My training, as well as my practice as a student, have exposed me to various styles of yoga for extended periods of my life. All of these experiences have provided me with a variety of tools from various styles of yoga, to meet the needs of my students. In line with Krishnamacharya, I teach dependent on the student or students I have in front of me. I teach what the particular student requires, at this particular moment in time. As per Krishnamacharya's teachings, there is no ultimate or general protocol. The teaching given depends on the student.
My training and evolution as a teacher of yoga
I began teaching in 2013, after completing my first yoga training in Dharamsala India. Since my initial training in India, I have continued to pursue and build my knowledge of yoga through both my own practice, and additional yoga teacher training, which I continue to the present day. Initially trained in Hatha yoga in 2013, in 2017 I completed my Kundalini teacher training in Spain, where I have lived for the past 8 years. I have also been practicing/studying Ashtanga yoga since 2016, under the guidance, primarily, of Marit Schmeling here in Almeria. I refer here to Ashtanga yoga, as taught/popularized by Pattabi Jois, direct student of Krishnamacharya. I mention this connection of Ashtanga and Krishnamacharya, as it directly relates to my most recent training. In 2020 I began my most comprehensive training to date, this is a 3-year program in which I am now completing the final practicum to become a certified IAYT Yoga Therapist, the teachings of this program are primarily based on the teachings of Krishnamacharya. This program has given me the format and skills needed to deliver 1-1 yoga therapy for a variety of health conditions.
My evolution as a student of yoga
A teacher is first a student, and a teacher is always a student (an acharya). I have already described above some of my own experience as a yoga student, as it is clearly relevant to my training as a teacher. My journey as a student began in 2011. Not my first experience with yoga, but this is when I would mark the beginning of a real connection and commitment with yoga. This connection began specifically through Kundalini Yoga. I practiced primarily Kundalini yoga over the following 7 years, although eventually complimenting my practice with Hatha, Yin, and Restorative yoga practices. In 2016, I was first introduced to Ashtanga yoga through Olga Ucles in Almeria. In 2017, in pursuit of Mysore style Ashtanga, I continued developing my practice with Marit Schmeling. I continue to attend Marits classes when I can, along with occasional trainings she hosts with her colleague Cosmin Iancu. Through the Mysore Ashtanga method, I gained confidence to practice independently, and it has been my daily home practice (Sadhana) for the last 4 years. I have also had the opportunity to work 1-1 as a student with Maggie Reagh, my mentor and the director of the international yoga therapy teacher training program I am currently completing. My current daily practice now consists of a personalized practice given to me by Maggie Reagh, alternating with my Ashtanga practice. My practice has taken a more independent form over the years; however, I continue to receive ongoing guidance from my teachers.
Why being a yoga therapist working 1-1 is my absolute dream job (dharma)
I have always been interested (maybe more obsessed really) with how one can optimize health and wellness. In 2006 I became a certified personal fitness trainer, in 2008 a certified natural nutritionist and in 2012 I obtained my bachelor's degree in psychology, followed by, as mentioned above, various training in yoga! For me, being a yoga therapist, and particularly working 1-1 with students is a dream come true, it brings together literally everything I have studied over the past 18 years. I started my studies on the most gross level of wellness, and have finally dug right down to the core, integrating all the layers.
Private one to one classes: My approach is based in the lineage and teachings of Krishnamacharya. Krishnamacharya (1888-1989), taught almost exclusively one to one, to create a practice which respected the uniqueness of each person. Teaching one to one allows for a holistic, in-depth, creative personalization of practice and therefore yields optimal benefits to the student. This according to Krishnamacharya is the ideal way to teach yoga, and I couldn't agree more. In brief, first a thorough intake/assessment is conducted, second a personal home practice is designed, and the student is taught over several sessions to practice independently of the teacher. Though students may continue attending weekly sessions for additional guidance for as long as they like, in most cases, monthly sessions become sufficient as the student gains independence and autonomy over the management of their health. Many students attend private yoga therapy due to a pre-existing health condition, but the reason to attend is as varied as the reasons students have for practicing yoga.
Group Classes (Yoga therapy or Yoga): There is, of course, also therapeutic benefit to practicing in community; social connection is of great importance in healing. I therefore continue to offer small group classes, normally ranging from 3-5 students. I consider each of the individuals in the design of these classes. You will notice some classes are labelled ´´Yoga´´ and others are labelled ´´Yoga Therapy´´. In theory, all students are free to attend any class, however I have made the distinction here attempting to group students who have a particular therapeutic need or who have particularly reduced mobility/capacities due to an injury/condition/other reasons, these students might consider attending the ¨Yoga Therapy´´ classes. Students with minimal or virtually no health concern, perhaps looking to optimize mental/physical health, may consider taking the classes labelled ´´Yoga´´.
Classes are normally held in the Yoga Shala, however, groups may collectively agree to practice on the beach (regularly or simply on occasion). The Shala is located directly beside the beach.
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