The first of each year marks the anniversary of Cloud Nine Yoga School. In January of 2000, seven beautiful souls decided to choose me to lead their journey toward Yoga Teacher Certification. It was not something I had sought to do. It was at the request of my yoga students at the Body Therapy Center in Redondo Beach, CA, who said they couldn't imagine learning with anyone else. Thanks to our bond and our shared vision, we birthed the curriculum that would become our Yoga Alliance 200/300 Certification program. Now going on 23 years strong!
It was from this humble beginning that I said yes to my own pilgrimage -- to search inside myself for the leader, professor, trainer, and writer that I didn't know I could be. It was an initiation into who I have always been and needed to become more than anything else: a student of life and a mentor for others. I am living this practice myself, for 28 years now, and continue to study even deeper truths from the spiritual masters. It is my life's journey. As I hold light and walk along, I acknowledge that I am steered by something greator, something that is within me, but not entirely my thoughts or will alone. Most things come and go on their own accord. All I can do is carry Love as much as possible - and when I fail at doing so, it is safe to trust the lessons to carry me on.
My dearest and most treasured friends are from the first generation of Cloud Nine Yoga graduates. In fact, most of those who have been through training with me have said it became the pillar they continue to lean on. Students stay in touch, share their lives, and continue to hold a precious place in each other's hearts. The nature of Yoga is awareness and we want to see and BECOME our most clear, authentic self. As we blossom and become more intimate with ourselves through Yoga and Spiritual practices, we shine brighter.
By creating these Yoga Teacher experiences and the cohorts that form in remarkable ways, I often feel like a yenta (match-maker). People come together with the intention to learn, grow, work on themselves, find their path, and - serendipitously - also meet their soul family. We draw in just the right group to support our path. It is a magical thing that happens every single time without fail. Lasting friendships are formed under the guise of self-discovery and personal nourishment. The energy of one Yoga Training has the power to carry us through our toughest moments ahead.
Probably above all, the course aligns us with our personal destiny, our purpose in this human suit. We make friends with our past, our present, and our future. The body gets lighter. What we know and want to be is ignited. It is an honor to stand by and witness all that is revealed.
My prayer is to continue to provide the sacred space for you.
Now let's Go & Be Snow Angels ~
Erika ʻKealapuaʻ Faith, E-RYT 500, RPYT, RCYT
Founder & Director, Cloud Nine Yoga Schools
