Student Feedback
- "When I first started the SOYA training in stunning Summerland (the drive alone from the south or the north along the only highway is among the most beautiful drives in the world) I was welcomed with open arms. Despite having come from a different yoga lineage and perspective, I was able to participate with the teachers and students freely, and felt like I could contribute in my own unique way without threatening the group or being held back. This was an immense relief, and I came to look forward to, thrive and love meeting up with my fellow aspirants on a monthly, and sometimes more than monthly basis. I often wished we could have studied together for months at a time, and my relationships with my fellow yogis and yogins continues even though i've moved east. Mugs and Dariel feel so close and accesible at all times, and I often wonder where they ge the time to spend much close, personal teaching time with each student in the program. Although both are very advanced in their own practice and teaching professions, they have the wonderful quality of radiating simplicity, humility and merriment that was palpable, motivating and inspiring. It was really fun to learn from them, particularly because they have so much "beginner's mind" energy and are so open and willing to continue to learn, grow and share on the yogic path. From any tradition to no particular tradition, I would highly encourage you to experience the program of SOYA, and to spend time in the Okanagan, a yoga mecca that is gaining international reputation for its high concentration of yoga programs, services, adventures, practitioners and sangha. The real beauty is that Mugs and Dariel are just getting started, and for those that will be able to participate for the next 40 years, the journey will be grand and majestic indeed. My prayers and heartfelt thanks go to all in the SOYA program, and for all future students who wish to engage in this program. Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu - May the Whole World Attain Peace and Harmony, Ohm Shanti. " Mark Kerwin, SOYA graduate, RYT 500, Certified Laughter Yoga Instructor and Ambassador
§
- "I liked how the learnings reach so much further than the Hatha Yoga class we are trained to teach. I feel confident that the knowledge I have gained will help others. Overall I feel humbled and honored that the universe has once again provided a golden opportunity for tremendous learning in fulfilling my own potential growth as a human."
§
- "The way i think about things and approach things in my life is completely different now."Wow, i feel like a completely different person since i started on this journey. Funny, as i went along and did the studies, i felt like i was learning interesting stuff, but did not realize how much it was changing me. The way i think about things and approach things in my life is completely different now. For example, being here in Norway used to get occasionally a bit scary, being so far from "home" and family etc...but now i have this reassuring feeling that everything really IS connected (as i'd always sort of suspected but never really had confirmed before) and that i'm really not far from "home" ever. For me, all i need to do now is envision that lotus of the heart, and it reassures me. In fact, i've decided to call my yoga program here "Lotus Hjerte Yoga" which translates of course to Lotus Heart Yoga. I find myself making different choices of how to react to things and approach things, based on the learning i've done through this program. As we say in Norwegian "TUSEN TAKK!" which means "a thousand thanks" for all the help and guidance!".
§
- "Thanks for sending the document on professionalism, just reading that has improved my teaching! I'm getting better feedback and responses from my classes than ever before! and I'm more and more excited about the practice and teaching of yoga. THANK YOU! "
§
- "The extended length of time that the program requires allows one to gain a thorough foundation in the philosophies and to incorporate them into everyday life at a slow, steady pace. Being able to complete this program by correspondence over time is also a good option for those of us who have young children. I loved studying the philosophies, the opportunity to choose my own direction, the fact that I am able to fit this program into my life rather than having to leave home to study and then be faced with the dilemma of how to incorporate that which I have learned into my life."
§
- "I began my S.O.Y.A. training eighteen months ago. I enjoy it very much. It nicely compliments my huge interest in all forms of Yoga. I love my study of the textbooks recommended such as the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. This is priceless material for the serious yoga enthusiast to study and absorb. As well, I am highly motivated now to complete my certification and to teach yoga to others. Already, I am offering a beginner’s meditation class and one to one instruction in yoga postures. This is a wonderful course thanks to Marion, Dariel, and the others whom have made it possible for me to go deep into the ancient teachings of Yoga!!"
§
- "This program worked well for me as I work full time and have a family. I enjoyed opening my mind to new ideas and the opportunity to discuss potentially controversial ideas in a very accepting and safe environment, with people who were just as interested as myself. The yoga program has really assisted me in clarifying my own spiritual ideas, which makes me feel more whole as I continue to grow."
§
- "When I first came to SOYA's teacher training I had no idea it would come to this! I am so glad! Experiencing my own unfolding as I brought the yoga philosophical ideas and applied it to my hatha yoga practice and daily life in society has been one of the most uplifting experiences of my life! The philosophy studies were wonderful, more than I could have imagined. I also appreciated the support beginning, throughout, and still continuing for my actual teaching. Wonderful and motivated teachers. Thank you."
§
- "I just wanted to compliment you all on a wonderfully planned, and presented class this Sunday. Of course all of the classes I have attended have been great- but I just wanted to express my gratitude and appreciation. You are all moving me in such beautiful ways to develop and "You are all moving me in such beautiful ways to develop and explore the life of yoga."explore the life of yoga. All the information with lesson plans and modifications are extremely helpful, and sharing your own stories with me helps me soften to my guide within - knowing that my "yoga" will continue to bloom as it should in its own time. I apologize to you all for all the questions I ask- I seem to have a forever flow of curiosity and desire to know as much as I can grasp about the entire process. Since I have begun teaching (in a very light and safe atmosphere) all the things you are talking about take on so much more meaning for me- and thus bring on more questions. Thanks for being so patient, understanding and helpful. You all are operating such a quality organization and I am so honored to be apart of it.
- Hope this does not sound too sappy- but it really is coming from the heart and I wanted to share it with you. Thanks for shining your lights upon the Okanagan- and the WORLD!"
Namaste