I Went to Mexico for Yoga Teacher Training. I Found a Whole New life.

YOGATRAVEL

Jul 13

Here’s little past-self me! My mom took this photo just before we headed off to my 5am flight that changed everything.

It takes courage to hop on a plane solo anywhere and take an adventure. This gal in the photo was nervous and excited to be heading to her 200-hour yoga teacher training immersion.

I was between corporate jobs, unsure what was next, and uncertain how to connect to my life’s purpose. I didn’t know exactly what I was looking for, but I knew I needed a shift.

I have always believed when you feel stuck you should learn something new. So why not yoga teacher training in a small town in Mexico called Melaque?

The trip began in Puerto Vallarta. Getting to know this city for the first time, ! stayed at a hostel in the Romantic Zone, and did what any solo traveler does—I tried to make friends! Lucky for me, a hiking group from Seattle was staying in the hostel, and I was invited to join them on a few adventures.

One of these was a day trip to hike in Sayulita.

Now, mind you, this was before Sayulita had an explosive yoga and surf scene, or much going on at all.

When we arrived at the corner near the front of town, we walked towards the sleepy plaza and made our way to main beach. I had just spent the month prior in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, and I was curious if Sayulita would be have as much to offer as a trendy surf town.

First impression: cute town, but probably not enough to keep me entertained.

Our guide walked us down from the beautiful main beach surf point to Northside beach (Spoiler: this is where I have currently resided for 8 years!!!). We walked over the rocky headland to a beach I now know is called Mal Paso (Again, Spoiler, this is now the beach where my husband hosts daily hiking tours!).

Okay but picture sweet, naive past-me, with none of this knowledge, getting to know Sayulita for the first time!

We had the beach to ourselves and it was stunning. I made deep conversation with a fellow hiker about life and feeling stuck. We had a heart to heart while sunning and swimming on the Northside beach.

That moment—barefoot in the sand, uncertain but hopeful—will always stick with me.

From Puerto Vallarta, I took a 4-hour bus ride and went on to complete my 200-hour yoga teacher training in Melaque.

Two weeks deep in a yogic lifestyle immersion was everything I needed.

It was the first time I felt truly connected to my inner self. Mornings began with chanting, meditation and breath work—all of it awkward at first, until something shifted in me.

A seed had been planted. I felt empowered to live more aligned to my soul-led purpose.

Over the next decade, that seed grew. I traveled solo through Asia seeking more mindfulness and spirituality. By 2015, I had moved from Outer Banks, North Carolina, to start a new life in Ocean Beach, San Diego without knowing a soul. I found my tribe and created a fun, new life that just seemed to be more ME in every way!

San Diego me, finding community in yoga at Wanderlust 108 festival!

My San Diego roommate was a kindred spirit. The two of us were always traveling and comparing notes. One day she recommended to me “You should go to Sayulita. You’d love it, I promise…surf, yoga—the whole vibe you're looking for.”

I realized…wait a second…had I been there before???

Returning Transformed, I found a whole new life in Sayulita.

The new me was more prepared to slow down and experience the magic of Sayulita. Sayulita had grown up too. The yoga surf vibe was full on. I decided to rent an apartment for a month, and I was offered to teach some local yoga classes. Obviously, you know where this story ends up: I stayed!

After teacher training, I started to live more aligned to my purpose. Magic unfolded for me in this town. and I met my soulmate—the owner of EcoHike Sayulita (yep, we now take that SAME hike all the time).

I run Evoka | Sayulita Yoga School just steps from where I stood staring at the ocean and wondering what life had in store for me.

That’s the magic of the path: we don’t need to know where it’s going. We just need to prepare ourselves.

What Will Life Have in Store for You? How Will You Prepare?

If you’re feeling the way I once did—burned out, lost, seeking change—maybe this is your moment.

Yoga teacher training offers a space to learn the techniques to shift out of what’s holding you back and listen inward. A yogic immersion will help you understand your purpose, re-awaken to life, and offer you lifelong practices to keep you centered.

Join me for an immersive YTT at Evoka | Sayulita Yoga School—take two weeks to shift and prepare for the magic that’s waiting.

Meditate with me daily! ~ Unlimited access to over 100 of my guided meditations and all my live stream classes. 🧘‍♀️

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