Johanna Nolet is a freelance journalist and columnist who has enrolled in the Netherlands' inaugural Partner Yoga teacher training course. With just a handful of yoga classes over the years, she doesn't consider herself "advanced." Each month, she shares her authentic experiences in this column.
Read Johanna's previous blog>>
First Weekend
I'm nervous. Will I keep up? Am I dressed right? Will I sweat too much? I skipped my homework and now regret it. It's the first weekend of Partner Yoga Teacher Training, and I already feel behind—not being a certified yoga teacher like the others.
The Intention Was There
In the weeks prior, I prepared my way: I joined an AcroYoga course but missed the last four classes due to a move and wisdom teeth surgery; I placed the AcroYoga manual on top of my boxes for easy access, where it stayed; I even tried shedding a few kilos temporarily, which spectacularly backfired.
Good Start…
Entering in my high-waisted yoga pants, talk turns to a participant's metabolic detox. I nearly bolt. Recently, I hyped my low-carb life, but cookies returned. I give my inner victim two minutes to resent every health-focused woman there, dipping my self-esteem lower.
Building Trust
Thankfully, we start strong, fostering trust and touch familiarity—vital for AcroYoga, where we support each other on stomachs, buttocks, legs, backs, shoulders, hands, and feet. The opening exercise—eyes closed, stroked and massaged by two others—instantly builds trust. Fears of seeming overweight hyper-focus me: "Don't be the fattest. I am. All so petite and toned—control freaks?" Eyes open, I'm grinning ear-to-ear, arms flailing for hugs.
The Forbidden Question
Over the weekend, I see I'm skipping a key step. Teachers stress boundaries: "Sense resistance in yourself and partner, heed your body's needs, adjust." I hear but ignore—until repetition teaches me. My stiff groin eases with less spread; surfing and swimming built strong but inflexible shoulders—not a weakness. I learn the once-forbidden question: "Johanna, could it be a little less?"
Also read Johanna's previous column: A one-way ticket to childhood please. Want more from Johanna? Visit: www.johannanolet.nl
