To say the YTT Training Program was a life changing experience is an understatement. It is more like life metamorphosis! The most valuable lesson I learned was how to be fully present. I had to question my actions, stop blaming others and become accountable. I learned how to look beyond the surface of people and situations, stop judging and truly love others. I learned how to be kind, to nurture and to fully love myself. I learned how to connect to my inner Divine and have faith once again.
When I think about the initial weekend, I remember the lump in my throat and the nauseated feeling in my stomach during the day. All I wanted to do was RUN. Surrounded by complete strangers, I felt a sick feeling like I didn’t fit into the group and had no business being there. I excused myself early from class on the first day (4:44 was the time on my phone). Another 4:44 on the clock when I jumped inside my car like I was leaving the scene of a crime. Even though I DID NOT want to acknowledge the universe sending me a message, I Goggled the meaning and found “444 is a number of protection and encouragement. It is a sign from your angels that you are currently following the right path”. DANG IT! So many signs had directed me to Susan Smith and the YTT program and this small sign was yet another affirmation of what I already knew.
Needless to say – I returned the next day and every Wednesday class that followed. My YTT group quickly became a family after we “shed our masks” and through vulnerably talked about our hurts, hang-ups, and life trials. Each week we learned more about Yoga and the 8-limb path toward a better life. We practiced physical yoga and learned about the postures, meaning and benefits. Mentally we were challenged to go deep inside our mind to identify habit patterns and to question pre-existing thoughts and beliefs. Spiritually we were given the opportunity to reconnect to ourselves. We were re-introduced to our inner voice, inner child, inner desires and our magnificent Divine Self.
Each of my YTT members became my family. We shared so much during our time together. We shared joys, sorrows, family secrets, shame, guilt, heartache, tears, tissues, giggles, belly laughs and more. We all walked on different life paths but each week we gathered to share our weekly experiences as we learned to incorporate the 8-limb path of yoga into our daily lives.
My journey through YTT taught me so much during a very challenging time of my life. I am most thankful for the lesson of learning to be fully present. I was given the gift of being present for each of my parents as they passed from this earth. I learned that being present was the greatest gift I could give them and the greatest gift I could receive. I was also able to heal old wounds and childhood traumas. I learned to see my parents as actual people and renew our relationships before it was too late. I will forever be grateful.
I also learned how to communicate better with my family and be present for them each day. I believe I am a better person, better mother, better wife, and better friend for completing the YTT training. Superficial has become insignificant. Quality time, love and joy are now the priority. I am grateful for my new life, which began in Costa Rica and continued in YTT. I look forward to a lifelong relationship with Susan Smith, the YTT program and the One-Yoga community. Namaste…
