Namaste! My name is Pavel, and I come from a small town in Poland with a background in Computer Science. I recently spent two unforgettable weeks at Swasti Yoga Center, India, where I completed the YCB-AYUSH certified Yoga Volunteer Certified Course (YVC). What began as a simple curiosity about yoga turned into a life-changing journey of self-discovery, culture, and connection.
When I first arrived at Swasti, I was welcomed with warmth, kindness, and a cup of herbal Ayurvedic tea. The lush surroundings, calm ambiance, and traditional architecture created the perfect environment to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with myself.
The Yoga Volunteer Course was incredibly well-structured. As someone new to formal yoga practice, I appreciated how the teachings were both authentic and accessible. We learned asanas, pranayama, mudras, and the philosophy of yoga in a way that deeply resonated with me. I began to understand yoga not just as a physical practice but as a way of life—Bhakti-yoga, Karma-yoga, Jnana-yoga, all woven into daily living.
What truly stood out was the cultural immersion. I was fortunate to celebrate my birthday at Swasti, and to my surprise, everyone came together to celebrate it in the Indian traditional way with lamp circling ceremony. There was a beautiful ceremony, joyful singing, and even a visit to a local restaurant where we had an elaborate Rajasthani Thali. The flavors, colors, and love in that meal are still fresh in my memory.
I also had the rare opportunity to attend a traditional Indian wedding—a spectacle of music, dance, rituals, and color. The warmth with which the local people included me made me feel at home, even though I was thousands of kilometers away.
Our spiritual excursions were another highlight. We visited the Bhaje and Bedse caves, ancient meditation sites where monks once practiced austerities. The serenity of those caves, surrounded by nature, gave me a sense of timelessness and inner peace. We also journeyed to the Sai baba temple, a place of great spiritual power and devotion. These visits opened my heart to Bhakti Yoga—a kind of devotion I had never felt before.
And then came the fun parts—trying local drinks like Kokam and Neera, natural beverages that were both refreshing and unique. Every taste, every conversation, every moment felt like a piece of a larger puzzle that was helping me grow.
In just two weeks, I felt myself transforming—not only physically through yoga but mentally and spiritually. I learned discipline, compassion, patience, and self-awareness. I met people from around the world, shared stories, and found that yoga connects us beyond borders and backgrounds.
Swasti Yoga Center gave me more than a certificate—it gave me a deeper purpose and a renewed sense of life. I return to Poland with yogic values etched into my heart, ready to share them with others in my community.
Thank you, Swasti, for this beautiful chapter in my life. I will surely return.
With gratitude,
Pavel, Poland 🇵🇱
