Meet Squad 7 Awake To My Soul Yoga Teacher Trainee: Andrea Garcia
Life can be hard. The everyday challenges often leave us yearning for a space of our own. Somewhere we can find solace, maybe vent or even rage (if necessary). But, ideally, we can find a space of calm and self-discovery. Somewhere we can call our own.
Andrea Garcia found her space in yoga. And then again at the heart of Awake To My Soul's Yoga Teacher Training program. A 200-hour immersion designed not just for seasoned yogis, but for anyone on a path of personal growth and empowerment.
Embarking on the Yoga Journey
For Andrea, her journey really began in March 2022, driven by a need for something. Life's transformations had left her feeling on the verge of being overwhelmed, sometimes even helpless. Her baby born premature, a pandemic, postpartum, motherhood, relocation, partnership, career, the general heavy state of the world and human nature. The allure of yoga with its seemingly and sometimes annoying “happy yoga people”, sparked a curiosity.
Balancing life, motherhood and all those life things again, she had a subconscious, whimsical thought — “Wouldn’t it be funny if yoga actually lit me up?”
And so, it began. Yoga became her literal manifestation of transformation. Nurturing the mind-body relationship created what Andrea fondly calls “the soul magic." The practice became a fusion, where mind and body pushed each other, detoxifying her energy and unveiling a deeper connection. Yet, Andrea knew she needed more – a hunger for yoga philosophy beyond the physical postures.
The Call to Yoga Teacher Training
It was only a few months into her practice that she knew there was something bigger in this practice for her to tackle. The elevating power of her mat left her craving a full immersion experience. Yoga, she discovered, was magical, applicable not just on the mat but in the real world. In everyday life, in how we speak, how we act.
Teacher Training called her — Awake to My Soul YTT called her. There was no coincidence involved when she found Ylonda and Awake to My Soul. Her choice to apply for the training scholarship was influenced by the studio's commitment to diversity and inclusion. It was a stark contrast to her previous perceptions of yoga as a gate-kept practice.
When she received the scholarship two days before Mother's Day — it truly felt like it was meant to be. The studio, intentional in its design, became a sacred space – magical and safe. The experience of diving deeper into the spiritual and physical aspects of yoga became a profound exploration of self.
Soul Yoga, where the Teacher Training is held, represented more than just a physical space; it embodied the spiritual non-physical aspects of yoga that guide how we choose to live.
Embracing Diversity
If you ask Andrea, the importance of representation in the yoga community can’t be understated. The lack of diversity in yoga studios creates barriers that she was determined to help dismantle. She wanted to be part of a movement that affirmed, “This is a practice for EVERYONE."
She is an immigrant and advocate for social justice, and the yoga world often felt exclusive and inauthentic. Awake to My Soul is different, it is a haven of belonging for everyone.
The emphasis on mindfulness and community struck a chord. The realization that yoga could be a unifying force rather than a divisive one fueled her passion to become a teacher.
Awake To My Soul teaches music, movement and knowledge as integral parts of a practice. For Andrea, this was healing not only herself but connected her with a broader community.
Life's Secret Sauce
Andrea affectionately refers to yoga as "life's secret sauce." It's the transformative ingredient that infuses every aspect of her being. The practice, she believes, is not just a physical exercise, but a recipe for living authentically.
Being on the mat for her, was like putting a magnifying glass on herself and her life. It illuminated her thoughts and patterns, forcing her to confront limiting beliefs. The practice became a journey of self-discovery, encouraging her to show up, believe in her strength, and give herself grace.
Her journey through Awake To My Soul's Yoga Yoga Teacher Training program reflects the profound transformation – from feeling disconnected to discovering the magic within herself.
The program's commitment to inclusivity, diversity and empowerment has not only shaped Andrea as a yogi, but inspired her to be a catalyst for change. As she steps into the role of a yoga teacher, Andrea embodies the essence of living authentically and sharing the transformative power of yoga with the world. Her journey is not just a personal one; it's a testament to the universal magic that happens at Awake To My Soul Yoga Teacher Trainings.
About Awake To My Soul Yoga Teacher Training
Awake To My Soul Teacher Training was founded by Ylonda Rosenthal-Greene, founder of Ohio City's own Soul Yoga studio. It is a program unlike any other yoga teacher training.
It is designed to support all personal journeys - from those simply looking to deepen their practice to those who envision yoga as a career. It shares the values of Soul Yoga - a place where everyone is welcome.
We believe that yoga is an artful expression of the self. The goal of this training is to provide students with the space to explore the diverse practices + philosophies of yoga. By identifying what speaks to them, students can then cultivate + express their own unique voice through their teaching.
Participating in this training can be a profound experience, taking you to places in your mind + body that you never thought possible.
Through a lens of love + compassion, we will support each other as we grow, heal + connect with parts of us that we never knew existed or have long forgotten.
This is not just yoga.
This is an awakening to your soul.
The time is now.
Step into your life as the empowered + radiant being that you were destined to be.
A circle where we gather.
A circle where we sit.
A circle where we walk.
TOGETHER EQUALLY
RECLAIMING OUR POWER
REMEMBER OUR WISDOM
FINDING OUR VOICE
CONNECTING TO OUR SOUL
BECOMING THE UNIQUE LEADER WE WERE BORN TO BE
Playing Small is no longer an option.
Squad 8 starts August 2024.
Early Bird Pricing Available until 4/1/24
What are you waiting for?
Scholarship Opportunities
The Awake To My Soul Scholarship Program is one of the ways we demonstrate our commitment to building a learning community, increasing our responsiveness to barriers that exist, and creating greater access to the educational opportunities offered by Awake To My Soul. We provide financial resources to deserving individuals for whom the cost of attendance would be a burden or hardship.
