Choosing a Spiritual Path: Reflections from My 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training

Choosing a Spiritual Path: Reflections from My 300-Hour Yoga Teacher Training

If I were to sum up my time on my 300-hour yoga teacher training, I would say that my practice has softened, and that I have softened too. A lot has dropped away from my life, and I’ve learned many lessons since my last time here. It’s only been a few years, yet so much has shifted as I try my best to follow a yoga path.

Ancient Wisdom, Still Alive Today

My personal choice is for a calmer path going forward but we will see what the universe has in store. I don’t set myself above anybody else, or think I’m better in any way, shape, or form, all the times I wobble and fall on and off the mat keeps me humble. The practice is my tool to align myself with something that keeps me in balance something that helps me have mental resilience for all of life’s ups and downs.

During this training, my favourite part was listening to the philosophy. Miriam Indries my teacher speaks about ancient yogic philosophy that has been there for thousands and thousands of years, and yet still fits our modern lives today.

Once you dip your toe into yoga, you quickly realise how many different avenues there are. There are so many aspects you can explore. As many of you know, I’m still training as a yoga therapist, a year and a bit to go , it feels like another arm of it all. Yoga really is a huge world, and it has taken over my life in a really positive way.

I feel content with my choices. I can hand on heart say I have no regrets, and I’ve learnt so much from the life lessons that have come my way. I feel really grateful to have this space in my life now, at this age, to be able to follow my heart, to take yoga trainings, to be running I Am The Storm Yoga, knowing that it has a positive impact on other people’s lives. It’s a very humbling path.

The Yamas and Niyamas: A Starting Place with philosophy

The Yamas and Niyamas were my starting place with yogic philosophy during my 200-hour training, they continue to weave their way through my life now.

They’re often described as ethical guidelines or observances, but for me, they’ve become something much more lived and practical. They quietly shape how I respond to people, how I hold myself in the world, and how I navigate relationships especially the challenging ones.

Over time, yoga can stop being something you do and starts becoming something you live. I have added the philosophy at the bottom of the blog if you are interested, we will be popping them up in the studio soon.

Softening, Discernment, and Letting Go

One thing I’ve learned is that when you’re open-minded to life, the right things begin to seep in. Through discernment, you start to recognise what is meant for you and what is not. The right people align. The people who maybe aren’t so great for your life gently fall away. Yoga helps find your way, one step at a time.

It doesn’t really matter what that looks like. Your life might not resemble anyone else’s but it’s your life. And that is what matters. living a life that is true to your heart.

During the training, Miriam spoke about reaching a point where you can say:

“That’s yours, not mine to hold.”

Learning what is ours to carry and what isn’t feels like one of the most important practices of all.

A Gentle Reminder for the Festive Season

As we move through Christmas, I invite you to pause if tensions arise. Stop and breathe.

Is it worth the fight?

Is it worth the reaction?

Is that just the ego kicking in?

Our closest people are often the ones who press our buttons the most. This is where yoga really meets real life not on the mat, but in how we respond when we’re triggered. If you are not with family or it is a tricky time for any number of reasons try and remember it is only one day. Stay under the duvet or get out for a walk this too shall pass. I hope you can find some glimmers of joy regardless. If you love this time of year I hope it is your best Christmas yet !

Gratitude and Looking Ahead

I’m incredibly grateful for my time back at Aegalis School of Yoga, and especially for my teacher, who has announced that this was her last training here. She’s moving on to new things, keeping her next steps close to her heart I am excited to see what unfolds for her she has changed my life & literally hundreds of others too over her 8 years teaching at the school.

Even my teacher admits the practice has softened her, as she seeks more space for her own life I hope that will still include teaching some deep philosophy and her wonderful Ayurvedic cooking. Let’s see what will be next for her. I know I will be following her wherever she goes.

It is not for everyone taking such trainings but if you ever reach a crossroads and have the space and time in your life starting with 200 hours teacher training can be a highly transformative time and it helps reframe so much in life. You do not need to teach at the end of it I cannot recommend the trainings enough they have really helped me during deeply challenging times in my life twice now.

As for you all.

Thank you so much for your support this year, and for choosing I Am The Storm for your practice. I wish you a very peaceful and contented Christmas, and I hope that whatever 2025 has brought, you can meet the end of the year with compassion and breath.

Yoga helps us navigate it all.

I’m looking forward to turning into 2026, with so much more magic at The Mill. I’ll be back on the mat soon and I can’t wait to get back to teaching I have really been inspired again and look forward to taking a deeper dive into all of it with you, hopefully weaving in a bit more philosophy to honour the ancient roots of the practice.

I really wish you a very peaceful and contented Christmas

it really is magic

With so much love & gratitude

Clare x

If you fancy a read !

The Yamas & Niyamas

This was my starting place with yoga philosophy during my 200-hour training, and I’ll be putting this up in the studio soon.

The Yamas — How We Relate to the World

• Ahimsa — Non-violence. Practising kindness in thought, word, and action, towards others and ourselves.

• Satya — Truthfulness. Living and speaking in alignment with what feels honest and real.

• Asteya — Non-stealing. Not taking what isn’t freely given, including time, energy, or peace.

• Brahmacharya — Wise use of energy. Learning when to engage and when to rest.

• Aparigraha — Non-grasping. Letting go of excess, expectations, and what no longer serves.

The Niyamas — How We Relate to Ourselves

• Saucha — Cleanliness. Creating clarity in our bodies, minds, and spaces.

• Santosha — Contentment. Finding enoughness in the present moment.

• Tapas — Discipline. Showing up even when it feels uncomfortable.

• Svadhyaya — Self-study. Becoming curious about our patterns and inner world.

• Ishvara Pranidhana — Surrender. Trusting something bigger than ourselves.

Have a lovely Christmas everyone. See you all in 2026.

Clare