After more than a year of offering solely online teacher trainings, we invited our new students to experience a live Sacred Earth YTT in-person at our beloved Bambu Guest House on Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, for our first in-person training in April, 2021.

We caught up with one student, Sarah to hear about her experience learning on the banks of Lake Atitlán.

What brought you to Guatemala?

When I was 18 I decided I wanted to become a yoga teacher, and after completing my bachelors degree I decided to sign up for Awakened Spirit’s SACRED EARTH 200HR YTT in Guatemala, as it combined most of my passions — yoga, nature/ permaculture, travel and vegan food! Unfortunately the training was cancelled due to Covid. I wanted to do the training all the same, and since ASY offered to do it online first, with the possibility to participate in Guatemala afterwards – I decided to do so. I really enjoyed both trainings – and the ways in which they were very different.

What was your highlight of the month?

The highlights of the month were the practicums (teaching is just so much fun), studying Ayurveda, and the visit to Casa Curativa and their incredible medicinal herb garden.

 

What was the greatest challenge?

The greatest challenge was learning how to find balance within ourselves, so that we are able to teach. As a non-native English speaker, I struggled a lot with the anatomy module, and was grateful for the combination of both the online with Cris Kummer and in-person with Holly Mech, where I gained more confidence and learned how to take up space.

 

What was your favourite element of the course/ favourite learning?

 My favourite element was water since I like to create very fluid movements for my body, the sounds of water you can use, and the meditation you can set up.

 

What was your favourite part of studying permaculture in Tzununá?

 Studying permaculture in Tzununá with Shad Qusdi was amazing as we visited several farms and even did some tul planting on Lake Atitlán with the Wellkind Organization, which are amazing plants that prevent trash from entering and polluting the lake. In this way we could give something back to the local community.

  

How did you find the month living immersed in nature on the shores of Lake Atitlán?

I loved living in nature. In our home countries we are usually very disconnected from nature, there are no animals in the house, and we use resources as if they were unlimited. Living here feels like being in union with nature.

 

Do you have any guidance / tips to share with future students interested in taking the course?

The course is amazing. It does not matter if you want to become a yoga teacher or if you want to take part for your self-development. You will meet incredible people who will turn your life perspectives upside down and it will really expand your emotional and physical limits.

Has your appetite for adventure been sparked?

Our next Sacred Earth program will take place in Guatemala Nov 2 – 28 2021. Discover more and SIGN UP early as space is limited!