It is with mixed emotions that I said goodbye to my yoga family of the last 3 months. Many friends have left over the past weeks, but that moment when the taxi door closes, with bags sitting on the seat next to me, and all those beautiful faces waving me off on the first leg of my 18-hr journey brought the feelings to the forefront. So many incredible memories and moments shared with such open-hearted and genuine people. The place I’d called home for the last three months, the longest I’ve stayed put for the last 1 1/2 years, was in my rear-view for now. Via Bangalore then Kuala Lumpur airport, I will be making my way back to Bali, where so much magic conspired to ultimately lead me to show up in Mysore for my first Yoga Teacher Training Course with the incomparable yet unassuming, Vijay Gopala, three months ago.

Contrasting the sadness of leaving is an incredible excitement to return to the place where this whole chapter really begun. One year ago, after being roused by one of my yogi-roommates at what seemed an unbelievably-early hour, I met Vijay on the way into one of his early-morning classes; a class that would change my direction and understanding of yoga, completely.

It was during a silent moment of meditation towards the end of his class, when I noticed a slow rumble began rocking me back and forth. Was this the Kundalini rising?! Impossible?! I opened my eyes, and saw the rest of the class swaying quietly like buoys in a harbor. This earthquake felt like the comforting rocking of a baby’s pram, dramatically different than anything I’d experienced back home in California. Not only was the feeling completely unique, but the timing was surreal, as it began a fraction of a moment after Vijay stopped speaking. While I should’ve been fearing for my life (we were sitting on an active volcano, after all) instead I felt a strange sense of comfort and peace. “Que sera, sera” as they say. I was completely relaxed in that moment of surrender.

After his earlier teachings, and this sublime experience, I decided that if he conducted a yoga teacher training, I was in. It should come as no surprise then, that he did in fact offer a yoga teacher training course here in Mysore, India, beginning at the close of 2017. Which leads me to where I am now, 500hrs of trainings later, riding on a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation bus from Mysore towards Bangalore airport.

Next week I’ll be back at the BaliSpirit Festival, volunteering this time behind the lens, as I take the incredible teachings that I’ve received here at Yoga Gita, and begin taking my initial baby steps as a “certified” yoga teacher. First and foremost will be a continuation and deepening of my own self practice, then in time, perhaps a few classes for those who’re interested.

I’m excited to dive back into the international world of yoga, the warmly embracing arms of conscious festivals, and deep into the life that awaits me back in Bali.

Much love to everyone who’s been a part of this journey. I look forward to seeing you all again back here in India, Holland, Australia, the UK, and anywhere else you might call home!