In a heart-to-heart with Josephin Westerlund, the visionary founder and head teacher at Yoga Folks, we uncovered the personal inspiration fueling their distinctive 300-hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training Program, launching this February in Stockholm.

Can you share the inspiration behind creating the Advanced Yoga Teacher Training Program at Yoga Folks?

This program was born out of a deep desire to provide yoga teachers with a transformative journey. A wish to invite them to unlock more of their potential, on and off the mat, fostering not just professional growth but also personal development. We have so many graduates from our previous trainings that also was asking for the next step, and so we listened.

What sets this 300-hour teacher training apart, especially considering there’s nothing similar in Stockholm?

I think the most unique thing about this training is the way that we conduct trainings, we want to make it a personal journey though it’s a very accompanied one – we have all these cool students enrolled, all unique in their own way – and our aim is to enhance what makes THAT student do their own thing. Our program is a unique blend of holistic practices, rooted in the essence of the human being. It’s a profound and unparalleled learning experience, offering a deep dive into various aspects of yoga that goes beyond the conventional.

Yoga is not just about perfect poses; it’s about embracing the imperfect journey within. Our 300-hour training is a testament to this philosophy – a transformative path that goes beyond teaching, fostering a deeper connection with oneself and empowering others to do the same.

How do you envision this training impacting the lives of participants, both in their personal journeys and as yoga professionals?

I see participants emerging not just as skilled teachers but as empowered individuals. The training is designed to instill wisdom, and I believe they will carry this transformative experience into their communities, creating a positive ripple effect. I love seeing the changes our students take, whether small or big, just by becoming more aware of themselves and their choices. And by being more present in yourself you can share any teaching more wholeheartedly, and I think that is exactly what makes a great teacher.

The training emphasizes active participation in the learning process. How does this approach enhance the experience for participants?

Active learning is at the core of this training. It ensures that participants don’t just absorb knowledge but embody it, and our teaching style is supporting just that. It fosters a deeper connection with the practice and allows for a more profound integration of the teachings, giving all students an enhanced feeling of confidence when sharing it after the training.

Yoga Folks is not just a studio; it’s a community dedicated to the holistic path of yoga.

Can you share your vision for the future of Yoga Folks, especially in terms of its role in the broader yoga community?

I envision Yoga Folks as an oasis for authentic yoga. Beyond being a space for classes, I see it evolving into a transformative hub influencing lives and well-being in Stockholm. It’s not just a studio; it’s a community dedicated to the holistic path of yoga. We wanna show the people of Stockholm that yoga isn’t always pretty and steady, it can be quite messy and up-rooting, it can be sluggish, abundant, sometimes slow and sometimes rocket fast. We wanna be a place to come to no matter how they’re doing, a supportive environment for life.

Community is key for us, without it Yoga Folks is nothing more than 4 walls and a yellow ceiling

How does Yoga Folks aim to make a positive impact on the local community, and how does this training align with that vision?

Community is key for us, without it Yoga Folks is nothing more than 4 walls and a yellow ceiling – our goal is to create a community space, a sanctuary where the benefits of yoga extend beyond the studio walls. The training aligns perfectly with this vision, as we believe that by empowering individuals through yoga, we contribute to the overall well-being of the local community.

 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Josephin Westerlund, the visionary head teacher at Yoga Folks, for sharing her insights and inspiration behind the upcoming 300-hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training Program. We invite all yoga teachers to join us in the pursuit of personal and professional growth on the mat. Thank you, Josephin, for lighting the way to a new chapter of holistic yoga exploration for Yoga Folks community!