Last summer we were at our summer house, and as usual I enjoyed hanging out with my friend and yoga teacher colleague Elin Jensen. She asked me if I would like to be a guest teacher at her 200hr intensive Yoga Teacher Training in Portugal, and I didn’t even think twice before saying yes.
April 2025 seemed very far away, but time passes fast and all of a sudden it was time for me to rush back from celebrating Easter with family (again in the summer house) and preparing to get up at 4 and take a plane to Lisboa.
It was a while ago since I traveled alone, and to be honest, it was both a little nervous, but most of all pretty relaxing. No one to care for but myself – how often does that happen?!
Arriving in Lisboa, I took a tin can of a Bolt to just outside of Ericeira.
Elin was busy with the students and had given me the passcode to get into the venue, and I was straight away in love with how cute it was!
So unique, quirky, arty and welcoming!
With quite a lot of struggle my suitcase finally ended up in my room and I could enjoy a coffee and the view over the Atlantic Ocean. I was in my element- yoga, stillness, nature.
It turned out Elin had manage to attract an amazing group of people, with ages ranging from early twenties to early fifties.
As expected they were welcoming, but yet a bit wary – who was this person all of a sudden entering their space in the position of a teacher?
The day after my arrival I gave my first morning class. It was a tough one. I don’t know how I keep making this mistake, leveling up things a little too much 😆 But they made it through, and sweat was pouring, room smelling like a boxing ring afterwards 🤣
I overheard them talking about the class afterwards and even though they didn’t spill negative things, I had to work to stay confident.
Being a yoga teacher is putting yourself out there every single class you teach, especially if you teach classes you create yourself, that represent you and your creative spark and expression.
As the days went by, the group opened up and so did my eyes. I began to really see the value in the in-person meeting. The connections that happens away from the classes and lessons. The discussions at lunch and dinner, at small encounters by the water boiler and coffee machine.
I also began to feel that this was my purpose, that my knowledge is so great about yoga, from anatomy to philosophy and creating classes that keep people returning and falling in love with the practice. From teaching hands on assists and giving constructive feedback.
Now I just cant wait to launch our own 200 Yoga Teacher Training at VIM Yoga Academy! And it’s not at all far away now!
Maybe you’ll be one of our first students?
