SOMATIC YOGA TEACHER TRAINING Student Testimonials
Read our student’s reflections. Each voice reflects a lived experience of embodied learning, inquiry, and trauma-informed practice.
Student Testimonial: May | Mexico Training
Her Experience in Our Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher Training in Mexico
Yoga started as just another type of workout for me in high school, but it became a beautiful journey of connection with my mind and body – something I had never experienced before.
As a serious athlete growing up, movement meant fast, high intensity, cardio-heavy workouts that often involved pushing through pain and exhaustion to the breaking point. Yoga taught me to slow down, really feel things in my body, and listen to it. It has helped me relieve physical injuries, but more importantly it has helped me mend emotional wounds.
In some of the most difficult periods of my life, this practice has helped me connect with myself and find healing.
I knew I wanted to teach yoga not long after I began practicing. It took me nearly a decade to finally take that step, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity.
After considering many different teacher trainings, I learned about School Yoga Institute (SYI) from a friend. I was so excited about the opportunity to participate in a training that involved an immersive in-person experience at a beautiful retreat center in nature.
I chose to do this training with SYI because I wanted the trauma-informed education that Jeanine and Brooke offer in their 200 hour yoga teacher training (YTT) and the flexibility of the hybrid format.
And I couldn’t be happier with my decision – this experience was truly life-changing. I know that phrase can be overused, but this training genuinely opened me up to new ways of seeing myself and others. It also deepened my connection with my body. I know this experience has altered my life by giving me a strong foundation in yoga to grow from, friendships I know I’ll always be able to lean on, and the knowledge and tools to continue the difficult but essential internal work. This YTT places great emphasis on doing that work first – self-reflection followed by service. As Jeanine and Brooke often say, you can only meet others as far as you have met yourself. This concept took on a new and profound meaning for me during the training. I now feel equipped to do this work so I can show up more fully for the people in my life and those I hope to meet through sharing yoga.
It’s only been a week since the training ended, and I already miss everything about it – most of all, the people. When I try to describe it to friends and family, I struggle because I don’t think it’s something I can fully capture with words. But if I were to summarize the 10 days in Tulum in a few words, they would be: nourishing, inspiring, and empowering. The schedule was expertly planned, with the perfect amount of time for rest, solitude, or connection around meals or by the pool. Every aspect felt deeply supportive to my mind, body, and soul – from the morning practices that set the tone for each day, to the delicious meals prepared with all dietary needs in mind, to the engaging lectures, self-reflection exercises, asana lab where we broke down poses and practiced teaching, and the evening activities that deepened our connections with ourselves and each other.
Everything about the course was remarkable. The intention, care, effort, and passion that Brooke and Jeanine pour into this training were so evident as we learned and experienced the material with them. This group of people was incredible and created a truly safe space to share and be our authentic selves. There was a rawness and realness you don’t often encounter in everyday life. Everyone was welcomed, genuinely valued, and celebrated for who they are, fostering a deeply healing environment.
There were many things I hoped to gain from this training – meaningful connections with other students and facilitators, a deeper understanding of meditation and pranayama, confidence in my own practice, and knowledge of the history, philosophy, and anatomy of yoga. This program gave me all that and so much more.
Jeanine and Brooke have created something truly special with this training. I feel so blessed to have been part of it. They are the kind of people we all need in our lives – for countless reasons. Their ability to facilitate reflection, sharing, and learning in a safe and supportive space is extraordinary. They show up so fully and passionately as themselves and make each group member feel seen, heard, and loved. They embody their teachings and have transformed their own wounds into wisdom, striking a perfect balance between sharing and listening. I know they will both be lifelong friends, and I’m so thankful to have met them.
I’m incredibly excited to go out and teach trauma-informed yoga – not only in studios, but also in spaces where it is most needed: hospitals, prisons, and communities struggling with food insecurity. The opportunity to participate in this training was an incredible gift – one I wouldn’t have been able to receive without SYI’s support. I’m excited to share that gift with others.
I was once a young girl who had no idea how to connect with her body and who, over time, grew to hate it. I’m still working through many of my physical, mental, and emotional wounds stemming from chronic pain, health issues, and past relationships. My personal yoga practice has played a major role in my healing journey, and this training feels like a monumental leap down the path I’ve always longed to walk – a path of peace I hope to share with others. The more we spread trauma-informed wisdom and yoga, the more we empower others with the tools to heal.
Thank you to SYI, Jeanine, and Brooke for the experience of a lifetime. And thank you to this group of women, who have become family. I am forever grateful.