Yoga Teacher Training in India

Why I Chose to do YTT in India

I cannot believe it has already been three months since returning from my four week Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) in India! In case you were wondering why I decided to pursue my certification, let alone in India, give this article a read. It might even give you a solid idea to help make your decision to become certified as well!

Why Would A Nurse Get Certified to Teach Yoga?  

I started my own yoga practice about eight years ago after “retiring” from playing competitive ice hockey. I had lost all sense of exercising for myself, and yoga helped me reconnect with my body, mind, and spirit. Yoga has done so much for me personally, and there is more evidence now than ever supporting it’s incredible benefits for overall health.

As a future Family Nurse Practitioner, I have a deep commitment to bring holistic care to my western practice. Unfortunately if you want to do this, outside training in yoga, breathwork, reiki, essential oils, etc, is (not always but usually) through education and certification on your own. Getting yoga certified has been on my radar for a while to further understand the mind-body connection and eventually bring yoga to patients and the community in a primary care setting.

Now that I have my certification, I am hoping to teach part-time to gain experience. Things however are really going to pick up this fall as I start my doctoral program and will still be working as an RN, so we’ll see if I can find the balance!

Why India?

I do not think anyone needs to justify traveling, but here is why I decided to do my YTT in India:

1. India is the birthplace of yoga, what better way to learn than to go straight to the source?

2. From a practical standpoint, an intensive month program worked better for my schedule. The training came as I was moving back to Chicago from North Carolina and switching jobs, so truly there was no better time!

3. YTT in India is actually CHEAPER than doing it in the States. My flight, food, accommodations, the training itself, everything total cost less than $3,000 which is the cost for just the training at home. This is also about the same price it has cost me to stand up in a few weddings I have been in...so it was beyond justified in my mind.

4. I love to travel. Instead of asking “why would you travel to do this?”, I ask, “why wouldn’t you travel to do this?”. India was now my third solo trip to Asia, so fortunately I felt confident in the challenge (to learn more about why I solo travel click here).

What Was it Like?

Let me start by saying my experience in India was not a romanticized montage from “Eat, Pray, Love”. It was not glamorous in any way (well, aside from the many breathtaking views). In short it was humbling, challenging, and perspective shifting- but, in the end, everything I could have asked for and more.

I did my yoga training with Himalayan Yoga Bliss in Darjeeling, a town near the India/Nepal border neighboring the stunning Himalayas. There is something incredibly grounding about being near the mountains, and the views from the Shala did not disappoint (obviously).

Schedule

Most days went like this:

• 4.30AM Wake up and get ready.

• 5.30-6.30 Meditation (sometimes walking meditation) Satsang, chanting

• 7.00-9.00 Asana (pose) Practice

• 9.00-10.30 Breakfast & Break

• 10.30-11.30 Asana Workshop

• 11.30-12.30 Teaching Techniques

• 12.30-1.00PM Karma Yoga AKA, help clean the school

• 1.00PM-3.00PM Lunch & Break. Enough time here where we would go to a nearby cafe for masala tea, try to connect to wifi (if we could), and go over material.

• 3.00PM-4.00PM Yoga Philosophy

• 4.00PM-4.30PM Tea Break

• 4.30PM-6.00PM Asana Practice

• 6.00PM-7.00PM Dinner

• 7.00PM Headed back to the rooms to “study” and relax,  but we usually fell asleep by 8.30PM to get enough sleep for our 4:30AM wake up call to do it all over again.

During our month we had four days off total, which was great to explore Darjeeling and the nearby area. Rain and exhaustion however played a big role on our days off, so most students stayed in to relax, study, and prepare for teaching our own classes. India, as a whole, has so much to offer and I wish I could have stayed longer! I must also note that the food was incredible- all traditional vegetarian Indian cuisine, handmade by our lovely cook next door. We ate at a long table as a group, in silence for every meal.

Now, let me humbly note that I do pride myself in being pretty comfortable “roughing it”...I have backpacked, camped, slept on airport floors and taken overnight buses and trains in multiple developing countries. My standards are pretty low while traveling and I’m not one to complain or chase the five star ratings on TripAdvisor. I do also think being a nurse- working 12 hour shifts overnight dealing with blood, vomit and emotions helps in this department, but I will say this month was as I mentioned… challenging.  

Accommodations were very modest. I basically was given a bed almost as hard as sleeping on the ground, and a “shower” with cold water that was really just a faucet that you needed to squat under and immediately squeejie the pooling water through a hole in the wall. All this while still freezing cold from the ice water you attempted to splash on yourself during that so called shower. Not to mention you are waking up before the crack of dawn and practicing yoga for 3-4 hours a day. I was a sweaty, hot mess for a month and quite frankly realized not caring was the best way to go. To further paint the picture, I mean no makeup, oily hair in a top-knot, wearing the same clothes for days, type of mess.

On top of all that, I also had the pleasure of spending many of our breaks taking fellow students to the medical clinic, hospital, and pharmacy in town as almost every student at some point got traveler’s diarrhea or a nasty cold (I somehow managed to stay completely healthy the entire month). The experience working with India’s healthcare system could be an entire post of it’s own, so I think it’s safe to say everyone was relieved to have a nurse on the trip! This is further validation that being a nurse comes in handy when you least expect it. We wear many hats, but we are always happy to use our experience and expertise when needed. I was thankful to be present to help my friends and it was also enlightening along the way.

Yes, I even administered IV antibiotics to a fellow student

The days were long and each came with physical, mental, and emotional challenges.

The conditions and poverty in India are beyond heartbreaking. There are plenty of sick and homeless people in town, stray dogs running everywhere, and garbage is burned in the open streets. Instead of reading inspiring quotes about gratitude, we were reminded of it’s true meaning every hour of every day. Despite these somewhat culture-shocking conditions, the hospitality, kindness, generosity and sense of community in India was incredibly heart-warming. It’s easy to fall in love with India and it’s people.

With twenty students from all over the world, (I was one of three Americans) I not only learned about Indian culture, but I experienced this journey with people from all walks of life. Through exploring the traditional philosophy and living the practice, I was able to challenge my thoughts on what yoga really is. Yoga is not about just building strength, detoxifying the body, or hitting Instagram worthy poses that the western world markets and buys into. Yoga is about being kind, open, vulnerable, and realizing you aren’t perfect. There were moments of frustration, insecurity and doubt, but we all found equal moments of fulfillment, grounding, and joy.

There was no hiding and no filters. The experience was beautiful, real, and raw.  

Did my month in India “change” me as a person?

Yes, but I believe every trip changes you if you are open and willing. I did not come back spiritually enlightened or “completed”. I don’t think anyone going on this journey should expect that.

Do I recommend doing YTT?

Yes. Absolutely yes. Whether you plan on teaching or not, YTT will deepen your practice physically and spiritually if you are open to the process.

Do I recommend YTT in India?”

F*CK Yes. I would say F*CK yes to traveling anywhere, anytime. Just be aware- do your research ahead of time and be realistic about your needs. If you are a tad high-maintenance- i.e you need a soft bed with comfy pillows and a regular warm shower, this is probably not for you. However, if you are ready to put yourself out of your comfort zone, experience another culture, challenge yourself and truly immerse in the experience, GO!

Have you done YTT abroad or thinking about it for the future? I would love to hear about your journey in yoga, healthcare or YTT! Leave a comment below of find me on social media.

XO,

Jac

References

Taneja, Kumar. (2014). Yoga and Health. Indian Journal of Community Medicine, 39(2), 68–72. doi: 10.4103/0970-0218.132716

Why Travel Solo

Why I Travel Alone

and why YOU can too.

Do you find yourself lost in your thoughts of wandering streets in a foreign city? Constantly checking prices on flights to basically anywhere? Waiting for the right time when you’ve “saved” enough money, or when your schedule aligns with your friends or family so you can FINALLY start your globe-trotting dreams? Believe me, I can relate.

I was that kid in college with a world map posted on my dorm room wall, pins in all the countries I would one day explore. I had never stepped foot out of North America, but was consumed with wanderlust, constantly daydreaming about traveling new places and experiencing new cultures. A year after graduating college, I finally had the time and saved enough cash to take my first international trip to Italy with my sister. As we walked through the streets of Milan, we turned a corner and found ourselves in front of the Milan Cathedral “Duomo di Milano”, and I was left speechless. It was an out of body experience I had never really felt before, and in that moment I had truly grasped what catching the “travel bug” meant.

The travel bug bit me hard, real hard. From then on, all I wanted to know was how the heck I could keep doing this and where I was going to go next?

Later that year, my boyfriend at the time and I went backpacking through Nicaragua and planned another domestic hiking trip. Cue the tears, we broke up a few weeks before (wah wah). As the trip approached I sat there pouting- instead of being surrounded with nature trekking in the mountains, I’m sitting in my apartment, alone. F*CK THIS. I grabbed my laptop, found a hostel with good reviews in Chattanooga, Tennessee and booked an overnight Megabus trip for $7 that night. I was done waiting around for someone to have adventures with, I realized I was all I needed.

Looking back, maybe I took that first solo trip to escape and not deal with the emotions of a breakup. Maybe I was trying to prove something to him, myself, or everyone else I was “capable”. Whatever the reason was, that first solo trip changed my life (sounds silly, but listen in). I picked everything- where I stayed, what I did, when I ate, when I slept- completely free of anyone else’s biases.

I also found out all of my previous assumptions about traveling alone could not have been more wrong. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, unsafe, alone, or bored, I felt completely free, empowered, and ready to take on the world. Over the next five years I continued traveling solo through Montana, Glacier National Park, Oregon, Spain, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, South Korea, China, and India - and haven’t looked back since.

There are not many things as transformative and liberating as embarking on your own solo adventure. Here’s why:

FREEDOM

Want to see the sunrise over the ocean? Get up. Want to sleep in until noon? Sleep. Want to hike that mountain? Get moving. Want to sit at the bottom and read a book? Take a seat. Want to leave a city and move on? Go. Love where you are and want to stay another day? Stay. (“Okay, we get it”). You are free of what you want to do, when you want to do it. There are few better opportunities to learn exactly what YOU decide.

PERSONAL GROWTH

Catching trains, buses, carrying all of your belongings, currency, and a language barrier can all be very intimidating. Problem solving and figuring out the bumps on the way (they will happen, I promise) is totally empowering and will give you growth unlike any before. To limit these bumps and be fully prepared, here’s your Guide to Solo Travel.

PERSPECTIVE

New customs, food, culture, traditions. You will come back not just with amazing stories, but a better understanding of yourself and the world around you. On my most recent trip to India, witnessing the incredible happiness and community despite impoverished conditions, humbled and challenged me more than I have ever experienced. You are constantly changing your outlook abroad, hopefully bringing this shift with you in everyday life back home.

CONFIDENCE

Let’s face it, overall solo travel makes you pretty badass. After I came home from my first backpacking trip through Asia I thought, “If I can motorbike through Myanmar and figure it out, I can pretty much do anything”. That high you get from traveling solo carries to other parts of your life too. Maybe now you have the self-assurance to pursue dreams you thought before were out of reach or the courage to cut out what is no longer serving you.

TRAVELING ALONE ISN’T REALLY TRAVELING ALONE

Newsflash: you are much more approachable when you are alone. By staying open and talking to others, staying in hostels, or signing up for group tours, I promise you will meet plenty of solo travelers just like yourself. I have met some of the most amazing humans and lifelong friends from traveling, and now have a comfy place to stay with friends all over the world.

Maybe this article was just the nudge you needed to finally book that trip. I look forward to sharing more on mindful, affordable, and healthy travel here on this blog!

Have you traveled solo? I would love to hear about your experience and any advice you have. What are your favorite solo travel tips and tricks? Please comment below or share with me on social media.

XO,

Jac

Female Solo Travel Guide

Your Complete Guide

To Solo Travel

Maybe after reading Why I Travel Solo, you’re thinking, “I think I can do this...maybe...but HOW”? With five years and over twenty countries traveled around the world, I have collected all of my best tips and tricks to answer your questions:

WHERE DO I START ?

• Well...where do you want to go? If your heart is calling you to a foreign land, by all means GO! But, if you are feeling a little nervous, start small- within your country or one that speaks the same language. For example if you live in the USA/Canada, start domestic or with Ireland, England, or Australia.
  

• If you still don’t have a great starting point, head to Skyscanner where you can choose your travel dates and see the cheapest flight by searching destination “Everywhere”. This is also a great resource if you are traveling on a tight budget.
  

• Although I have never done one, I have heard great things about Solo Group Travel Tours where although you are technically heading out on your own, you travel with a group the whole time. Or, you can plan to do a hybrid of these options.

• Consider the weather when and where you are going. Be aware of natural disasters, rainy season, or scorching hot temps before you book!
  

• Once you pick dates and location, look up if your destination country requires a visa. Most just require online paperwork, a small fee, and a few weeks of processing if you do need one. Make sure you do this with enough time and don’t fall for scam visa sites- go through the country’s government site (look for .gov)

• Overall, half of being a good traveler is just being a good and thorough googler ahead of time.

WHERE DO I STAY?

• Hostels, hostels, hostels. Did I say hostels? Hostels are the BEST way to meet interesting and adventurous solo travelers like yourself. They offer the best knowledge of the area and most can set you up with tours and transportation. Depending on your budget, you can choose a dorm (I prefer female dorms) or room all to yourself.
  

• READ REVIEWS to get what you want. Some hostels are geared more to the young, partying backpackers while some appeal more to families.
  

• No matter if you decide on a hostel, hotel, airbnb, or guesthouse, try to find accomodation that’s close to the attractions you want to see and easily accessible from the train station, airport, or wherever you are arriving.
  

• See if your hostel or hotel can arrange transport for you, or ask what is the best method to arrive.

WHAT DO I DO?

• This totally depends on what you LIKE TO DO, but it may take some trial and error to figure out your travel style. For example I am a city girl at heart, but I prefer to only spend a few days at the most in big cities like Bangkok or Rome. Instead, I prefer to spend more time in towns outside the big cities.
  

• To start, use books like Lonely Planet or google itinerary options. For example, “10 days in Germany itinerary”. Look at the map and see what common routes people take, and how long they recommend in each stop.
  

• Now this is the fun part, do your research and look at options, tours, and experiences. Sure TripAdvisor and Yelp are helpful, but I look to other travel bloggers such as Nomadic Matt or Be My Travel Muse for recommendations.
  

• Always leave a little wiggle room in planning just in case you find somewhere you love and don’t want to leave, hear a new recommendation along the way, or you want to join other travelers in an unexpected adventure.

WHAT DO I WEAR?

• Pack minimally. YOU and only YOU are carrying your bags, so be mindful and only bring what you really need. If you need some motivation, find out How to Pack Like a Minimalist.
  

• Now that you packed minimally, remove three articles of clothing. You’ll want room to bring home a hand-crafted scarf, blanket, or piece of art so leave room!
  

• Dress like a local and try to not stand out. Stick with neutrals, stay modest, and blend in. Save your flashy jewelry, stilettos, and booty shorts for home.
  

• Use a cross-body bag that has a good zipper, keep it in the front of you at all times.
  

• Only bring shoes you are comfortable walking miles in.

ARE YOU SURE THIS IS SAFE?

There are always situations where you can be unsafe, at home or abroad. To ensure you don’t get in any uncomfortable or unsafe situations:

• Keep your itinerary on a google doc or Google Trip and share it with someone you trust- your mom, friend, partner, whoever. Let them know where you are and check-in.
  

• Arrive during the day. I mean WHEN THE SUN IS OUT. It’s much safer anywhere you go to walk or use transportation and arrive while businesses are still open. I learned this lesson the hard way arriving in Vietnam at 3am with zero transport and ended up sleeping on the airport floor until daytime. Don’t do that.
  

• Use your street smarts. Don’t walk down sleepy streets, especially at night. Walk with confidence and a purpose.
  

• Most hostels have lockers so bring your OWN lock to keep valuables safe when you leave/when sleeping. Also, don’t forget the combo. Write it on a post-it or on your arm. Just don’t forget it.
  

• Keep your money, cards and passport safe. Yes, I am also a proud supporter of money belts that go under your clothes. Beware of pickpocketers and learn more on how to protect your documents.
  

• Screenshot your hostel/hotel address, passport, ID, visa, credit/debit card and e-mail them to yourself just in case. In the chance you get everything including your passport stolen, you may need a trip to your embassy. This might take a few hours and lots of paperwork, but good thing you have copies of everything in your e-mail!
  

• Same rules at home apply if hitting bars and clubs- don’t leave your drink out. Overall keep drinking to a minimum...stumbling home alone late at night is not a good idea no matter where you are!

• Be aware of common tourist scams.

• Most of all, if something feels off trust your gut. Walk away, leave, say no, or ask someone for help.

• Most likely your trip will run smoothly, but it’s always best to prepare. If you need more on safety, head to Traveling Safe Tips for Solo Travel.

WON’T I GET LONELY? OR BORED?

I promise, traveling alone is never really traveling alone!

• Don’t make me repeat myself...stay in a hostel and I guarantee you will make friends to accompany you on your adventures.

• Book a walking tour (most big cities have free ones) when you first arrive. This will help you meet people, but also make you more aware of your surroundings and learn from your guide about local places to eat/drink and the culture.

• Yes, even if you meet wonderful people you will most likely have some solo downtime. Bring a journal to reflect, a new book, and download your favorite podcasts to pass time on long plane/train/bus rides.

OK...I FEEL BETTER. WHAT ELSE BEFORE I GO?

• Call your phone service and see if they charge for roaming. If they do, find out what options are available if you want full data. If not, make sure your hotel/hostel has free and good WiFi and download the app WiFi Map which uses crowdsourcing to make a map of all nearby WiFi sources.

• Check the CDC's Travel Page for up-to date information on which vaccines or precautions your may need to take. If you need a vaccine, medication, or have any questions, schedule an appointment with your primary care or walk-in clinic. Some cities even have travel specific clinics.

• Call your health insurance to see what they cover for you abroad. Regardless, I would still get travel insurance. World Nomads is the most popular, easy to use, and reasonably priced. They offer different plans covering emergency accident and sickness, robbery, last minute cancellation, and have on-call 24 hours assistance.

• Download the Maps.me app for free offline directions when you are out of WiFi range.

• I always like to learn the language basics, but also use Google Translate which can translate signs/menus using your camera, and/or iTranslatevoice app to help with the language barrier. WayGo for signs in Chineses, Japanese, and Korean.

• Do a google search to find out if you will need a power adapter and/or converter. If so, buy one on amazon and consider a universal adapter so you are covered for your future travels.

• Call your bank so they can put a travel notice on where and when you will be going. Download the XE Currency app which doesn’t need internet to calculate foreign currencies on the go.

• Look up common culture customs & etiquette of where you are going.

ALRIGHT I’M BOOKED! NOW WHAT?

Congrats on your solo adventure! I promise this is all easier than you think. Don’t let anyone question your decision, people who have never done it will probably think you are nuts. You are going to get some butterflies before you go, and there will be moments you may feel scared and uncomfortable. Be patient and embrace it.

Have you traveled solo? I would love to hear about your experience and any advice you have. What are your favorite solo travel tips and tricks? Please comment below or share with me on social media. Bon Voyage!