A well-structured vinyasa yoga sequence includes a warm-up that progresses into more dynamic and potentially challenging postures and winds down with more gentle postures that focus on mobilizing the areas that have been dominantly activated throughout your sequence.  Learning to create this energetic arc in a yoga class is central to any vinyasa teacher training in Bali. For example, if your vinyasa sequence involves multiple Warrior poses and/or poses that require balancing on one leg such as the Eagle pose, winding down the class with a pose such as Pigeon or Gomukhasana that mobilize the stabilizing muscles of the outer hip region that has been strengthened throughout class would be appropriate. While vinyasa yoga is a dynamic practice, ensuring there is ample time to warm up and cool down the body is essential in creating a safe class that minimizes the likelihood of injury.

A vinyasa teacher training in Bali will teach you the importance of mobilizing the spine in all six directions when sequencing a yoga class. While the class may favor mobilizing the spine in one or two of these directions, i.e. twisting or backbends, a well-rounded class will mobilize the spine in all planes of movement to cultivate energetic balance. These six directions are spinal flexion and extension, lateral flexion and extension, and spinal twisting. Each direction of spinal mobility is associated with a different energetic effect. Backbends and side body mobility spinal extension and lateral flexion and extension, are more uplifting and invigorating in nature, while spinal flexion and twisting are more grounding and calming in nature. By mobilizing the spine in all directions, a balanced and centered energetic effect is cultivated.

The art of sequencing a yoga class extends beyond the arrangement of postures. It requires not only stringing together a series of asanas, pranayama, and potential meditations but also the awareness to modify a practice when needed. There will be times when you will be teaching a class and your instruction and/or the sequence you had planned is not landing for the practitioners in your class. Cultivating self-awareness and awareness of others will help you recognize this. With ample education on yoga sequencing, you should be able to recognize what is not working for your students and modify it accordingly in a way that is in alignment with the themes of the class. By recognizing the unique needs and abilities of students, you are able to modify a class when needed- making yoga more accessible and beneficial for all.

Last but not least, one of the keys to sequencing a yoga class is language. The vocabulary you use when teaching a yoga class has the power to drastically impact the experience of your students. By using meditative, contemplative, yet approachable language, a deeper sense of connection and presence can be established. However, the exact language you use will be unique to you, and most importantly, authentic to you as the teacher. Finding your unique “voice” as a yoga teacher sets Inner Yoga Training’s 200-hour yoga teacher training in Bali aside from other training. On their training programs, you will not only learn the ins and outs of sequencing a yoga class but also how to make your expression of that yoga class authentic to you.

The post The Art of Yoga Sequencing first appeared on Inner Yoga Training.

One of the foundational principles of the Eight-Fold Path (Ashtanga) as laid out by Patanjali is Ahimsa, which means non-harming. It extends beyond physical actions and encourages compassion and kindness toward all living beings. Vegetarianism aligns perfectly with Ahimsa as it promotes a diet that avoids harm and suffering to any animals, a practice that derives from Hinduism. By choosing a vegetarian lifestyle, yogis aim to minimize the violence and cruelty associated with farming and animal agriculture and to avoid taking the soul of another living being.  It is the first of the Yamas that you will learn about during your 200-hour yoga teacher training.  The Yamas and Niyamas are a guide or set of codes that Patanjali wrote that point yoga practitioners towards a “right way” of living in order to achieve Enlightenment.

Yoga is not just a physical practice (yes, we’ve all heard this multiple times before!); it is a holistic approach that involves the mind, body, and soul. Many yoga practitioners believe that what we consume has a significant impact not only on our physical health but also on our overall well-being. A vegetarian diet in a YTT, rich in plant-based foods, is believed to be lighter, easier to digest, and more efficient in maintaining a clear and calm mind during this intensive training. It is thought to promote Sattva (purity) and balance the energy within the body.  Yoga is not limited to the mat; it is a way of life that extends into our actions and choices. For many yogis, vegetarianism is a reflection of their ethical values and a commitment to living in harmony with the environment and all beings. By adopting a vegetarian diet, they aim to reduce their environmental footprint, support sustainable food systems, and contribute to the well-being of animals and the planet. 

During your YTT with Inner Yoga Training, you’ll dive into the ethics as you study yogic philosophy.  In yoga philosophy, Prana refers to the vital life force or energy that flows through all living beings. It is believed that foods have different energy that can either enhance or minimize our energy. Morning vinyasa yoga followed by a breakfast of plant-based foods, particularly fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, are considered to be high in Prana and are believed to promote vitality, clarity, and spiritual growth. Foods that have been commercially grown with additives, animals given antibiotics, or genetically modified foods have lower Prana and life force. By choosing a vegetarian diet, yoga teachers and students seek to enhance this pranic energy to support their spiritual practices.

It is important to note that while vegetarianism is common in many yoga teacher trainings in Bali, it is not a requirement to be a great yoga teacher after graduating. Rather it’s an opportunity to explore another way of living and approach to food and encourages you to be more mindful of your food choices.  But every individual has their own unique journey and dietary choices. Yoga is a personal practice, and it is up to each person to find the balance that resonates with their own beliefs and values. During your stay with Inner Yoga Training, no meal is ever the same so our students rarely get bored of the locally-sourced vegetarian food our in-house chef whips up!  How you choose to take this forward after your yoga teacher training is always an individual choice.

The post Why Is My YTT Vegetarian? first appeared on Inner Yoga Training.

Traditionally, 200-hour yoga teacher training was conducted in person, but with the boom of technology, online yoga teacher training has gained popularity, mainly due to COVID days when isolation and lockdown were the ‘norm’, and teachers learned to take things online. But, let’s explore the pros and cons of online and offline yoga teacher training, helping you make an informed decision based on what currently aligns with you!

In-Person Yoga Teacher Training Benefits:

An in-person training, especially a 200-hour yoga teacher training in Bali which is an amazing destination, allows for face-to-face interaction with yoga mentors and fellow students. This enables immediate feedback, getting all your questions answered in real-time as you are learning, receiving personalized guidance, getting hands-on adjustments, and the opportunity to build strong relationships within a safe and supportive community.   You will also learn how to adjust and teach other live human beings who are on the yoga journey with you.  Inner Yoga Training also includes things like Sound Healing, voice activation, and cacao ceremony which can only be experienced in person!  Not to mention, the opportunity to travel to another country and take part in an immersive yoga journey.  You also can’t forget the people who share the same passion that you’ll meet on the way to your Yoga Alliance Certification.

In-person trainings often take place in dedicated yoga retreat centers, such as Azadi Retreat in Ubud creating a focused and immersive environment built on the principles of yoga. This separation from daily distractions allows you to fully immerse yourself in your practice and study with a set daily schedule provided by the school.

In-person training however does require a greater investment as you will have travel expenses and need to take 3 weeks away from your job and daily life. These costs can significantly impact the overall investment required for the training.  Due to the high demand for travel post-covid, flights can add to the cost of the trip.  So in-person training can be more challenging for those with busy schedules or geographical and financial constraints. The fixed location and time commitment may not be suitable for everyone.

But if you really want to make the trip to experience a new destination like Bali, make sure to find a YTT course that caters to all your needs. Inner Yoga Training’s 200-hour YTT in Bali, not only offers a curriculum that certifies you to teach both Yin and Vinyasa yoga, but their pricing option is all-inclusive.  You can choose from different room types to suit your budget and the price includes accommodation, training, and all your meals.  They also offer a free airport transfer to the retreat center and complimentary accommodation before your start, giving you more options to find a cheaper flight.  While you’re there, you will have one day off each week where you get to explore the many wonders of Bali with your new yogi friends. 

Online Yoga Teacher Training Benefits:

Online yoga teacher training provides the flexibility to learn at your own pace and from the comfort of your home. This accessibility allows individuals with busy work schedules or travel and financial limitations to participate in yoga teacher training that they might not otherwise have access to.  For example, with financial limitations, online yoga training is generally more cost-effective compared to their offline counterparts. With no travel expenses, participants can save money while still receiving quality instruction.  The online space offers a vast array of yoga teacher training programs as they are usually pre-recorded. From different styles and traditions, you could access a Vinyasa program all the way from India let’s say! This variety allows trainees to find a program that aligns with their specific interests, yogic experience, and goals.

But…

An online YTT requires self-motivation and discipline to stay consistent with the coursework.  Without the structured environment and schedule of in-person training or motivation from classmates, some people struggle to maintain regular practice and complete the required assignments in a timely manner.  Online training also lacks the in-person connection and immediate feedback that in-person training offers. This absence of physical presence can sometimes make it challenging to clarify doubts about how you’re performing an asana or to receive personalized guidance. Imagine the struggle when you message your teacher for feedback and they take hours to respond!

Physical adjustments, hands-on practice, and working with a partner are integral to becoming a skilled yoga teacher. While online training can provide theoretical knowledge, it may fall short in offering direct physical guidance and the opportunity to practice adjustments.  In-person training can also be a very transformational experience as you are devoting three weeks to yourself and your practice away from the distractions of your daily life.  This transformational part is often missing from an online experience as you are still involved in the day-to-day and don’t have the time or space to delve deeper into yourself.

Both online and offline yoga teacher training have their advantages and drawbacks, but ultimately the choice is yours! What will you choose?

The post Offline vs Online Yoga Teacher Training first appeared on Inner Yoga Training.

A yin yoga practice especially can teach us to quiet the noise of the outside world and turn inward to ourselves, cultivating stillness and awareness. Through mindful breathing and staying still in a pose for time (3 -7 minutes), we can develop a deeper sense of presence and become attuned to the subtle nuances of our body, mind, and emotions. This deep connection with ourselves creates a rich ground for artistic exploration, like cultivating land and creating the perfect conditions for a flower to blossom.  As we begin to tap into our inner world we can rediscover and unleash our unique creative energy.

Through the daily movement practices during your 200 hour yoga teacher training, you move the body in ways that open and energize the various energy channels, or nadis, within us. This free flow of energy not only enhances physical well-being but also stimulates the flow of creativity. As you practice yoga during your YTT in Bali, you may notice a release of stagnant energy, a sense of liberation, and a surge of inspiration. Embrace this newfound vitality and let it fuel your artistic endeavors, whether it’s painting, writing, dancing, or singing! The regular practice of yoga in a YTT can help you stimulate the imagination and encourage us to explore new possibilities that we never thought were possible! Being removed from the daily stresses of life allows you to explore new practices which brings with it a sense of freedom and the laying down of inhibitions that we might have at home.

As we move through different asanas in our morning Vinyasa yoga class and flow with the breath, we tap into the wisdom of our bodies and minds. This heightened awareness and connection to our inner landscape can be a doorway to awaken our creative faculties and invite fresh perspectives on what’s around and within us. The body carries trapped emotions, beliefs, and expectations so by releasing these we can tap into a different and more creative aspect of ourselves as we allow a powerful creative, primal energy to rise within us.  Let your 200 hour yoga teacher training be a playground for your imagination, and allow it to inspire your artistic creations with newfound depth and originality throughout the training.

Just as yoga practice becomes a sacred practice, you can create rituals to inspire your artistic process. Before diving into your creative work, incorporate elements from your yoga practice, such as a soft creative vinyasa flow, setting intentions, practicing breath work, or meditation. These rituals not only ground and center you but also provide a seamless transition from the mat to the creative space, infusing your work with intention and mindfulness.Yoga and art share a common state of flow—a state of being fully present and deeply absorbed in the activity at hand. When engaged in creative expression, time seems to dissolve, and we experience a sense of rejuvenation as we do in our yoga practices. Yoga can help us access this flow state more readily by quieting the mind and letting it ponder. Through the practice of yoga, we learn to surrender to the creative process, allowing inspiration to flow effortlessly and unlocking our fullest artistic potential. Join us in our next yoga teacher training in Bali and experience it for yourself!

The post Yoga as a Catalyst for Artistic Expression first appeared on Inner Yoga Training.

The post 3 Best Locations for a Yoga Teacher Training in 2023 first appeared on Inner Yoga Training.

People from nooks and corners of the world come to this island for spiritual and transformational experiences, as well as to enjoy the beaches, surf the waters, and immerse themselves in the culture that is very welcoming on this island. But is that it? Well, in this blog, Inner Yoga Training, the best yoga teacher training Bali, will tell you seven spectacular reasons behind Bali is the best place for a yoga teacher training course.

• Brimming up with yoga retreats and spiritual centers.

The biggest reason to go to Bali for a yoga retreat is that it is brimming up with umpteen retreats and well-being centers. Starting from Vinyasa to Ashtanga, each and every yogic style is taught here and can be mastered by even beginners. This makes Bali a breeding center of spirituality, relaxation as well and good health. Get to master two different yogic styles in one teaching course. 200 hour yoga training retreat can only be found in Bali. Enrol now!

• Gorge a plant-based diet and develop it into a habit.

At Inner Yoga Training, all one needs to do is eat locally-produced plant-based food and stick to it. Trust us, this is far better than the chia seeds smoothie you consume every morning. The food served here is organic and is prepared by our French resident chef. As a result, one gets to forge upon scrumptious yet healthy meals throughout their stay in Bali. Eventually, this develops into a habit. 

• Learn to live with nature under a 200 hour yoga teacher training in Bali.

Wherever the eye goes, one can spot luscious paddy fields and a panoramic view of Mt. Batur. This is something that gets replaced by steely skyscrapers, too many vehicles, traffic, and whatnot. With a course like the 200 hour yoga teacher training in Bali, one gets to live with nature. 

• Learn a yogic style and teach it.

The combination of self-development and yoga training goes hand-in-hand, as learning about yourself and understanding yourself is a skill that makes you an incredible teacher. In Bali, additional styles are also practiced to encourage your yoga practice development, which most certainly makes you a more well-rounded yoga instructor. Best of all, you’ll take away heaps of new inspiration and ideas of things you can incorporate into your daily life to help keep the retreat magic alive and spread it.

• Lower your stress and anxiety levels.

An exotic location like Bali can help in the lowering of cortisol, improved concentration, and feeling a deeper sense of connection. So, the next time you feel stressed, anxious, or maybe just tired of the monotony of your daily routine, recognize the need to recharge and take a step outside to get some fresh air. Even if you live in a big city or don’t have easy access to wilderness, there’s always somewhere you can escape appreciating the elements of the environment. Whether it’s in your office balcony, patio, garden, or a nearby metropolitan park, just find somewhere a bit more peaceful than the hustle and bustle of your daily routine.

Aside from vinyasa and aerial yoga training, you’ll also practice yin, yoga Nidra, and restorative yoga in the evenings, with your more active practices beginning in the day. 

• Get bestowed with long-lasting motivation.

If you’re like many and find it hard to stay dedicated to a routine, then it’s a good idea to consider a 200 hour vinyasa yin yoga teacher training in Bali. Participating in a structured program with yoga at its core encourages a routine with tangible feel-good results. Additionally, it provides you with new elements to add to your lifestyle when you get back home. 

• Connect with yourself better.

Your mind and emotions will be taken care of through your daily yoga practice, plus meditation and mindfulness, different workshops, or even time in silence. You may even get to speak to your soul as you take time out in the nurturing environment of a retreat, helping you to find answers or a new direction. The main focus of the 200 hour certification course in Bali is often to help you to feel really, really good in all ways, so no matter what your initial reasons for going, a yoga retreat will leave you feeling cleansed, restored, re-inspired, recharged, and most of all, like new! 

All set to go to Bali? Sign up now for a yoga teacher training course at https://inneryogatraining.com/. You can also check out our 100 hour yin yoga certification course in Bali.

The post 7 Reasons Why Bali is the Best Place for a Yoga Teacher Training first appeared on Inner Yoga Training.

Unfortunately, it is seen that despite knowing deep down inside what is good and what is not good for us but we choose to ignore the body and mind. One can stick to their natural instinct of having a balanced diet. Regular practice of yoga helps to stimulate these very natural instincts. Wondering how? We will tell you. In this blog by Inner Yoga Training, the best self healing retreat in Bali, one will get to understand the relationship prevailing between yoga and nutrition including tips for a balanced diet to support your practice. So, without any further ado, get your eating bowls and yoga mats and start reading.

A sneak peek into mindful eating and yoga

Nutrition has always been an intrinsic part of yogic practices. The food we eat can have a profound impact on not only our bodies but also our mind. It is imperative to look at the purpose of food before choosing what to eat. Eating a well-balanced diet with sufficient nutrients is essential for maintaining energy levels, building strength and endurance, and supporting muscle recovery. Yoga as well as the Indian medicinal science of Ayurveda recommend the inclusion of light and healthy food items in our diet. Foods that are usually vegetarian, high in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and freshly made are believed to work wonders for your energy levels, happiness, and calmness, and bring mental clarity. Such a diet also works appropriately for building stamina and flexibility to perform Yoga asanas with ease. It also helps in enhancing focus which is important for achieving the meditative state.   

How to incorporate a balanced diet into our daily routine?

Given our fast-paced lives, it is difficult to stick to certain food items. A balanced diet gives energy to the body and mind, increases the resistance power of the body, and develops the mind. Fresh food gives keeps your stomach healthy, your mood happy and helps you to focus better. However, some of us might have a medical history to which we may or may not be allowed to consume certain food items. So, it is important to check that and eat what is suitable for your body, mind, intelligence, and soul. 

• Consume unprocessed and fresh food.

In this fast-paced world, because of a paucity of time, we often have processed foods as a meal. However, health experts always recommend that one should try to eat what is local and fresh as much as possible. At Inner Yoga Training in Bali, the best yoga teacher training in Bali, the attendees are served locally-produced plant-based food throughout. This is because we believe that food leaves an indelible and mindful impact on our minds. And hence, it becomes all the more important to consume what is unprocessed and freshly made.

• Never skip breakfast.

Breakfast is your system’s jumpstart to the day! Whether it’s a simple cup of yogurt with your favorite fruit or scrambled eggs and toast, make sure you break that fast! Also, try eating smaller meals more frequently for sustained energy throughout the day. This avoids energy crashing from big heavy meals and provides a boost in metabolism.

• Make every meal as colorful as possible.

It’s easy to fall into the same old meal patterns and forget to incorporate a variety of different foods into our routine. This is easy to fix if you remember to make each meal as colorfully diverse as possible. A variety of colors also mean a variety of vitamins! Bright orange foods such as winter squash and carrots are rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C. Dark green vegetables have iron, vitamin K, and calcium. So, mix it up, and be sure to eat the rainbow! This is what we do at our retreat center – Azadi Retreat in Bali. 

• Keep a check on your salt and sugar intake.

We all love salt, but you’d be surprised to learn how much sodium is already in many of the foods we eat. Try replacing salt with different herbs and spices. The more herbs you try the more you’ll like and the fuller your spice cabinet will get with new and interesting flavors. The next time you make a meal, start seasoning your meal with herbs or spices first, then taste. You may find that you didn’t need the extra salt after all.

We all fall victim to sugar cravings now and then. However, we don’t often consider how much sugar we’re ingesting when that craving hits. If you find yourself with a serious sugar craving, no problem, you have options. Try choosing natural sugar instead of having a piece of your favorite fruit. Before you know it, it will be like second nature.
To incorporate a balanced diet along with yogic practices, get enrolled in our upcoming Bali yoga teacher certification at https://inneryogatraining.com/. You can also get to gorge at the plant-based meal prepared at the Suksham Retreat in Bali under this training.

The post The Relationship Between Yoga and Nutrition, Including Tips for a Balanced Diet to Support Your Practice first appeared on Inner Yoga Training.

• Eat to satisfy hunger not to become lethargic.

Eat to satisfy hunger without getting any feelings of heaviness or laziness. It is said that you should eat only what is needed. To find out how much you need to eat, during our 100 hour yin yoga certification course in Bali, we ask our attendees to do an experiment. One time eat until you have a feeling of fullness, being aware of how much you are eating. From there half the amount of food is your requirement. There should be enough space in the stomach so that if somebody asks you to eat a meal with them after you have already finished your meal you can do it without any ill effects.

• Eat till you are 80% full and not 100%.

In our 200 hour vinyasa yin yoga certification course in Bali, we propagate this. When eating it is important to fill the stomach half full with food. A quarter should be left for water or liquids. The last quarter should be left empty for digestion to take place. This space is necessary for the stomach to churn the food with the digestive juices. This very aspect of eating can be found in the best-seller “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life” by Francesc Miralles and Hector Garcia.

• Eat at fixed times.

The timing of meals should be fixed. In this way, the body begins to release digestive secretions at a certain time. It is important not to skip meals so that the body doesn’t keep going into panic mode and decide to store excess fat. This is the reason why we follow a fixed schedule of having meals during our 200 hour yin vinyasa yoga teacher training program in Bali.

• Be grateful for the food you are eating!

Long back, during the Egyptian civilization, there were a number of elaborate rituals of thanking God before consuming food. Wondering why? Well, those Egyptians knew the value of food and water.

If you get to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, then by all means, consider yourself lucky. This is because a considerable percentage of the world’s population is still deprived of food and water. When you eat focus, feel, and appreciate every mouthful, eating slowly and being thankful for the food that has been given to you. This is what we make the attendees do during our 200 hour yoga teacher training in Bali. As per the bestseller “The Magic” by Rhonda Byrne, this gratitude practice will increase the nutritional value of your meal and will benefit you in a more lucrative manner.  So, it is recommended to be grateful for every bite you eat and every sip you take daily.

Wish to take up yogic practices along with a balanced diet in the lap of nature? In order to undertake a 200 hour vinyasa yin yoga teacher training in Bali, reach out to Inner Yoga Training now at https://inneryogatraining.com/. 

The post Yoga and Balanced Diet for Body and Mind first appeared on Inner Yoga Training.

Traditionally, and even today for some people, self-realization was the goal of yoga and the asanas and pranayama were a very small part of this journey.  Asana (a Sanskrit word that translates as “to sit down”) was designed to keep the body supple to allow seekers to sit in meditation for hours on end and bring the body back into a more balanced state allowing for the free flow of energy.  Pranayama was cleansing or calming for the body, depending on which pranayama practiced.   Today’s modern practice has changed this focus and made it much more about the physical practice and, with the rise of social media, it has also become about beauty and body image.  A far cry from the origins of this ancient and spiritual practice.

While we may not always steponto our mats today with the goal of enlightenment in mind, there are threads of this initial outcome that can, and likelywill, arise with regular yoga practice.  Self-realization can be described as the realization ofone’s true nature beyond the limitations of the mind, physical body, and ego. Yoga teachesus that the “true nature” of a human being is pure consciousness- the witness, or the selfbeyond the “human” self. While undertaking a yoga training in Bali, you will learn the pathwaythere, not only with the physical practice but with the study of yoga philosophy and Ayurveda and modern psychology teachings. Through practicing asana, pranayama, and meditation, it is one path in which we are able to access our trueself.

According to yogic philosophy, every human being is composed of layers of “self”. In theancient tantric yoga text, the Taittiriya Upanishad, these are known as koshas. Similar to anonion, as we peel back each layer, we get clearer on our centre or our pure essence that is free from emotional and mental ailments. The outermostlayer is the physical body (Annamaya kosha), followed by the pranic (energetic) body(Pranayama kosha), the mental/emotional body (Manomaya kosha), the wisdom body (Vijnanamaya kosha), and lastly, the bliss body (Anandamaya kosha)- the true self beyond all layersof self.  Each kosha affects the others and they mingle and change so when you work on one you can influence the others.  This influence can either take you closer towards peeling away the layers or take you further away from it.  For example, when we are stressed thinking about something that might happen in the future it affects our Manomaya kosha.  This in turn affects the physical body (Annamaya kosha) and we may feel tight in certain areas; our breathing may change, and our heart rate increase.  This affects our energetic body (Pranayama kosha) and our energy becomes scattered and off.  We are less grounded.  We will find it hard to focus and think clearly (Vijnanamaya kosha) and it becomes impossible for us to be in a blissful state (Anandamaya kosha).

While most yogis today aren’t seeking full transcendence, this model of the koshas canbe used as a roadmap to self-awareness to facilitate personal growth and transformation. Oncewe become conscious of the different layers of the self, we have the opportunity to overcomethe limitations of the mind and ego and experience the divinity of our true nature.Like the practice of yoga, self-realization is not a one-time event. While you may attend ayoga training in Bali and do yoga every day for a month, the effects of the practice extend farbeyond those thirty days. It is a continual process of discovery, growth, and ultimately, evolution.  Georgina, the Founder of Inner Yoga Training in Bali believes that ultimately yoga is about how we are in the world, how we show up in our relationship with self and others.  The physical practice is just one of the tools that invite our shedding of layers and conditioning.

By practicing yoga regularly, we are constantly growing in our strength and flexibility- in bodyand mind.Whether it be physically or mentally, by showing up to the yoga mat, we grow. Withevery yoga practice, we take a step closer to our true nature. By practicing yoga every day on a 200 hour yoga teacher training in Bali, you have the opportunity to go much deeper than you would by going to a daily class at home.  A residential yoga certification course especially is truly transformational and allows you to shed a lot emotionally and mentally.  The opportunity to experience this evolution is daily and you are not distracted by your day-to-day routines.

While yoga is far from what it once was, the potency of some of its original goals haveremained. The ability of a regular yoga practice to facilitate growth and transformation hasremained intact throughout the centuries. By practicing yoga regularly, you can extend not onlyyour physical and mental strength and flexibility, but also deepen your connection with yourself.While specific practices may be different to what they once were, modern day yoga can still helptranscend the identification with mind and can facilitate a deeper connection with oneself.

The post The Evolution of Yoga first appeared on Inner Yoga Training.

Some of the best yoga certification courses in Bali for a start!  Ubud provides what Bali is most known for; cascading rice paddies, flowing rivers, towering coconut trees, and tropical jungle that create a serene and majestic atmosphere.  It attracts top yoga teachers from all over the world who decide to call Ubud home.  People are health conscious and it’s a joke amongst local yogis that nothing happens after 10 pm because everyone is in bed early getting beauty sleep before their early morning yoga practice!  Basically, it’s the perfect backdrop for learning how to become a yoga instructor. It provides a space free of distraction and full of energy, yet rich in Hindu culture.  Bali is the only Indonesian island that is Hindu.  It’s a nice synergy as yoga stems from ancient India with many elements coming from Hindu philosophy. Azadi Retreat Bali has welcomed yogis from all over the world who want to learn to become a yoga teacher in Bali.  Here is their list of what makes Ubud special.

Melukat

The Balinese Melukat is a soul purification ceremony using holy water, as a way to get closer to a higher being. It is often performed after a storm in your life to surrender the bad and make way for good.  Although it derives from Hindu practices, a Balinese priest allows anyone to take part in the magic. You can partake in Melukat for anything that you feel is going wrong but it’s performed often when people are feeling overwhelmed in life.  They do this ritual to reset.  The recommendation from the staff at Azadi Retreat is to start your trip with this, especially before a yoga teacher training to purify yourself, and wish you good luck on the transformational journey ahead.

Cafes

Food is the energy for our mind, body, and soul; especially if you’re going to be practicing yoga every day during your 200 hour yoga teacher training in Bali.   Ubud has some amazing world-class cafes serving great coffee using Indonesian coffee beans.  As Ubud is a yoga center, many cafes offer vegetarian, raw, and healthy food options.  You can choose from Western-style cafes for brunch or dinner or traditional Indonesian food.  Azadi Retreat serves amazing vegetarian dishes to students doing their yoga teacher training and all meals are included in the package that Inner Yoga Training offers.  However, some of their recommendations on the days off from the training include Clear Café, Milk & Madu, Watercress, Kafe, Alchemy, and Bali Buddha.  There are many more, we could go in but this will give you a great start.  Many students decide to stay and eat at Azadi Retreat though on their days off because the food is so good.  They offer a carefully derived plant-based menu using only local and fresh produce from the local market.  You’ll never get bored of the variety and you will feel great with the balanced meals.  Even non-vegetarians love the food and are amazed at the ever-changing options! 

Ecstatic Dance

You could say that ecstatic dance is the yogi version of a night out! As you move your body to the rhythms and beats of the music it can become like a moving meditation that invites to you enter a trance-like state and connect more deeply with yourself and those around you as everyone moves and connects together with the music.  It is a safe space free of judgment to fully express yourself through movement.  There is no right or wrong, no steps to follow just your own body intuitively moving to the music.  Allow yourself to be guided by your body and what movement it needs to follow.  It’s a chance to get out of your head and into your body.  You can let your body and mind both be free from any expectations.  The Yoga Barn hosts an ecstatic dance night every Friday.  It often sells out so make sure to get your tickets at least one day before!

Yoga Wear

We know what you’re thinking, if I’m traveling to Ubud for yoga why should I shop?  I’m coming to get away from that!  Well, here’s a little secret; Ubud is full of great yoga shops! If you forgot your mat don’t worry because you won’t have trouble finding one. All down Hanoman Street, you’ll find endless stores dedicated to yoga equipment, yoga wear, and even energizing crystals. No more Lulu Lemons but many unique yoga wear brands that are locally designed and made using organic cotton and natural dyes.   If you want to shop with a conscious for your yoga leggings or tops (and you’ll need quite a few if you’re doing your 200-hour yoga teacher training) then Ubud is abound with great options.

Best Yoga Certification Courses in Bali

We might be biased but Ubud, is full of the best yoga certification courses in Bali.  Being in Ubud offers an amazing opportunity to deepen your practice and study the history and philosophy behind yoga, or even pursue a yoga career and become a mentor to others.  Inner Yoga Training offers one of the best yoga teacher training in Bali.  Not only do you master and become certified in two forms of yoga – Vinyasa and Yin, but you also dive deep into Meditation and Pranayama, Ayurveda, yoga philosophy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, voice activation, sound healing and mindfulness.  Their training is all-inclusive and is located at the beautiful Azadi Retreat Bali near Ubud.  A 200 hour yoga teacher training in Bali can take around three weeks plus but it’s worth it, especially when the retreat center is surrounded by stunning rice fields. Who doesn’t want to spend a bit of time away to fully devote time to a practice they love in a beautiful setting?

Art and Culture

Ubud is known as the artistic capital of Bali and there are villages that specialize in certain crafts.  For example, there is a village dedicated to silver making where you can find amazing jewellery.  Other villages specialize in word work where you can find hand-carved mirrors and furniture.  The Ubud Traditional Art Market is well worth a visit in the center of Ubud.  Here you will find small shops selling a variety of local handicrafts including hand-woven bags, silk scarves, sarongs, hand-painted wooden masks, and pottery.  If you wander the side streets you’ll find galleries showing the work of local Ubud painters.  When you’re finished there, you can go across the road to the residence of the Ubud Royal Family and attend a traditional Balinese dance performance held every day at the Palace.

There is so much more that we could say about Ubud but you’ll just have to sign up for your yoga instructor course in Bali and come and experience it for yourself.

The post A Yogi’s Guide to Ubud Bali first appeared on Inner Yoga Training.