TESTIMONIALS

 There aren’t words that can express the way this training has impacted my (our) lives. It was as perfect as each of us are already – and the magic is the realization of that.  - Sandy B.

The effort and heart put into the training was beyond expectation. - Cristal G.

This program far surpassed my expectations- and my expectations were high. Lily Kessler, owner of BLY & 200 Hour YTT program creator & leader, holds this ancient teaching sacred and her energy shines through her teachings bringing her students full confidence this was the correct program choice for them. Her course work is literally life changing. This shala is pure magic and creates the safest space for you to be your true Authentic self. Do not pass up any opportunity to study at this studio!  - Acacia D.

I wanted to have all of the knowledge possible to make yoga a serious part of my life and a serious commitment forever. I feel fully enriched and I feel my life is changed. I recommend it to everyone. - Christian C.

I have been deeply moved by the teachings of the Yoga tradition I've been able to experience and absorb during our time together in this class. Every week, class time was the event that I was probably looking forward to the most, as I always felt better after our discussions and breathing/asana practices. I thank you deeply for your instruction and your kindness. - Eric N.

The program has changed me and my perception of life. I am totally joyful, loving, accepting, blessing and grateful to be a part of this wonderful community. Lily is a true gift to anyone she meets. A wonderful and engaging teacher.  - Ross S.

I just want to acknowledge how this course has expanded my knowledge and understanding of the world and the reality that we are all living in. I had never really understood the different perspectives or lenses of life until this class, but now my perspective has been shifted to view the world as the reality that society has created around us, not to mention the fact that everyone perceives things in their own reality or their own “Dream.” This has been truly eye opening for me just as a way to understand myself and the people around me in a more meaningful way and not simply through my own lens of reality. Your desire to be there for your students and introduce new ideas and perspectives truly made this an amazing experience. - Ty D.

Training with Lily was the best professional choice I have ever made. I knew as soon as I walked in the door that I was going to invest. My investment was not just financial. It was mental, physical, emotional, spiritual. I was choosing to spend hours away from my family and work life so I wanted to make the best choice possible. I investigated several other programs in the country and made the choice to commit to Blooming Life. The teachers and students make Blooming Life a place of welcome, joy, and solace. While in training with Lily, I uncovered potential that had been lying dormant all of my life. Not just through asana practice, but through the yoga sutras, Samkhya philosophy, the Gita, the Hero's Journey and more, I gained deeper understanding of self and illusion. This allowed me to observe my actions and understand points of my life that were holding me back from seeing Divinity in myself and in others. I would recommend Blooming Life to anyone and would wish them the greatest of adventures--life is waiting for you to answer the call. Namaste.  - Theresa L.

I feel as though I am better equipped to face and deal with stress. I have methods for coping and analyzing what my body is telling me based on where I feel the stress. - Madeline B.

This training program was the absolute perfect fit for me! The environment was transformative. Lily and Michael know the intentional and organic ways to build community. I began my journey not knowing what to expect. Nervous and full of fear, the team of instructors that Lily assembled instantly made me feel like I had a place, could hold space and would make an impact/contribution in the yoga world and beyond. This is ease and empowerment through knowledge. The nine-month program was the perfect time frame. Allowing me to be a mother to a young one and further my education. We took our time and in doing so I had time to truly begin to absorb the entirety of the information provided to us. The assignments and suggested readings were relevant, manageable and essential to the program. I met life-long encouragement partners and friends. I embarked on experiential learning in a brave and safe space. I was given the opportunity to co-teach and teach preparing me to launch into leading a class directly after graduation. We covered pranayama techniques, mantras, the history of yoga thoroughly, alignment, anatomy, the business of yoga, sequencing, crafting a class, and so much more. I have endless amount of knowledge and an even more endless amount of curiosity to learn more because of this program. It is a true honor to be a graduate of this program and a part of this community. Lily and Michael have a truly magical energy and I would highly recommend this program to anyone that is looking for a deep dive into not only teaching yoga but honoring and living yoga!  - Jennifer A.

Thank you for not only teaching me about yoga, but about how to confront things I wanted changed about myself. - Colin P.

Before taking this yoga series, I thought of yoga as some ancient Asian practice that involved breathing and stretching. In addition, yoga could've been applied to religion for those who practice it as well. But after taking this class, I've realized it's more than just that. Thank you so much for your kindness and teachings over the last couple of months. I wasn't sure what to expect, but you easily blew my expectations. I hope to continue my breathing techniques throughout my life as it's greatly decreased my anxiety. Thank you! - Jack L.

Before taking this course I did not have a great understanding of yoga. I always just thought of it as something you do to work out and something that would interest me, but I just did not have the time for it. After taking this course I have realized that yoga is so much more. It has such a rich history behind it and is not only a physical workout but it is a workout for your mind and emotions as well. I loved learning about the history behind yoga and also how yoga realigns your body. I love understanding the theories behind things that I do that are affecting my health and I feel like the theories behind how yoga helps someone is actually very interesting. - Jess K.

Yoga has really taught me the joy that resides in the present; it is natural to worry, but learning where these worries and fears stem from has helped me navigate through my own emotions rather than just accepting and sitting in them. I've also learned how to be more vulnerable with both myself and other people. - DaCoda L.

Overall this class was something I looked forward to as I knew I was coming to an environment of calmness and rejuvenation and I am grateful for the new practices, such as yoga Nidra that I was able to learn. I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed this course. I learned so much that I will take with me for the rest of my life. - Jena L

This course was such an amazing experience for me, and gave me a large change in my mindset as to what yoga entails. I would recommend this course for anyone who really wants to dive deep into the yoga tradition and look beyond what we know today as Western World yoga. By being in person, and balancing the act of learning about the history of yoga with asana practice, I was able to learn a lot. - Jules W.

I do truly believe that yoga has the power to change the world. My biggest take away from our time together was learning to respond not react. I've learned how to take the time to be with my thoughts and feelings and decipher how they could serve me and others in my life. To me, yoga is like a check-in with myself. I've never felt more aware of how I was feeling physically and mentally than when we were in practice in class. - Grace S.

One final thing from this class that has really stuck with me is the mantra "Everything is perfect". I am a perfectionist and I wear myself down trying to reach this often impossible level of perfection instead of being grateful for what I am able to accomplish and recognizing that in the present moment everything is just as it should be. So thank you for sharing such valuable insights with me this course! - Maddie N.

Lily, you are such an honest, inspiring individual. You are one of the most influential people that I have ever met. Thank you for helping me break down barriers that I have struggled with for YEARS! - May H.

I have seen myself grow this last year in not settling for who I once was or who anyone else expects us to be. The beauty I have found in yoga is that it helps you cultivate your inner world and allows for self-exploration. I have found so much peace in the vastness of Yoga that I am eager to continue the practice. - Haley C.

This course was phenomenal! I enjoyed every second of it and it will be something that I take with me wherever I go. I also wanted to thank you for all the kindness and compassion you showed. You helped me mentally, physically, and emotionally, and for something like this to have such a profound impact on who I am, I can guarantee that this is something I will be continuing in the future. - Stevie S.

I cannot be more thankful. Your devotion and knowledge are astounding and I am so lucky that our paths crossed on this journey. In one way or another, I have learned to embody my yoga practice in all aspects of my life and I could not be more grateful for the transformation this has resulted in. - Jacey C.

I appreciate how much you are able to laugh at anything, including yourself, and connect with the energy of the room to be fully present for us without neglecting to show us who you are as a teacher and a human. I love how one person could learn so many aspects of one tradition. I am excited to continue growing in this mind set and practice. - Bridget M.

Each class contributed to my learning in that yoga is vastly and endlessly more than just a couple of poses/ stretches. You made the meaning of yoga click for me.It is like medicine without medication. - Ashley B.

This training was life-altering! Lily and Michael have put their heart and soul into creating an in-depth program that is thorough, experiential, and led from a space of lovingkindness. I would recommend this studio and program to anyone who is on a path of self-discovery and searching for deeper meaning in life. By strengthening my yoga practice through gaining knowledge of its history, philosophy, and spirituality, I feel better suited to navigate my way through life's challenges on a daily basis. I completed the program feeling adequately prepared to teach from the heart, and also eager to learn and grow ever more!  - Emily C.

My training could not have been more perfect. - Jenny T.

Lily has an amazing studio and school. The Yoga Teacher Training is one of the most amazing journey's and educational experiences I have been on. The Teachers that teach there are very informed and in tuned to the students they teach and their environment they live in. Beautiful unity space for everyone of all walks of life.  - Jane H.

The Yoga Teacher Training is one of the most amazing journey's and educational experiences I have been on. The teachers are very informed and in tuned to the students they teach and their environment they live in. Beautiful unity space for everyone of all walks of life.  - Jane H.

I loved all the discussions we had in class and the richness each one instilled in me. They motivated me in so many ways that I can’t describe. Throughout this course, I have learned that Yoga is not a “one size fits all” situation. You iterated many times “take what serves you and leave what doesn’t” and I took the things that I needed to make my life better, more fulfilling and loving. I learned my strengths, weaknesses, and embraced my fluidity with change. I’m more receptive to new things and ideas. I learned that Yoga is different for everyone, and everyone takes and interprets things differently as well. The greatest thing I learned though, was finding my mantra. I have decided it to be “be here and now”, but I’m also accepting the fact that it will change throughout life. Your class taught me the wonderful lessons of life: everything is perfect, be here and now, and appreciate moments so that you don’t long for them later in life. - May H.

Lily is an amazing teacher. It truly was the experience of a lifetime and the beginning of a lifelong study. I am so glad I wandered into that studio 120 miles from home and decided to embark upon this journey. I couldn't have asked for a better experience or better guide. I learned so much and made such amazing connections with other like-minded students. It truly was the experience of a lifetime and the beginning of a lifelong study. I am so glad I wandered into that studio 120 miles from home and decided to embark upon this journey. I couldn't have asked for a better experience or better guide. Namaste.  - Kerry B.

I really enjoyed taking this course. Many of these ideas have really stuck with me, and have allowed me to discover myself in a new light. - Max M.

Lily Kessler pours her heart and soul into teaching and is supportive of students during and outside of formal classroom hours. Yoga teacher training with Lily and Michael is great because the Kessler's are passionate about helping future teachers appreciate all aspects of yoga (far beyond just the asanas). - Jane M.

I can’t believe this course is already over, because I feel that my journey with yoga has only just begun. I see it as so much more than just stretching and breathing exercises, which is the judgment I had of the practice before I started. I now see it as a way to ground oneself in existence, to be at peace with one's place in the world, and tap into an almost supernatural power and tranquility through intentional practice. You have stressed the importance of living in the moment and accepting change as it washes over us, because it is natural and necessary. I think if other people had the opportunity to truly understand and practice yoga for themselves, a lot of people's outlooks on the material world would change. I greatly value the skills I learned through this class for both simple stress-relieving exercises as well as full-on meditative practices, and I plan to use them as I move on to the next stages of life. I believe the seed has been planted, and I will never count it out as an option for the future. - Andrew J.

It was a struggle for me at times but in the end viewing the entire experience I realize how much I’ve grown – thank you! I appreciate all of the hard work that went into the program and you have a vast amount of knowledge and experiences to pull from and your communication style creates warmth and safety and desire for learning.  - Katherine E.

With this course, yoga has served as one of the best ways I have been able to calm my thoughts. I have a very hyperactive mind and have thoughts rushing in and out that lead to anxiety. This class has helped me center myself through breathe and the findings of yoga. - Evan P.

Lily’s 200 hour teacher training was a strong well rounded program. It provided me with more than I ever imagined and a really solid foundation in asana and yoga philosophy. This diverse program gave me great insight into other areas that I can't wait to dive deeper into. Lily was so involved and is a wealth of knowledge to her students, I feel so grateful to have trained with her. This program has changed me and all aspects of my life in the most wonderful way. - Kate C.

Lily, Michael, and all faculty associated with the YTT were phenomenal. All are deeply knowledgeable and worked tirelessly to support each individual in the program. The YTT with Lily and Michael was deeply rooted in the lineages, history and philosophy of yoga. Studying the Eight Limbed Path of yoga allowed each participant to look deep within and learn that yoga is more than physical postures on the mat. - Heather T.

I have really learned how to healthy ways to handle stress and to turn to meditation or specific stretches to calm down and recenter myself and my thoughts. - Maddie Z

I have learned so much in this course. I think my biggest takeaway is perseverance. By that I mean, I feel I have learned better had to handle situations and moments in my life. Your teachings have helped me feel grounded and more confident of myself and the decisions I make. I think the lessons I've learned here will continue to help me in my day-to-day life. - Mary G.