Many people have asked how I ended up in Bali studying yoga. Or why I chose to complete my Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) in another country. Those considering their own Yoga Teacher Training have asked how I chose Santosha Yoga Institute for mine. Here’s those questions answered!

I LOVE to travel, and I have always wanted to travel to Bali. I live and work in Maine, in the Northeastern most part of the United States, on an island home to Acadia National Park. While our summers are lovely, our winters can be cold, harsh, icy and isolated. For this reason, when I am able to travel in the winter, I often head to warm, tropical locations! In this case, when deciding to study-abroad, I picked my destination first, and then began researching Yoga Teacher Trainings based around location.

When I found Santosha Yoga Institute I was very impressed with the founder and director, Sunny Richards.

Sunny has trained in Ashtanga Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Vini Yoga, Yoga Therapy, Pre and Post Natal Yoga, Yoga Nidra, Trauma Sensitive Yoga, Yin Yoga, Children’s Yoga, Restorative Yoga and Meditation. In addition to this extensive list, she has trained with an impressive list of yoga teachers, including Ganesh Mohan, Indra Mohan, AG Mohan, Dr. N Chandrasekaran, Mark Whitwell, Leslie Kaminoff, Jean Campbell, Peter Clifford, Dr. Sanjay Pisharodi, Barbara Kuendig, Janice Clarefield, David Svenson, Doug Svenson, and is significantly guided by the teachings of Gary Kraftsow.

When one thinks about Bali, they can’t help but also think of surfing! Sunny is an ex-pro surfer, and it was important to her that her yoga institute be close to nature and the healing ocean waves. Nusa Lembongan, the home of Santosha is a surf and ocean-lovers dream.

Santosha Yoga Village, with it’s bright sand beach, gentle ocean breezes and sparkling sea views was the perfect place for me to focus on yoga, meditation, surfing, health and well-being. In addition to Yoga Teacher Trainings, Santosha also offers daily yoga classes, meditation and kirtan sessions, retreats and workshops.

Santosha

Santosha means contentment and gratitude for all that was, all that is, and all that will be. The intention of Santosha Yoga Institute is for their students to gain “…an experience of Santosha – and then share and spread this experience back into communities through teaching; creating a ripple effect that will change the world and the hearts of all beings in it.”

Yoga Instructors

While I was at Santosha I was taught by Sunny, and by an incredible group of talented yoga teachers.

Andrea Abian, from Spain, is a physiotherapist, yoga therapist and a dedicated Ashtanga and Yin Yoga practitioner. According to her bio, “Andrea began studying Yoga Therapy in India, with Sharat Arora (Iyengar disciple) and continues courses with Ganesh Mohan (Krishnamacharya tradition). Her motivation is to share the physical and spiritual benefits of yoga and integrate the asana and pranayama practice in her therapeutic healing services.  In her Yoga Therapy sessions she teaches what is appropriate for each individual, according to their age, health condition and daily activity. Andrea uses asana practice and breathing techniques to reach a balance state of mind while we improve and heal the functions of the body.”

Piera Fromm, from Switzerland and New Zealand is an Exercise Educator, Movement and a Dance Teacher including Therapeutic Gymnastics with an emphasis on Anatomy and Physiology. She is a Certified Yoga Instructor, a Reiki and Massage Therapist, a SUP Yoga Instructor, and has studied Mindfulness. She specializes in working with traumatized teenagers and young adults.

Thia “Moana,” a Bali native, is a Yoga Teacher Trainer and talented Kirtanist.

As a massage therapist, I was incredibly impressed with the attention given to anatomy training, posture, and purpose throughout the training. The Hatha-based style of yoga aligns perfectly for my massage clients and the focus of my massage practice. Honestly, the meditation, pranayama, and yoga philosophy were all bonuses I didn’t know I needed or would enjoy so much!

I also think study-abroad programs appeal to a certain kind of very-special person and I am so grateful for the connections and friends I made at my Yoga Teacher Training. I now have lifelong friends all over the world!

If you have any questions about how yoga could help you, the style of yoga that I teach, my yoga teacher training, the Santosha Yoga Institute, traveling to Bali, or studying abroad, please feel free to reach out! I’d love to talk to you about it.

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