A Journey Inward: My Experience with Yoga Instructor Course (April 2025)

Over the last month, something beautiful unfolded in my daily routine. From April 1st to April 30th, 2025, I immersed myself in a Yoga Instructor Course (Level 1), and looking back, it feels like one of the most grounded and energizing decisions I’ve made in recent times.

Each morning, from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM, I showed up with my mat — sometimes sleepy, sometimes sore — but always ready. What began as just a curiosity turned into a deeply enriching experience, both physically and mentally. I started noticing subtle but meaningful changes: more flexibility, lighter joints, deeper breathing, and a mind that was less cluttered and more present.

Physically, I’ve felt more alive. My body, which often bore the brunt of long screen hours and sedentary patterns, started opening up — literally. The stiffness gave way to flow. The fatigue started turning into focus. Even my phone picked up on it — notifying me that my active energy trend has improved compared to last month. A small metric, but it meant something.

Mentally, I noticed shifts that I didn’t expect. There’s a calmness that follows me now into the rest of the day, a kind of buffer between stress and reaction. My thoughts feel more spaced out, less urgent. I’ve started enjoying silence again — and that, to me, is gold.

An unexpected honor during this course was being recognized among the top 3 for overall sincerity. While I didn’t expect any awards, the acknowledgment felt like a warm nod from the journey itself.

I’m deeply grateful to Dr. Pradeep Kumar Sahoo, our instructor, whose patient guidance, wisdom, and sense of discipline set the tone for the entire course. His dedication was unwavering, and his energy—infectious. I also want to thank my fellow trainees — each one brought their own story, motivation, and rhythm, creating a space that was full of encouragement and silent strength.

This isn’t the end. I plan to continue my practice and deepen my understanding of Yoga and holistic health. This journey has only just begun.