Yoga Learning Initiative

Sarah Peters-YLI Recipient, Continuing Education Funding 300hr Program

Lindsay Joy-Wenning: Scolarship Recipient YTT 2021

 Thanks to the Yoga Learning Initiative I was able to continue my education with Jason Crandell and take two 100 hour Modules: Module II: Building Integrity & Stability, Spine & Core in 2020 and Module III: Cultivating Strength & Movement, Shoulders, Neck & Upper Back in 2021. Training with Jason Crandell has been such an incredible experience. Due to the pandemic the training moved to online which made it more affordable since there was no travel cost. 

Although the training was still intense, 50 hours per week, it was nice to be able to practice and learn from home. It was incredible to be a student once again and learn so much detail of anatomy & intention from a master instructor, with cohorts from all over the world. Crandell's methods establish the inner workings of your body, with strong vinyasa flows, that incorporate his expertise of anatomy and attention to detail to keep you healthy, strong, and bring body & mind to a state of equilibrium.

Since this training I have been able to implement what I have learned into public classes, changed the way I approach sequencing and year long curriculum evolution, expanded specialty workshops & series offerings and developed Ekah’s Yoga 200 hr Teacher Training. 

I am so grateful to be able to take these training Modules. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the financial support of the Yoga Learning Initiative which covered 50% of the first Module & 20% of the second. 

Thank you all who have donated to this Initiative. I hope it continues to grow & support instructors in continuing education as we continue to support you in your practice!

In January of 2021, I started my journey in Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) with Ekah. I was able to participate in this life-changing experience thanks to a scholarship provided by the studio. I convinced myself that I could partake in this training by calculating the cost of tuition versus how long it would take me to make the money back teaching. It was practical. Little did I know, this six-month experience would change my life and the way I perceive everything in it. I went in for the hustle and bringing kid’s yoga to the Bloomington community. While I still practice with my children, I found this was training was most meaningful to my mind and spirit. I can embrace “what is” in any moment, because it is what should be. I also developed a level of self-love I’ve been able to share with others from a particularly meaningful lesson from a guest teacher. Pardon my crass paraphrasing; we are divine by design because the universe sought our existence exactly as it is – I am not just enough; I am perfect as I am. 

This peace within myself is now always available. I have learned moving meditation that calms my spirit. I am present. I made friends I didn’t expect and feel a part of my community like never before. I was open to what this training could be, and because of that, I am more the person I always wanted to become. I wouldn’t be the me I am now without Ekah’s generosity. I was only able to enjoy YTT thanks to their scholarship, and I am so grateful for the chance to grow and teach. I can now substitute some of my favorite classes for the teachers that helped shape me at the studio I love. I am incredibly fortunate, and I sincerely appreciate the funds I was given to make it possible.