How one yoga retreat in Brazil became the beginning of a transformative journey—and eventually brought Vithusha back to The Soulful Kind as a philosophy teacher.
By The Soulful Kind Yoga School
One of the most beautiful things about running a yoga school is witnessing how people's relationships with yoga evolve. Sometimes, someone arrives for a retreat simply looking for a break from everyday life, without realizing that the experience might open the door to an entirely new chapter.
That's exactly what happened when we first met Vithusha Balachandran.
Originally from Sri Lanka and now living in New York City, Vithusha joined one of our yoga retreats in Itacaré, Brazil, searching for a deeper connection with herself and her practice.
What began as a few days dedicated to yoga, nature, and personal reflection became an experience she would later describe as one of the highlights of her adult life.
Inspired by her time with us, Vithusha returned to Brazil to complete our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training, deepening her understanding of yoga beyond the physical practice.
Today, her journey has come full circle.
We are incredibly happy to welcome Vithusha as part of The Soulful Kind teaching team, where she now shares her knowledge and passion for yoga philosophy with students in our 200-hour and 300-hour Yoga Teacher Trainings.
We sat down with Vithusha to reflect on her journey, what yoga has taught her about navigating modern life, and why she believes staying connected to yoga's ancient roots matters more than ever.
An Unexpected Journey to Brazil
You once described your retreat with The Soulful Kind as one of the highlights of your adult life. What made it so meaningful?
Sometimes the most meaningful journeys begin with an unexpected change of plans.
For Vithusha, it all started when a planned trip to Mexico fell through because of flight complications. Disappointed and in need of a break from a particularly busy period, she began searching for a yoga retreat that offered more than a relaxing holiday.
Having practiced yoga for many years, she wanted an experience that would help her reconnect with herself on a deeper level.
And that's when she discovered The Soulful Kind.
"The retreat ended up being exactly that, and more."
She remembers the natural beauty of Itacaré, the intimate atmosphere, and the connections formed with people from different parts of the world. Some of those friendships remain part of her life today.
What made the experience particularly special was the way each day was designed around a different chakra, bringing together yoga, personal reflection, and activities that complemented the theme.
Sound healing, cacao ceremonies, and surf lessons added both depth and playfulness to the experience.
"The retreat deepened my relationship with yoga in a way that made me realize how much I needed it—and also how much I could still learn from it, given my familiarity with its roots and origins."
For Vithusha, the retreat became more than a holiday. It marked the beginning of a new relationship with yoga, one that would eventually bring her back to Brazil.
From Yoga Retreat to 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training
What inspired you to return for our 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training?
After experiencing the retreat, Vithusha knew she wanted to explore yoga more deeply.
She had discovered that yoga could offer much more than a physical practice or a moment of relaxation.
It could become a way of understanding herself, navigating challenges, and approaching everyday life with greater awareness.
"I was looking for tools to better understand my mind and body as I move through life—something I could return to when challenges come up, because that’s the reality of living, which is ultimately what made doing the yoga teacher training feel like a natural next step."
During her 200-hour training, she explored the different dimensions of yoga, from asana alignment and anatomy to philosophy, the subtle body, and the relationship between the mind and the practice.
But what stood out most to her was the teaching team.
Vithusha appreciated learning from teachers who not only studied yoga but genuinely integrated its teachings into their daily lives.
As someone with roots in Sri Lanka, respecting yoga's origins and cultural history was particularly important to her.
"What made this training so powerful was that it offered a truly holistic understanding of yoga: physical, mental, philosophical, and energetic. That depth is something I’ve found is often missing elsewhere, and it completely changed how I relate to the practice."
This is also at the heart of our philosophy at The Soulful Kind: yoga is a tool for life, not just something we practice on the mat.
Ancient Yoga Wisdom in Modern New York City
How has yoga helped you navigate everyday life in one of the world's busiest cities?
Born in Sri Lanka, raised across different parts of the world, and now based in New York City, Vithusha describes herself as a third-culture kid.
Her life reflects the balance many of us are searching for: navigating ambition, responsibilities, relationships, and the constant stimulation of modern living while remaining connected to ourselves.
Living in New York makes grounding practices especially important to her.
Through yoga, she has developed a greater awareness of her own energy, emotions, and nervous system.
Rather than approaching every situation in the same way, she has learned to recognize when she needs to slow down, find softness, or step into action.
"Ultimately, it’s helped me navigate daily life with more awareness and intention. I feel very grateful to have these tools with me, and I don’t take that for granted."
Her story is a beautiful example of what we mean when we say yoga is a tool for everyday life.
We don't need to live in a peaceful tropical destination or spend hours practicing every day to benefit from yoga.
Its teachings can accompany us through busy workdays, difficult decisions, relationships, and all the different experiences that make us human.
Coming Full Circle: From Student to Philosophy Teacher
You're now joining The Soulful Kind teaching team. What excites you most about sharing yoga philosophy with future students?
For us, one of the most rewarding parts of Vithusha's journey is seeing her transition from student to teacher.
Having experienced our retreat and teacher training firsthand, she now returns with a new purpose: to share the knowledge that has made such a meaningful difference in her own life.
Vithusha will be teaching yoga philosophy as part of our 200-hour and 300-hour Yoga Teacher Trainings, helping students explore the ancient wisdom and philosophical foundations behind the physical practice.
For her, teaching is closely connected to the concept of dharma, or living in alignment with one's purpose.
"It’s an honor. I don’t take the resources and teachings I’ve been fortunate to receive for granted, and I really see my purpose—my dharma—as being in education and service. Giving back in that way feels deeply aligned with who I am."
As yoga continues to grow around the world, Vithusha believes it is essential to maintain a respectful connection to its origins.
While modern interpretations and different styles have helped yoga reach more people, she emphasizes that understanding its philosophical foundations allows us to engage with the practice more consciously.
"Honoring its roots doesn’t limit the practice; it deepens it."
Through her classes, Vithusha hopes to encourage future yoga teachers to look beyond the asanas and discover how ancient teachings can guide the way we live, think, and interact with the world.
Why Yoga Philosophy Matters More Than Ever
In a world where we are constantly connected, stimulated, and expected to keep up, the teachings of yoga offer something increasingly valuable.
Not necessarily an escape from the world, but a different way of moving through it.
For Vithusha, understanding yoga's roots is essential to practicing and teaching it with intention.
"Yoga offers those tools—not as an escape, but as a way to meet life with more clarity, steadiness, and awareness."
This perspective aligns beautifully with everything we hope to share at The Soulful Kind.
Our teacher trainings are designed not only to help students become confident yoga teachers, but also to deepen their understanding of yoga as a complete philosophy and way of life.
Because learning to teach a beautiful Vinyasa sequence is one thing.
Understanding the deeper purpose behind the practice—and learning how to carry its teachings into everyday life—is something else entirely.
As Vithusha explains:
"My hope is to help hold both truths: that yoga is evolving, and that staying rooted is what allows that evolution to remain intentional and alive."
Once Part of Our Yoga Family, Always Part of Our Yoga Family
Vithusha's journey is a reminder of something we truly believe at The Soulful Kind: the connections we create through yoga don't necessarily end when a retreat or training finishes.
Sometimes, they're only just beginning.
From joining us as a retreat guest, to returning as a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training student, to now sharing her wisdom as part of our teaching team, Vithusha's story reflects the growth, connection, and sense of purpose that yoga can inspire.
We feel incredibly grateful that our paths crossed in Itacaré and even more excited to have her sharing her perspective and knowledge with future generations of yoga teachers.
Welcome to the teaching team, Vithusha. We're so happy to have you with us.
Begin Your Own Yoga Journey With The Soulful Kind
Whether you're looking for a transformative yoga retreat, hoping to deepen your personal practice, or dreaming of becoming a yoga teacher, every journey begins somewhere.
At The Soulful Kind, our Yoga Alliance 200-hour and 300-hour Yoga Teacher Trainings bring together dedicated teachers, an in-depth curriculum, and a supportive international yoga community.
We believe the most meaningful yoga education goes beyond learning poses. It's about understanding the body, exploring the mind, honoring yoga's roots, and discovering how these teachings can enrich everyday life.
Who knows? Your first retreat might just be the beginning of something much bigger.
Explore our upcoming retreats and teacher trainings at www.thesoulfulkind.com.