Why continue studying with Ayurvedic Yoga Massage to Level 5?

Why continue studying with Ayurvedic Yoga Massage?

We spoke to recent Level 5 graduate Joy to find out why.

“I suppose different people will have different variations of reasoning. I was naturally drawn to it because things have lined up in my life that allowed me to continue my pursuit of deeper learning and refinement of skills in AYM with Despina. Learning from Despina is for me, a deeply personal discipleship, and I don’t think my learning with her will stop after Level 5. What else can I say about the course? If you wish to take Level 5, you’re committing to providing a level of service that goes beyond yourself and your ego. Levels 1-4 prepare you physically in your practice. Going through Level 5 for me is a journey of self-discovery, humility, and attunement to others. We sometimes forget we are conduits for healing, and only by emptying ourselves can healing take place for both the receiver and the giver.

Another highlight of doing Level 5 is that you will meet all the students who, like yourself, are keen to learn AYM beginning from Level 1; amazing people from with all their life’s stories who are here to transform themselves, to help others, and to heal. I’ve witnessed so many profound moments of emotional release during the sessions; the happiness and tears, and wisdom and anecdotes exchanged; moments of strength and vulnerability in between spaces of our breath and practice, and realising the power of connection and the touch we have right here in the space Despina holds, and right here in our hands.

Despina is knowledgeable and has a highly intuitive understanding of the anatomy. Through that knowledge and her breadth of life experiences in giving treatments, being able to receive a close-eyed guidance from her proved highly beneficial for me in the refinement of my practice. My course mate Oana who was also on her Level 5 journey has taught me so much from my receiving of massages from her. Being able to connect, learn, and share knowledge with other AYM course mates has made my experience so unique.

I entered Level 5 thinking that I may become a more skillful therapist, and graduated with confidence that my practice is spiritually supported by the technique and community, and that I might somehow return to spread the AYM knowledge to others when the time comes.