THE TEACHERS

SAMADHI, YOGA NIDRA

Soufian began his yoga journey many lifetimes ago. When he died after reaching enlightenment he chose to be reincarnated back into this life cycle as a beautiful whippet. Full of love and calm abiding, Souf is the best teacher here at the shala. Be sure to give him a pet when you see him, but be sure not to disturb his sweet slumber.

ASHTANGA, MYSORE, VINYASA

Physical activity has always been a part of Nour’s life and an important way to navigate all of life’s challenges as well as community building. For years, she alternated between physically demanding sports and different styles of yoga. It wasn’t until the Mysore room under Lana’s care and mentorship that she found a path to self-compassion, strength and stability and decided to plant her roots in Ashtanga yoga as a practitioner and to continue the tradition through teaching. Nour is grateful for the practice and teachings of yoga in how much it has helped her on the journey of self-discovery and understanding—both on and off the mat. Focusing on breath leading movement and body positivity, she hopes to guide you to move with awareness and kindness and help you through your own journey of self-introspection.

RESTORATIVE

Tracey first encountered Restorative Yoga during her Vinyasa teacher training. But it wasn’t until her struggles with a chronic health condition reached boiling point that she truly discovered the practice and all its nurturing benefits. At the point when she could barely do a sun salutation, Restorative became part of her healing process. Now, guided by her teachers Judith Hanson Lasater, Lizzie Lasater and Adelene Cheong, it is part of her daily life. Although her path was largely prompted by illness, Tracey sees Restorative as both therapeutic and preventative – a meditative tool for wellbeing. Many of us know how to do more but find it harder to do less. Tracey likes the idea that an active yoga practice represents an inhale and Restorative, an exhale. We need both. She encourages her students to learn to embrace stillness and to make conscious rest a daily habit.

ASHTANGA, BREATHWORK

From the moment I walked into the mysore room, yoga has been a part of my daily life. First drawn to the physical aspect of the practice, I soon realized it has so much more to offer. It has become a practice in self exploration, both on and off the mat, that is constantly evolving. It is also my anchor to stay grounded while working as a PhD candidate in environmental sciences.

Even though yoga is an individual practice, for me it is also about community and connection. I feel very lucky to be part of The Breathing Space community, both as a student and as a teacher.

VINYASA

Nele set foot on the path of yoga in 2010 when she joined her first meditation retreat. This was followed by a few fun and somewhat unfocused years which Nele spent guiding dive safaris and teaching scuba diving in Indonesia, where Nele found herself in her first teaching role. Before embarking on her psychology studies in 2014, Nele spent a few months in Bali where she was introduced to Ashtanga yoga by Damien de Bastier and Andrea Drottholm. Ever since, the Mysore practice has been Nele’s anchor and mirror wherever life took her. Currently, she is working on her PhD in public health. For the past years Nele has been practicing at The Breathing Space with Lana and Mercedes and in 2020 she joined their teacher training. Over the years, yoga has had many different meanings to Nele and she enjoys exploring the many faces of this practice; on and off the mat.

VINYASA

Even though I occasionally take side paths, I somehow always end up on the path of yoga again. It mirrors my personality, my struggles, my strengths. It helps me ground and introspect and explore a spiritual path. Besides practicing yoga and work as a psychiatrist, I’m passionate about surfing waves, laughing and having fun, which you can see reflected in my teaching style!

VINYASA

Yoga made me connect with my body in a way I hadn’t experienced before. By bringing conscious awareness to the breath the practice evolved. It improved my concentration, allowed me to recognize patterns and deepened the understanding of myself. I’m fascinated by the endless ongoing self-discovery and opportunity to learn through direct experience and feel grateful to share this by teaching.

I teach as I practice, with a focus on intention and consistency instead of complexity. Down to earth and encouraging students to explore their space for personal growth, physically or mentally. This reflects in my classes by comprehensive, creative and thoughtful sequences. I’m passionate about incorporating a theme (poem, story or experience) to complement the intention.

VINYASA

Having experienced only some of the magical results of yoga has inspired me to become a teacher and share this sacred practice with more practitioners. I teach yoga to guide people to the good within them and to help them learn self-love and contentment through a deeper knowledge of their body and mind. My biggest reward at the end of each class is seeing the smiles on the students' faces and the happiness in their eyes.