When 21-year-old Teresa, a vibrant college student from the USA, decided to spend a semester abroad, she knew she was looking for something deeper than a traditional study program. Drawn to yoga and wellness, her search led her to Swasti Yoga Center in Pune, India — a place she now calls her second home.
What began as an academic exploration of ancient Indian practices soon turned into a life-changing spiritual and cultural awakening.
A Journey That Began with Intention
Teresa enrolled in the Yoga Protocol Instructor (YPI) program at Swasti Yoga Center, a globally recognized course certified by the Yoga Certification Board (YCB) under the Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India. Designed for those seeking authentic knowledge of yoga rooted in tradition yet taught with modern scientific insight, the course became Teresa’s gateway to a world she had only read about in books.
She immersed herself in a structured curriculum of asana, pranayama, meditation, yogic philosophy, anatomy, and Ayurveda, taught by dedicated teachers who emphasized both personal growth and professional development.
A Homestay That Felt Like Family
What made Teresa’s journey even more special was her stay with a local host family arranged by Swasti Yoga. “Living with an Indian family opened my heart,” she shares. “I learned the true meaning of seva (selfless service), shanti (peace), and samskara (values) — not just in class, but around the dining table, during evening aartis, and through simple everyday interactions.”
Her homestay helped her witness how yoga is a lifestyle, not just a physical exercise — from waking early and eating sattvic meals to expressing gratitude, compassion, and discipline in daily life.
Celebrating Festivals, Culture & Sisterhood
Teresa arrived during the Mahashivratri festival, and the night of chanting, storytelling, and group meditations left a deep imprint on her spirit. “That night felt like I wasn’t just learning about Shiva—I was experiencing Him,” she recalls.
Throughout her stay, she actively participated in Indian festivals, temple visits, local hikes, and UNESCO World Heritage Fort explorations that connected her to India’s vast spiritual and historical landscape.
One highlight was Women’s Day celebrations at Swasti, where students from across the world came together to honor the strength, grace, and resilience of women through yoga, dance, poetry, and discussion. “That day, I felt a sense of global sisterhood I’d never experienced before,” says Teresa.
Giving Back: Volunteering & Cultural Exchange
True to Swasti’s mission of blending wellness with service, Teresa volunteered during her time at the center. She helped organize yoga workshops, joined environmental clean-up drives, and taught yoga and English to underprivileged children.
Through these efforts, she introduced basic breathing and mindfulness techniques to young kids, helping them understand health and self-worth. “They may have thought I was their teacher, but honestly, they taught me so much more — about resilience, gratitude, and joy,” she smiles.
A Life Transformed
After completing her YCB certification, Teresa returned to the US with more than just a certificate. She brought back confidence, clarity, and a calling.
“I came here to learn yoga. But I found my true self,” she says. “Swasti Yoga Center didn’t just teach me techniques — it helped me remember what it means to live with awareness, purpose, and love.”
Today, Teresa conducts free community yoga sessions for college students back home, integrating her learnings from Swasti Yoga into a holistic wellness approach for young adults.
Final Thoughts
Teresa’s journey is a reminder that yoga is not confined to a mat or studio. At Swasti Yoga Center, she discovered a yoga that breathes in every moment — in community, culture, celebration, and compassion.
For young seekers around the world, her story stands as a glowing testament to how India’s ancient wisdom continues to ignite modern hearts.
