Ancestral Academy 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Alzejur, Portugal

Trish Corley Author

Join me as I reflect on my transformative experience at the Ancestral Academy 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Aljezur, Portugal.

Ancestral Academy 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Alzejur, Portugal

Last week, I had the privilege of teaching anatomy at a 200-hour yoga teacher training hosted by the Ancestral Academy at Quinta Alma Retreat Center in Aljezur, Portugal. This training, led by Caro and Marco, had a depth and uniqueness that set it apart from the programs I typically lead, which are rooted in power vinyasa yoga. The retreat not only broadened my teaching but also gave me a deeper understanding of yoga in ways I didn’t expect.

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A Different Style of Yoga Teacher Training

The Ancestral Academy 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Alzejur Portugal commits to leading students to connect with mystical consciousness and develop their yoga practice from the soul level. From grounding root postures to expansive heart openers, they lead a journey to explore the transformative power of Chakra-based healing in each class.

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While I lead 200 hour trainings in the style of power vinyasa yoga, this training opened the door to new perspectives. Caro and Marco brought in a rich mix of Kundalini and Hatha yoga. Caro guided participants in Kundalini yoga practices and shared her passion for pranayama and the energetic body. Marco brought in a classical Hatha yoga approach, music, and a deep understanding of philosophy based on being an academic philosopher turned yogi. Together they brought a deep passion for yoga including morning mantras and meditations followed by intentional practices throughout the day. What struck me most about their teaching philosophy was how deeply they encourage their students to explore various yoga styles and, more importantly, to teach what resonates with them personally.

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As I taught anatomy to the participants, I felt more inspired than ever by this message: yoga teachers should teach from the heart and from the styles that speak to them. This training was a testament to that, and it reminded me of the importance of being authentic in our teaching.

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Teaching My Practice with Gratitude

In addition to leading anatomy sessions, I was asked to guide three morning practices during the retreat. This was a wonderful opportunity to share my love for the style of yoga I am passionate about.

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On the first day, I taught the Journey Into Power sequence with a focus on the element of Earth. This coincided with the teachings on the first chakra, the Muladhara. It felt powerful to root myself in the foundations of my early yoga teacher trainings, grounding into the strong, stable essence of this sequence.

On another day, I led a more fluid, water-inspired flow. The element of Water brought a sense of ease and movement, allowing the practice to become more about connection to the flow of energy and emotions.

On my last morning there, I focused on the Manipura chakra —the solar plexus, our center of power. As I encouraged students to connect to their core, I felt an internal shift. I realized that my power as a teacher is rooted in simply being myself. That moment was a reflection of how I’ve grown, not only as a yoga anatomy teacher but also in my understanding of the energetic body. I’m no longer just teaching anatomy and movement; I am embodying the deeper aspects of yoga, including the chakras and the energetic body.

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The Physical and Energetic Body: Two Sides of the Same Coin

One moment during the training that stood out was when a student asked whether aligning the spine is what allows Kundalini energy to rise. A few years ago, I would have dismissed that question as esoteric or “woo-woo.” But now, I recognize the beautiful connection between the physical and energetic bodies. I told the student, “Yes, I believe it does.”

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This experience, and the training overall, reinforced something I had been realizing over time: when we talk about the physical body—muscles, bones, alignment—we are often describing the same process as when we speak about the chakras, nadis, and the energetic body. We’re just using different languages to convey similar ideas. This concept was highlighted in a powerful yoga philosophy discussion led by Marco, where we explored the limitations of language and how certain experiences—like the state of yoga—are nearly impossible to fully describe with words.

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The Rapé Ceremony: A Sacred Experience

Another profound part of the training was the rapé ceremony. Rapé is a sacred shamanic snuff made from a blend of Amazonian plants and is used for grounding, clearing, and connecting to oneself. During the ceremony, I felt an overwhelming sense of love and peace, a deep inner stillness that words can’t fully capture. It was a unique experience that allowed me to further connect with the energetic side of my being, beyond the physical aspects I am so familiar with.

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A City Girl in Nature

Quinta Alma, nestled in nature with its compost toilets, no WiFi in the rooms, starry nights, and meals fresh from the garden, offered a break from the hustle of daily life. Being disconnected from the distractions of the city, I was able to truly connect with myself, my teaching, and the earth.

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However, as much as I loved being surrounded by nature, I realized something important about myself—I’m a city girl at heart. I enjoyed the retreat from the city. It definitely helped balance my nervous system, but I feel most at home in the vibrant energy of the city. For me, it’s not about choosing between nature and the city; it’s about finding balance between the two. And now, I’m excited to bring that balance—the grounding of nature and the vibrancy of the city—into my life and my teaching in Lisbon.

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Bringing the Experience Home to Lisbon

Reflecting on this experience, I feel transformed. I’ve gained not just a deeper understanding of teaching anatomy and movement but also of the energetic body, the power of authentic teaching, and the importance of balance. This opportunity to be a part of the Ancestral Academy 200 hour yoga teacher training in Aljezur has enriched my teaching in ways that I’m excited to share, and I look forward to continuing to grow and evolve both as a teacher and as a student of yoga.

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If you are in search of a simple way to learn yoga anatomy (the physical body 😉) from a yoga teacher who has an open mind and heart about different styles of yoga, you have found the program you are looking for!

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Enlightened is the best online yoga anatomy course for yoga teachers who want to lead safe and empowering yoga classes!

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Categories: : 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training, Yoga Anatomy