Testimonials

For years I was hoping for a Teacher. This was not a loud plea, or even a humble sign held up at an intersection...
It was just a quiet persistent feeling that one was missing. I read and read and read and hoped some of the teachings would land and integrate, but not until I studied with the IYI Teachers did I see all how my previous work had simply "prepped the soil" so to speak... They have offered me a path home to myself and from there I can relate to my life around me with more dignity and depth.

As a mom of two young girls, I was struggling to carve out time for myself… Without any direct "parenting lessons" the program somehow reminded to me to focus on the relationships themselves. Bedtime returned to a sacred ceremony of sorts, morning rushes to get out the door have slowed and become more joyful -- and we are more on time than ever!?!?!

It has become an honor to nourish myself and my family daily and I would not be able to do so without having become a part of this community.

I originally thought IYI would offer me a way back to teaching. But fairly quickly I realized they were creating a path, not just a program. What has been offered is not just training for work, but for a way of life. I continue to let the teachings steep and live from that place...I am so very grateful.

Annice
Rhode Island



I kind of was brought into the middle of a group of students that mainly knew each other. What a wonderfully welcoming group it was too. It could have been awkward but I never felt that.  The level of yoga experience in the room brought the discussions and the practice to a level I have not experienced before. I appreciated every moment.

The training itself was amazing!  The human body is so amazing, and the things we touched on
have impacted my yoga teaching at such a core level, to be aware of all our bodies, physical, emotional, energetic and pass that on.

My 9 to 5 job is at a large apartment complex dealing with much human drama, and I feel the meditation practice I developed has really helped bring a greater level of presence to my job and my life.  And relationship is part of everything.

Terri Buechner
Wisconsin



I am a yoga teacher and found myself drawn to mindfulness meditation and was experimenting (and struggling) with a way to blend the yoga, Buddhist meditation and my inner work with counseling/personal growth. When I started studying with Sarah Powers, I found that she had already found a way to blend these disciplines in such a beautiful and meaningful way. It was such a relief to find a teacher who had walked the path and developed a structure I could follow, individualize and feel like I did not have to recreate the wheel. The Insight Yoga trainings and retreats have become a part of me. I find a little more ease in my practice and in daily life, and with the support of the IYI sangha I feel my perceptions shifting and the ability to be with life in all of its flavors and colors just a little bit easier.

 As a result of the IYI trainings and retreats I have noticed incremental shifts in the way I am able to be more aware and mindful with my children, coworkers, yoga students, all others, really. I am able to stay in the stream of calm a little longer and not react as quickly- or sometimes not react at all to things that were triggers for me in the past .My relationship to my practice has changed, it has deepened, and since I teach what I practice, my yoga teaching has new depth and awareness to it as well.

Heather
Pennsylvania



Insight Yoga Institute's program, teachers and sangha (community) continue to provide the clearest and most complete path to practice I've found in more than 15 years of exploring yoga, Buddhism and transformational psychology. Integrating what I've learned in IYI courses, I now consistently experience states of clarity, well-being, compassion, joy, equanimity in my own body-mind-heart…fruits of practice I’ve heard about for years but had not grounded in my own being.

Mary
California



This program has given me further insight into the interconnectedness between Practice and Attitude.  The inner atmosphere in which we engage is just as important as the practice that we undertake.  A concentrated and delicious Yin Yoga practice afforded me the opportunity to cultivate a broader range and depth of feeling awareness.  This has allowed my experience of tenderness to blossom.  Now, I more naturally tap into my body wisdom and am reliant on that inner guidance rather than having to ‘reach' towards any projected ideal.  I can feel my physical body slowly morphing and realigning from the inside out. I feel a greater compassion for the depth of suffering that so many experience, primarily due to alienation from themselves.  I recognize how essential these practices and teachings are for healing, first for the individual and by extension our global community. 

When instruction is given by an individual who is authentic in their own practice and self-growth, then so much more is transmitted to the student, above and beyond the theory of what is being taught.  This is the effect of Sarah’s teaching.  Witnessing her integrity has deepened my appreciation of my own integrity and I feel much more willing to allow myself to be 'seen' as opposed to ‘staying below the radar’.  I feel a true affinity with her approach and this has served to validate my own attitude of approach to what I teach and how I teach.

The program’s broad knowledge base incorporating Yin/Yang Yoga, Buddhist Principles and Psychology better equip one to teach the deeper meaning of Yoga.  I recognize that this formal training served to give a name to several of the practices and understandings that I had previously intuited.   This has furnished me with a stronger sense of self trust.

As a Yoga teacher I feel more grounded in the knowledge of what I am sharing.  As such, I am able to communicate in a more effortless way.  My students are trusting of me so that even when their experience is challenging, they are willing to hold to their commitment.  As their experience of being embodied grows, they connect with greater ease to their basic goodness. I feel a tremendous gratitude towards Sarah and Ty for their sincerity and their contribution.

This program is for those who are truly motivated to mature on every level.

Ann-Marie Ahye
Ontario, Canada



Studying with the teachers in IYI, and specifically, having a mentor has been invaluable. I have been blessed with many insights into my thoughts, behaviors and emotions which has allowed me to become ever more grounded and true. My practice, as in my life, has shifted to a deeper and more intuitive level. I also have uncovered a wealth of compassion that extends not only to myself and loved ones, but to the world at large.

Through having insights into my own heart, I now see more clearly the sufferings of those around me. I have developed a greater capacity to listen clearly, be present, and simply love more freely. As a yoga teacher, these qualities have served to add a whole new dimension to my students’ experiences, in that they receive the deeper teachings of Yoga.

Elissa
Toronto, Canada



The IYI programs I was part of taught me in the simplest way possible - as a small child is taught to cross the street - to stop, and listen to my feelings. Sarah, Ty, John, Patricia, and, not unimportantly, the other participants, gave me permission to do this, and showed me by example that it was a worthwhile thing for an adult to take the time to learn how to do. I was given specific and practical skills to hear what was going on inside of me. And of course, this instantly changed how I relate to everyone around me. The percentage of time I'm snappy or impatient has gone way down: I'm more often than not the person who smiles and waves when someone makes a mistake in traffic. My ability to listen to other people, and how much I want to listen to other people, all other people - the baristas at Starbucks, the old guy next to me in line, my little boy who never stops talking, my girlfriends - has gone way, way up. As a result - and in a time of my life where all my relationships including my relationship to myself are in total upheaval - I find myself having rich, beautiful encounters with people who were already in my life, and I find new people coming into my life who I'm sure I wouldn't have connected with before my IYI experience. I just wouldn't have had the range of feeling, and the ability to listen, that I do now. Some of it is a leap of faith I couldn't have taken if I didn't absolutely trust the people guiding me here - I'm beginning to understand that my peace of mind doesn't depend on what a person says or does. It's been a great, great gift, and I've only taken one step on the path. I can't wait to see what happens next.

Katharine Keenan
California



Participating in Psycho-spiritual Inquiry with Jennifer Welwood and Insight Yoga with Sarah Powers has had a profound influence on my life.  The teachings I've received and the work we've done have brought renewed meaning to my practice as they have deepened my understanding and intention.  I have gained added insight into the world around me and the world within, and as my ability to be open to and present with the totality of my experiences continues to grow, I will also increasingly be better able to relate to and connect with others.  The training courses have been invaluable in guiding me on this path.

I look forward to partaking in further courses and am deeply grateful for all that the teachers are doing and sharing with us in this world.

Conny
New York



The program has softened my heart, opened my mind and given me a sacred space to be, feel and trust in a way I never have before. Learning to trust has been a lifelong endeavor and being around such dedicated teachers so steeped in the teachings, I am slowly learning to let go of fear and trust the practice, the teachings and those on the path. I feel a door has opened to way of being that is so much lighter, freer, more authentic and happier. I am grateful beyond measure for the skill and wisdom of all of the teachers at IYI. Their knowledge, passion, dedication and humility has been inspirational and a profound influence on every aspect of my life. My sense of looking out onto the world is growing into one of deep commitment. What can I do to help? In what small ways can I change things for the better and take some responsibility for my community and country. The IYI sangha reminds me that there is strength and support in numbers and we can draw so much support and healing energy from each other.

I feel a greater ability to relate in a more gentle, empathic way with people now. I feel many raw, sore spots inside have received some tender balm and it has made me much more able to be with people who are hurting and hitting out without taking it on myself or internalizing their difficulties. In short, it has given me greater clarity and insight into myself and all of my humanity. As a consequence, I feel I am starting to really touch compassion and live it.

I feel my teaching has acquired a much greater spiritual depth from this training. I feel that I am starting to be able to authentically thread my own sense of spirituality into my asana classes as well as bring a psychological framework of support for people experiencing emotional turmoil.

Alex
Toronto, Canada



I am grateful to have been a part of the IYI community for this past year.  Ty and Sarah have been wonderful teachers and mentors, and my work with IYI module leader Jennifer Welwood has been transformational in ways I could not have imagined.

Jafer
California



It is hard for me to know where to begin to express what IYI has done for my life, because it has had such an immense impact on how I view myself and the world. I have gone from living in a place with a small and fearful view, with many habitual and harmful habits of thinking and behaving to feeling as though the entire world is in my heart and that world is open to me. I have learned to love myself and in turn accept love from others.

During my studies with IYI, I have become a more patient, loving, non judgmental person and I find I am better able to intuit the needs of my yoga students and serve more effectively as their teacher.

As students at IYI we are able to learn in a safe, loving and accepting environment with some of the best yoga, Buddhism and spiritual teachers in the world and we are able to bring this knowledge into our lives when we leave. So many times in the past I have left other workshops feeling great but as soon as I got home I was back into my old dysfunctional patterns. This has not been the case with the IYI training. There is a bond of love and support from the community and teachers that is always available. We are not alone when we return to our daily lives.

Christine
Iowa



The daily meditation/yoga practice that Sarah and Ty unveiled, unpacked with us at the Laurel Springs retreat in 2010 continues to be an integral part of my daily practice. It is simple yet comprehensive and helps me to nurture my connection to self, spirit, and community.

The most outstanding teaching tool I received at the IYI trainings is the use of compassionate touch in adjusting students in their asanas. Less is more…a good way to describe this approach. In this world of such intensity and fullness…too much yang…the compassionate approach offers a softer, yin energy and allows for a student’s own intuition and body wisdom to respond to the moment from within themselves, rather than reacting to pressure from outside forces. I have seen tremendous growth in many students as I continue to incorporate this method in my classes.

In general the daily practice of Yin-Yang yoga provides a wonderful ground for being. In a world of such gross imbalance, this approach keeps me in a continual state of awareness of the importance, value, and usefulness of a more balanced approach to life…”The Middle Way” as Buddha has said.

Zett Elyss Amora
Hawaii



My experience at the Insight Yoga Institute has been profound. The opportunity to study with such deep and committed practitioners and teachers has been nourishing and transformative.  My capacity to meet my moments with greater acceptance and kindness has grown tremendously. The program has helped me to develop my inner resources which have proven invaluable in meeting my own pain and also the pain of others, with greater compassion and understanding.  Having trust in my innate nature has helped me to hold space for others with greater confidence and connection. This program is a gift to the yoga community!

Carly Forest
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada



I attended the Paul and Suzee Grilley Training and found it to be very informative, educational and inspiring.  Paul has an incredible depth of  knowledge of anatomy and is so clear in the correlation  of anatomy with asana practice.  He and Suzee have a humorous, playful style of presentation that made the entire class time most enjoyable.

MJ Decker
Colorado



Sarah Powers Teacher Training

In my search for teachers whom I want to study with, it has become apparent to me that I can feel the depth of teacher’s practice, I can feel when they have done the work themselves. Sarah has spent years invested in exploration and growth, she offers the spectrum of all that she’s studied and learned so seamlessly in her teachings. I realized while studying with her over this past year that through these trainings I’m not supposed to come out of this teaching like her, but rather become more connected to my own path in life so that I weave my own recipe of teaching and although this to benefit others. Sarah’s example and influence has been a key reference point from which to continue my own path of spiritual, and ultimately self, growth and discovery.

Gregory Kramer Insight Dialogue

After Gregory’s 3 day retreat, I was flying home to the small town I lived in at the time and quietly knew what steps I needed to take next in my life. This prompted a move back to the city in order to find more community and connect back in with family. The power of silence and true connection with others committed to the path of awareness makes thinking and analyzing, which is the norm in everyday life, so completely unnecessary. Being guided from within, I already knew what to do.

Thanissara Theravada Buddhism

It’s rare to meet such a humble and gentle human being as Thanissara. Having the opportunity to just be in a room with her and experience her presence for 5 days inspired growth and a softening of my spirit.

Patricia Sullivan Teacher Training

I had no idea how much Patricia’s teachings had inspired me until I got back to my home life and began teaching again. I often find myself spontaneously adding ideas I learned from her during my own personal practice and also in my classes. It’s almost like she is there practicing and teaching with me.

Norman Fischer Zen Buddhism

Norman was quite simply a beautiful example for me of a life spent in practice, nothing to prove, openness, and the most sincere and honest interest in the lives and hearts of others that I have ever been witness to.

Scott Blossom Chinese Medicine

Scott’s teachings inspired me to look at my yoga practice from angles I had not ever considered. He is passionate and has a vibrant energy that inspired me to want to learn.

John Welwood Psycho-spiritual inquiry training Level I

In John’s training, I came face to face to some of the parts of my ego that have been blocking my growth. Namely, I realized that I needed to let go of “being good at everything”—essentially my fear of failure. I saw that I need to face my weakness and start to soften that hard shell that I’ve created around my own vulnerability and softness and instead become interested in those parts of myself. John created a safe space in which to begin that exploration.

Katrina
British Columbia, Canada



Paul and Suzee Grilley Level I Teacher Training

Paul and Suzee are a truly dynamic duo and their skillful humor and wealth of knowledge is a profound gift to those they teach. Their elucidation of anatomical variation liberated my practice and increased my confidence in contriving my body in "unconventional" ways which happen to be the most appropriate for my skeletal structure. How wonderful!

Gregory Kramer Insight Dialogue

This training was really unique and truly expanded my understanding of my mind and the commonalities it shares with others. It was a wonderful opportunity to bond with perfect strangers over our common hopes and fears.

Stella
Washington



Sarah Powers Teacher Training

I've been a teacher for almost 10 years, but this training is the one I have come to organize myself and my teaching around. Sarah's integrated approach deepened my understanding of the yogic path, but it also deepened my understanding of what it means to be a good teacher. I love the way she operationalizes how to teach, in addition to adding so much to my repertoire of what to teach. My students have noticed my growth as a teacher, and I notice my expanded enjoyment of teaching.... I am forever grateful!

Paul and Suzee Grilley Level I Teacher Training

Paul's knowledge of anatomy is truly life- changing! I teach with more wisdom, patience and compassion as a result of the information he so skillfully shares. Like all of the IYI teachers, Paul does not just share valuable information, he is a master teacher , and he both teaches and models that for us -- helping us to be not just more informed but more effective as teachers.

Jennifer Welwood Psychospiritual Training

I've attended this retreat for the last 5 years and it has come to be the most important event in my year, it is the centerpiece of my spiritual path. Jennifer's profound and potent teachings catalyze growth and transformation like nothing else I have ever encountered in my 15 years on the path. And like all the IYI teachers, Jennifer's embodiment of what she teaches is genuine and inspiring. All yoga teachers should be required to do this work-- it is essential for our development. Through this work I am more grounded, healthy, inspired and inspiring as a teacher than ever before.

Norman Fisher embodies the term "master". Norman's teachings and approach to Zen are compelling, inspiring, and deep but perhaps even more significant is what he imparts simply with his presence. Our three days with Norman were imbued with spaciousness and warmth, inspiring me to practice more, be attentive more, love more, and give myself and others more space to just be.

Scott and Chandra are such a dynamic duo. Scott's brilliant synthesis of two bodies of wisdom is complemented beautifully by Chandra's grace and heartfelt love of the Dharma. I was especially excited by Scott's creative, subtle and powerful approach to asana. (I wish this module had been longer so that we could drop more deeply into the teachings these two have to offer.)

Sasha
California