“Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu. May all beings everywhere be happy and free and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.”

Asana. Breath. Meditation. Philosophy – Yoga Teacher Training, Byron Yoga Centre

For 20 days I stepped into those four words above and completely immersed myself in Yoga. I am just beginning to process the amazing experience of allowing myself to pursue my dream of becoming a certified yoga teacher and allowing my love of yoga to truly shine and flourish deep in my body, mind, and Soul. It is a humbling experience and one that is definitely daunting and overwhelming at times over the 20 days.  Luckily besides the immense joy of non stop yoga… I had my camera by my side and was able to capture some of the Light and laughter along our journey…

I lived and breathed yoga constantly and allowed myself to be present for the entire training. Being present gave me such clarity and joy to fully embrace the amount of knowledge that was being shared with us during the program. It was different to live with 24 Yogis for 20 days – but it was amazing that all of us with our completely different lives united with the common thread of Yoga. We shared an experience that is hard to express in words but allowed us to bond and create a special kinship.  Each day began before dawn and slowly through immersion we began to love the wee small hours of the morning and the tip toeing of 24 Yogis into the yoga shala was a beautiful thing. I loved rolling out my mat, setting my intention, focusing on my breath, watching the incense smoke waft throughout the room, all while listening to a symphony of kookaburras laughing in the rising sun. As our days unraveled and filled with asana my body strengthened as well as my internal awareness. We had delicious high vibe vegetarian food that helped yogis follow ahimsa during the 20 days and I personally loved photographing the vibrant colors! Anatomy terms whirled through our heads (along with images of torch lights), Kirtan lifted our hearts and singing voices, Asana. Asana. Asana coursed through our bodies, Teaching in groups, Teaching to the public, Adjustments, Japa mala beads rolled through our fingers, and bolsters began to be our pillows. As dusk settled in we would wrap up our last session with pranayama, meditation, or philosophy and this heightened our unity as a group as well as deepened our yoga practice. Every evening a migration of fruit bats flowed through the sky and star by star began to shine until the Milky Way came into full view. This is the time when aspiring yoga teachers would head off into their personal practice, study, reflect, read, and prepare their lesson plans for teaching the following day. It was in these late night hours that it was if my camera lens just came into focus and it was crystal clear that my love for yoga was not just for me to share but to share with others.

I hope to share my yoga practice with many through my teaching and share the amazing gifts that yoga gives to everyone who is willing to step onto the mat and allow themselves to breath. The asanas (postures) form not only physical beauty and life energy, but they restore the mental and physical health, strength, and wellbeing to the body. They form just one part of the branches of yoga and it was what we do when we leave the yoga room and live our life off the mat that can really have a profound affect to those around us.  For any yogi looking to take steps towards becoming a yoga teacher – I urge you to follow your passion and find time for a yoga teacher training. Thank You to our Teachers: Tara, Michael, Chloe, Kara, John, Haley, Jess, Maria & Davina and to Byron Yoga Centre for an incredible program!

A big Thank You to my Bhujang Crew (24 Yogis) for sharing ‘Camp Bhujang’ with me and giving me the privilege of shooting our Yoga Teacher Training in Byron Bay. I can’t wait to take your classes in the future and miss sharing the yoga room with you daily.  Each of you are an inspiration and a beautiful Yogi! I hope you enjoy some of the highlights of our 20 days immersed in yoga including a blind folded yoga class, partner yoga class & adjustments, sunset yoga nidra, vibrant vegetarian food, yoga props, and various asanas!

Namaste,
Melissa x