Kiekari Terra A.C. is a community that shares diverse practices to reconnect your integral being to the rhythms of nature. Reconciling science and spirituality.

Yoga Retreats (1)

Videos (6)

Instructors (1)

María Kiekari

Reviews (49)

Maya Huffman

from United States, May 2023

The 200hr Soma Yoga Teacher Training was so beautiful and transformative! Maria, Alan, and Kate are all deeply knowledgeable and embodied in their practices. They bring skill and passion to everything they do! This training helped me deepen my foundation of knowledge and awareness of yoga, body, mind, and spirit. One of the most profound shifts for me was how nourishing this time was for my nervous system! Forever grateful for this wonderful experience!!

If you’re looking for a profound way to deepen with the body this is a wonderful training. The soma yoga style brings slow, gentle awareness on the cellular level and is different from a fast-paced/vinyasa work out.

EVERYTHING about this training is so rich and nourishing, from the food to the land to the incredible people involved. Thank you Kiekari Terra!!

Gemma Atkinson

from Mexico, May 2023

"Original and transformative experience! "

I decided to book this teacher training course even though I do not have an abundance of experience with yoga and have no strong desire to become a yoga teacher, however I would like to reassure anyone else in this position that this training would be a perfect place to start building your yoga foundation.

The moment I arrived I felt an instant relief entering into the natural world & disconnecting from the virtual. You truly have to see the land to believe it; a jaw dropping environment abundant with trees, plants, bees, birds & the powerful healing river! I felt very safe in the space & appreciated the amount of free time we were given to help process this one of a kind experience & to enjoy being immersed in nature.

I was also very grateful for having a tent to retreat into & switch off socially.

The content was engaging, holistic & I enjoyed the way in which it naturally unravelled. It is clear how much passion & thought has been invested to curate the programme from start to finish.

I thoroughly enjoyed the permaculture Sunday's & contributing to the land with planting Milpa & other plants.

The food was incredible, I had been in Mexico 6 months by the time I arrived at Kiekari Terra but had not tasted anything made with sooo much love & goodness!

Lastly, I will be eternally grateful to Maria, Alan & Kate for being such an inspiration & sharing their wisdom & passion. I look forward to the day that I inevitably return ready to soak up the next experience.

Chelsea Johnson

from Mexico, April 2023

"Everyone should attend this training"

This was a life-changing transformative experience that is more than just a yoga teacher training. There are many options available for YTTs, but this is a one-of-a-kind experience. I found it to be a perfect mix of anatomy and asana, spiritual teachings of yoga, trauma and somatic education, and permaculture (this is not a random topic thrown in, it absolutely connects to the rest of the teachings). It was the most immersed in nature I have ever been and was able to connect deeply with the cycles of my body and my own inner knowing. I learned so much about the human body (we all have one so why not understand how it works) and gained many understandings which have empowered me to deepen my own yoga/movement practice, as well as equipped me to share it with others. If it is calling to you, take the leap and you will not regret it. Be prepared to not only learn but un-learn, to think more critically about yourself and the world, and to be inspired on the continually evolving journey of being a better person on this planet. I truly believe everyone can benefit from this experience even if you don't want to be a yoga teacher, and I can't wait to participate in other offerings at KiekariTerra!

Weston White

from United States, April 2023

"Life Changing - Deeper Understandings"

A truly magical world away from the ‘default world.’ Maria, Alan, and Kate put their heart and soul into providing a safe, and gentle space for learning , un-learning, and diving deeper into yourself.

Each experience will be their own to unravel and discover.

I did not have a deep understanding of soma-yoga prior to signing up, but after leaving this training I can never look at my personal practice or take a yoga class in the same way. The knowledge and wisdom, and traditions of soma yoga passed down through the training is above and beyond (I only wish we could’ve gone deeper in some subjects and areas, but I guess that means I just have to return again for another course (: )

Beautiful land to disconnect from technology. Clean air, abundance of plants, and fresh river to bathe in. Breathtaking.

Syncing up with sunrise and sunset.

I am beyond grateful to have found this training, and could not recommend enough for those interested in a deeper yoga practice understanding, and learning to live and recognize your own synchronicity with nature.

🙏🙏🙏🙏

Leah Bali

from Netherlands, April 2023

"Life changing experience, truly a gift to be a part of this"

It’s difficult to find words for an experience so immensely life changing. Starting with the space itself. Magical, prestine, beautiful nature. Maria, Alan, and Kate (Juanita and Doña Nieves too!) are doing an incredible job at being guardians of such an abundant place in Mexico. I feel truly honored of having been able to be a part of the work they are doing, especially as a Mexican myself!

The training was very unique to what I think a “normal” YTT is. Soma yoga is slow, gentil, patient, and very wise. My goal was to become a certified YT, and what I mainly took out however was a much deeper understanding of the practice, of my body, to learn about stillness and listening to what your body TRULY needs. Something that in my many other trainings on mindfulness have never learned to embody as you do here. Moreover, you cover many important topics, especially as a yoga teacher, I feel very excited to continue my journey in such topics and immersing myself in the “soma world” (which goes beyond just yoga!!).

Beyond the training itself, which is something you can only truly understand once you’ve immerse in it yourself, living the land is truly a GIFT in this life. I showered in the river every day of the training, I can honestly not describe how that felt, but I can certainly say I miss it every day. Plus, you are constantly listening, living, becoming each day more a part of nature- something we’ve so easily lost in “todays world”. ENDLESS THANK YOUS!!!!

Katrina Monk

from Great Britain, April 2023

"A life changing experience"

This is a profound Yoga TT and I am so grateful for the amazing facilitators who each had their own unique wisdom and skill set. Everything was incredible, location, food, vibes (!!) and I feel very confident to bring my knew qualification out into the real world. I've also overcome my fear of spiders through exposure work !

Catie Brooke

from Great Britain, January 2023

"A magical time and experience I will remember forever"

I don't know where to even begin.. Every aspect of the retreat made me feel held. The people, the land, the food and then not even to mention the medicine!

I felt cared for from the moment I arrived and that feeling grew throughout the days we shared as a group.

I can't thank Maria, Alan, Nadia, Kate and Juanita enough for the healing and joy they provided.

Kiekari needs to be felt to be understood, I highly recommend any experience there. I only hope one day I get to return and take part in the yoga teacher training.

Luca Jordan

from Spain, December 2022

"A beautiful wholesome experience with lots of surprises 🤩"

For me this course was eye opening on so many levels. I had already done a yoga teacher training a few years ago in India and was looking for something new and interesting to bring some new specialisation into my practice/teaching and this course really brought that to me.

It was quite unpredictable and unfolded itself so poetically, I just had to believe and let go! And this is the beauty in the design of this course- best experienced with an open heart!

The trauma informed element was very new to me and meant that I had to live it myself to understand the awesome benefits, this is something I feel made it extra special on a ‘personal journey’ level.

The somatic education was also so in-depth and really made me realise how crazily fascinating our bodies are! I also was able to understand why listening to the body and it’s wisdom is something way bigger than it sounds. It’s a way of life and one we as humans have lost touch with in many ways.

The teaching was fantastic all around, Maria, Kate and Alan each in their own special way! So much passion and positivity in their practice! Not to mention the mind blowing beauty and sacred spirituality of the land- ‘Kiekari Terra’, I feel so blessed to have lived there and experienced all of it’s unique nuances, from the river to the doggies and so much more.

Last but not least- The food was spectacular, delicious and Mexican!!

Overall, a really authentic and unique yogic experience that has set me free in so many ways!

Alexane Francois

from France, December 2022

"Great experience in this wonderful mountains !"

Thanks for this journey, it's been very nourrishing and soothing, I feel coming back home with peace and tools to teach Soma Yoga. Maria, Alan and Kate are passionate great and kind teachers, and they manage to make everyone feel comfortable ! Special mention to Dona Juanita and Dona Nieves for their incredible cooking also. Hope you will keep on nourrishing others bodies and souls with your blessed vision of somatics and perma !!

Kaya Bark

from Peru, December 2022

"Increible :) "

Come to Kiekari and join the beautiful family of people all exploring what it is to be human in the kindest, most compassionate, and loving way. I had space to hold myself, meet myself, and together with some amazing people learn so much about being connected to self, others, and nature. The somatic approach presented here is very easy to receive and the embodiment is supported by the serene natural surroundings, beautiful food and amazing teachers.

Michelle Sheffield

from Germany, December 2022

"Beautiful experience, inside and Out!!"

It was a truly magical and tranformative experience. Maria, Kate and Alan did an amazing Job. We were held in this safe space filled with so much Joy, compassion, kindness, knowlege, wisdom and Love. The group and our dynamics were also auch a big part of it all. Everyone was loving and Kind and we formed real friendships in this short but intense time together.

We spend the whole day outside! Also bathing in the beautiful Rivers (there were showers available, but the river was so better ;) )

The food was sooo good !!! We learned how to be in our bodies and how to teach to be in the body.

Being off the grid gave me so much space in my mind to focus and be present. I highly recommend this Training. I was looking for a while for the place where i could do my Yoga teacher Training, and when i found this one, i new it was it !!

Thank for so so much for all the teachings, the beautiful Land and all the Love! <3

Géraldine Kunz

from Switzerland, November 2022

"Grateful for an empowering and insightful Training"

Since Maria and her appearance appealed to me very much, I decided to take the 100hr Somatic Practitioner Training with her in October/November 2022.

Arrived I was first flashed by the beautiful, quiet, natural place in which we were received. Away from everything and completely disconnected from the outside world.

This gave us a lot of time and space to turn inward and completely dedicate ourselves to the training.

The content of the training was first explained in theory, then demonstrated and finally experienced in the flesh. What was said was impressive and at the same time trying everything out and experiencing it in this way gave us the opportunity not only to be there intellectually but also to internalize what we had learned. Maria is a source of knowledge and her way of passing on this knowledge is very clear, memorable and exciting.

In addition to all the materials, there was also plenty of super good food, which gave us the necessary energy. It was varied and incredibly tasty.

I really appreciated and needed the fact that each participant had her own tent and a place to withdraw.

Surrounded by nature there is much to discover and one of my personal highlights was my morning swim in the river right on Kiekarri. A refreshing start into the day.

It was a very intense 15 days, but they definitely changed my life. I would visit again and again and recommend it to everyone.

Thank you dear Maria, Kate and Alan for everything!

Anonymous

from Germany, November 2022

"The somatic embodiment practitioner training was incredible "

It was an incredible experience - the training, the location, the people and the food. It felt like a safe sanctuary and was thus perfect for the type of content that we learned about.

Sarah Gruenberg

from Spain, July 2022

"Heart filled, and body awake"

My Kiekari experience lives so deeply in my body, and I can not begin to express my gratitude for this new found layer of connection to myself and the world around me. Alan, Maria, and Kate cultivated an extremely prosperous space for exploration, growth, and reflection. The organization of time throughout the training allowed for integration, making the 3 weeks live on with me. So filled with love and intention.

Anonymous

from Mexico, July 2022

"So much more than a yoga teacher training!"

María, Alan and Kate facilitate a transformative experience in an idyllic setting - I would recommend this training to anyone who's considering it! This course is an opportunity to learn about the philosophies, ideas and practices involved in yoga, and in soma yoga more specifically. It also equips you to create inclusive, trauma-informed spaces, which is applicable to life beyond the yoga mat. It encourages reflection and critical thought as yoga practitioners, particularly within a social justice context. Ultimately this course is an opportunity to learn about yourself, others and the world around you, and how to use embodied practices to create better connections between all of the above.

On top of that there's delicious food everyday, river swimming and endless beautiful plants and wildlife. KiekariTerra is a truly special place :)

Crystal Janes

from Mexico, July 2022

"A life changing experience "

The classes were great, I learned a lot from both Maria & Alan. The environment/area was absolutely beautiful & peaceful. I would definitely do it again! So grateful for the gift of what they are doing.

Andy Laithwaite

from Mexico, June 2022

"Couldn't have been better"

Honestly, I'm not sure that I could fault this training. Maria and Alan are excellent teachers (and humans!), who really live and breathe the practices they preach.

I came to the training having done yoga on and off for about seven of years. I wasn't sure if I wanted to teach, but I definitely wanted to deepen my practice and understanding of its uses as a tool for a more 'embodied' life. As for my relationship to nature, I love spending time out in it, and really value conservation, but veganism wasn't something I had seriously considered. I think one of the benefits of the training is that everything, including the lifestyle, is an offer. You try it out, and see if it jives with you. And Alan and Maria aren’t going to tell you there is only one way – they’re just sharing what works for them.

One thing to note - I had a mexican sim, and had no signal (4g or phone) when I was on the main site. But you can catch up with the outside world on the weekend.

The training can be challenging in ways you might not expect. It’s a big lifestyle shift for many (including diet, which can sometimes include a bit of tummy trouble), with a lot of space for reflection, engaging with meaningful topics. The movement practices and temazcal ceremonies can be accompanied by strong emotions, and teaching classes can bring you into proximity with some intense anxiety. But Maria and Alan create an environment in which to welcome these challenges, and to grow.

Jacqueline Gladney

from United States, May 2022

"Everyday was filled with many wonderful gifts!"

I am very grateful to Maria and Alan for creating such a beautiful space! A space to connect to ourselves, to others, and to nature.

The physical space alone is inspiring! Just being in the cloud forest is gorgeous, listening to the sounds of the rivers mix with the sounds of the birds, the gentle breeze, being able to walk barefoot in nature and noticing how much my feet enjoy the earth beneath them, resetting my circadian rhythm, cold showers, all were invaluable and helped me to connect with nature in a way I had not done previous.

The mental and emotional space created by Maria, Alan, and Kate and their nurturing souls are a gift I was given in so many ways everyday there and continue to notice daily after I've left. They live meaningful, honest, beautifully, grounded lives and are an inspiration in themselves. Through the daily breathwork and somatic exercises I was able to calm my nervous system, become more present, listen to my body, and let go of cluttered thoughts so I could hear my intuition. After many years of not listening to my body, I started remembering the joy of movement, and especially the joy of breathing through movement. My body started feeling alive again, empowered and powerful, and accompanied with that was such joy!

All truly wonderful gifts I will carry with me a lifetime! I am forever grateful to you!

Meta Daniel

from Mexico, May 2022

"Invaluable Knowledge Set in a Magical Land"

Maria and Allen both contain a wealth of knowledge and convey this information in a practical and accessible way. Their way of thinking and being is inspirational and supportive. I appreciated their ability to be hopeful but still realist in regards to planetary and social change.

Janna Lyhus

from United States, May 2022

"Transformative training: healing our bodyminds & world"

Maria, Alan, and Kate were beautiful facilitators of our noticing, experiencing, and learning of the wisdom of our bodies and life around us. The small size of our cohort encouraged considerate support and meaningful connections among us as we engaged in the transformation of being that is the exemplary training offered by the teachers of KiekariTerra.

Our accommodations were comfortable and practical, inviting students to reflect on what tools, habits, etc. are truly useful in caring for our uniquely 'healthy' bodyminds in a certain context or environment… and what each of us might recognize as something that no longer serves our individual well-being, present and perhaps future.

This exploration is of course incredibly personal, wholly determined by the individual, and honored by our teachers as such; each of our decisions to learn and engage in whichever particular offering of the training was exactly that: an offering, an invitation, a choice; not an imposition or assumption.

Additionally, as a perk of living in the Cloud Forest outside Veracruz - surrounded by a vivacious environment of beloved nonperson-beings, inviting rivers, and earthen paths to explore through sacred trees - an appreciation of the natural relationship between our internal experiencing (emotions, energy, etc.) and our manifest ‘external’ world, and the inherent potential for all to thrive… was and is evident, and abundantly so.

Anonymous

from Colombia, May 2022

"Beautiful experience "

Everything was just filled with so much love. The classes were filled with lots of relevant and interesting information, the food was amazing and the nature surrounding us was just beautiful. I enjoy the approach of: the body is your greatest teacher and all people involved really live this approach. I appreciate Alan, María and Kate so much for all they do and how they do it with so much love and compassion. Thank you for this beautiful experience and for opening so many doors for us to be exploring our body and our environment.

Sabrina López

from Great Britain, May 2022

"Life changing experience!"

I couldn't recommend this training enough. Maria has created a beautiful curriculum and way of teaching that will not only support you in discovering your body but also empower you to support others in their journey. The location is beautiful, surrounded by giant trees and lush nature as well as a river and a creek. This is a genuine embodied experience in the cloud forest lead by incredibly passionate people!

Aziadé Cirlini

from Switzerland, April 2022

"cuando el bosque te sorprende "

Qué lugar maravilloso, con el río fresco que canta fuerte y donde bañarse a la mañana. Un espacio abierto a la naturaleza, al conectar con su respiración, sus inspiraciones y otras cosas esenciales que quitas uno deja de lado. Mis pies en la tierra porque me da energía y sensaciones linda, una noches de sueño largas para recuperar, observar los detalles que son tan importantes, observarme a mi también, y compartir honestamente con los demás, en un espacio seguro para abrir sus emociones.

María y Alan tienen un amor muy grande por el lugar que habitan y por la gente con quien comparten. Poder entrar en esa burbuja de vida es una suerte muy grande.

Las practicas de la mañana permiten de dar atención a su cuerpo con mucho respeto, y conocer o volver a conocer zonas y movimientos, siempre tomando el tiempo necesario. Es una manera distinta de moverse que en unos cursos de yoga clásicos, y es muy agradable dejar libertad al cuerpo, de escuchar lo que necesita.

Los momentos de teoría son interessantes y bien construidos, María conoce un montón sobre el cuerpo y es un placer entender más sobre eso ; Alan introduce sobre la tierra, las plantas y otras temáticas con mucha pasión, y siempre es un placer escucharlo !

Sin olvidar los ricos almuerzos de la señora, muy frescos y con sabores locales (que placer comer las delicias de Mexico, y no una comida vegetariana "globalizada"), y las sopas amorosas de Juanita !

Gracias por la introspección y el apoyo ! <3

Debbie Mol

from Brazil, April 2022

The 24 day soma yoga and movement teacher training for me was magical and at the same time so grounding. Really sinking into our bodies, by feeling it and moving it during the yoga classes by dawn, and exploring it through anatomy in the afternoon. Before sunset tuning in with nature, learning more about permaculture, theoretically and practically.

Before I started I read in one of the reviews that it’s so much more than a yoga training. Though it was my first yoga training, I still really resonate with that sentence. María and Alan share their home with you, their books, which Alan beautifully said are doorways to other worlds. I’ve learned so much, and I’m so grateful for the life they choose live, the knowledge they’ve gained and are sharing with us.

I loved sleeping in a tent (which was very specious) for more than 3 weeks, the absence of the sound of cars and the night sky full of shining stars. Feeling the different kinds of weather touching our skin, swimming in the cold river (or quickly dipping ;)), seeing fire flies playing above it when the daylight fades, and feeding our body with nourishing food. As far as I can tell this yoga training is unique and seems like a one of a kind. It feels like a fundament for all my further yoga practices, or better for life. I’m very thankful for this experience.

Alma Braeckman

from Belgium, April 2022

"This retreat changed my life"

Everything was perfect!! The classes of María build up in nice a way, as a result you feel really comfortable as a teacher. Also the classes of Alan were so interesting and helpful for my spiritual development and awareness. The nature is surreal, the river, the rain forest, wauw!! Perfect surroundings to reconnect with nature, but don’t forget those sweaters and warm socks! It can get really cold in the night.

Nia Campinha-bacote

from United States, April 2022

"If you trynna have a life changing experience, THIS is it!"

Two quick things before I get deep&sentimental in this review. 1)The instructors (Maria y Alan) were INCREDIBLE--they are so kind and loving and really make you feel at home. They are also BRILLIANT and I was constantly learning from them. 2) The food was also AH-MAZING, and my body and tastebuds were very happy :)

Okay, now the deep/sentimental reflection: This training has left me forever changed. Despite being off the grid for 24-days, this month-long training has helped me become MORE present in this world, and I specifically chose this YTT because Maria's pedagogy is one based in Somatics--centering the body as a wisdom source that integrates with mind and spirit to inform how we move in the world, both on and off the yoga mat. It's not about dissociating or escaping pain and discomfort, just like spending time at KiekariTerra is not about disconnecting or fleeing from the rest of the world. Instead, it's about the practice of embodying the present moment by acknowledging and honoring the body as an ever-present and sacred home, one to which we are forever returning to. Because of this training, whether I'm in a Cloud Forest or third-floor city apartment, my goal will always be to remain in my body--to be here now--and to practice making decisions that move me towards rather than away from my most whole&holy Self.

If you want to read a more in-depth review, feel free to check out my blog reflection: https://purposefullynia.com/2022/04/01/returning-home/

Jenny Boutellier

from Mexico, March 2022

"Loved everything about the training!"

I really loved the diversity of the training! It was so much to learn about so many different things. Permaculture, Yoga of course, the biology of the body and it’s amazing work, connection to mother nature, earthing, science, emotions and much more. The time was intense. Also emotionally. On the way to get a closer connection to myself and nature this training was a huge step for me. It helped me in so many ways. I learned so much in 3,5 weeks. I can recommend this training to everyone who does not only want to learn about asanas but also about everything around somatic and a closer connection to the own body. Maria and Alan love what they are doing and their enthusiasm is catching. Much looooove!

Anabel Vandesande

from Belgium, November 2021

"Transformative learning experience"

I truly enjoyed every aspect of this beautiful experience, from begin to the end. I very much appreciated the fact that we got to live so close to nature, literally sleeping in tents, with no electricity, which forced us to reconnect with the rhythm of nature as well as getting back in touch with our circadian clock. It gave us a full on experience and first impression on how it feels like to live off-grid. I enjoyed the content of both Maria as well as Alan’s classes. It was a nice balance between the both of them and their separate as well as shared knowledge. They truly embody the teachings they share, they live it. I got to learn more about the human body and got to get back to intuitively acknowledging what feels right to my own body in each specific moment of the day. Their enthusiasm and deep wisdom in what they do and share was extremely contagious and present. You could feel the love and appreciation they have for the land they live on, its river and all the living creatures they get to share it with. I feel extremely grateful for this transformative learning experience. We got to live in community, learning about what “yoga” means off the mat, as a lifestyle.

Amanda Degroot

from Mexico, November 2021

If you are looking for something deeper than a yoga training, choosing this experience will leave you with more tools and support that will help you on your path to more conscious living as well as teaching yoga. Maria and Alan are a gift to this world and I feel incredibly grateful that I was able to be part of this group. I have learned so much and my eyes have been opened to new topics and ways of seeing the world. I will forever be grateful for these two humans and what I learned from them.

Lucy Rojek

from United States, November 2021

"More than a yoga teacher training"

I loved every moment of this experience. Maria and Alan are two incredibly kind, knowledgeable, loving people who have cultivated a beautiful space to share with others. I came out of this experience having in depth knowledge of body movement and the importance of having a connection with my body and the land. Maria’s style of yoga is unique and so intentional I will never be able to approach yoga the same way. I learned so much more than poses and alignments and feel prepared to enter anything from a more grounded loving place. I loved the addition of permaculture, gut health, trauma, and social justice.

Kevin Snavley

from United States, November 2021

"Monumental"

My time at Kiekari was truly monumental - as others have said before, it is so much more than a yoga teacher training. I reconnected with a rhythm and pace of life that felt amazing for my body, uncovered a lot of things inside of myself, and gained so much self-knowledge. All of my fellow students were wonderful - so bright, funny, and full of life. Kiekari attracts a lot of beautiful souls. We spent so much time laughing, and I felt more myself here than I have in years. Maria and Alan are fantastic teachers and incredible human beings. Their vision for Kiekari, their work, and future endeavors is inspiring and exciting. They planted a lot of seeds for a future that I want to build for myself. Maria herself has a very cool style of yoga that blends disciplines as well as other movement, and provides a strong base of all 8 limbs of yoga. Also, the food was delicious. All of it was plant-based, aside from the optional eggs here and there for those that wanted it. Additionally, I’m celiac, and they accommodated me with gluten-free versions of the dishes that contained gluten. Although most were gluten-free anyway. One of my favorite parts was opening our time together with a Temazcal (sweat lodge) ceremony, and then closing the training with another on our last day. I had incredibly powerful and healing experiences both times, and it’s definitely something I’ll be seeking out here at home. I cannot recommend this training enough. If it’s speaking to you, take the leap and go.

Juliane Meyer-benz

from Netherlands, November 2021

"Three weeks full of inspiration and exploration"

There is so much that I loved about the journey at Kiekari! It was such a rich and wholesome experience which I will grow from for a long time to come. Together, the nature of KiekariTerra, the simple day routine and Alan and Maria as hosts, created a grounding and safe container for the internal exploration and reflection journey we all went on. The classes were full of inspiring out of the box information that you wouldn't find in a regular yoga teacher training. The stance that is taken here is much more holistic. So instead of only learning how you can bring students into a nice looking downward dog, we learned about inclusivity of a class, trauma-sensitive language, somatic movement and meditation, the diversity of physical and emotional experience of movements and poses, and so much more.

I absolutely loved how Maria and Alan interconnected the yoga content with other lifestyle practices, such as permaculture. We not only learned about all kinds of fascinating things but also lived it. This conscious experiential learning allowed the wisdom to really sink in and, I am sure, to have a deeper impact on how I see the world and myself in it.

There is so many positive things to say, but I have to limit myself to a last. The most special thing for me was that Alan and Maria shared a lot about the pre-hispanic wisdom and practices with us, really making me understand and experience this land and culture in a beautifully different way.

Bryan Quinet

from Belgium, August 2021

"That training was beyond all expectations "

Alright, those three weeks have been life changing for me. I've learned how to move but more then that, how to listen and treat my body. The food was just amazing, small portions at the beginning, maybe to use our bodies of eating less and better. But we could go in the house whenever we wanted to take more or take a book or just talk to Maria and Alan. They were very welcoming!

The way we were living is totally accorded with the ayurvedic principles, so was like the best lifestyle I've ever had in my life.

That way of living have bring me and the other students to become so much more sensitive! I had some crazy experience just by meditating and doing yoga, experiences I didn't know could be possible just by changing my lifestyle.

The place, the jungle we're living on is magical, surrounded by two rivers were we could take a bath, freaking cold but you'll get use to it!

Otherwise Alan builded bamboo shawers and toilets, really beautiful and there's even the possibility to warm up the water with wood.

The people I've met there were like sisters and brothers after a few days. Being so close all the time and constantly evolving in nature and discovering that new lifestyle have probably reinforce our relationship.

We also had sharing moment every morning, where we could speak from ou heart and just tell everything we were living, enjoying, missing or hard moment we were living!

Reconnection with nature and my self, truly amazing ❤️

Eglantine Labare

from Guatemala, August 2021

"Unique experience that will stay in my memory"

It was way more than a teacher training ! It was an amazingly beautiful experience, in many ways.

We evolved in a wonderful place in the middle of nature. We dived into a simple way of life, full of meaning, full of respect for everything and everyone, that just sounded right.

All the teachings were really interesting, well designed, well balanced between theory and practice, and also open minding on different fields that were new to me and for which I'm really glad !

Maria is just so passionate about the body, and she's a infinite source of knowledge, meanwhile she's extra-ordinary for her human qualities.

I think that the trauma informed part is a great gift, to our future yoga pupils but without doubt for our life in general. This part was as well a discovery for me, and I'll for sure get into this more and more.

We also had access to many many books, on yoga & more, and this is a great plus !

I also think that being so little students is a nice chance for acknowledging everyone, and I felt really fast like being part of a family, of a beautiful community full of benevolence.

At all, this retreat completely overcame my expectations, and I would more than recommand this yoga teacher training to everyone ! There you will explore many things, inside, outside, and you will probably get out of the retreat feeling inspired in a way !

Thank you so much again Maria & Alan :)

Kate Thompson

from United States, July 2021

"Infinitely inspired & forever changed"

All that is a part of the KiekariTerra YTT offering - movement practice & curriculum, permaculture, food, accommodations - truly everything - is crafted and offered with love and thoughtfulness. The beautiful sacred forest around us, small group size, Earth-focus and open hearts of Maria & Alan, made for an incredible and safe container to genuinely explore trauma-informed movement and natural living. What a gift to spend 3 weeks in this magical place, surrounded and supported by such special people..Personally, I feel empowered to further integrate all I have learned here, share with others, and continue my studies. I would recommend this program to anyone who is hearing the call..overall an incredibly grounding experience and for me, it has been absolutely transformative.

Leila Rossato

from Switzerland, July 2021

"The training was beyond my expectations !! "

The fact that we incorporated movement into the training and not only worked on poses, and all the other amazing topics we studied including permaculture and trauma, the philosophy of yoga and the fact we could create and give our own classes !

Ella Hayslett-ubell

from United States, June 2021

"An Incredible Training, but also So Much More! Magic!"

I could write for a long time about how powerful and exceptional this experience was. Maria's approach to yoga made more sense to me than any other I have come across. The movement and mobility training was rooted in her deep and constant study of anatomy and current scientific research, and her own practice - I left with structured, foundational, and comprehensive knowledge of anatomy and mobility, and the confidence to fluidly explore and play with my movement. And then, like the helix of our energy channels, or the webbing of our fascia, she wove in the holy and the mystical - through education about energy centers, breath, and the history of yoga, chakra sound healing and chanting, Temazcal (sweat lodge) ceremonies, and sharing the sacredness she creates and honors daily.

Maria and Alan welcomed us in to their home, which was built and cared for with such intention and love. They are a true embodiment of their yogic and permaculture values. Dang, do they walk the walk! It is a beautiful partnership to witness.

Alan shared his endlessly fascinating passions, stories and humor, Juanita cooked delicious and nourishing food and shared her bright light, and the dogs, sheep and chickens shared cuddles, joy, and eggs!

The land is simply put, magical. Staying in a tent, falling asleep to the sound of the river, waking up with the sun, learning outside all day by the river, daily swims and baths in the healing waters, explorations in the cloud forest dripping with lush life.

Courtney Brianne Van Gorden

from United States, June 2021

"A truthful expression of experience and a care to recommend"

KiekariTerra’s yoga teacher and movement educator training offers value beyond imagined. Alan y María share yogic teachings through perspective that encompasses all of creation. They honor tradition, interweave a rich practice of culture and respect of ecology with a human’s capacity for movement, voice, strength, and growth. Daily movement and sound sessions accompanied by in-depth presentations and discussions of human anatomy and physiology beside the spiritual attributions of yoga and its practice, share a breadth of knowledge that one may absorb within themselves to recognize ability of self for self as well as in digesting an interpretation that is palatable in educating and guiding others in their personal attainment of wellness and wholeness that too can be achieved altogether. Care is exercised in all which is presented at Kiekari and consciousness is obvious as all the land and that which is nurtured upon it is so with only the most thoughtful of intentions. I found it more than pleasant to bathe and do my washing in the creek’s fresh and brisk waters and to sleep within the humble shelters that kept me warm, dry, and at peace beneath the night sky. The meals were nourishing and wholesome with love a sure ingredient - muchísimas gracias Juanita!! :) What María y Alan have to share is of immeasurable value. They exemplify how a life may fully and truly be lived with care to self, each other, and the Earth. They have my blessing. I hope too, they may have yours.

Lovis Wittig

from Germany, June 2021

"Beautiful Land"

I couldn't imagine a more beautiful surrounding for a Yoga Teacher Training. Beeing of the grid with no reception is the perfect setting for diving deep into Yoga. Yoga is unity and Maria and Alan really living the unity with the nature and all the other aspect of their life, it was soo inspiring to be part of their life. And I now know that I have all the tools to become an informed Yoga Teacher. I got the tools to prepare a class, to be mindfull with all my students..... and I know it's going to be a live long journey, for which Maria prepared me very well.

Maria and Alan really welcome you into their home and life. Thank you so much.

Thank you for this magical experienc.

Thank you for sharing all your'e knowledge.

Thank you for letting me be part of you life.

Dannee Giles

from United States, June 2021

"Thank you✨"

At KiekariTerra you are living off grid close to the magic that is the land, an experience I was longing for! Your living needs are meet with a comfortable mattress to sleep on in an inviting tent, 3 well thought out delicious meals a day(oatmeal for breakfasts with additional fixings nut butter and fruit YUM), dry toilets because there is no waste, a creek AND river at your access! Maria’s offerings of knowledge about movement will leave you forever changed and in tune with digging deeper into your own body, understanding and acceptance of what is and what can be! She radiates a presence of grounded, appreciative of the land, aware of the ones who walked before.. I constantly felt the connection between all, grateful. It was an honor to take part in the two Temazcal ceremonies. We were encouraged to use our voices and took time to work on all the chakras using the Tibetan sound for each chakra. The passion, knowledge(they also take great pride in being forever students), and lust for life shared between Maria and Alan has left an impact on my heart, If your heart is calling you to take a training with them I say answer! As with every topic we explored there is always room for more exploration, I feel the fire to continue explore! Seeing as they see the interconnection and evolvement of the world around I have no doubts they will continue to blossom and evolve.

Tessa Hollingsworth

from United States, June 2021

"Transformational ❤"

Maria and Alan offer a unique teacher training that is not available anywhere else. They take the Unity of Yoga and apply it to unity of mind, body, spirit, and Earth, teaching and offering self healing techniques, connection with Mother Earth, and so much more. I learned so much about myself and feel that I gained an invaluable knowledge and confidence in how to better guide others in yoga and movement. The movement techniques were so informative and revolutionary to the typical yoga program. Truly a blessing to have gotten the opportunity to learn at KiekariTerra. If you are looking for a holistic and full-bodied yoga teaching experience, this is the best one out there by far. Maria and Alan are amazing individuals. They are really changing the world one person at a time with the knowledge and love they are sharing.

Alyssa Skites

from Mexico, June 2021

"More than a Yoga Teacher Training"

I have been thinking about what I would write for this review ever since the training ended last week. However, I have been struggling to really put this experience into words. The land was magic in every sense of the word. It was entirely encompassed by green & was the host of many different flows of energy ~ the creek, the animals, & the constant rain taught us invaluable lessons about the impermanence of all things & inspired us in the most serendipitous ways.

The type of yoga we practiced was unique and a kind that I hope to bring to my classes. Maria taught us how to teach in a way that does not damage joints nor promote unhealthy images of what yoga is supposed to look, feel, and be like. I also loved the meditations, sound healing sessions, and temazcales put on by Maria. She is really a wise, joyful, and loving individual with so much knowledge to offer the world.

I really enjoyed the silent oatmeal breakfasts as they were a time to reflect and truly see the beauty in all that surrounds us, each and every day. The other meals were also authentic, delicious, and healthy (gracias Juanita!).

We not only learned about yoga but also about permaculture, epigenetics, earthing, and much more from the amazing Alan. Thank you for all of your wisdom & your belief in us as young, capable women.

I could write so much more but there's no space! I recommend this training to anyone wanting a YTT while living holistically under people who fully embody all that they teach.

Anonymous

from Mexico, July 2020

Me gustó mucho su explicación de lo que fue presentado, el grupo con el que me tocó trabajar pero sobre todo su parte práctica. Los ejercicios presentados me resultaron muy interesantes.

Edward Holguin

from United States, August 2019

"Awesome "

What a beautiful experience. The pictures don’t do it justice. A hidden gem in the Gulf of Mexico. Epic boat rides, delicious food, temazcal, all while a thorough 200 YTT. Way beyond what I expected. Thank you very much Maria, Alan, and the whole team at Los Amigos.

Highly recommend it.

Aranxa Vilchis Castillo

from Mexico, December 2018

Los lugares en los que hemos estado son mágicos, llenos de naturaleza y tranquilidad.

El curso que imparten es fuera de la media, fomentan el contacto con la naturaleza y espiritualidad. Hay "excursiones" a lugares que también están involucrados con la sustentabilidad y el consumo consciente.

Un muy buen curso para todos los que quieran ir más allá de las posturas y la teoría en yoga.

Valérie De Jonghe

from Canada, December 2018

"Mucho mas que una formacion de yoga"

Todo... Fue una experiencia increible! Mas que una formacion de yoga, fue una experiancia de vida. El lugar fue Magico, la comida local, organica, saludable y muy rica. La practica muy completa, me voy con mil cosas que quiero seguir aprendiendo y hemos vividos varias otras cosas increibles.

Maria es una maestra maravillosa, comparte todo con amor, luz y compacion! Alan, Graciiiiiias por todo igualmente!

Nos vemos !

Valériiiiiiiie

Lance Reid

from Mexico, June 2018

"KiekariTerra es Union"

During my 200hour training I witnessed and experienced many synchronicities in the group and alone. For me these reflect positive energy flow. For example, on the 4th or 5th morning there was a gathering of moths, some I'd never seen, on the end of a building just outside of the shala.

The unconditional approach applied by all the teachers made space available for any fears that were not ready to be faced. I felt this to be very positive for allowing each student to see and find trust to move forward with themselves in their own pace with a gentle push and support.