In 2004, Becca Schmidt made a decision that would change the entire course of her life. After years of working in the high-stress worlds of marketing, public relations, event planning, and volunteer management, she knew she needed something different. With marriage and motherhood on the horizon, she longed for a career that offered balance, creativity, and flexibility—without sacrificing her passion for connection and communication.
That’s when she found Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA) and enrolled in the Yoga Teacher Training program. Looking back, she calls it one of the most pivotal choices she’s ever made.
A Defining First Day
On her very first day of training at SWIHA, Becca knew she had stepped into something special. The instructors had carefully crafted a “river” down the center of the classroom—woven together with rocks, blue fabric, crystals, and small statues. It was creative, sacred, and deeply welcoming.
“I knew right then that I was on the right path,” Becca recalls. “It was a moment of beauty, intention, and connection that set the tone for the rest of my journey.”
Building a Life Rooted in Yoga
After graduating in May 2004, Becca returned to her home state of Florida with her husband and baby. She launched Blue Moon Yoga, a heartfelt nod to both her love of the moon and her proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. What started as community classes in her neighborhood grew into workshops, teacher mentorships, and eventually—her own yoga podcast - The Language of Yoga.
Over the past two decades, Becca has taught more than 10,000 yoga classes. Her specialty? Designing classes around themes that weave yogic philosophy and inspiration into the asana practice. She even wrote an online guide, 52 Yoga Class Themes, which she shares with her mentees.
“Themes ground teachers in their content and give students a much richer experience,” she explains. “Sometimes the theme is subtle; sometimes it shines at the forefront. Either way, it becomes the thread that ties the class together.”
Sharing Her Voice: The Language of Yoga
Today, Becca’s main focus is her podcast, The Language of Yoga, now entering its third season. Through solo episodes and in-depth interviews with yoga leaders, she shares wisdom and practical tools for yoga teachers around the world.
“I feel so lucky to be learning constantly from my guests,” she says. “And I love giving back by offering my 20 years of teaching experience to new and seasoned yoga teachers alike.”
Lessons from SWIHA That Still Shine
Even after taking more than 1,200 additional hours of training since her graduation, Becca says the foundation she received at SWIHA remains invaluable. From alignment principles rooted in Iyengar, to the heart-centered philosophy of Anusara, to the discipline of Ashtanga, the balance of influences she received continues to shape her teaching today.
She remembers the long days of practicing with incredible teachers and late nights spent studying with gratitude. “Being on my mat always gave me a sense of home,” she reflects. “SWIHA gave me confidence in my voice and the tools I needed to build a lifelong career.”
Advice for Future Yoga Teachers
For anyone considering Yoga Teacher Training at SWIHA, Becca offers wisdom from her 20+ years of teaching:
- Be Brave. Step into this path with courage.
- Show Up Strong. Arrive nourished, hydrated, and ready to learn.
- Be a Sponge. Your teachers are some of the best in the industry.
- Read Widely. Explore the works of yoga leaders like Iyengar, Desikachar, Donna Farhi, Bernie Clark, Sarah Powers, and more.
- Develop Your Authentic Voice. It will take time—it will come.
- Get a Mentor. Don’t navigate this path alone. A mentor will help you grow faster and with confidence.
Coming Full Circle
Two decades after her graduation, Becca remains connected to SWIHA. She continues to mentor yoga teachers, share her wisdom, and encourage students to explore yoga’s vast teachings.
“If you’re thinking about becoming a yoga teacher, know that this path has the power to transform your career and your life,” Becca says. “SWIHA gave me the foundation to grow, adapt, and share yoga in ways I never imagined.”
Her journey from a high-stress career to a life of alignment, authenticity, and teaching serves as a shining example of what is possible when you step onto the mat—and into your purpose.
