I had been taking yoga classes regularly at a local studio 5–6 days a week since 2011, enjoying different classes—Gentle, Intermediate, and Restorative. I always gravitated toward one teacher in particular, as she included meditation and breathing techniques, which attracted me and brought me great peace. At the time, I wasn’t yet aware of the different styles of yoga.

One day, the studio offered a teacher training, and I remember thinking, Me? A yoga instructor? I didn’t feel worthy of such a title. Don’t I need to be better? So I didn’t take it.

Some years passed, and I began attending another studio after my former one closed down. Although the new classes were good, something was missing. I missed that favorite teacher and her style.

Then came 2020 and COVID. All our yoga studios closed. I became housebound, like many others, quit the job I loved, and missed yoga terribly. Fear had overtaken me so badly, I couldn’t even concentrate enough to take a class online. Sleepless nights led me to search for relief from the overwhelming fear.

One night, lying in bed, I remembered a couple I had heard a few times—Deva Premal and Miten. I searched on YouTube, and there they were, in Costa Rica, offering 77 days of free chanting. I had never chanted before, but I found myself learning the Gayatri Mantra and tuning in nightly to chant with them. Ahh… I found some peace and was finally able to sleep.

After a few months, during one of those “middle-of-the-night” moments, a desire arose: I want to teach yoga. I thought, Oh my God, where did this longing come from? I remembered that instructor—the one whose classes had always drawn me in—and emailed her to share what had been unfolding. She had moved to Florida but kindly wrote back and told me she taught in the style of Hatha Yoga and had graduated from the Integral Yoga Institute years ago. She highly recommended the school.

That is when my journey truly began. I contacted the school, and the 200-hour teacher training was set to begin that coming September—virtually. I was so excited. First came the online interview, and shortly after, I received all the books and materials I needed to begin.

IYTT saved my life that year—both mentally and physically. I met and worked with amazing teachers, Swamis, speakers, and classmates. The community was more than inspirational—it was deeply supportive and transformative. Taking my teacher training at Integral Yoga remains the best experience of my life, and I am eternally grateful.

Today, I am happily teaching online and have been since graduating in 2021. I continue to learn and take classes every chance I get—this week I’m working on arm balances! My journey continues with great joy.

Thank you so much, Integral Yoga Institute, and to all you beautiful people.

With love and gratitude,

Ekabhakti
(Elaine Miccio-McClean)

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