The Teacher Within: Greta Hearle’s Journey From Student to Teacher
When Greta Hearle signed up for Power Living’s 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training, she wasn’t entirely sure where it would lead. What she discovered was a sense of purpose, and a deep connection to both the practice and the people around her. Now preparing to deepen her studies with Yin and Advanced Vinyasa training, Greta shares what made her experience truly special and why it left her wanting more.
We sat down with Greta for a question and answer session to hear more about her experience.
Q: Greta, what made you take the leap into yoga teacher training?
Greta: I’d been practicing yoga for many years and had always been curious about doing teacher training. But to be honest, I didn’t necessarily see myself as a yoga teacher. I just felt this pull to understand more, about the practice, about myself, and about how yoga really works beneath the surface.
I was already familiar with Power Living and had a lot of respect for the teachers and the energy they bring. It just felt like the right community to do something deeper with. I’d heard the training was quite immersive and that it wasn’t just about personal development, but about preparing you to actually teach. That was really appealing.
Q: What was the experience like once you started?
Greta: Intense, in the best way. It was a deep dive, physically, mentally, and emotionally. I think I expected a lot of movement and some philosophy, but I didn’t realise how much the training would crack me open and make me reflect on who I am, not just as a practitioner, but as a person.
There was such a strong sense of support, though. You’re sharing such a personal journey with this group of strangers, and within a few days they’re no longer strangers. I made friendships that I know will last for life.
It wasn’t just the fellow students, but the teachers were also incredible. So generous with their time and wisdom. They weren’t just ticking boxes, they were truly invested in helping each of us grow into our own teaching voice. You could feel that.
I did the Hybrid Teacher Training, which blended online study with in-person weekends and live online Q&A sessions. That structure worked beautifully for me. The rhythm of online learning, the face-to-face intensives, and meeting up with my buddy for practice teaching—it all became a part of my weekly routine. I could fit it around work, but it still felt deeply immersive.
Q: Many graduates say they don’t feel ready to teach after a 200-hour training. How was that for you?
Greta: That’s exactly what I was expecting going in. I figured I’d need a lot more time to feel even slightly ready. But the Power Living structure completely changed that for me. The way they break down their Asana Blueprint Sequence is next-level. It’s not just learning poses, you’re learning a functional, teachable sequence and understanding why everything flows the way it does.
By the time we started doing practice teaching, I was shocked at how natural it felt. Of course I was nervous, but I knew what I was doing because the training had set me up for it. I finished the course genuinely feeling ready to teach.
Q: What areas of the training stood out to you most?
Greta: I loved all of it, but I would have to say I got a lot of enjoyment out of the philosophy sessions. I didn’t expect to fall in love with it the way I did. It wasn’t dry or academic, it was real, relevant, and personal. We explored many concepts including svadhyaya—which is basically the yoga of self-reflection. It’s all about getting curious with yourself, noticing your habits and thought patterns, and asking: Why do I keep doing that thing I always do? I found myself spotting little loops I hadn’t seen before, like mental habits on repeat. But instead of judging them, I started observing them with a bit more kindness. It made me realise yoga isn’t just something you do on the mat. It’s a way of understanding yourself better, day by day.
And the anatomy, wow. It was presented in such a clear, digestible way. I’ve done anatomy in other contexts where it felt like learning a medical textbook, but here it was practical and grounded in movement. I walked away with a strong understanding of how the body works and how to keep students safe in class. It was just the right balance, not too light, not too overwhelming.
Q: Was there anything unexpected about the experience?
Greta: I didn’t expect to get so emotional at the end. I was honestly gutted when it was over! The final day was this beautiful mix of love, pride, a few tears, and that slightly awkward feeling of not wanting to say goodbye.
I’d gotten really attached to the rhythm of it all—the study, the practice, the buddy sessions, the laughs. It had become this meaningful part of my week, and suddenly it was like, Wait… we’re done?!
But at the same time, I had this sense that something was just beginning. Even though the formal training was over, I knew the journey wasn’t.
Q: What’s next on your yoga journey?
Greta: I’m on a bit of a knowledge quest now! I’ve already enrolled in Power Living’s Yin training and plan to do the Advanced Vinyasa course after that. The 200-hour training lit this fire in me, not just to teach, but to keep learning.
Yin will be a whole new lens, and I think it’ll really round out my understanding of yoga as a holistic practice. It’s not just about movement, it’s about energy, introspection, and presence. I can’t wait.
Q: If someone’s on the fence about doing Power Living’s Teacher Training, what would you say?
Greta: Trust the pull. If something in you is curious, follow it. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You don’t need to be able to do handstands or have a clear plan for what comes next. You just need to be open.
This course will meet you where you are and take you further than you expect. It’ll challenge you, support you, inspire you. It’s not just about yoga, it’s about you. And the best part is, you won’t be alone. The community, the teachers, the vibe. It’s something really special.
And it doesn’t end after graduation. One of my favourite parts has been joining the SuperCoaching community, where PowerLiving graduates get to keep learning and growing with the mentorship of the lead facilitators. The training doesn’t really end, you just keep growing, supported by a community that truly gets it.
Final Thoughts
Greta’s story is a reminder that yoga teacher training is about so much more than asana. It’s about forging deep human connections, and stepping into your own potential, on and off the mat.
With her sights now set on Yin and Advanced Vinyasa, Greta is living proof that the journey doesn’t end at 200 hours. In fact, that’s just the beginning.
Ready to start your own journey?
Explore our upcoming trainings and take the next step toward discovering the teacher within:
powerliving.com.au/yoga-teacher-training
The post The Teacher Within: From Student to Teacher appeared first on Power Living Australia Yoga.
