INTERVIEW OF A MIKAELI, OUR VINYASA FLOW TEACHER
1. Where are you from and/or where do you live?
Australia
2. How did yoga come into your life?
Through a hard time in my life, I decided that I needed to find a practice where I can solely dedicate time to myself. I come from a dancing background so getting back in touch with my body was something I had been searching for for a while.
3. How has yoga changed your life?
There are no words for this. Yoga has completely changed my life around for the best. I feel I’ve finally found my purpose in life and things just make sense now.
4. What is your yoga routine?
A short meditation when waking up. Daily Ashtanga vinyasa practice in the mornings followed by some pranayama. If I have time in the afternoon I can also do some stretching or meditation.
5. What is your yoga philosophy?
To treat others with kindness, learn control your emotions and reactions, take care of body your mind and body by eating well, sleeping, thinking positive thoughts and also to perform some kind of bakti yoga (devotion) per day.
6. Do you view yoga as more mental or physical?
It’s both at the beginning. But as we develop and go deeper in the physical plane, we start to unravel the deepest parts of our mind and subconscious. Ultimately, after mastering the physical body, you are naturally inclined to begin your spiritual and mental journey through deep meditations.
7. How and when did you decide to become a yoga teacher?
I had the thought in my mind for a few years after I had stopped dancing and first discovered yoga but was reluctant to begin teaching until I lived more and had more experiences. It wasn’t until my friend convinced me to come to Nepal to do the training that from then on I knew I wanted to just share the knowledge I had learnt and help others on their yoga path.
8. What type of yoga do you teach?
Bit of everything. Ashtanga, vinyasa, hatha and yin yoga. But my main focus is Ashtanga vinyasa.
9. What are the benefits of your yoga style/class?
There are too many to describe. Mental clarity and peace, physical strength, ability, endurance, stamina, flexibility and unison of the mind Boyd and soul.
10. Which aspects of yoga are you most excited about teaching?
Concentration and focus. Learning to control the mind.
11. What are the qualities of a good teacher?
Good communicator, relatable and easy to talk to. Strong but kind and one who thinks outside the box. A good teacher should understand that everybody is different and provide everyone with equal options and attention.
12. What can students expect to get out of this teacher training?
Students can find a new find confidence in speaking in front of others and guiding others but also discovering deeper parts of themselves both physically and mentally.
13. Do you have any recommended yoga reading?
• Science of yoga- osho
• Bhagavad Gita- deeper learning and bakti yoga
14. Do you feel anyone can enjoy and gain from yoga?
Absolutely.
15. The 200 hour program is the first stage of the teacher training program. What advice do you have for yogis considering starting their teaching career?
Practice, and that means practice teaching. Push yourself out of your comfort zone and just teach teach teach. The hardest part is starting, the rest will flow.
16. How does this training differ from other teacher training program available in Nepal / Pokhara ?
Beautiful accommodation in a peaceful are away from the city. Calm environment and great teachers. Traditional teachings and good food.
17. How does this training differ from other teacher training program available in Europe ?
Traditions and the source of yoga.
18. What do you love most about Pokhara Yoga School ?
The location and the teachers.
19. Why would you recommend Pokhara Yoga School ?
I would recommend it to anyone searching for a true traditional yoga school. To experience things like puja and Kirtana and learn from Nepali and India teachers.