Last year, Lavinia was selected as the winner of the Manduka x Vikasa Yoga Teacher Appreciation Giveaway, earning a place on Vikasa’s 100 Hour Yin Yoga Teacher Training in Koh Samui, Thailand. Balancing a full time career in marketing alongside teaching yoga, she arrived looking for more than a certification. She was searching for space to slow down, reconnect with herself, and experience the practice of Yin before bringing it home to her students. We caught up with Lavinia before and after her journey to hear how twelve days at Vikasa shaped her personally, professionally, and as a teacher.
The Journey Begins
When I found out I had won this teacher training, I was working from home when my friend called me and said, “You need to sit down because this one is big.” She was actually the teacher who nominated me for the giveaway, so that’s how I found out I was the winner.
At first, I couldn’t believe it, but then Manduka reached out and it all became real. I felt incredibly lucky because these are two brands I truly admire, and it felt like a once in a lifetime opportunity I couldn’t miss.
And I’m so glad I didn’t!
Before arriving, I imagined a high quality teacher training with experienced teachers in a dreamy location in Thailand. Almost too good to be true, right?
But that’s exactly how it turned out to be.
Making Space to Slow Down
My daily life is split between my 9–5 job in marketing and my responsibilities as a yoga teacher, so things can get very hectic. When I chose the Yin training at Vikasa, I knew my nervous system needed regulation, but when you are deeply immersed in your routine, it becomes difficult to truly slow down and take care of yourself.
I knew I needed a real break. This training gave me the chance to pause, reconnect with myself, and experience the benefits of Yin before sharing them with my students back home in Germany.
Going into this experience, I must admit I was initially a bit intimidated. As a yoga teacher, you are surrounded by incredibly talented and inspiring people, and while that is one of the beautiful things about this community, it can also come with self-doubt.
After seeing how welcoming the Manduka and Vikasa teams were, I quickly let go of my doubts. The other participants soon became friends, creating an environment where everyone genuinely supported one another.
Life at Vikasa
Looking back on those twelve days, one word comes to mind: life changing.
I returned home with more than a Yin Yoga certification. From the moment I arrived, I felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be. Everything at Vikasa is designed to support your practice and wellbeing, from the ocean view rooms and nourishing food to the teachers who guide you with such presence and care.
There is something about the people behind the academy that transforms the experience into so much more than a teacher training.
And that’s the magic of Vikasa.
Every day at Vikasa started with me watching the sunrise over the ocean from my bed. It was the gentlest and most beautiful way to wake up.
After getting ready, I would head to the shala for the first practice of the day at 7:30 am. Morning practice usually included meditation, pranayama, and a strong Hatha class. Afterward, we would enjoy a nourishing brunch at the Vikasa Café. My go-to was the marinated tempeh, highly recommended, with broccoli and roasted potatoes, followed by fresh papaya, chia coconut pudding, and of course coffee with a splash of coconut milk.
Late mornings were dedicated to theory classes, where we explored Yin anatomy with Mikey, followed by workshops in the afternoon where we practiced teaching and learned the Vikasa sequencing method.
At 17:00, we would end the day with a long and restorative Yin practice taught by our lead teacher and mentor Niki. Those classes always left me feeling incredibly grounded and relaxed.
Dinner was another highlight because every evening had a different theme, so there was always something new to discover. Around 20:00, I would head back to my room, review my notes, enjoy a little self-care moment, and go to sleep ready to do it all over again the next day.
The Moment Everything Shifted
One of the moments that stayed with me the most was the last of Niki’s “Making Magic” sessions. When we arrived at the shala and were told we had to dance, my first reaction was panic because I’ve never felt very comfortable dancing in public.
But what happened during that hour was completely unexpected.
With eyes closed and music playing, I slowly started moving intuitively with the sound. As the songs changed, the energy in the room changed too. At one point, everyone started dancing together, laughing, holding hands, and completely letting go.
I found myself tearing up while laughing at the same time, releasing tension, pressure, and expectations I didn’t even realize I was carrying. In that moment, I felt fully free to be myself without judgment.
That evening, magic truly happened for me, and it became one of the most memorable moments of the entire training.
The Lessons I'm Bringing Home
One of the biggest lessons I carry with me after this training is the importance of letting go of comparison and staying true to yourself, both in life and as a teacher.
Being in your 30s, it is easy at times to feel the pressure of expectations and timelines, especially when you are surrounded by people taking more traditional life paths. But during this training, I met incredibly inspiring women of all ages and backgrounds who chose lifestyles that genuinely felt aligned for them, and that reminded me that there is no single right way to live your life.
As a teacher, this experience reinforced the importance of guiding students from a place of authenticity rather than perfection. Yin especially showed me how powerful it can be to simply slow down, listen, and hold space without constantly trying to push or perform.
I learned that teaching yoga is not about being the “perfect” teacher, but about creating a safe and genuine space where people can reconnect with themselves and feel supported exactly as they are.
Looking Forward
Being immersed in such a supportive environment helped me slow down and reconnect with what feels meaningful to me. I felt calmer, more present, and less focused on what should happen next.
I came back with much more clarity, both personally and professionally. I feel more grounded in my choices and more able to make decisions without rushing them or acting from fear, comparison, or external pressure.
Yin taught me the value of slowing down, observing, and creating space instead of constantly trying to achieve something. It reminded me that growth can happen in stillness, too.
I’ll carry with me the reminder that slowing down is an act of self-care, along with the connections I made with the teachers, the other participants, and, most importantly, with myself. Leaving Vikasa was emotional because the experience left such a deep mark on me. I already know it won’t be my last visit.
Connect
Follow Lavinia's journey on Instagram at @lamindfullife or join her for a yoga practice in Munich, Germany.
If Lavinia’s story has inspired you to deepen your own practice, explore our partnership with Vikasa and discover their Yoga Teacher Trainings and Signature Retreats.
As part of the Manduka community, you’ll receive $100 USD off any Vikasa Academy Teacher Training or Signature Retreat with the code MANDUKA. The discount can also be combined with early bird pricing for even greater savings.
Learn more about Vikasa here.
