A Personal Reflection on our Advanced 100-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Austria
When Joan Hyman from the School of Yoga and I first envisioned our advanced 100-hour Yoga Teacher Training at the serene Soami Retreat Center in Austria, I felt quiet excitement. I knew it would be special—but looking back now, the depth of transformation we experienced together exceeded even my highest expectations.
Finding Stillness in the Austrian Alps
Nestled between lush mountains and crystal-clear alpine lakes, Soami Retreat Center provided the perfect sanctuary. Every morning, our dedicated group of yogis met at 6 am, walking quietly through the cool mountain air to a nearby waterfall for a rejuvenating cold plunge—a powerful practice of Tapas, cultivating discipline, resilience, and inner strength.
Returning to our mats after these invigorating dips, our early mornings unfolded into profound sessions of pranayama (breath control), meditation, and mindful asana practice. Witnessing each practitioner’s commitment deeply touched me. Their courage embodied true Abhyasa (consistent practice) and Vairagya (non-attachment), essential principles for authentic, transformative growth.
What Makes an Advanced Yoga Teacher Training Truly Transformative?
When practitioners search for an “advanced transformative yoga teacher training,” they seek authentic growth, deepened self-awareness, and meaningful personal breakthroughs. Our training directly met these needs through:
- Dedicated Daily Practice: Incorporating pranayama, meditation, and refined asana to cultivate inner stillness and physical depth.
- Authentic Yoga Philosophy Teachings: Joan Hyman, with over 25 years of walking the yoga path, provided profound insights and authentic teachings from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Ayurveda, and other core yogic texts.
- Deep Community (Sangha): A supportive, intimate environment fostering genuine connections, vulnerability, and authentic transformation.
Immersive Philosophy and Authentic Teachings
Afternoons on the expansive outdoor terrace immersed us in rich philosophical discussions, surrounded by nature’s quiet strength. Yogic terms like Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), Dharana (concentration), and Svadhyaya (self-study) came alive, becoming tangible practices woven into daily life and teaching.
Participants joined with varied intentions—many already seasoned teachers, others dedicated practitioners seeking deeper self-understanding. Witnessing the profound inner shifts each experienced was deeply rewarding for me as an organizer.
Sacred Space: Soami Retreat Center
The beautiful Soami Retreat Center amplified our experience with its unparalleled atmosphere. We enjoyed delicious sattvic meals prepared with Ayurvedic wisdom, a stunning infinity pool with panoramic mountain views, rejuvenating sauna and wellness facilities, and countless serene natural spots perfect for reflection and meditation. Hosts Werner and Hildegard nurtured our group with warmth and hospitality, making us feel genuinely cared for.
True Transformation: An Inner Journey
In hosting these trainings, I’ve observed that true transformation unfolds quietly—in moments of stillness after meditation, sincere conversations, or emotional release during deep practice. Our Austria training embodied exactly this—a subtle yet powerful inward journey, held in authenticity and care.
Join Us in Goa, India: January 2026
Reflecting on Austria fills me with immense gratitude and excitement for our next chapter. Joan Hyman will lead another transformative advanced Yoga Teacher Training, supported by myself as the organizer, in vibrant Goa, India, during the last two weeks of January 2026. India, Yoga’s birthplace, promises profound depth and inspiration.
If your heart desires authentic self-discovery, advanced practice, and genuine connection within a supportive community, we warmly invite you to join us.
Learn more and reserve your spot here →https://www.schoolof.yoga/goa2026
Namaste,
Tina
