“Prior to YTT, yoga was a part of my routine, but the training elevated my understanding and experience in ways I couldn't have imagined. For me it was not just about learning to teach yoga, it was about delving into a profound journey of self-discovery and comprehension of the body.” -Damaris Morales
This month on the YTT blog we’re featuring Damaris Morales who joined us for 200 hours of training intensively in the Domincan Republic in 2022. Since then, she has followed her vision of combining yoga and meditation with surfing as therapy for marginalized youth in the DR. We caught up with Damaris recently for Who Are They Today?
Can you reflect a bit on the format of your training and why it worked for you? And maybe also why/if it challenged you?
Reflecting on the format of my Yoga Teacher Training brings to mind a structured yet holistic approach that deeply resonated with me. The program's design, spanning three intensive weeks, was a blend of disciplined practice and mindful introspection.Each day started with a transformative 6 am meditation session, setting an intention and tone for the day ahead. This ritual provided a serene beginning, anchoring me in the present moment. The subsequent 90-minute yoga practice fortified this grounding, merging physical with mental focus.
The post-yoga reflection period was invaluable. It allowed me to process the physical and emotional experiences, creating a deeper connection with myself. The synergy of these elements, the meditation, yoga, reflection, and practice, contributed to the program's effectiveness for me. For three weeks, my entire focus was directed inward, creating alignment between my mind, body, and spirit.
These 3 weeks came with its challenges - The initial week tested my endurance and commitment. Adapting to the schedule and the new routine felt like an eternity. Yet, by the second week, I found my rhythm, gradually acclimating to the training. By the final week, I was so entrenched in the practice and routine that the thought of it ending was bittersweet. The morning meditations, intention setting, and physical practice had become ingrained habits.
Ultimately, this training's format facilitated a transformative experience by harmonizing my mental, physical, and emotional facets. It challenged me to embrace my body while nurturing an intimate connection with my inner self, resulting in a profound and rewarding journey of self-discovery.
Where has your life taken you since then?
Since completing my Yoga Teacher Training, my life has taken an incredible turn. The YTT itself lit a spark within me. For the final presentation and YTT graduation I drafted a Surf Therapy program using meditation and yoga as part of the healing tools we’re going to provide the community.
That initial presentation has evolved into a dedicated pursuit: the Surfing for the Future Project. This initiative is more than a passion; it's a mission to create a space of healing and growth for marginalized youth in the Dominican Republic. Our goal is to establish a surf therapy program that nurtures, challenges, and provides security for children and youth who have faced immense challenges due to their living conditions.
The vision is profound: to provide a space where every child can access the transformative power of the ocean. We aim to reach those who have faced mental health disorders stemming from environmental factors like isolation, abuse, neglect, or living in foster care. The Surfing for the Future Project seeks to empower these young individuals, fostering resilience and enabling them to rise above their circumstances.
This project is deeply personal to me. It was born from my experiences teaching English and meditation to 13 incredible kids right after my YTT. Their stories, their struggles, and their resilience became the driving force behind this project. Witnessing their potential for growth and healing through mindful practices inspired me to create a larger platform for transformative experiences, and surf therapy emerged as a powerful vehicle for this purpose.
Since embarking on this journey, I've been fully dedicated to acquiring the necessary knowledge and resources to bring this project to life. It's taken me into an incredible path, pushing me to learn, connect, and collaborate with passionate humans, empowering communities and organizations. Each step forward reinforces my belief in the impact this project can have on these young lives.
The path post-YTT has been a purposeful one, centered on this vision of providing hope, healing, and empowerment through surf therapy, yoga and meditation. This journey has not only reshaped my life's trajectory but has given me a profound sense of purpose—a purpose rooted in making a tangible, positive difference in the lives of these resilient youth.
What has changed?
I deepened my personal practice; I try my best to live with intention. I now explore my own boundaries, beliefs, and limitations. I set intentions that allow personal growth and self-awareness through meditation and practice.
What has stayed the same?
I honestly don’t feel the same. My current biggest challenge is maintaining a daily yoga practice. I feel like during my YTT I released a lot of limiting energy I had stored in my mind and body, and that itself has taken me through a different path.
What do you remember most from YTT?
Stillness, ease, bliss. I remember the feeling of meditation, listening to my body. I remember how great it feels, and now it’s my biggest drive any time I need motivation to get on the mat, in search of that bliss.
What does an average day in your life look like currently?
I wake up and meditate 10 minutes, set an intention for the day, stretch. Then I let the day unfold. Lately I have been fully dedicated to launching the Surfing for the Future Project so much of my time I’m doing research, getting involved with the International Surf Therapy Organization, I’m now part of their research development team.
Are you practicing yoga or meditation? If yes, tell more!
Yes, I practice meditation and sing mantras almost daily ☺ If I’m not traveling, I tend to practice yoga at least once a week.
Would you recommend this training to others? Why?
I wholeheartedly recommend this Yoga Teacher Training to anyone seeking a deeper connection with their practice and themselves.
Prior to YTT, yoga was a part of my routine, but the training elevated my understanding and experience in ways I couldn't have imagined. For me it was not just about learning to teach yoga, it was about delving into a profound journey of self-discovery and comprehension of the body.
What's next? Any plans for 2024?
In 2024, I'm dedicated to launching the Surfing for the Future Project, collaborating with the International Surf Therapy Organization to create a surf therapy program for marginalized youth in the Dominican Republic. At the same time, I've applied to the University of Edinburgh's Physical Activity for Health program to boost my understanding of health research and medicine, aiming to enhance the project's impact with evidence-based practices.
Can you speak to being a Dominican woman of color and what the Rise + Vibe YTT scholarship opportunity means to you? How can we keep yoga accessible to all communities?
This scholarship has opened doors to a space within myself that I never knew existed. It allowed me access to a transformative journey through yoga, one that transcends boundaries and speaks to the inclusivity and diversity that yoga embodies.
To keep yoga accessible to all communities, we must actively work toward inclusivity and representation. It starts with breaking down financial barriers through scholarships and making yoga spaces welcoming and inclusive. It involves diversifying the teaching community and ensuring that instructors reflect the diversity of practitioners. Moreover, it's about creating safe and culturally sensitive spaces where everyone feels welcomed and represented, this is what Rise and Vibe scholarship offered me.
I'm sure this scholarship isn't just about me—it's about paving the way for more individuals from diverse backgrounds to access the incredible benefits of yoga. It signifies the importance of inclusivity, representation, and accessibility within the yoga community for a more diverse and enriched practice for all.
Follow Damaris on Instagram: @damarismv