My journey to becoming a Yoga Teacher in beautiful Sri Lanka
At the end of last year, I made a spontaneous yet significant decision to become a yoga teacher. It turned out to be a great decision. The experience was magical, and as I write this, I feel a tingling excitement to share it. My fellow students and I joked about how difficult it would be to convey our unique, special, and challenging experience to others; this training has created a clear "before" and "after" in my life. Still, I will try, and I hope this post will inspire you.
Sri Lanka YTT venue - private album
Planting The Seed of Intention
I've been practising yoga for nearly 10 years, starting when I lived in Berlin. My neighbourhood was filled with yoga studios, each offering unique styles and methods. Despite taking breaks, I always returned to yoga, especially during busy and challenging times, to reconnect with my body and breathe deeply. Still, the decision to become a yoga teacher was spontaneous, born during a trip to Cyprus. Practising under the open sky, I realised how wonderful it would be to deepen my yoga practice in a warm, beautiful place. And so, the seed was planted. My idea wasn't necessarily to become a yoga teacher but to challenge myself, learn new things, and delve deeper into this beautiful discipline.
Spanda Institute: Tradition Meets Science
After extensive research, I found the Spanda Institute, which really resonated with me. Since 2009, they've trained hundreds of yoga teachers worldwide. Sri Lanka, with its magical villa setting, caught my attention. The training involved small groups, ensuring personalised attention for each student. Unlike other large, factory-like training programs, Spanda offers only a few intensive courses annually. One part of the training was online, allowing me to start my journey from home and arrive prepared for the intensive training. I appreciated Spanda's approach to yoga: integrating ancient wisdom with modern science. They describe their method as multidisciplinary, combining Tantric and Hatha Yoga teachings, classical yoga philosophy, Ayurveda, and sciences like anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, neuroscience, and psychology. This approach aligns perfectly with my own views on yoga, valuing both its spiritual roots and scientifically proven benefits for body and mind. I learned so much about the history of yoga, Ayurveda, anatomy, and biomechanics.
Arrival and The Venue
By late February, I had completed the online portion of the training, gaining knowledge in anatomy and yoga history. I then flew to Sri Lanka, spending two days as a tourist before arriving at the venue in Hiriketiya. This stunning Villa became my home for the next 16 nights, along with other students from Denmark, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, and Canada. Our two yoga teachers stayed nearby, and all instruction was in English. The Villa was truly paradise, with a beautiful yoga shala, a pool, and a nearly private beach. The villa staff made our stay wonderful, serving delicious Sri Lankan meals and allowing us to explore local restaurants on alternate nights.
The Intense Learning Curve
The learning curve during those weeks was intense. By the third day, I was ready to start teaching yoga, and by the end, I could confidently teach classes, knowing the names of joints, muscles, and bones, and understanding yoga's underpinnings. I made lasting friendships and formed a unique bond with my fellow students. Four days after the training, I taught my first "real" class in a Sri Lankan hotel. In addition, the immersive experience in Sri Lanka, free from daily chores, provided a unique energy boost. I needed less sleep and felt more rested, prompting reflections on my lifestyle at home.
Considering a Yoga Teacher Training?
If you're thinking about becoming a yoga teacher, go for it. You don't need a decade of practice. A good grasp of yoga basics is helpful, but the experience itself will deepen your understanding. You don't have to aspire to teach yoga; many participants simply want to enhance their practice. This training also helps you learn about holding space, speaking in front of groups, and using your voice. For me, teaching meditation and embracing silence were particularly valuable lessons.
I could write a book about this experience, but if you're considering training with the Spanda Institute, I wholeheartedly recommend it. Check out their future courses, and feel free to contact me with any questions—I'd be happy to share more. You can reach out to me on Instagram❣️
Meet our Sangha
Caroline Sølver
Caroline is a blogger who shares trendy travel guides, lifestyle inspiration, and personal stories. Originally from Copenhagen, she lived in Berlin and New York before returning home to study at Copenhagen Business School, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Market Communication. In 2023, she began her master’s studies.
A passionate yoga practitioner, Caroline earned her Yoga Teacher Diploma from Spanda Institute in Sri Lanka in 2024.
In addition to writing, traveling, and practicing yoga, Caroline loves reading, enjoying oat milk cappuccinos, and getting around on her bicycle.