all need to be vigilant about not getting bitten by mosquitoes in the first place, by wearing repellent 24/7. This is the most important thing you can do to safeguard your health while visiting the tropics. The mozzies are particularly active at sunrise and sunset. All the beds at our lovingly selected venues have mosquito nets, which is of course a very protective barrier. 

Get your visas

If you plan to travel in Indonesia before or after the training, we recommend applying for your 60 day tourist visa in advance with your local Indonesian consulate. You'll avoid the trip to the immigration office in Mataram or Denpasar for fingerprints and photos that is now required to extend the 30 day visa on arrival, an inconvenience that could disrupt your attendance at the training. If you are an American citizen, the consulate will request a letter of invitation from your host to issue the visa.

Check your passport

Please ensure your passport will be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date in Indonesia, or your airline will deny you boarding. This really happens! Take a look at your passport now to make sure. If you need to renew or add pages, start that process at least a month in advance to avoid the stress of waiting for the bureaucratic machine to send the passport back to you. 

Research your destination

Rather than spending your time in Bali on your smart phone looking for things to do, start investigating online before you go. There is so much to see and so many amazing things to experience in just an hour or two’s drive from Ubud. Read up on the history and the culture, as well as etiquette and social do’s and don’ts. The Balinese culture is truly fascinating: rich with ceremony, spirituality, creativity and tradition.

Book your flight

if you’re looking at a long flight and a major change of time zones, try to arrive at your destination a few days early. Many students who arrive last minute say they wished they had planned a few extra days of buffer. Sometimes, flights get delayed or even cancelled, and you don’t want to miss the start of the training. Long flights can be dehydrating and taxing. Give yourself time to acclimate to the warm weather and the time change, so you’ll be fresh as a daisy on day one of the training. It’s cheap to stay in Bali, so you won’t save a lot of money by arriving last minute. Take advantage of getting away to this beautiful destination and soak it up for a few extra days.

Shop for supplies

Since you’re coming to a warm climate, you can get away with packing light. Our practice space is open-air, and it gets warm. Bring several changes of your favorite yoga clothes, and remember that laundry service is cheap in Indonesia. You can also pick up some new outfits once you arrive. You might want a long sleeve shirt for layering during the occasional cool evening. For a long intensive training, you’ll enjoy using your own mat, for comfort and hygiene. Jade's Travel Mat is our personal fave, we take it with us everywhere. These are also available for purchase in Bali - but the selection isn’t huge, so if you have a favorite, bring it with you. Stock up on hard to find personal medications. 

Stay in shape

If you’re coming from a regular workout schedule straight to Bali, great. You’ll be physically prepared for the intense practices at the teacher training. If you plan on traveling before the training, it’s easy for your routine to get interrupted. Even if you can’t maintain a daily yoga practice and do a bunch of sun salutations, try to keep those hamstrings long by doing some nice forward folds every day. Sneak in a few push-ups and planks to maintain your core strength. Downward facing dog will stretch the back body, shoulders, hamstrings and calves, as well as giving you the benefits of an inversion. Stay limber and maintain a healthy spine by moving it daily in all three directions (lateral, twisting, forward folding and backbending). Even the smallest hotel room has enough space for light stretching. And very importantly, don't worry about having the best practice in the room or being the skinniest girl in yoga pants. Just maintain your usual active baseline, and you'll be fine.

Stay healthy

Stay as active as you can while doing your best to avoid injury. Now is not the best time to try skydiving or wakeboarding for the first time. If you’re traveling, don’t drink the tap water, and don’t brush your teeth with tap water. Look into packing a LifeStraw, a portable water filter that turns even mucky pond water into safe potable water. Be careful where you eat - avoid uncooked foods unless you know the kitchen is clean. Pack some active charcoal to help detoxify and battle tummy bugs. Consider taking a probiotic supplement. Wash your hands often. Most people find that a major change of time zone, climate, diet and schedule will disrupt their digestive system. Eat lightly and drink plenty of water to help the body adjust. 

***

Having all your ducks in a row will decrease any sense of anxiety and increase your focus and determination. All of this preparation, mental and physical, will ease you into the experience of your yoga teacher training. You've got an amazing journey ahead of you. And putting a little effort into planning will free your mind of the mundane, and make space for true transformation that's waiting for you.

Student guest blog: Looking back and looking forward

by Guest Author Anna Rhein, Zuna Yoga 300 hour teacher training grad

It has been two weeks since we completed the 300 hour teacher training, and as much as I am enjoying my time to do as I wish, I can honestly say I miss everything. Yes, even the 5:02 am alarm. As we entered into the final week, I told myself: "Drink in as much as you can, savor every last word," recalling from the previous year how much I would miss it all once it was over. Even though being able to sleep in and have my days back to myself sounded so sweet, that moment would come sooner than I really wanted it to, and I should make sure to enjoy every last minute. 

Anna immersed in practice

 Looking back now, I know I did just that. Each morning, even though I was physically tired, I fully immersed myself into the student-led practice. Instead of eating by myself, I made it a point to eat breakfast with "the Zuna Tribe, knowing soon I would miss their smiling faces, the laughs, the conversations regarding the practice we just shared, listening to stories of their lives, hearing about plans for the future, and most of all feeling the love that flowed so freely from everyone at the table. I took more pictures, started getting contact information, planning trips to see them in their countries, giving more hugs, receiving more hugs, letting go and seeing what being courageously free was really like. I was in the bubble and I loved it! 

Parting is such sweet sorrow

Then just like that, it was over. The closing circle, the last supper, the last breakfast and then actually leaving Ubud. Unlike some others who had to leave this Bali wonderland immediately and go back home and/or back to work, I was lucky enough to move to the beach and to relax and allow it to all soak in. I gave myself two weeks to do nothing but play in the sun, surf and the enjoy the hours upon hours of freedom. It has been wonderful, seeing old friends, staying out late, sleeping in, practicing when I want to, being back in the "real world," out of the bubble.

Now here I am, trying to find the balance between the two. I realize it's all about attitude, and my attitude is one of getting closer to the truth and finding the way that works best for me. The month was a moment, one that I will never forget, where my fellow students and teachers provided me a safe place to dive into this truth. It is now up to me to use the priceless knowledge and tools gained and delve deeper into this life, my practice and creating a space for others to gain awareness and ultimately adding to the tapestry of humanity.  

Student guest blog: Until we meet again

by Paula Anderson, Zuna Yoga 300 hour Bali Yoga Teacher Training student

I left our last morning practice of YTT noticing the soulful energy abuzz in my body. My senses were acute, as though everything was magnified by fear of forgetting the magic that enveloped me. The birds sang their morning songs more gloriously, the colors of tropical foliage appeared more vibrant and the blossoms' fragrances were sweeter than usual.

Paula and Katherine

It was a day of summary, feeling happy that my vessel supported me and carried me successfully through this journey. It was an intense 25 days (yes, with two days off), and the long days became a battle of mind over (my) matter. And somedays were a little more heavy than others, both mentally and physically. But, here we were at the top of the summit and heading to the big slide with only a few hours to go. 

We completed our last class group activity and gathered for our closing circle. It was a surreal moment of our last time in both the studio and in our "space". We became united along this shared journey, aligned by intention but sharing kindness most genuinely from our hearts. The memories dance in my mind this morning and even as I type, I find myself smiling at my iPad screen. I will remember our smiles and gazes and ... life. Thank you all so much for such a beautiful moment, with sincere love and of course, happiness. 

Student guest blog: Missions Accomplished

By Lisa Cosmillo, Zuna Yoga 300 hour Bali Yoga Teacher Training grad

Today was my first day post-Zuna Yoga Teacher Training. All day, I have asked myself the question, how do I feel?

Well -- not right away. First I had to get up and do Pranayama, then meditation and don't forget a few Asana... then I asked, how do I feel?

Then I got to take a tour of some of Bali's tourist traps courtesy of a wonderful man named Dharma... All day I thought, I know what my Dharma is... and how do I feel about that?

So when I got back to my hotel room and was preparing for travel tomorrow, I stopped to look at Facebook. All these new faces and names on my friends list and pictures from the party last night. We were all smiling and crying and smiling.

So one last time -- How do I feel about that?

Lisa visiting Borobodur, post-YTT

I feel changed. I have grown. Even my habits dealing with stressful visa issues today -- I controlled my breath -- and my mind followed.

My missions in coming here were simple: Get my 300 hour training and have some time to myself to reflect and process the past year. I would say my missions were definitely accomplished, and in addition, I have found an inner voice, a constant companion, and I can hear it. I can hear it.

Thank you Everett, Katherine and Courtney and all my new friends @Zuna Yoga. 

Namaste and blessings -- until we meet again.

Student guest blog: Breathwork

by Lisa Cosmillo, Zuna Yoga 300 hour Bali Yoga Teacher Training student

This week, the second in our training, brought us into deeper meditations, more pranayama and a deep study of restorative yoga, which included our first practice teaching experience.

In many ways, this week we could breathe. We practiced pranayama, breathing exercises, daily, which took some of us to new and deeper places. We also got to do a daily restorative practice taught by our classmates, which was a great opportunity to relax into our breath. Each evening following our restorative practice, we practiced Yoga Nidra. We were warned at the beginning of each session not to sleep -- but not to feel badly if we did fall asleep. This amazingly calming practice has been used to help with Post Traumatic Stress Disorders and more generalized anxiety -- yet another sweet opportunity to reach deeper and breathe.

Toward the end of this calming week, the heat was turned up as we were told we would be teaching the morning practices in our third and final week. Included in this assignment was the inevitable caveat that each of us would be expected to teach the elements of a full Yogic breath -- Agniraj Breathing -- as part of our class, something we have practiced since day one of the training.

So today on our second day off, most of us took the opportunity to rest, relax and take a deep breath. 

Student guest blog: Good night moon

by Paula Anderson, 300 hour Bali Yoga Teacher Training student With the energy of the Blood Moon and Lunar Eclipse, the week was ablaze. Every morning began with fabulous practices a la Zuna Yoga, breathing deeply into the pelvis and learning to remain at peace in a carefully woven sequence of postures. Getting into the gritty, we broke down asana and adjustments with mindfulness. Best take away of the week: learning to confidently give assists into inversions without fear of injury to either party! After breaking into groups, we all had the opportunity to teach very welcome restorative classes. Each group collectively delivered classes with their own spin on soft deliciousness. Several evenings concluded with amazing Yoga Nidra practices led by Everett. In lecture we really started to uncover the mysteries of the Hatha Yoga Pradapika and some of its "head scratching and hmmm" verses. Good News: we are stronger than we believe. After delving into the deeper explanation of Chapter 1, Verse 1, I discovered we are ALL heroes in a half shell, courtesy of Hatha Yoga... "For those continually tempered by the heat of tapa (the three types of pain - spiritual, environmental and physical) - hatha is like the shelter giving protection from the heat. For those always united in yoga, hatha is the basis acting like a tortoise." The tortoise is an emblem of patient endurance. The practice of hatha yoga enables strength and control of the body and mind, transforming the body into a protective covering. Who knew! See you on the mat... #turtlepower #tortoisepose

Student guest blog: Has it only been a week?

by Lisa Cosmillo, 300 hour Bali Yoga Teacher Training student

It doesn't seem like it could only be nine days ago that I made my way to the Yoga Barn in Ubud, Bali. This girl from Kansas (now living in Olympia, WA) would never be the same.

That night I met, albeit briefly, the souls I would be sharing my time with for the next 25 days. They all seemed so well-traveled and even the youngest very sophisticated. We came in all shapes and sizes and ages and had all traveled so far and all for one purpose, to deepen our relationships with ourselves, our bodies, our souls. With our wide range of abilities, we brought with us our mats, our yoga pants and our stories.

Little did we know that in one week we would go through so much together. Tears, laughter, nausea, hugs, back bends, pranayama, head stands ... the list goes on and on, but despite the hurdles, the fears, and the unbelievable assortment of insects and animals, we made it through this first week alive and mostly well.

When I set out to come here, I knew that this would inevitably affect my teaching and my practice, but after this first week, I feel these practices we are learning changing me, helping me. I am curious to continue down the path, to see where it leads and grateful for this opportunity.

Tonight, as I lie here in my hotel room writing this, it is the end of our first day off, and I just glanced up to see a gecko on the wall of my room. The man who works here tells me the Balinese believe the gecko carries good energy, so I just peacefully watch as he spies an insect and darts into the crack in the wall. As week two begins, I welcome all the good energy I can get. 

Student guest blog: Wow! What a great playlist!

by Paula Anderson, Zuna Yoga 300 hour Bali Yoga Teacher Training student

In the still morning air, there is such beauty in simply enjoying a peaceful practice. 

I love arriving at the dark studio for our pre-dawn practice. I tend to arrive right around 5 am everyday. And like all great performances, it's best to arrive early and get settled. The show begins with the assorted melodies of the Roosters crowing and the occasional Cricket percussionists. The Gecko bellows his solo from the horn section and by now the birds are playing in force from the woodwinds. The rolling percussion of the Cicadas brings the symphony to its forte, then a solo rises again steadily from the Frog. Aaaaah, as nature continues to serenade our practice, there are many moments you may not hear any of it, being so tuned in with our breath and asana. Katherine, like any great conductor, leads us with her beautiful voice - easing,  soothing and empowering us to stay ... "just one more minute here, yogis".

And like all great performances, there will be more. So, until tomorrow morning my fellow yogis! See you on your mats when the rooster crows...

Student guest blog: A Circuitous Journey

by Lisa Cosmillo, Zuna Yoga 300 hour Bali Yoga Teacher Training student

 
Tomorrow I begin the first leg of a journey I have been dreaming about for about 5 years. I never thought this would really happen, and frankly, it all still seems pretty surreal. 

It all began when I read Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I was moved by her adventures to Italy and her Yoga in India, but it was her descriptions of Bali that pulled me in. I knew as I read those pages, that someday, I would make this trip. However, I never could have foreseen the circuitous route my life would take to get me to this point.

First I had to become addicted to my Yoga practice. For a year, I woke each morning, walked my dogs, sat in meditation, practiced asana. This lovely practice would eventually lead me to join with one of my real estate clients to open my own Yoga studio, cafe, juice bar, and retail shop. The client disappeared, and it was just me. For almost two years, I worked full-time running my real estate business, my studio, shop and cafe and teaching Yoga. Along the way, I had acquired my 200-hour teacher training. 

My business was beautiful. People came, ate, practiced, communed. However, it never quite made enough income to allow me to quit being a real estate broker. So after almost two years, I had no choice but to close down. I was exhausted and had put my income, heart and soul into this endeavor. I spent a month or two in shock, then finally, I realized that out of the ashes, I had gained my teacher certification, my students, my practice... the silver lining of a difficult loss. And I wanted more.

So I began researching advanced trainings.... and very quickly, the Zuna Yoga training in Bali rose to the top...I remembered my passion for the descriptions, the colors, the smells of Bali. My friends encouraged me, my partner cheered me on, my kids weren't happy that I was going without them, but supported me nevertheless. I sent out feelers, made reservations, sent money.... it started getting real. 

Then out of nowhere, about 3 weeks ago, I got very, very sick with the flu. All my time spent getting strong felt like it was slipping away. And then two weeks ago, I get a call -- my little brother's wife had died unexpectedly - a young woman seemingly taken before her time. I pulled my sick body out of bed, got on an airplane and went to Kansas to do what I could to help my brother and his three kids. I told him I would stay if he needed me -- cancel my trip to Bali. But he wouldn't hear of it, my sweet brother told me to go and live my dream.

So here I am, and it's TOMORROW. I board a plane for a part of the world to which I've never been and prepare to jump into 10 or more hours of daily training. I am a bit scared, a lot excited and most of all -- open to whatever each moment holds determined to live and breathe through each new adventure.

Student guest blog: Distance, nearing.... it's here!

by Paula Anderson, Zuna Yoga 300 hour Bali Yoga Teacher Training student I write this from pitstop, Kuala Lumpur, my last "sleepover" enroute to Bali. I've adjusted to the time change seemingly well and I simply just can't believe I'm here and the training will begin in a week! I had spent time searching for a training that would bring a balance to my 200 hour training based on "Power" Yoga, although I would personally describe myself as a slow flow kid. I had done my prior training in weekend format and I knew I wanted an immersion based program to truly LIVE YOGA. I began my planning in January, hard to even think back that far! All seemed to be arranged for living yoga (in the future). Then the waiting, and waiting, and wow it's getting close and... It's nearly present now and the wonder has set in. "I wonder if"...the training will be as scarily intense as the schedule seemed (lol), ...with joy, happiness and an eager heart I look forward to finding out the answer to my wonders and more. I look forward to meeting Everett and Katherine and all my colleagues with whom I will share the experience of a lifetime! I'm signing off, heading to bed and up at 5 am to catch an early bird to Bali!

Student guest blog: Endings and Beginnings

by Samantha Smith (September 2014 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training)

It is hard to put into words all that I am feeling as the training comes to an end. I have so many mixed emotions about it all: happy for all the friends I have made, excited to see where life and yoga take me, disappointed to see it all go by so quickly. The days were long, but by the end I had become accustomed to the schedule and the simplicity of that focused life. Our last afternoon was the perfect ending to our time here together. I had my first experience with kirtan and it was amazing. I am still astonished by the energy a focused group can bring to a space; the chant to Ganesha has stuck with me since. I am so glad that I opted to do an intensive yoga teacher training with Zuna Yoga rather than the multiple weekends offered back home. Completely immersing yourself in the experience really affords you the opportunity to dedicate yourself 100% to the exploration of yoga and yourself, not only during the scheduled times in the day, but for the duration of your time here.

Samantha making new friends

Today I had a full day of opportunities and choices to explore Bali, and found myself both excited and a bit overwhelmed by the lack of structure. Luckily, I still have another week here in Bali to adjust. Tomorrow I leave Ubud, excited for new adventures around Indonesia and New Zealand, but part of me is not ready to leave this place behind. Nothing lasts forever, and while this journey is ending, my memories and friendships made here will last far beyond today. Thank you to my teachers and fellow trainees for the knowledge, fun and support throughout this training and for making this a trip I will never forget.

Student guest blog: Teaching Time!

by Guest Blogger, Samantha Smith (200 hour Yoga Teacher Training Bali Indonesia)

It has been quite some time since I have had to speak in front of that many people, let alone attempt to teach/lead them through a set of skills that I myself am still learning. I now remember what my fear of public speaking does to me. My throat was tight and my breath was short and my stomach was in knots. Thank goodness I had some relaxing essential oils from a fellow trainee to help calm my nerves as I waited for my turn to lead the class!

Samantha takes the lead

It was hard to get started, to be confident and trust in my choice of words, and to be vulnerable. I am not sure I fully got there, but it definitely got easier the longer I spoke. Teaching yoga is like speaking a foreign language right now, so much thought must be put into just how to say something to ensure the outcome of the instructions leads them into the position you had intended. 

When leading students into Savasana and after guiding the first few rounds of meditation, I also found it quite difficult to let the silence be. The empty space feels like forever and a million thoughts of what the class might be thinking were running though my head. When I wasn't participating myself, it was hard to remember what a comforting and personal experience these moments are, and the need for the silence to find them. 

In the yoga bubble

Week two of the 200 hour yoga teacher training is flying by, and I have been trying not to think about how soon this experience will come to an end, three weeks seemed like a long time leading up to the trip and now seems like not nearly enough. I have loved my time here in Bali so far (well maybe except for those spent in Chaturanga - but the massages help). There have been challenging times; days I was sick, my body hurt, refusing to do what I was asking it to do, and practice seemed never ending. However, even in those tough times I wouldn’t change a thing. As we have learned, it is through suffering we grow, and each hard time has taught me something. I have learned so much already; but my teachers here have so much to offer and there is still a lifetime's worth of things left to learn. I wish I could stay in this Bali yoga bubble a little longer. For now I am doing my best to live in the present, to take in every moment, every sight, smell and opportunity to learn, and to make the most of the second half of the training and my time here in Bali. 

Student guest blog: Breaking through limitations

by Guest Author, Kellie Jean Snyder (September 2014 200 hour Yoga Teacher Trainee)

The first week of the Zuna Yoga teacher training has been more than I ever imagined. It's amazing how many of my fellow students have come here because they're chasing their fears. We've talked a lot in class about how pursuing a life of yoga takes courage. I think that so many of us have realized exactly what that means to us personally this past week.

We all came here with our physical and mental limits, and those limits have been blown open over these past few days.  When I came to Ubud, I knew I liked fast yoga: one breath, one movement. Anything longer, and my brain would immediately quit. I had never forced myself to stay in the pose and feel the sensations of my body. One day in class, we really held poses for a long time, and I felt my mental ability expand immediately. It felt so liberating to be in the pose feeling stronger and stronger instead of letting my mind convince me I needed to get out. This was the moment I realized that I was I charge of my mind. Learning that I had the ability to quiet my mind in times of strain is something I will carry with me on and off the mat. Self transformation isn't something that happens overnight, but when we can measure our success by breaking through one mental boundary at a time, it's easy to notice things happening. 

I'm excited to see how my practice and my views on life and myself will grow over these next few weeks. It's hard to imagine we're almost half way through. It's going to go by so quickly, but I'm excited to take what I learn here and apply it to my daily life at home. After all, that's the true yoga. Taking it with us where ever we go, not just in the tropical bliss of Bali.

Student guest blog: In the Flow

by Guest Blogger, Samantha Smith ( 200 hour Yoga Teacher Trainee)

This is my first trip to Bali and, having traveled for 32 hours to get here, the drive from the airport to Ubud was a bit overwhelming. Everything was new. The streets are full of people and motorbikes, there are so many different shops and activities taking place; the wood slabs, carvings, colors, and smells of all the different foods and incense. It is all so different than what I have been used to, and so beautiful. I felt as though I was only able to take in such a small percentage of what was in front of me on that first drive in.

One of the most fascinating things for me was the traffic, the flow that everyone seemed to be in. Everyone working together, making time and space for one another. On that first ride there was a young man on his motorbike in front of us, driving very slowly, talking on his cell phone, weaving a bit through the street. It was something that would have caused so much anger and frustration to the drivers behind him where I am from. But my driver’s reaction was much different. He passed when he had the chance, no rush. He looked at the driver’s face and started smiling. He then looked at me and said, “He looks very happy, he must be talking to his girlfriend, he is very happy.” This instantly made me smile too. I was taken aback by what had just happened, and it made me reevaluate the way in which I had been looking at this situation in particular for so long. Something so small that might have started my day off ‘wrong’ not only didn’t disturb the driver, it made him happy.

Day one of practice at the Zuna Yoga 200 hour teacher training was an amazing experience. Morning practice flew by. When we had finished the asana practice and started our meditation, I was thinking there was still an hour and a half left before breakfast. I was shocked to find out we had already used the entire two hours and forty-five minutes! This was the longest I had ever practiced in one sitting and I was very surprised how out of my own head, and unworried about the future I was. It is something I have struggled to do as successfully since - especially since noticing the clock in the room. I was worried about the early start times coming into the training, but love that we start our practice when it is still dark, move through sunrise and finish after the sun has risen. It is so awakening and refreshing. 

Everett’s lectures are very engaging. I look forward to them everyday. It is not only the subjects, which I have a lot of interest in, but the way in which he presents the information with such passion, bringing fun and personal experience to them.  These first few days have made me very excited for the rest of the training and what is to come. Lectures in the afternoon are very informative, there is a lot of anatomy to learn, but the interactive method of teaching makes it more fun and the amount of information seem less intimidating. It doesn’t hurt either that my fellow trainees are some of the nicest and most interesting people I have met, everyone open and willing to help one another. 

Thus far, Bali has exceeded my expectations. If I had any doubts before, I am reassured now that my decision to come here was a good one. 

Student Guest Blog: Adaptation

by Guest Author, Claire Buckley (500 hour Zuna Yoga Teacher Trainee)

We are on Day Three of the 200 hour Zuna Yoga teacher training in Ubud, Bali. There is an all-pervading sense of adaptation: to the schedule - the early starts, the regular class time to break time patterns, the homework, the practice style; but also to each other - 30 new, interesting, inspiring individuals to have the pleasure to get to know and of course our teachers, Everett, Katherine and Anna. 

These three are a class act. Everett is a fountain of knowledge based on years of teaching experience, questioning, study and self practice. Like a cat in front of a saucer of cream, I find myself wanting to lap up every last drop of what he is teaching me. I'm writing his way of expressing something down in my notebook and thinking that this way to explain it just encapsulates it so neatly. There is humor, drama and presence in his voice and teaching delivery. In brief, we've covered the history, the Vedas and the Gunas plus many types of poses and breathing techniques in detail, already by day three.

Katherine is also a dynamic teacher. We are always up on our feet one minute, sitting next, then up again. Not once have I felt like I need to take a nap in class like my time at university!! We are working our way through a good foundation of anatomy and she relates things back to yoga poses and what we may sometimes see in a class. 

There is also much appreciation in our class for the teaching assistant, Anna. As with Everett and Katherine, she is super supportive, engaged, and also challenging, by keeping us on our toes, and providing great assists in class. 

I am struggling with the intensity and lack of time for myself to just digest this all. I've been reaching my room at the end of the day and just crashing, the other night with my calves and feet still over the side of the bed!! 

Student guest blog: from London to Bali

by Guest Author, Claire Buckley (September/October 2014 500 hour Zuna Yoga Teacher Trainee)

Leaving the London crowds behind

I’m leaving my home city for two months to train with Zuna Yoga in Bali, Indonesia. A bright orange suitcase is rolling smoothly beside me like a faithful pet as we battle through the rush hour crowds in London.  Once inside the tube train to Heathrow, I take stock of all that I did to get myself to this point.

Looking back, I first floated the idea with loved ones, family and friends. There were both types of responses, and the points made - whether supportive or incredulous - were appreciated.

my dog

“How will you pay your bills?”

“What will happen to your dog?”

“Do you know anyone over there?”

“What about your job?”

“You are just running away!”

And also:

“This experience is going to be great for you!”

“You are very brave!”

“We’ll look after your dog.”

“I’ll be here when you get back.”

“Please send us updates from Bali.”

The second step was looking at my responsibilities and how to finance the trip. Personal admin, trip to the accountants, filing, sorting, completing, so that everything is in hand. I have looked under the bonnet of each part of my life. Hopefully the distracting mind chatter about my usual day to day will be minimised so I can absorb every atom of what will be before me!

So yes, there is a sense of walking through a door onto a new path, but I’ve worked for it and deserve it and I’m going to enjoy it, come what may!