I Thought I Was Just Learning Yoga—But It Changed the Way I See the World

Embarking on a yoga teacher training course in Bali with YogaUnion, I aimed to enhance my physical practice—improving alignment, flexibility, and perhaps mastering a few new fancy asanas. While I achieved these goals, the experience offered so much more.

Anatomy

Learning about the body's muscles, bones, and ligaments provided me with a clearer picture of how my body moves and functions. This knowledge has been invaluable in preventing injuries and optimizing all of my movement practices. Understanding the body's mechanics allows for safer and more effective movement, both on and off the mat.

Breathwork

A moment of peace. Sumbawa, Indonesia, 2024

Exploring breathwork techniques revealed how conscious breathing can soothe the nervous system. By focusing on my breath, I found a way to quiet my busy mind, reduce stress, and anchor myself in the present moment. This practice has become a vital tool for managing daily stressors and enhancing mental clarity.

Philosophy: An Unexpected Favorite

I don’t consider myself particularly spiritual and felt hesitant to take on a yogic philosophy class. Surprisingly, it became a cherished part of the training. Our philosophy teacher, Nico, was truly inspiring. His classes felt like therapeutic sessions I never knew I needed, a sentiment shared by all 30 participants.

Key Takeaways

Let Go Of Self-Labels

One of the first lessons Nico taught us was this: don’t box yourself in by the characteristics you think define you. We all have beliefs about who we are—stories we tell ourselves based on past experiences. “I’m short-tempered.” “I’m lazy.” “I’m too much of this or not enough of that.” These labels might feel true, but they don’t have to be permanent.

For me, this was a hard pill to swallow. I’ve spent years identifying as someone who’s impatient and reactive. I’ve seen it play out so many times: someone says or does something I don’t like, and I fire back without thinking. Or I’m stuck waiting for something that’s dragging on, and I let the frustration consume me. In my mind, this was just “who I am.”

But Nico challenged that belief. He reminded me that the past is gone—finished, done, completely out of reach. What matters is the present moment, and in each of those moments, I have the power to choose how I respond. Maybe in the past, I snapped too quickly or let impatience get the better of me. But the past doesn’t have to define the present. This moment is new, and so is my ability to choose.

Nico reminded me that everything in this world is constantly changing—why should I be the exception? It’s a powerful shift in perspective. If I hold on to the belief that I’m inherently impatient, that belief will shape how I act. But if I acknowledge that impatience was part of my past and embrace the idea that I’m evolving, then I can create a new reality for myself.

This doesn’t happen overnight. It takes awareness and practice. But with time, I’ve started to notice the moments when I would have reacted too quickly or stressed myself out unnecessarily. And instead, I pause. I breathe. I remind myself that I’m not defined by who I was yesterday.

The lesson Nico taught me is this: we’re not fixed beings. We’re dynamic, ever-changing, just like the world around us. And when we let go of the old stories we tell ourselves, we create space to become the person we truly want to be.

Reframe Hardship

The way we choose to frame our experiences has incredible power, especially when it comes to hardship and trauma. We can view tough times as damaging and debilitating, moments that derail us and leave lasting scars. Or, we can reframe them as painful but transformative—experiences that shook us to the core yet taught us invaluable lessons.

Hardship can show us our inner strength, reveal the people we can truly rely on, and build the resilience we never knew we had. Sometimes, it’s even a reminder that we can count on ourselves when everything else falls apart. 

Life will throw challenges your way—that’s a given. But here’s the trick: instead of labeling them as problems, why not treat them as puzzles to solve? A game, even. Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this? How can I grow or understand something new from what’s happening right now?”

By shifting the narrative, you’re not ignoring the difficulty, but you’re choosing to see it in a way that empowers rather than diminishes you. And in that reframing lies incredible strength.

Own Your Emotions

We are the creators of our reality, shaping it through our thoughts and beliefs—whether we realize it or not. When you’re stuck in traffic and start swearing, spill something on your shirt and feel your frustration boil over, or face any other daily annoyance, that anger and frustration aren’t coming from the situation itself. They’re coming from you.

It’s not the external event that’s the problem; it’s your reaction to it. And here’s the kicker—it’s a choice.  

It’s not always easy to take ownership of our emotions, but we can try. In those frustrating moments, create a little space to step back. Notice what you’re feeling and acknowledge it: “I know I’m experiencing this frustration or sadness, but I also know that I created this response—and because I created it, I can choose to let it go.”

When you read my book, you’ll know exactly what I mean. Life throws curveballs. Sometimes they just can not be avoided. But, with the right mindset, each one is an opportunity for resilience and growth. Instead of resisting them, why not accept them as part of the game?

Life, after all, is a game.

You’ll win, you’ll lose, you’ll get hurt and sometimes knocked down—just like in any sport. But when you choose to play, you accept all possibilities. Anything can (and will) happen. The key is to embrace it all—the good, the bad, and everything in between—and keep moving forward.

Summing Things Up

Sun soaking in the Romblon province of the Philippines, 2024

The YogaUnion teacher training wasn’t just a course; it was a transformative journey that challenged me to shift my mindset, own my emotions, and embrace the constant evolution of life. It taught me the value of reframing hardship, letting go of self-imposed limitations, and building resilience through self-awareness. These lessons weren’t just about yoga—they were about how to live more intentionally, with an open mind and heart.

As I continue my travels, I carry these lessons with me, knowing that every challenge, every moment of discomfort, is an opportunity to grow, adapt, and create a reality that aligns with the person I strive to become.

Stay Connected

If you're interested in following my journey and insights from 14 years of travel, stay tuned for my memoir coming in Fall 2025. In the meantime, feel free to explore my website, https://www.shannon-obrien.com/  for more stories and reflections.