Back to Bali: Yoga, Reflection, and the Beauty of Practice - December 2024

In December, I returned to one of my favorite places on Earth—Bali—for another round of Intermediate training with the Esak Garcia School. There’s something about Bali that’s simply unmatched. The lush nature, the warm, welcoming people, the laid-back rhythm of life—it all creates this magical atmosphere that feels like stepping into another world. And at the heart of it all is my favorite Bikram Yoga studio, nestled among greenery, with great coffee and the kind of good vibes you can’t quite describe—you just have to experience them.

Coming back to this space felt like a homecoming. Many of us had met a year ago during the first part of the Intermediate training, and reconnecting with those familiar faces brought a deep sense of community and warmth. There’s something special about growing and evolving together through this kind of intense work.

This time around, though, the journey was different. Reflecting on it now, I’m not sure if it was the right timing for me—or maybe it was, and I simply received what I needed. The training was intense. Early mornings for meditation, two classes a day, the humidity pressing on the body and mind—it was all quite a challenge. I often felt tired, like I couldn’t fully grasp what I was meant to get from the practice. I wasn’t suffering, exactly, but I was definitely stretching my limits.

And yet, in that struggle, there was growth. I had the opportunity to teach the Intermediate class to incredibly experienced teachers, to receive their feedback, and to witness my own development in the mirror of this experience. The challenge, both physical and mental, was real—but so was the reward.

I’m deeply grateful for the learning, for the connection, and for the chance to keep doing what I love most: immersing myself in the yoga bubble. It’s where I feel alive, present, and inspired. I already can’t wait for the next one.