A Transformative Journey: My 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Experience
A Transformative Journey: My 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Experience
After fourteen years of dedicated practice in the 26+2 yoga series, I thought I knew what to expect from my mat. I was wrong—in the best possible way. This past month, I completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training in Wellington, New Zealand, led by the remarkable Zefea and Mark, and the experience has left me profoundly changed.
Why I Chose Teacher Training
My motivation for enrolling wasn't about teaching others, at least not initially. As someone who had been consistently practicing the 26+2 series for over a decade, I found myself craving something deeper. I wanted to understand the whybehind each posture, to refine my own practice, and to explore the rich science underlying yoga. What I discovered was that this training delivered everything I'd hoped for—and so much more.
Learning from True Masters
Zefea and Mark aren't just instructors; they're living embodiments of the yogic path. Their credibility isn't something they need to assert—it radiates through every class, every discussion, every shared insight. As dedicated practitioners, experienced studio owners, and perpetual students of yoga themselves, they bring a rare depth of knowledge that can only come from years of committed practice and study.
What struck me most was their generosity. The wisdom they've accumulated through their own journeys—the hard-won insights, the personal breakthroughs, the lessons learned through both triumph and struggle—they shared it all openly and abundantly. They approached teaching not as gatekeepers of sacred knowledge, but as guides genuinely invested in helping each of us develop along our own unique yoga paths.
The Magic of Integration
Zefea's approach to teaching the 26+2 series deserves special mention. She has a remarkable gift for weaving meaningful, inspiring quotes throughout the practice, introducing them at precisely the right moments to unite body and spirit. These weren't empty platitudes or forced inspirational messages—each carefully chosen word seemed to land exactly when I needed it most, creating a practice that nourished not just my body, but my soul.
Each class became an entirely new experience, even though I'd been practicing the same series for fourteen years. That's the mark of a truly exceptional teacher—someone who can breathe fresh life into familiar territory and reveal depths you never knew existed.
The Ripple Effect
Weeks after completing the training, I'm still discovering its impact on my life. I find myself diving into further reading, exploring new areas of study, and viewing my daily practice through an entirely different lens. The training didn't just teach me about yoga—it ignited a curiosity and passion that continues to grow.
My Wholehearted Recommendation
If you're considering yoga teacher training and have the opportunity to study with Zefea and Mark, don't hesitate. Whether you're seeking to teach others or simply deepen your own practice, this is an investment in yourself that will pay dividends for years to come.
I feel extraordinarily grateful and privileged to have been taught by these two masters. They've given me not just knowledge, but inspiration, not just technique, but understanding, not just training, but transformation.
Fran
Wellington, New Zealand
14-year yoga practitioner | Recent 200-hour YTT graduate
