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Testimonials

Over the years we have been blessed to have worked with and trained hundreds of inspiring people. Here are some of the kind words that a few of them have shared with us.

Camila Jackson

Netherlands

"I came away from this course feeling like I truly embodied yin yoga. Sofia´s knowledge blew me away, she structured the course so thoughtfully and with great attention to detail it’s all very accessible and easy to follow. I feel cleansed well-nourished and excited to my own practice my new learnings.

Sofia your knowledge and dedication blew me away, I feel inspired to learn more about the meridians, five elements and thanks to you, I feel much more clear for my next phase. I really feel I’m coming away from this week a better version of my former self."

Georgia Squire

New Zealand

"This course has really inspired me to continue on my own yoga journey, it has ignited the passion to learn and develop myself and my practice further. The 5 Elements are a great method to teach and really embody a positive lifestyle."

Louise Poole

Australia

"Sofia is a true yogini, off and on the mat. She is inspiring, knowledgeable, compassionate and an excellent teacher. Her breath of knowledge is impressive and based on much learning and experience. And yet there’s still a sense of joyfulness I found in her classes. I felt I was learning a lot with practice and theory, the kind of learning that one feels content and energized at the end of each of the sessions.

All the classes were blissful, placed appropriately to offer the student maximum opportunity to rest, digest, feel and appreciate the sensations in our bodies. The course has given me so many new insights about the practice of yoga and also about myself and the stage that I am in my own yoga journey. I cannot thank you enough Sofia! Namaste."

Jessie Kuhne

Tasmania

"I’m very grateful for the time in this course. I truly was, in a very positive way, surprised about the content and development of the course that in every aspect it was way better than I could imagine it thank you!

The fact that it was also so personal gave me the chance to be with myself, was great to be able to go deeper with yourself and there was encouragement from the teachers to open up, feel and letting go of things. Every day was so interesting and it was very special to me.

I love the harmony in the group, the way we are connected with each other was amazing. The respect, love, care and acceptance of everyone made me feel from day one very safe and comfortable in being me.It felt like a beautiful family. Thank you for every day together from the bottom of my heart!"

Ashley Lemay

Canada

"Having the opportunity to dive deep into the elements of Yin yoga as opened up my eyes to endless possibilities in my personal yogic journey. Thank you Sofia once again for creating a wonderful experience that I can carry-on throughout my practice!"

Gina Price

England

"An incredible and surprisingly powerful course on how to develop ourselves into our spiritual awakening and also help others connect with their minds-bodies-hearts through the practice of breath and movement.

The teachers were experienced, personable, knowledgeable, brilliant! A beautiful setting in the mountains with delicious food and views. An unforgettable step in my path!"

Nika Dhankar

India/Singapore

"This was more than a yoga teacher training, I came to in learn and heal myself and I leave here with my cup full, a great respect for my teachers and having made beautiful connections.

I feel confident in going forward to starting my journey as a teacher and I am so grateful to have experienced the depth and breath of knowledge that enables this. Om!"

Julie Jeannet

Switzerland

"This yoga teacher training was an amazing experience! It was an incredible journey to reconnect with myself, the world and Nature!

Sophia and Hugo´s teaching a very passionate I have learned a lot about yoga, philosophy, spirituality, food but also about myself and I feel full of fresh and healing energy! Thank you so much!"

Sadyah Pattynama

Netherlands

"I’m just really happy to have experience the true essence of what yoga is this teacher training and I’m so looking forward to learn more about this way of living and exploring this ancient spiritual path. Working with the 5 Elements combined with yoga practice and nutrition was a wonderful experience for me, it gave my yoga practice a deeper spiritual context as I was deepening my connection with Nature!"

Barbara van Hamersveld

Netherlands

"I started the Holistic Yin Yoga Teacher Training as an enrichment for my own yoga practise, since I am not a yoga teacher, to deepen my understanding of yin yoga and the 5 Elements system. Wow, little did I know of the impact it would have on me. With Sofia and Emily as enthusiastic trainers with an eye for my personal journey and individual development it was an insightful training. I found knowledge, insight and also some resistance (a.k.a. possibilities to learn and grow) as I went through the ups-and-downs of turning in and discovering a new level of listening to my body and mind. It was such a powerful experience that I decided to start sharing it by teaching."

Emily Shain

Israel

"This Holistic Yin Yoga Training was my second TTC with Sofia and she has again shaped my life, immensely, for the better. This training, as the last one did, went so much deeper than the simple learning of principles and adjustments for students—it was about finding your own essence of yin, discovering your body on a holistic and energetic level, and connecting to an internal core both physically and emotionally. In and since the training, I have undergone a tangible change in my journey and teaching, feeling deeply connected to this concept of yin that shows itself in my behaviours, needs and desires, relationships and contact with the yang outer world. Especially as a woman, I feel that this training emphasized a deeper and truer power held inside, something that I had felt before but not to such an extent and depth."

Maya Zimmerlin

Switzerland

"I have been searching in myself over the past few years and I was longing for an environment where I could learn about yoga and myself. This course for me was a process of letting go and acceptance. The way I think about myself changed, there is way lot more self acceptance and less stubbornness, more gentleness towards myself.

One of the biggest gifts was to do this process in nature in the mountains where, everyday I experience a sense of freedom and being at home. My body feels great and my relation to my body evolved in a positive way. I learned how to keep building my own practice for everyday. I'm extremely grateful for the gift that this training offered me and my baby that I'm 5 months pregnant with. I'm sure his health and our connection got a strong foundation here. Thank you for the sharing and offering."

Line Fricke

Denmark

"This immersion Holistic Yin Yoga Training really took me by surprise. I thought I would be only learning, studying and practicing Yin Yoga to become more knowledgeable in this style of yoga to become a better teacher. After only 2 days here I had embodied the Yin energy and attitude.

I look forward to integrate this Being with life and teaching back home. I have arrived and I´m home. That´s what Sofia´s approach to Yin Yoga feels like when you immerse in it."

Saale Kaubi

Estonia

"Sofia is a unique teacher who has the most natural way of sharing her passions for yoga and nutrition. By passing on the knowledge, she truly helps you to connect with Nature and yourself in a deeper level. You will feel cared throughout the course and leave with a new perspective and skills to continue your own journey after the course as both a teacher and practitioner.

I loved the 5 Elements classes and I don´t think there is a better way to learn about the Elements than doing the practices, eating the food and being in Nature while you explore your own body and mind. The combination of morning Yang and evening Yin suited me very well. Also I loved learning about communication skills and fundamentals for yoga teaching.

I left with a whole new perspective about yoga."

Camilla Mueller

Switzerland

"This course, well you cannot really call it a course, it´s so much more than that. This “life experience” was the best I ever attended. I learned so much during this time in all kinds of levels. Every lecture was so interesting that even being pregnant and very tired I didn´t miss one and wanted to absorb everything like a sponge. The whole curriculum is very holistic, easy to follow and it gives you a very good foundation to build upon.

If you´re open for a journey into yourself and bring your yoga practice to another level, this is the training to attend. I´m full of gratitude for the gifts I received and found in these 3 weeks. Thank you!"

Daisy Ellison

England

"Thank you Sofia for sharing with me that Yin Yoga is not only a style but an approach to practice. The 2 week 100 hour Holistic Yin Yoga Teacher Training has left me with a sense of inspiration and excitement, to both teach and practice and also dive even deeper into the fascinating subject of the 5 Elements of Ayurveda and TCM. Has been a blessing. Thank you!"

Isabella Tonner

Finland

"This is not just a teacher training, is a lifestyle transformation. I loved every moment here and I am a different person now compared to when I arrived. I´m so grateful for what I learned and would recommend it 100%."

Mary Roberts

USA

“This course brought together women from different countries and cultures to take a personal journey of discovery through the practice of Yin Yoga. The experiences were different for each of us but they wove together into a tight fabric of friendship with love at the core. Strangers connected and nurtured each other.

The environment, mat work, lectures, meals, all supported the exploration of the inner core and the deep, peaceful, feminine aspects of Yin. The course was an amazing experience and highly recommend it. I feel blessed to have shared this 2 weeks with Sofia, Emily and the other women in the course. With love,“

Pia Feige

Germany

“The 200h YTT is a perfect connection in an amazing setting - we were a great group with lots of beautiful souls and so much care, love, peace, joy and development. The input you get is amazing and you learn to go with the flow, which made these 3 weeks so magical. I felt incredibly peaceful, light, grounded and got a wonderful feeling for my body and for yoga. This was just the beginning of a lovely journey. Thank you so much!“

Regula Schweizer

Switzerland

"This was an amazing journey towards myself in the most wonderful place. I felt safe, respected, nourished and inspired during the whole course. This gave me all the space and calmness to master the challenges, grow and develop on a personal and professional level. I feel truly blessed that I had the opportunity to experience this training."

Tine Sorensen

Denmark

“I never thought a transformation could take place so easily. I feel I evolved in my yoga practice, personal life and spiritually. Excellent teachers, content, food and accommodation. I will never forget this gift. The way of feeling yoga from the inside out has really touched me. Not talking about it but “being it”. Fantastic!“

Sorcha Macmahon

UK

“I would highly recommend taking this teacher training. Not only has it provided me with a solid foundation for teaching yoga but also t has helped me to develop personally. I particularly love the combination of dynamic yang classes in the morning and releasing yin postures in the afternoon. I loved the food! Every meal has been really tasty, interesting and well thought out. Everything was really fresh and seasonal. The variety of food was amazing and well connected to the 5 elements. The meals allowed me to integrate the practices and gave me a great insight which foods are beneficial for me and which aren´t.

The combination of deep practices, healthy food and a beautiful safe environment with amazing teachers has made this a truly memorable and rewarding experience Thank you for everything you have done for us on this path of learning and self-development. “

Ces Mossel, Yoga Teacher and Bodyworker

Amsterdam - Holland

"In February 2010, I enrolled in Swara Yoga's TTC in Thailand. The deep knowledge & wisdom of the primary teachers blew me away. The authenticity of these two and the deep connection to the practise and the students is an ongoing inspiration. The build-up and content of their teacher training is very profound, a solid base for the starting yoga teaching and a deep enrichment for the more advanced teacher. Whether you have dreams of teaching or not, you will encounter an immense boost in self-development from their teachings. They give you plenty space to find your own path and are with you every step of the way, within yoga-practise and the deep soul-development that comes with. Their teachings come straight from the heart and their guidance is one of soft perseverance. Honest, true to the practise and lots of fun. I believe in these people with all my heart."

Nicole Kaggan

USA

“Thank you for all of it! The course was deep, informational and pretty fitting to the vibe I got from your website originally. I´ve been looking for an experience like this for a long time and I don´t think I could have gotten it at any other teacher training. The practices were innovative and challenging, satisfying and engaging. This course was one of the best experiences I had in my life – the opportunity for self-enquiry balanced with yoga and study. The food was amazing and really inspiring. The teachers are really knowledgeable, warm and caring. I felt supported during the whole time. I recommend this course to anyone that is looking to learn more about themselves, yoga and holistic health.”

Amanda Bjorling

USA

"My time with Swara Yoga School gave me the chance to grow both physically and emotionally. My body changed and my mind got a bit more still. The classes were super well structured with a focus on practical elements that I could put them into practice right away. The beautiful environment of the mountains gave me a deeper connection to Nature. I had an amazing time here, learned lots about myself, yoga and life from two supportive and experienced teachers. Thank you!"

Rose Thiescheffer

Netherlands

"This course has provided me an indescribable experience and journey through myself. I not only feel incredibly prepared to teach yoga but also I know and accept myself more for who I am. The journey through the 5 elements using yoga has been transformational in a way that I have learned to accept and let go of certain challenging habit patterns. I´m more than grateful for this experience."

Ista Boszhard

Netherlands

"This was a journey through my body, my feelings, my elements and of course my own Nature. On the journey I met all kinds of challenges, triumphs, subtle and gross parts of me and I tapped into something bigger than me. This holistic journey brought me the realization that in the end we all connected and One. To share this with an amazing group of people inspired me to go out into the world and share it with my students and community.
To my teachers, thank you for your energy, your love, your listening, your knowledge and for sharing it all with us."

Anna-Katharina Burghartz

Switzerland

"This course was an important turning point in my life that allowed changes to happen from the inside. The teachers lead by example, making it possible for the soul to perceive the greater good. I cannot conceive a better way to bring together the knowledge one needs to practice and teach yoga safely and confindently I am grateful for this opportunity and I look forward to join the Elemental Therapy course in the future. AUM"

Anna Weber

Switzerland

"I came to this course with curiosity and I left it with even more! The teachers didn´t explain Yoga but created a room, where I could experience it myself. They are deeply inspiring teachers, sharing their wisdom through movement, meditation and awareness, leaving the rest for their students to discover, while listening, supporting and guiding with all their energy. I left this course feeling calm and full of energy at the same time, amazed and curious to learn more about nature and its elements. And without even noticing, this experience slowly moved me to a place inside myself, where I feel confident to teach and share yoga with the people around me."

André Batalha

Portugal

"This course was an important turning point in my life that allowed changes to happen from the inside. The teachers lead by example, making it possible for the soul to perceive the greater good. I cannot conceive a better way to bring together the knowledge one needs to practice and teach yoga safely and confindently I am grateful for this opportunity and I look forward to join the Elemental Therapy course in the future. AUM"

Thea Thuset

Norway

"This has been a life changing experience for me. I gained a lot of knowledge about yoga and teaching skills. I really loved the way we learned to teach by doing the micro lessons. I think it was good to do it in a practical way and felt that I learned allot by the way things where done. At the same time I got the time to turn my gaze inwards and see my life in a new perspective.I feel that I have come closer to my true self and nature.Thank you to the teachers for everything you have helped me to see and learn."

Fride Kunze

Germany

"As I think of teaching Yoga and living a life of integrity go together I can say that this Yoga Teacher Training provided me with so much knowledge on different levels. I received several teaching tools but most of all it gave me access to discover myself from new angles through the practices and guidance of these light hearted and caring teachers. I now feel the confidence to teach and hope I can create an environment for my community with such presence that I was inspired by."

Sheena Mapson

United Kingdom

"This course has given me the hunger and motivation to keep learning, studying, developing and grow. I enjoyed learning from the wisdom of each teacher. They have a compassionate understanding of the journey we are taking. It is very clear that you give yourselves fully to facilitate this process. I felt we always had the space to dwelve deeper both into ourselves and the course, and at the same time offered your support should we need it. This was vital to the fullness of the process. I thank you from the bottom of my heart, I´m sure I will be back for more."

Daniela Gabriel

Switzerland

"This was such powerful 3 weeks, so many beautiful experiences and learning that lead to a real feeling of myself. I loved the focus on the micro lessons, how to break down poses and I really appreciate the emphasis on acceptance, self confidence and voice. An experience that opened the door to a life of freedom and self trust. Thank you for inspiring us and guiding us."

Marinela Benneli

Italy, England

"This course showed me how Yoga goes way beyond Asana and Pranayama, and into a way of living and being. It reminded me that Nature is our greatest teacher and I look forward to sharing this with my community through these magical yoga classes. The Swara Yoga TTC is held in a safe and sacred space that creates a very special Sanga that feels now like a new family. With blessings and gratitude"

Tove Kristiansson

Sweden

"It’s hard to imagine a better Teacher Training than the Elemental course. I feel that I received the tools and the feedback that I was looking for and have come into closer connection with myself. I learnt so much about yoga, about energy, about teaching and in such an inspired and healing way. The teachers are extraordinary yoga instructors and I am so glad I found my way to them. They are honest, straightforward, caring, and have a wonderful sense of humour, and the way they taught us to teach just works so well."

Annette Jeltema

Holland

"The way the yoga classes, the theory and philosophy and the macrobiotic food all complimented each other was amazing from the beginning to the end. The teachers are natural and professional. I actually came to this course because I had lost myself a little bit, and step-by-step I could feel myself coming closer. It was a great gift to give myself ☺ Namaste to all"

Anna-Marija Strecker

Germany

"The teacher training with Swara Yoga School changed something for me on a much deeper level than I had expected. I connected into my body in a way that I had never before, getting control over how and where to move deeper into my body. With this came stability and confidence inside myself, giving me a deeper feeling of where to move towards in my life. I loved travelling the journey through the five Elements inside myself and reflected in the beautiful group around me, as it made me understand a lot of things about myself, and life itself. It was the perfect course for me, joining Yoga and Nature back together as I feel they are, deeply inside myself. I feel more whole now, light and stable at the same time, and very inspired to learn and experience more about yoga, the Elements and the human body, and within all this, to learn more about myself. Thank you to the teachers for inviting and leading us on this beautiful journey."

Liz Trueman

Canada

"The 200hr YTTC truly changed the way I look at life; I was not expecting it to be as mind opening as it was. It made me very excited to give life a restart and develop a self-practice so that I can continue this amazing feeling the training gave me. It was an unexpected exploration into myself and really opened up a lot of life changing doors. The lectures were interesting and full of useful information, the practices were challenging but supported with a lot of encouragement. I feel I am a lighter, brighter, stronger person since finishing the course and am really enjoying the challenges and new observations each day brings. I am looking forward to learning more once I have honed my personal practice and gained some experience teaching. I feel very lucky that Swara's teachers were my introduction into the yoga world and cannot wait to train with them more."

Joana Lange

Germany

"I had been looking for the right Teacher Training for a long time, and I found it with Swara Yoga School. I learnt so much about yoga and teaching, while I always felt I was on a journey for myself. The teachers inspire with out effort as honest, feet-on-the-ground yogis, mixing their love for knowledge with much wisdom and humour. This course gave me a way to change from an old life to new ideas without doubting myself."

Carlos Kalifa

Portugal

"The transmission of this course exceeded all my expectations. It is a wonderful journey through Yoga and Nature’s Elements. The Elemental experience transforms the yoga knowledge to a higher level of learning, while the dedication of the teachers to support us for 21 days is inspiring. From my heart I thank you for this yoga journey and rare opportunity."

Lars Stokka

Norway

"The knowledge, the wisdom, the experience, the tools, the skills and the energy that I got through this course are indescribable. I connected to myself in a way I could not imagine possible in such a short period of time. I know now how to “feel” my way into my life, into myself, and to move past the patterns that I have that were blurring my vision of what I want, what I need. The content of this yoga training went way beyond my expectations. I am truly grateful"

Alex Harvest

England

"Yoga has been in my life since I was a child, and this course has given me the tools to develop my understanding for many years to come. The teachers present this ancient science in a way that is digestible to the Western mind, without losing the core ethics and discipline that are integral to Yoga. They can break down complex ideas and deliver them with lightheartedness, keeping their respect to the seriousness of the study. I now have a fantastic grounding in asanas, anatomy and physiology, yoga philosophy and elemental concepts, nutrition, class construction, and much more. I feel like Neo in the Matrix!"

Daniel Pugh

Canada

"The Elemental Yoga Teacher Training provides a firm foundation for prospective yoga teachers to deliver in a clear uncomplicated way a deep understanding of the elements within each person. Through the ongoing practice that includes pranayama, meditation, visualization, asana, the teachings, the technical finer points, the dharma talks, kirtan as well as the excellent element oriented food and an ashram-like atmosphere students embark on a holistic journey into the 5 elements while receiving a well-rounded education. Who could ask for more? The training tools students up to become confident teachers but more importantly it passes along a method for understanding and loving oneself. Bravo!"

Saskia Van Der Voort, Yoga Teacher

Utrecht, Holland

"You are both what you are - elemental in all your cells. This vibrates through the whole course and I feel blessed that I have experienced that. This course gave me a solid foundation of yoga in the most natural, elemental way. From here I can build on and on, knowing what is good for me, my environment or my community to stay healthy, satisfied and happy. The teachers taught me not only the theory and practical aspects of yoga, but more important they taught me how to keep relying on myself, taking responsibility for every feeling, every thought of myself. Only then when i took these responsibility I came closer to myself and found my grounding. This course was one big flow. Forever grateful"

Anne Marie

Amsterdam, Holland

"Before i started the Swara Yoga Teacher Training Course, i already knew from hearing from friends that trained with Swara Yoga School, that the approach would be very holistic and complete. Now that the course is finished i can say with full trust that i would never have thought to learn so many aspects of yoga teaching in just 3 weeks and i feel that i am totally confident and happy to start teaching by myself very soon. Thank you Jai and Sofia"

Kim Wolterink, Psychologist

Amsterdam, Holland

"I am more ready than ever for life, with Grace, being ready every moment for all that is, that's the way. My teachers Shiva and Sparkles are the bomb. Thanks for giving me the push i needed."

Maya Fletcher, Yoga Teacher and Massage Therapist

Bristol - UK

"I have attended many teacher trainings and this course has been by far the most useful. The most valuable information and best money I have ever spent! The teachers compliment each together perfectly, offering full support and encouragement over the months training. I am so grateful to share in their honest, professional and inspirational teachings. This TTC united all of my past skills, bringing Ayurveda and Chinese medicine together easily, under the system of 5 element yoga. The journey through elemental yoga, as an individual and in a group, has been a life changing experience. Can´t wait for Sofia's cookbook to come out!"

Martin Engdal, Lie Coach

Oslo – Norway

"The instructors are amazing human beings, and authentic teachers full of compassion. Their unique course has given me a much deeper understanding of yoga and myself. I have learnt how to use yoga as medicine to support myself, and given me confidence to teach it to my students and clients. Very grateful for the journey."

Petra Mrvikova, Yoga Student

Prague - Czech Republic

"The fact that I never got bored in this course means for me it must have been wonderful! These teachers know what they are doing, and know how to do it too. They have patience and were inspiring and motivating by giving so much to their students, always available and ready to help. I feel like I just woke form hibernation! The 5 element teachings woke something in me, a peace that I remembered from before I left my path. I felt safe to journey back and feel very grateful for their love and support."