Meet The Team

Parvati Elena

Born in the Basque Country. She did her training in India in 2011 the 200h yoga teacher course, then the Advanced 500h teacher course came and of course she followed with her passion the pranayamama "The shadana intensive" at the ashram of Orleans (France).

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She has been teaching yoga for 10 years in different places in Europe and India. From beginner courses to Teacher Training Courses, Retreats, physical yoga classes, meditation, analysis and observation of the mind, mantras, kirtan.

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From 2017 to 2021 she has been serving voluntarily in the Sivanda Organization as Staff and a member of the teaching team at Rustic Yoga Retreats Murcia Spain. She has been fortunate to have different international teachers and guides like Swami Durgananda and Swami Sivadasananda.

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"My spiritual name was given by the acharyas of the Sivananda school, Parvati "the daughter of the Himalayas" related to the energy of transformation, change, destruction.

Reminding me that in every moment that everything that surrounds us is constantly changing, a continuous opportunity to evolve. My goal in life is to serve as an instrument for this transformation and pass on the Yoga Teachings that I have received and experienced. Support and help in the evolution of one's own Being... if you wish."

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Paula

200RYT teaching Vinyasa and Yin, meditation teacher, Reiki practitioner, massage therapist. I am passionate about the body-mind connection and all things spiritual. I have been practicing yoga for around 7 years and teaching since October 2020. I have a degree in accounting but decided against pursuing the corporate career and instead followed my heart and the life of my dreams. In 2021 I trained as a massage therapist which helped me to gain a deeper insight into human anatomy. Nowadays I work with physical, emotional and energetic bodies for a fully holistic experience. I believe that through releasing tension in the physical body we can explore other layers of being and yoga is the perfect tool to do so. In my practice I incorporate guided meditations, pranayama (breathing techniques), chakra focus and introspective exercises for a better understanding of self and igniting the creative power within us. 
 

I love travelling, reading, great food, music, dogs and deep human connection. Originally from Poland, now living in Nottingham, UK.

 

Marlene Sinclair

Vibrant Venezuelan/Spanish, practitioner of Yoga and Buddhist philosophy. She is certified in Hatha Vinyasa 200 hours, Yin, Jivamukti SW and Trauma Yoga. She is also certified in Thai Massage, Reiki I,II,III , and Reflexology. A mother of two Queens and grandmother of two Princesses.

"I have been practicing Yoga for more than 20 years. This practice has seduced me and enriched me considerably, both on a mental, physical and spiritual level. This “union” is manifested in an inner balance, well-being, flexibility, strength, and a great awareness of the Being. Due to the great feeling of well-being achieved,
I undoubtedly wanted to spread this technique and therefore a become a Yoga teacher. In my classes I combine the meditation, asanas and pranayama. I put a lot of emphasis on the observation of each student, in
their actions, alignments and the awareness in the breath.
I believe that yoga adapts to one and therefore, each person is unique at all levels. I embellish all these virtues with a big smile, remembering that by smiling, both internally and externally, we turn this practice into a great dance dedicated to the Divine, to our Being."

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Caroline Wright

"I first discovered yoga in a London gym 17 years ago as a physical practice of exercise and felt an instant connection to something that was missing in my life.  Since then, yoga has changed me immeasurably and is responsible for subtle shifts of awareness in every area of my life, providing me with self-healing and deeper wisdom.  My yoga journey has taken me from a hectic, burnt-out, London lifestyle to living at a relaxed, peaceful pace in Spain.

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Over the years, I have practiced Vinyasa, Hatha, Ashtanga and Yin yoga.  For my teacher training, I decided on a British Wheel of Yoga certified Scaravelli inspired 300-hour course which is a slower paced, reflective, and functional movement style.  This has brought a greater sense of mindfulness and patience to my practice. Additionally, I have qualifications in Yin Yoga, Reiki, and Indian Head Massage. 

I believe that yoga is accessible to everyone, and you are never too old or inflexible to start your practice.  During our time together, we will take a deep dive into the asanas, learning practical anatomical information and self-awareness.  We will use props, mantras, mediation, pranayama, and yoga nidra to explore and encourage us to listen to our bodies, being mindful of how we are feeling and letting go of anything that no longer serves us.

Yoga is a lifestyle not just a posture and it will be a pleasure to share time and knowledge with you at the retreat." 

Erika Brattsell

Free spirited is her nature, a sun princess with many homes. From Sweden but since she is not fond of the cold, she spends most of her time in Brazil and Spain.

Erika has her business background in marketing and events, and have been practicing yoga for 12 years, teaching for four. 

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A kind heart with fearlessness to reach her dreams and visions, and are passionate about helping people reach their goals. 

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”I believe that everything is possible, and you have the right to choose your own life. The best things in life are for free you know!”

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Erikas teaching style is like everything she does, free and unlabeled! From flowy Vinaysas, to correct Hatha poses followed by challenging Yin and soothing restorative.

Tessa Smith

"I’m a yoga teacher and fitness instructor with a diploma in graphic  design & events management.  

I've been practicing yoga for almost 22-years and arranging events for  over a decade. I'm keen to share my wealth of experience with guests,  as I love to create amazing experiences and events which inspire, lift us  up and help us grow as humans.  

I have been practicing many styles of Yoga over the years, which  has always complimented my sports. (Astanga, Bikram, Hatha, Vinyasa  & more). I started teaching pilates & yoga in 2010 on Cruise Ships, then  went on to qualify as an Aerial yoga teacher, which suited my 'Yang'  personality at the time.  

As years went on, I was seeking more of a balanced approach to life -  more 'Yin', plus I wanted to know more about the spiritual side of Yoga.  I started to visit Goa, India, each year. After 4 years of unofficial  learnings, I participated in a Yoga Alliance - Multi-syle Yoga- course,  which opened my eyes to the deep history and more traditional breath  work."

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Samantha Bye 

I first discovered yoga while living in London.  It wasn´t long before I noticed the power of yoga with less back-pain, a clearer mind and a healthier, holistic, outlook on life. 

I continued practicing while living in Hong Kong where I discovered many different styles of yoga.  

I became devoted to the practice and I travelled to India to complete a 200 hours teacher training based on the style of Hatha.  This experience gave me a great insight into more traditional yoga and the true philosophy.  

After an incredible time in Rishikesh, I travelled south to Mysore to further deepen my practice of Ashtanga style yoga. 

Throughout my 8 years of practice, I have developed knowledge and experience in various styles of yoga including vinyasa, yin, hatha and ashtanga.  

I am very passionate about sharing yoga with others. In the past 4 years,  I have enjoyed teaching in studios and yoga events.  Now settled in sunny Spain, I combine my love for the mountains and yoga with mixed-style retreats.

My approach to yoga-

´Yoga is essentially a practice for your soul through the medium of the body to achieve mind-body connection. The magic of yoga is that it is a practice for all, if you can breath, you can do yoga!´  

Body, Spirit and Nature

August 13 to 19 and August 20 to 26 2022

by Lara Kuhlmann

In the context of dance and martial arts, among others, movement is considered an art form. 

So is my approach to movement, as a Yogi, dancer, movement practitioner, teacher, and human being.

I was introduced to Yoga when taking dance classes at a younger age without yet knowing it were elements of ‘Yoga’ I was practicing at that time.

During the years of my first amateur and then professional dance studies, I learned about different forms and variations of Yoga, and soon realised their powerful potential of bringing ease, peace and reconnection to self, which were often hard to keep naturally within the ambitious environment of professional dancing. 

My yoga practice became my nourishing ground, accompanying my dance training, preparing body and mind for performances and being a realm of relaxation and re-connection with my body, mind and soul after.

Having found this for myself, 

I was already asked to teach before getting officially certified.

I then did a Hot (at 40 degrees temperature) Vinyasa Yoga teacher certification in 2016 and started teaching Hot Vinyasa next to dancing; a short time after also Hatha, Aerial, Yin Yoga, Meditation and Mindfulness, as well as Pilates and Dance, finding joy in inspiring and empowering others by sharing my understanding, knowledge and passion for movement and by encouraging them to explore and find their own path on their personal unique journey of Yoga.

Alongside Yoga and dancing, I keep exploring further in the wide field of somatics, spiritual practices, other movement and -related art forms and constantly find new inspiration and knowledge, which is, I believe, the infinite beauty of our lifelong Yogic path.

Inner Courage

September 3 to 16 2022

Joyce Finlay

My yoga journey started about 10 years ago. I attended some festivals where yoga was practiced extensively. Somehow, I wasn’t able to keep up with those big groups of people bending over backwards in all kinds of weird shapes. At that stage, I thought yoga wasn't for me. Until a few years later, when yoga crossed my path once again. This time it was with extensive explanation, not just about practicing asanas, but also about the benefits, the purpose and last but not least: the philosophy! I fell in love!

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I realised, yoga isn’t about a picture perfect posture, but about the body and mind connection, developed through movement, breath and focus. I practiced yoga with various teachers across the world, visited Rustic Retreats twice in 2018 and 2019, and dreamt of teaching yoga here one day.

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Before I became a certified yoga teacher, I was already teaching body and energy classes as well as mindfulness classes. Now I am a certified 200 hour Hatha Yoga teacher and a certified Yoga Nidra teacher. I realised that “Yoga fits into my world just perfectly!”.

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These days, my love for practicing yoga has extended far beyond practicing asanas. I have integrated the philosophy of yoga in my work as a CBT & Trauma Therapist. My holistic integrated therapeutic interventions have helped many people feel happier with themselves and with their surroundings. It a great way to develop inner wellbeing, connect with your true self and live a happier more conscious life.

Nourish Your Heart

24 to 30 Sept and 1 to 7 Oct 2022

by Naomi

Naomi’s teaching career began in 2013 after several years of formal training, choosing to study first in India and then further in the United Kingdom.  She uses her knowledge and experience to offer a type of Yoga that works both at the therapeutic level and also provides valuable space for challenge and play.  Her students have the opportunity to explore and develop their relationship with their own bodies in order to deepen and strengthen their sense of themselves through the vital mind-body connection. 

Naomi’s teaching is designed with experience and passion in order to align Yoga’s rich history and roots  with modern day research, science and society.  Yoga is for everyone, and the practice itself is a fascinating way to explore your own relationship to wellbeing - and to develop it. So come as you are, and Naomi will meet you where you are at, on the mat.

Nourish Your Heart

10 to 16 October 2022

by Johanna

My Yoga journey started 15 years ago when a friend invited me to join her yoga classes. First it was for fitness reasons, but as I couldn't fail to realize how calm and content I felt after classes I kept practicing different Yoga styles for many years to come. It offered me a great balance to my life as a university teacher and marketing consultant. That changed 5 years ago when the universe pushed me, in the form of a serious illness, to change my path and integrate Yoga as a holistic form of living. In a moment where I spontaneously started meditating - something I never did outside of a Yoga class - I realized that my healing process needed to be deeper than just the physical aspect. There and then I decided to trust the universe and for the first time just flow where my heart lead me to. This guided me on a path of self-exploration, re-alignment and re-connection with myself, my heart, my soul and mother nature. 

While my physical practice focused on Hatha, Vinyasa and Ashtanga-based Power Yoga, my healing journey lead me into the spiritual side of Yoga. I attended meditation and breathwork courses, tantra and massage workshops, Vipassana silence retreats and, with the feeling to give back what universe has gifted me, I started volunteering at Eco-Farms and retreat centers. Eventually, after completing 6 months of study through a virtual ashram in India I received a 500h Yoga instructor course certificate following strict traditional Vedic systems.

My teaching is based on a holistic Hatha/Vinyasa approach including Asana, breathwork, Bhanda's and meditation practice. Focusing on nourishment by first freeing tensions through effortless movements before gently increasing difficulty to strengthen body and mind. By mixing static Asanas, alignment and flow, we maintain awareness on our breath and body in the present. It is the approach of gentleness and compassion with ourselves that ground my classes. I hope to offer, free from expectations, time and space to observe our true selves. It will be my pleasure to create moments to breath, arrive in the present and connect with heart and soul.