Maria Guinea

Foundations Program Graduate
Yoga Therapist, Yoga Teacher
Mount Pleasant, SC
Healing Space Yoga Therapy

This program influenced both my personal and professional evolution. Its experiential approach subtly moved me into the process of changing. While I was gaining knowledge to discern the process of healing from the perspective of this model, I understood and changed aspects of my personal life.

I spent all my life healing animals as a veterinarian, and a few years teaching yoga. I was considering digging deeper into yoga by enrolling in an RY500 program. But when I learned about this Yoga Therapy Program, I knew that it was my path. I chose Breathing Deeply over other programs because it was more flexible with presencial classes, and also self-paced.

Our study of the healing process from the perspective of the Doshic and Koshic models is substantially different from the Western mindset, where models are based on groups of technologies that you can access, without much consideration of suffering as a holistic reality.

Once into this program, translating my knowledge into my personal life was inevitable, and I began to understand unsolved past issues from the koshic/doshic perspective. The way this program is conducted, and the accessibility to open discussions during the Q&A sessions is unique. Brandt’s intellectual generosity and his respect for the students are also remarkable. Being able to learn and simultaneously evolve personally is a gift that I still enjoy and am grateful for.

The teaching of yoga in my classes after becoming a Yoga Therapist has flourished. I became more aware of the doshic constitution of my students as a group and learned to plan my classes accordingly. But I also gained awareness of the student’s presence individually. Overall I feel more solid in the process of guidance while recognizing that my boundaries as a teacher will always be different than my boundaries as a yoga therapist.

The most valuable part of the program is the Q&A sessions, which are held remotely, and more than once a week. It’s a luxury to experience Brandt’s patience, generosity, and openness to answer any type of question. The program wouldn’t be the same without them.

I gained more than expected from this program. And it was more than skills. By slowing down my pace throughout the program, and taking the time to practice on myself, I found inner transformation. The way the program is designed invites you to challenge your own perspectives and beliefs, and as consequence you begin to loosen rigidity and fears, becoming more open and more creative when analyzing the client’s situation using this therapy model.

Now, I teach yoga for seniors and I recently began to offer my service as a yoga therapist to the community. From my short experience with cases during the program, I’d like to highlight the importance of learning to value the “small”, and the “simple”, and to give time. Especially when the case is convoluted. My very complicated case of Rheumatoid Arthritis found its way into healing with the use of simple techniques and lots of patience.

For anyone thinking about joining the Breathing Deeply Yoga Therapy school, know that this program is worth doing, even if you don’t consider practicing as a therapist. You will be connected forever to an amazing community. You will always have access to a generous advisor, who is one click away from your desk.