My Trip to France
Last November, I embarked on a solo trip to Toulouse, France, for my yoga teacher training that turned out to be a pivotal moment in my life. It wasn’t just a professional endeavor; it was a transformative experience that reshaped my perspective and empowered me in ways I never imagined.
The decision to travel alone for three weeks was daunting, especially considering it was my first solo adventure. But deep down, I knew it was something I needed to do. And Toulouse felt like the perfect destination, with its vibrant culture and welcoming atmosphere.
The teacher training I attended focused on trauma-informed practices, a subject close to my heart. Little did I know, the people I would meet during this training would become instrumental in my journey.
From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the warmth and camaraderie among my fellow trainees. Despite coming from different backgrounds and cultures, we shared a common passion for helping others and making a difference in the world.
The training itself was a revelation. It provided me with the tools and techniques I needed to support individuals who have experienced trauma. But more than that, it gave me my voice back and helped me find my confidence as a teacher.
Through workshops, discussions, and hands-on exercises, I learned to embrace my past experiences and use them as sources of strength in the classroom. The training set me on a journey of embodiment, allowing me to fully inhabit my role as an educator and connect with my students on a deeper level.
As I navigated through the streets of Toulouse and immersed myself in its culture, I felt myself growing and evolving with each passing day. The city became not just a backdrop for my training but a source of inspiration and renewal.
By the end of my three weeks in Toulouse, I emerged as a different person – more confident, resilient, and self-assured in my abilities as a teacher. I realised that the biggest obstacles we face are often the ones we create in our minds. And thanks to the training and the supportive community I found in Toulouse, I was able to begin to overcome those obstacles and discover my true calling. One pivotal person in this journey was my teacher – Manouk Tideman. She is an inspiration and a role model to me – not only is she a warm and wholesome human being, but her passion and knowledge about yoga shines through everything she does.
Looking back on my journey, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences that shaped me. Toulouse will always hold a special place in my heart as the setting for my transformative teacher training. And I know that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the inspiring people I met along the way. They helped me find my voice, regain my confidence, and set me on a path of professional growth and personal fulfillment.
