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The preparation is finished! Trainees are headed to Greece for our Santorini Namaslay® Yoga Teacher Training which starts this week! We asked the trainees to share a little about their experience getting ready for their YTT. You can read their responses below and follow our training on Instagram. Keep a close eye on the blog, as some of them will be doing guest posts about their journey, and we’ll post updates on their growth as teachers and students. If you’re thinking of joining one of our YTTs, there are two more chances this year, the weekend version starting this June in Connecticut, and in August we’ll be back in Tennessee for an intensive training. You can sign up here.
Jenner M.
What unexpected or quirky thing will you be packing for your YTT?
A small framed photo of my boys for my room, for daily motivation.
What's been the best part of prepping for the YTT? What's been the worst? Why?
The excitement and alllllll the yoga has been the best part! Managing my fear has been the most difficult part; but I also know a lot a growth and confidence will come from that struggle.
What's your strategy for dealing with missing people/pets/home while you're away at the intensive teacher training?
My friend Nicole and I are doing the training together. I’m confident we will rely on each other for support when missing our little ones, and that we can remind each other that we are here doing this, partially for them. We also have lots of little surprises planned for them while we are gone, that’ll help too!
Follow Jenner on IG @jennermaher
Lily P.
What changes to your daily routine or lifestyle have you made in preparation for this training? How's that change going for you? What's tough, what's easy?
I began to read more and found out I actually enjoy reading. I also began incorporating yoga at the end of my workouts. I’m loving both of these changes. It has slowed me down from my daily on the go mentality. It has allowed to to take my time with many things. I actually pack my breakfast and lunch for work now the day before. It takes a few days to adapt to new routines, but when I felt the difference in my mood and positive perspective when you don’t rush yourself everywhere, it made it a lot easier to stick with it.
2. What's been the best part of prepping for the YTT? What's been the worst? Why?
One thing I started doing was recording my practice. I have really enjoyed seeing my progress over time. It’s slow progress, but even the slightest step forward makes me feel happy and will motivate me more. The worst part is that one little thought in the back of my mind that I won’t be well prepared once I get to the YTT.
3. What's your strategy for dealing with missing people/pets/home while you're away at the intensive teacher training?
I’m actually taking advantage of visiting the rest of Greece after the training. My boyfriend, his sister and her husband will be meeting me there once my training is over, so I have them to look forward to. And of course FaceTime to see my family back home.
Follow Lily on IG @lilyyyyp
Kaitlin R.
What's been the best part of prepping for the YTT? What's been the worst? Why?
The best part has been the feeling of knowing that it’s going to be a life changing experience and one that I’m more than ready for! The worst part has been thinking of not seeing my best friend (a.k.a husband) for a full month as I’m going to do some traveling after. I know it’s completely perfect and necessary to solo travel and I can’t wait to see what I gain from the experience!
2. Do you have any tips for packing, travel in general or getting through a flight or long drive?
While Packing I’m trying to be as minimalist as possible and literally just thinking about what’s going to serve me best to bring! As far as traveling, I’ve downloaded a lot of old movies that I know I love/tv shoes (friends) lol.
3. What's your strategy for dealing with missing people/pets/home while you're away at the intensive teacher training?
Pictures, videos!!, voicemails!!! I find these so helpful while traveling and actually watching videos make me so happy when I can hear they’re voices!
Follow Kaitlin on IG @kaitlin.edge.fitness
Anita S.
What changes to your daily routine or lifestyle have you made in preparation for this training? How's that change going for you? What's tough, what's easy?
In preparation for the YTT, I've been trying to involve myself in all sorts of physical activity. I've been trying new things like CrossFit and Soul Cycle to diversify my workouts, as well as develop strength and endurance. Ashtanga-styled power-flows have also become a part of my routine, and I absolutely love it!
2. What unexpected or quirky thing will you be packing for your YTT?
My stuffed dog - SMOKEY. He comes with me on all of my long trips :) - he reminds me of home!
3. Do you have any tips for packing, travel in general or getting through a flight or long drive?
I used to frequently travel for work, so I got used to the "live-out-of-a-suitcase" lifestyle. Having a packing list really helps to keep me organized! In terms of flight tips, fun-fact - I actually HATE flying. I'm scared of turbulence and can be a very nervous flyer. That's why I always carry Gravol or Melatonin so that I can knock myself right out (red wine helps too ;)). If I ever feel anxious on the plane, I also carry small tubes of essential oils to calm me down (I recommend peppermint and lavender!)
Follow Anita on IG @life.of.anita
Johanne J.
What changes to your daily routine or lifestyle have you made in preparation for this training? How's that change going for you? What's tough, what's easy?
I started being more "strict" and regular with my practice and it's going well! It has actually made me way better at tuning in to what I'm doing at the exact moment. The only thing that has been tough was just doing it. And that isn't even that hard.
2. Do you have any tips for packing, travel in general or getting through a flight or long drive?
Bring something to read, something to listen to, something to snack on and something to sleep on :) and then just come to peace with spending a long time doing nothing. It is okay not to accomplish great things all the time (this advice is very much to myself as well).
3. What's your strategy for dealing with missing people/pets/home while you're away at the intensive teacher training?
Distraction, I think. It also helps me to think that life goes incredibly fast and these 5 minutes I spend on missing my dog is going to represent a very small part of my time in Santorini. It helps to try to see your situation from a distance.
Leah W.
What changes to your daily routine or lifestyle have you made in preparation for this training? How's that change going for you? What's tough, what's easy?
I consider myself organized, but YTT prep has taken my time management skills to a whole new level! I have been doing HIIT workouts more regularly and have been trying to meditate more (why is it so hard to DO NOTHING?!). With a full-time job plus teaching on the side, folding these physical aspects into my daily routine has been challenging but rewarding. Meditation irons out the mental wrinkles, and I am noticeably stronger in yoga postures thanks to HIIT and strength-based yoga sequences. Life is all about balance and YTT prep has been a great teacher.
2. What's been the best part of prepping for the YTT? What's been the worst? Why?
The best part (so far) has been diving into the well rounded readings (gut health, yoga postures, history, anatomy, and more!!!) all while incorporating physical practices (meditation, strength building, different yoga styles) that complement these readings. I'm a Pollyana at heart, so nothing has been the "worst", but prepping for the social media aspect of YTT has been challenging (#eldermillennial). My Facebook page collects dust, and I joined Instagram only after applying for YTT. I don't really know what I'm doing and have a lot to learn from Candace.
3. Do you have any tips for packing, travel in general or getting through a flight or long drive?
Bring fuel (i.e., food) - My go-to-items include PB&J's, homemade trail mix, dark chocolate, whole fruit, and cut-up veggies, all in reusable containers. This saves money and the body (airport and travel stop food is expensive and usually highly processed) and reduces packaging waste. Stay hydrated - I bring eye drops, lotion, and chapstick, as well as a water bottle to fill at the airport or on-the-go. Keep the mind calm - For me that means bringing a paperback book (or audiobook if driving), getting The New York Times (for the news AND crossword), downloading a few podcasts, and having a good set of earplugs on hand.
Follow Leah on IG @minimally_leah
Kara D.
What changes to your daily routine or lifestyle have you made in preparation for this training? How's that change going for you? What's tough, what's easy?
When I first looked at the sample schedule for the training, I realised I needed to start practising meditation. I did the meditation challenge that Candace put together on the YBC® application and felt less rushed during my work days, and less attached to feelings. Some days I would put it off right before bed, but I finished knowing that a calm mind is a happy life. Aside from trying to meditate more, I've been incorporating yin and restorative yoga regularly to help balance out all the traveling and cultural adjustments I'm facing living and working abroad. I'm finding this relatively easy to do! It feels like a hot bath at the end of a long day. I'm really hoping to teach yoga in both English and French, so I've started meeting up with a colleague to guide her in a yoga sequence once a week. It's been a challenge for me to find the best way to say things in a second language, but very rewarding. She now puts her kids in Savasana before bed- I love that. I also go to pilates classes when I can, as I want to learn more about the pelvic floor.
2. What's been the best part of prepping for the YTT? What's been the worst? Why?
The worst part of prepping for the YTT has been following any type of regular schedule. My life is in constant motion, and I have a job where my schedule changes at the drop of a hat. My priorities lately have been dealing with immigration documents, improving my second language fluidity, and making sure I have a good social support system abroad. I've had to do yoga when I can, and let go of the perfect routine I used to have at home. The best part has been the spiritual readings, and envisioning what I want. Deciding to do this was like finally buying that special something I've wanted for a long time, but didn't have the courage to "splurge" on. As soon as I made the decision, I felt empowered and have allowed myself to dream.
3. What's your strategy for dealing with missing people/pets/home while you're away at the intensive teacher training?
I feel as if I'm an expert on this topic as this is the third time I've lived abroad. This time around was the longest, nine months, and my best strategy has been saying "yes" to as many invitations as possible. If I don't have my family with me, I need to have some type of support, so I make sure to talk with people when I'm doing errands, and meet up for coffee dates. I was definitely one of the few young people standing in line with all the retirees doing their midday grocery shopping. I don't tell myself I "should" be more independent and I speak with my family as much as I want on WhatsApp- even if it's just sending them a funny video or photo. Instagram also helps! I watch videos and see posts of what people are doing back home. It makes me feel "in the loop."
Follow Kara on IG @karadonovan808
Hillary C.
What's been the best part of prepping for the YTT? What's been the worst? Why?
Prepping for YTT has led me In so many positive directions, from the long reading list, to the daily practices and the mental awareness of life all around. I have felt more graceful and calm in my everyday life. The challenging part for me right now, is waiting these last few days to just get there and let the unknown fall into place.
2. Do you have any tips for packing, travel in general or getting through a flight or long drive?
Make sure you are doing these things because YOU want to be doing them. It makes the journey so much more enjoyable. So sit back, maybe plug those headphones in and jam out or catch up on some podcasts or audible books. If you leave something behind, try not to get caught up with it and let it go. See what life is like for a little while without it and just enjoy where you are headed. (Luckily you can find a toothbrush in most places) Even if it’s completely unknown to you, do it anyway because it really can change your life in a more uplifting way.
3. What's your strategy for dealing with missing people/pets/home while you're away at the intensive teacher training?
Life is really fast. Even if the moment seems to take forever, you will one day look back and realize just how fast living is. When you are away from your loved ones, it gives you a chance to be uncomfortable and learn a little more about your self. Be excited about that. Overcoming fears and chasing after the life you want will bring you so much courage and an overflowing emotion of liberation. Your loved ones can do nothing but be proud of you. That is enough reason to get out and do what will help me learn and grow so I can bring positive life lessons back with me and share stories with the ones I love.
Follow Hillary on IG @hi_crooks
Alexandra C.
What's been the best part of prepping for the YTT? What's been the worst? Why?
The best part was the reading list. I used to make excuses in the past that I don’t have enough time for reading, but being able to finish all the books in a few months shows that there is always time for the s things! The worst part was trying to balance my chef life with a more intense yoga practise.
2. Do you have any tips for packing, travel in general or getting through a flight or long drive?
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes and just go with it. Don’t count hours or distance. Just relax and it will go faster than you think
3. What's your strategy for dealing with missing people/pets/home while you're away at the intensive teacher training?
Trying to talk to them everyday and once again, not counting the days!
Follow Alexandra on IG @alexcle3