Yoga and Travel: How Shanti Atma Yoga Started

~ 6 Lessons From Around The Globe That Birthed Shanti Atma Yoga ~

Written by Becky Khalil

The very first time I ever set foot outside the UK, I was 8 months old. This must have been the start of a silent addiction to travelling, that grew and grew over subsequent family holidays as a child. When I was old enough to travel by myself, I did. I was like a travel fairy, floating where ever the wind would take me. My first big, solo trip was when I was 19: the famous Gap Year. In short, this is primarily when young adults travel aimlessly around the world to “find themselves”. Needless to say, there is usually a lot of alcohol and careless living involved, I did in fact get to know another version of myself; a better, truer, more authentic version. This is the first time I saw the invaluable act of travelling.

Upon returning home, I embarked on my next adventure of University, where I studied International Tourism Management and International Development. Coupled with the myriad of things I had experienced in my travels, I knew which direction my heart was pointing. After 4 years at university, where I had travelled at every moment possible, working and living abroad every summer, I finally had my Master’s Degree. “Well that’s it then” I said, “I’m off!” The only reason I wanted to return to the UK, after my initial travels, was to acquire my degree and then jump on another plane with a one-way ticket to the world (and obviously to see my family). I took that ticket – to Colombia. If you had asked me then what I thought would happen now (in 6 years’ time), I wouldn’t have been able to tell you anything, even remotely close to what did.

Even in the mindset that I had back then; a mindset that was free and ready for anything, I couldn’t have imagined doing what I do today. I thank my initial urge to travel for all of the blessings that have come my way, all the people, places, experiences, friends, values, principles and beliefs to name a few. One stands taller than them all and that is the journey of Shanti Atma Yoga Training and Wellness Group:
Shanti Atma Yoga – Yin Yoga Training Academy
Shanti Atma Journeys – Boutique Retreat Experiences
Shanti Atma Foundation – Not For Profit Yoga Training Operations

Shanti Atma Yoga is an International Yin Yoga Teacher Training Academy that brings the wisdom of Yoga and an adventure of travel together.
With residential and online courses we believe that your journey can start anytime and anywhere, with the simple decision to start, try or grow.

Whether you want to dive into Functional Anatomy, Chinese Medicine and Roots of Yin Yoga, Meditation, Mindfulness, Pranayama, Neuroplasticity of Yin or Yoga Nidra, you can find them all here. With the added twist of learning how to teach them safely and authentically, you will leave feeling empowered and ready to inspire people’s lives. How do I know this? Keep reading on…

To begin, let me share with you some ground breaking lessons from the Globe that fuelled the birth of Shanti Atma.

#1 There is a lesson in everything
Listen to everything and everyone. Don’t listen to speak, listen to learn. When you do this you will better understand, see and innately know the benefit that arises from every experience.
From the globe: When you can’t understand the culture, language or way of life, all you have is listening with your eyes, ears and energy
*Lesson from Fiji

#2 It is all connected in some way or another
Although you may never find out the reason for everything, later down the line you will look back in hindsight and see how each event was connected and did teach you something of great value
From the globe: A skill that you think is pointless at present will most probably serve you well later
*Lesson from Egypt

#3 Patience is gold
This is still something that I still struggle with today. However, if you cannot be patient in life then you are the only one who will suffer. The only thing that we can control is our intention and our actions.
From the globe: The only way to develop this discipline is to let yourself into yourself and practice
*Lesson from Vipassana

#4 Relinquish Control
Accepting and letting go of a certain situation is much easier than trying to change things that are out of your control. I’ve wasted too much time fighting with the truth. Feel into yourself rather than thinking outside of yourself…
From the Globe: If you do not wish to accept what you hear then let it go. Let it go smoothly and quietly
*Lesson from Mexico

#5 Things Change
It’s scary when the known becomes unknown but do you know what is scarier? Having everything mapped out and losing yourself to the dismay of boredom and routine, only to find out that it probably isn’t going to end the way you thought it would anyway. Live large and embrace life!
From the globe: Change can be a positive sign of growth. Let change leave you lost and confused because this is surrender and surrender can lead to discovery
*Lesson from Panama

#6 Vulnerability is growth
We all take life day by day, working out the next step as we go. NOBODY has it figured out! The more vulnerable you allow yourself to be, the more you can flourish. Take risks, face fears, be embarrassed, open-up, and be true to yourself.
From Brene Brown: “vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy and creativity”.
*Lesson from India

These lessons may seem simple but simplicity is power. The birth of Shanti Atma not only came from these lessons (and many more) but from the biggest lesson of them all, “every achievement begins with the decision to try”.

We have a variety of Yin Yoga training’s that keep topping up your heart, mind and soul:

Yin Yoga Teacher Training Online:

Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 100 hour Functional Anatomy and Chinese Medicine
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 100 hour Pranayama, Meditation and Mindfulness
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 80 hour Yin Yoga and Yoga Nidra
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 50 hour Neuroplasticity and Mindfulness
Yin Yoga Teacher Training: 50 hour Essential Oils and Emotional Intelligence

Residential Yin Yoga Teacher Training:

Locations:

Yin Yoga Teacher Training Bali
Yin Yoga Teacher Training Thailand
Yin Yoga Teacher Training India
Yin Yoga Teacher Training Spain
Yin Yoga Teacher Training Australia
Yin Yoga Teacher Training Guatemala

We also have a variety of Yin Yoga Retreats and Yoga Holidays:

Yin Yang Yoga Retreat Spain: Rest and Revive Retreat
Yin Yoga Retreat Bali: Sacred Space Yoga