On the Path

by Andrea DeBell

In July, Chopra Center University concluded another outstanding teacher certification program, graduating 47 Primordial Sound Meditation instructors from all over the globe. I had the pleasure of being one of them. This was my first teacher certification at the Chopra Center and even though I work at Chopra Center University, I wasn’t sure of what to expect from this training. I didn’t even have a clear idea of how I would incorporate this training into my life upon graduation, so my intention for the week-long training was simple: to be fully present and allow the universe to work out the details. The blessings that unfolded from such a modest intention continue to surprise me.

We started the week experiencing a mixture of apprehension, excitement, and fear of failure in spite of the caring efforts of the CCU team to gently support us through this journey. As the week unfolded with new friendships forming, inspiring lectures by the CCU teachers, presentations from the soon-to-be teachers, lots of practice, and great food, we softly drifted from uncertainty into empowerment. By mid-week, we had already completed various presentations within our group breakout sessions and our fear of public speaking began to subside effortlessly as we gladly embraced our emerging confidence.

As the certification training came to a close, our transformation and excitement was evident. We were no longer scared pupils – we were now empowered teachers with an extensive set of teaching tools and bursting with ideas on how to live our dharma as meditation teachers. I am deeply grateful to the CCU core teaching team of davidji, Teresa Long, and Trista Thorp for making the teachings so real; and to the co-founders of the Chopra Center, Deepak and David, for sharing their vision through the University.

Since I completed my certification, my meditation practice has reached a whole new level. I now feel honored to be able to share this blessing with the world. And my family – my daily teachers – is in love with my newfound self. What’s next? I’ll see you on the mat at the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga teacher training!

Andrea DeBell develops, translates, coordinates, and communicates the teachings of Chopra Center University into all the formats that students, teachers, and guests interact with. She spends each day deeply immersed in the timeless teachings of Vedanta, yoga, and Ayurveda. Her dharma is currently to make these teachings accessible to all who are interested.
 
She is a certified Primordial Sound Meditation instructor and on the Teachers Path to become a certified Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga instructor. Her favorite quote is by Nisargadatta Maharaj: “Cooperate with your destiny, don’t go against it, don’t thwart it. Allow it to fulfill itself.”

Congratulations to our Primordial Sound Meditation graduates!