I wanted to understand.

I wanted to understand why yoga made me feel better. The movement, the mat, the breathing, the heat. All of it. I wanted to understand yoga and how I could bring what I was gaining into the hearts and souls of the people I love beyond the studio walls. I wanted to inspire others to find the practice and take the journey inward.

And I find myself, every day, doing just that.

My journey to the “why” has continued far beyond teacher training. The most meaningful part is that my why is always changing. My purpose shifts as my perspective shifts, and that is the point. There is no finish line on the path to growth or enlightenment. That’s where the beauty lives.

After teacher training, I gained the power of perspective. Not just my own, but the ability to shift it, and the ability to honor that everyone else carries their own perspective too. I gained gratitude for the world, for others, for myself, and for the present moment. I gained grounding. Feeling supported beneath me reminds me that I am held and lifted at the same time.

Yoga taught me balance. I accept my lows just as much as my highs. Every experience belongs. Nothing is wasted.

My awareness deepened through meditation and presence. Meditation used to be the hardest part of the practice for me. When I realized meditation isn’t just sitting still with focused breathing, but something woven into every moment, everything changed. Meditation became connection. Presence. Awakening.

It gave me a sense of belonging I didn’t know I was missing.

I found connection to my center, and through that, connection to everyone I meet. I understand now that we are always connected through energy and awareness. Breathwork and meditation became a turning point for me, not only on the mat, but in my life.

Teaching yoga pours into everything else I do.

When I teach, I feel the breath and movement in my own body. It keeps me calm and present, and it empowers me at the same time. I carry that feeling into the world.

Guiding others toward self-acceptance and the courage to continue growing is an incredible experience.

Yoga is no longer a hobby for me. It’s my morning routine. It shows up every day and reminds me that perfection doesn’t exist. Consistency matters more. Consistency creates something lasting.

This path of transformation is ongoing. I am endlessly grateful for my teacher training experience and for the community that continues to support it.

— Hanna

If Hanna’s story resonates with you and you feel called to explore your own path more deeply, you can learn more about our 200-hour teacher training here:

Yoga Academy / Teacher Training