Randomly two years ago, I said to my husband out of no where, after two years

of practice, “Hmm, I think someday I would like to teach yoga.” Never really knowing how, when or pursuing any path directly toward that, I carried on with life. It was more, at the time, one of those things you just say, as in, “Oh this would be nice to do,” but you don’t really know if you ever will, like “We should go on that second honeymoon someday.” As time passed, I eventually started practicing with two great teachers, Deborah and Shirley, enjoying every moment of my practice, slowly adapting niyamas and yamas as a natural part of life.

But, like all things meant to be, becoming a yoga teacher found a way. Last winter, I was asked if I had every been interested in teaching and next thing I know, I am standing in line at Houston Bush International Airport waiting to check into my flight to Huatulco, Mexico for a six week intensive training.

Eighteen people had also signed up and pledged almost two months of their life to take the same journey I did, all for different reasons. Other than a woman fromKentucky, Rebekah, I had exchanged a few emails with about possibly rooming, I knew no one. Although I ended up someone else’s roommate, I met Rebekah in Houston for our flight. What was suppose to be just a two hour 20 minute flight, turned into two back and forth trips to an overnight stay inVeracruz, Mexico, we finally made it to our final destination, Zipolite,Mexico.

Life is slow and simple but in the best way possible. One of the first lessons you learn there is not so much patience, but assimilation to the pace and ease of the area. Life moves at a natural pace and rhythm, one you would imagine it should move.

The yoga room, which consisted of a large room with wood floors, two brick walls and two open sides, complete with the palm roofing most buildings had the area, provided us with the most beautiful meditation. We woke before dawn each morning for a 6 a.m. meditation, the open shala left us with nothing but our breath and the sounds of the waves and the jungle; birds carrying on conversations, geckos, bats, roosters, turkeys and a very loud donkey. After an hour of sometimes hard to settle practice or connecting with myself in ways I never had before, we started two hours of asana (posture). The first two Mondays, I thought I would never make it past the end of the week. We retrained muscles, relaxed, strengthened, stretched and aligned. It was the first week I met what is famously called the “banquito” also known as the headstander. Brigette made no hesitation with getting us ready to introduce this contraption. We spent almost each day increasing our time on the banquito, bringing space in our spine, twisting and finally coming to love our time in an upside down world. It took getting over initial fear to truly relish in the benefits.

One thing I did not expect of asana was how much opening we did, not only physically, but emotionally. Backbends especially, brought memories, repressed anger, depression and hurt bubbling up to the surface for many. I must admit one day after laying and opening my chest on the arch, I broke down in the class crying in savasana while Poa, Brigette’s assistant, and a lovely person massaged what was that week a frozen shoulder that had no pain but also had no strength when I lifted my arm to and above shoulder level.

However, after six weeks of these intense morning practices, work and advice from Brigette, Poa and some great guest teachers; David McAmmond, Anne O’Brien and Marianna Ekimo, everything from my Urdhva Dhanurasana to my Tadasana improved. I am now even able to easily take myself up into Sirsasana.

After two hours of asana, each morning we enjoyed yogurt, made by Rens, a local resident, granola, fresh fruit and tea. On Fridays we were able to enjoy coffee.

Our second classes varied from week to week, we had two weeks of anatomy with Izaskun, one of the most amazing women and teachers I have ever met. Then one week of a second practice with each of our three guest teachers learning restorative practice, prenatal and children’s yoga and advanced postures.

Ending between noon and one, we would break for lunch until our afternoon class of restorative alignment with Brigette or yoga philosophy or history through 5:30 or 6 p.m. Leaving us ready to just eat and then retire to our rooms for some conversation and sleep.

For six weeks we kept at this pretty physical and grueling schedule. Some deviations came as the weeks passed when my roommate Claudia, a woman after my own heart, suggested we move our alarm for the morning back five minutes. We both agreed each week to let us sleep just a bit longer, only waking up again at that original 5:15 a.m. time if one of us was too tired to shower the night before.

Claudia, a German woman who was living inHolland, and my roommate for the six weeks I was there, must have been sent by a higher power. I can honestly say I truly to miss her. We had some of the best conversations and she had such a warm personality. And if you are ever in her area of the world, I highly recommend seeking her out for a class.

Outside of yoga, there are so many memories I will keep with me forever. Everyone is very special and I will never forget them but there are a few that will stand out of my mind, requiring no thought to recall. The snorkeling trip I took with Stefanie where I got sea sick, the late night conversations with Claudia, my roommate, as well as the fun taxi ride to Puerto Angel, the trip to Mazunte with Claudia, Stefanie and Christine, as well as a trip to Mazunte and Punta Cometa with Rebekah and that late night walk back under the stars, the drinks we shared and great conversations.

Coming back wasn’t hard, it was leaving that was. I am so glad to be back with my family and friends, but miss the friends and teachers. I know that this time prepared me for a great ride ahead.

There is a saying, when you thank a yoga teacher for a practice, one response is “Don’t thank me thank my guru.” I will forever bring my hands to my chest and bow my head to Deborah and Shirley for this wonderful opportunity and giving me a chance to grow and learn.