This time last year, I was standing on the precipice of a profound professional shift. I was preparing to step into a new role—not just as a teacher, but as a lead facilitator for a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training. The excitement was immense, but beneath it lay a humbling sense of responsibility for the journey ahead.

A year later, having led these transformative trainings across breathtaking locations—from the ancient landscapes of Greece to the vibrant spirit of Sri Lanka—I can honestly say it has been one of the most defining experiences of my life.

The transition from leading a single class to holding the space for an entire training is not a small one. It’s a shift from teaching a sequence to mentoring a philosophy. It requires you to step back and allow the practice to work through your students, even when their process is messy, uncertain, or utterly breathtaking.

The true gift of this past year has been witnessing transformation up close. I’ve watched aspiring teachers walk in with hesitation, and walk out with a voice, a confidence, and an unshakeable sense of self they didn’t know they possessed. To watch someone find their teaching voice, to see the moment the philosophy clicks into place, or to witness a fear of public speaking melt away—there is no feeling in the world quite like it. It’s a sacred privilege to stand at that turning point with them.

In a way, my role as a lead trainer has forced my own continued growth. The students, through their questions, their vulnerability, and their unwavering dedication, have been my greatest teachers. It is a constant reminder of Svadhyaya—the self-study that is never complete. You can’t ask them to be brave if you aren’t willing to be vulnerable yourself. You can’t ask them to commit to the process if you don’t dedicate yourself wholly to holding the highest standard of space for them.

This past year has not only deepened my understanding of the practice but has also solidified my passion for teaching the people who truly care about what they are doing. Thank you to every student who trusted me to guide them. It is an honor I carry with me every day, and I look forward to meeting the next group of incredible humans ready to embark on this journey.