Blog | Midwife on the Mat

01 Rishikesh journal

India · June 2026

More than a qualification. A full immersion in yoga.

I completed a 200-hour hybrid teacher training with Rishikesh Yogkulam, including an in-person immersion in Rishikesh, India. It was not simply about learning how to teach postures. For the time I was there, I studied and lived yoga as a complete practice—immersing myself in its philosophy, traditions and everyday rhythm.

We explored anatomy and physiology, alignment and adjustment, Hatha yoga, Ashtanga Vinyasa, philosophy, meditation and pranayama. Each part helped me understand yoga beyond the physical practice and continues to shape the teacher I am becoming.

Vanessa practising Anjali Mudra during her yoga teacher training — A moment of Anjali Mudra during the training

Yoga teacher training manuals, a mala and course materials — The materials that marked the beginning of the course

Teacher-training curriculum

What I studied at Rishikesh Yogkulam

These were the main subjects within my 200-hour course. Together, they helped me understand yoga as a physical, philosophical and mindful practice—not simply a series of postures.

Hatha yoga

Foundations of asana, balance, breath and a steady, considered practice.

Ashtanga Vinyasa

A structured and dynamic practice connecting movement, breath and focus.

Anatomy & physiology

Understanding how the body moves and functions within yoga practice.

Alignment & adjustment

Clear positioning and ways to offer safe, respectful guidance.

Yoga philosophy

The roots, ethics and meaning of yoga beyond the physical postures.

Meditation

Practices for concentration, observation and creating inner space.

Pranayama

Traditional breathing techniques and the relationship between breath and practice.

Vanessa Bonacina's 200-hour yoga teacher training certificate from Rishikesh Yogkulam

The practice room at Rishikesh Yogkulam with a yoga mat, Buddha statue and anatomy model — Inside the Rishikesh Yogkulam practice room

Living the practice

Our days began early and were filled with movement, study, breath and meditation. We ate simple vegetarian food and shared dinner in silence, using the meal itself as a practice in mindfulness. Early nights prepared us to meet the next full day of yoga.

Beyond the school, I explored temples, landscapes and a culture very different from my own. That difference is part of what I found so beautiful: learning across cultures while never forgetting—and always respecting—the Indian roots and foundations from which yoga comes.