So here I am, one week into yoga teacher training in Santa Barbara. In a few days, I’ve learned more about my body, my mind, and my being than I ever thought I could learn.  And we’ve barely just begun.

I moved in a week ago to this beautiful home in Montecito that we’re staying in…. it’s absolutely gorgeous. I survived my first week, and decided this past weekend that journaling this experience would be worth it in the end. Already I can tell these two months will fly by faster than I can imagine.

Once they’re gone, it will be nice to have the words on paper to remember what this felt like. The days are long, there’s no denying that!!

By the time I get the chance to sleep I can’t because my mind’s abuzz. There’s always so much that I should be doing instead! I have four more not-so-tiny books to read, 60 pages of dialogue to memorize, 25 more postures to deconstruct and learn, and there’s always something I should be studying.

I already realized that this training will barely scratch the surface of the topic of “yoga,” and after graduation I have a life-long road ahead of learning, growing, and developing into a better yogi.

The teachers’ knowledge and instruction is astounding. Week 1 included lots of nightly philosophy lectures led by Mark, which has been the more interesting part of the curriculum to me. Yoga philosophy is one of the things I was most excited for in this training… seeking truth and knowledge of Self.

Zefea’s knowledge of the postures and their mechanics is OVERWHELMING. When she talks, I can’t stop furiously scribbling notes because the words coming out of her mouth are priceless!

It’s incredible what there is to learn from this duo.

I 100% made the right decision to study with Evolation for this training. I already know this experience will be a life changing one.

We were asked to “let go” of something when we got here. I’ve given up coffee until graduation, but to truly allow myself to discover who I am, I’ve also given up the fear of judgement. I’m working on being myself, loving who I am, and finding the freedom to be me without fear of what others think.

Forget fear. Be free. Without coffee. Yolo 

I can feel my heart opening and my soul coming alive, learning about yoga and how to better serve myself, others, and humanity. I hope as a teacher I can make a positive impact on someone.

I can’t wait for tomorrow. I can’t wait to learn more. I can’t wait to start teaching, and I can’t wait to see where this inward journey will bring me.

Coming here may have been one of the best decisions of my life.

I feel alive. And I am grateful.

Until tomorrow…. Sandy

Allison Antoinette

Allison Antoinett is the newest addition to evolation yoga with a background in Ashtanga and Kundalini yoga alongside holistic nutrition. er inquisitive brai inds joy in Eastern traditions and looks to help improve a quality of life for all.