I Spent 3 Weeks Doing Yoga in Paradise—Here’s What Happened
My journey with yoga began over a decade ago while backpacking through India. With a background in gymnastics, I found the balance and flexibility of yoga came naturally, allowing me to progress quickly. But as the years passed, I began to crave something deeper—a more immersive experience to not only refine my practice but also reconnect with myself.
Enter the idea of a three-week yoga teacher training. Did I want to become a yoga instructor? Not necessarily. But the thought of dedicating myself to a lifestyle of challenging yoga practices, vegetarian meals, daily meditation, and breathwork felt like a soothing escape from the busyness of “normal” life. I wanted to pause, recalibrate, and pursue something purely for me.
After extensive research, I chose YogaUnion. Their glowing reviews and prompt, courteous communication leading up to the course reassured me I’d made the right choice.
Arrival Day: Breaking Barriers
Arrival day carried the familiar tension of meeting new people—awkward smiles and stiff introductions as we shuffled into the Shala. But the welcome ceremony quickly dissolved those barriers. Led by two warm and spirited facilitators, we were guided through trust-building activities, meaningful conversations, and playful games.
I was surrounded by people from all corners of the globe—Germany, England, Scotland, Ukraine, China, Hong Kong, Australia, Korea, USA, Sweden, Poland, Switzerland, and beyond. Here we were, strangers from different backgrounds, languages, religions, and cultures, brought together by a shared desire to grow.
Opening Up: A Rare and Beautiful Connection
In our day-to-day lives, we often rush past people without a second thought, but here, in this intimate setting, we opened up. We challenged ourselves physically and emotionally while also diving deeply into the bonds we can create when we strip away distractions and show up authentically. We reflected, shared secrets, struggles and dreams. We supported each other through vulnerable moments.
What struck me most was the freedom to truly be. To shed societal expectations, embrace our flaws, and find strength in vulnerability. It was a privilege to witness people from so many walks of life deeply reflect on their journeys—celebrating gratitude while thoughtfully planning their next steps toward growth.
A Life of Connection
This experience mirrored so many of the themes I’ve explored in my writing: the power of vulnerability, the unexpected beauty of cross-cultural connection, and the universal human desire to be seen and understood. Whether in a remote Bolivian jungle, in a small Himalayan village of Nepal or the structured environment of an Indonesian yoga Shala, I’m constantly reminded that our shared humanity is what ties us together.
A Lasting Impression
This experience was far more than yoga poses. It was a profound reminder of our shared humanity and the beauty of connection. YogaUnion didn’t just guide us through asanas—they created a safe space to grow, heal, and form meaningful bonds.
If you’re looking to deepen your practice, discover new perspectives, or simply take a step back from the chaos of life, I wholeheartedly recommend YogaUnion. Whether you dream of teaching yoga or simply reconnecting with yourself, this transformative experience might be exactly what you need.
Follow My Journey
As I work to publish my first book, set to release Fall 2025, I’m documenting my lifestyle of travel, reflection, inspiration, and discovery on my website, https://www.shannon-obrien.com/. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to wander the world for over a decade, or if you’re curious about the stories behind my memoir, I’d love for you to join me.
Let’s continue this journey of connection together. ✨
