What is Yoga for Me?

How many of us truly understand the profound depth of yoga—the practice that doesn’t just balances the body, quiets the mind but nurtures the soul and awakens our spirit to the higher realms of the eternal existence beyond the physical, beyond the seen.

Yoga has been my companion for over 16 years. It has grown with me, shifting from a physical discipline to a deeply spiritual journey.

Practicing yoga is like holding a mirror up — sometimes it shows me strength, other times vulnerability, whatever it may be - it brings me in touch with - where I AM in my NOW, what are my current needs, what are my current challenges, my energy levels, my emotional state - and how to best support myself along the fluctuations of life. Whatever way things turn out - Yoga always reminds me of my own resilience, flexibility and the ability to tune in, listen inwards, ground and connect with the inner voice; guiding me through the ebbs and flows of life.

Yoga as a Tool for Transformation

When I first stepped onto the mat as a young girl (13 years young), my experience of yoga was mostly about movement and physicality. I loved the feeling of stretching and testing my limits, and as many - i was hooked on the peaceful sensation after practice.. Luckily, my welcoming into the world of yoga, back in the days, happened through a soft hearted teacher who knew to fill up the room with the true essence of yoga; ************Love, Compassion, Empowerment &Healing****************

Over years of constant search and practice, following the call to become a teacher - obviously as a enhancement of my path, came an expansion of my understanding - my relation to the practice became so much more—a practice of self acknowledgment, realization and transformation.

With the help of the yogic tools i am navigating life’s challenges, from the uncertainties of my career back in the day, through the formation of independent businesses to the deeply personal moments of self-doubt, anxiety or fear.

I always talk about how different modalities - including yoga, chi gong, tai chi etc, are all designed to work with our etheric bodies, with the energy field and with the subtler layers of our being - aiming to cleanse blockages, balance and align back to resonance and center - this solely is one big achievement in our personal lives as humans - managing the quick changes and the flood of constant information of the modern times. Once you gain this amount of clarity, faith, courage, love towards all, full acceptance of your lower expressions; once you allow more of you have always been - to shine out - the magic of basic universal laws, starts to be activated in your reality, always conditioned in your state of being - how aligned, grounded & connected you vibrate, how aware of all emotions and thoughts you become? From the moment you discover this seat of growing awareness, this becomes the only place you would like to be acting from.

Yoga as a Tool for Emotional Development

Living for 10 years in several villages on different Greek islands, with its serene landscapes and quiet rhythms, has taught me to appreciate stillness. But even in such peaceful, quiet environments, and sometimes especially in such quiet and serene areas, nearby vast nature and wildlife - emotions can be well heard, which can be either overwhelming (if we choose to try to swap it under the carpet and move on as all good), either an invitation to dwell deep into the rising sensations, shedding more light, therfore more understanding and potential healing. ** I say potential healing, as my journey had shown me, that in some cases, with some traumas - aka; stuck energy - simply acknowledging wont be enough to release or activate whatever is asking for it. In such cases we do need to seek for some help, support and guidance. As a teacher i take part on a higher consciousness community on a regular basis, additionally to that, from time to time i indulge in coaching sessions, of course i have my personal practice which is my grounds for my day to day living. Once a year, a strong external experience takes me on deep internal flight. Lately sound therapy became a strong player in my releasing/activating inwards journeys. I mention both release and activation - as it is literally this type of experience for me, regardless of the specifics. Healing asks to let go of the past, the weight of heavy memories, looping thoughts, triggering smells / sounds / topics. Healing also asks to activate what sleeps inside us, the part in us that wants to come up front, get on the stage and shine brightly. Yoga has been my sanctuary, the place I turn to when my heart feels heavy or my mind restless. Through breath work and meditation, I’ve learned to acknowledge my emotions rather suppressing them. Yoga taught me to sit with discomfort, to honor it, and to let it pass. It’s in these moments on the mat that I’ve found much clarity, stability, softness, compassion, balance, connection, the real sensation of love - beaming through the cells of the body, forgivness and most importantly - gratitude - for all that is, the pleasant and the less. And yes, i have taken and still am and always will be taking Yoga together with me OFF the MATT. Walking, eating, dancing, talking, any thing we do is Yoga, as long as we do it in Unity - as 1 coherent unit, flowing with the rhythm of life. Another thing i always mention is - we all sense discomfort - when we split. When our body sits at one place, and our thoughts drift to another, when our emotion follow the thought to a mighty night, when out there sun is smiling. Therefore, it is not that much about what it is we are, but mostly about how it is we are?

Yoga as a Tool for Self-Realization

Yoga is a path that leads inward. Over the years of my practice, I’ve come to understand that self-realization is not a destination but a constant unfolding. It’s in the moments of -connect-, when my breath flows effortlessly, that I feel most connected to who I am. As I guide my yoga students through their practice, I am reminded of this truth: we are already complete. Yoga helps us see this clearly, stripping away the layers of doubt and fear that cloud our vision. From this point of view we can come closer in touch with what is. The more we observe the more we widen the range and spectrum of our sight - onto who we are, who we are not, why we came here, living life with purpose and clarity creates a new level of depth, meaning, satisfaction, drive and enthusiasm for life.

As a yoga teacher, I have the privilege, the honor and the responsibility of sharing this gift with others. Therefore, within the physical anchors and modalities of traditional Ha-tha practice, my passion is found in injecting empowering affirmations of love, compassion, forgiveness, gratitude, wholeness and ease. Each class is a chance to inspire, to create space for others to embark on their journey of transformation and self-discovery.

Yoga, is love—it is the art of balancing effort and ease, strength and surrender. It’s the ongoing practice of coming home to myself, again and again and forever after.

My First Retreat at Evia Bay - Writing & Yoga, September 2024

Together with Sarah Gelb - Writer, speaker, writing workshop facilitator, a woman, a heart. Visit her website

Reflecting on Our First Retreat:

Our first retreat wasn’t just about planning the best experience; it was about creating a space that felt like home. A space where you could let your guard down, share your dreams, and reconnect with yourself and others. North Evia Island, a cozy corner of the world where every moment—whether walking in nature or diving into a deep conversation—brings a sense of belonging. Together, we laughed, learned, and found the courage to dream a little bigger. It was a heartfelt gathering, a reminder that when we come together, magic happens.

Mornings of Mindful & Let Go, Ground & Realign Yoga with Me :) As the sun rises, we start our day off with a gentle guidance that helps us move with intention, breathing deeply and soaking in the beauty around. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a curious beginner, my classes invite you to slow down and find balance—not just in the asana, but in breath, inner talk, mind to heart connection and your uniqueness in life. Outdoors in the yard, with nature as a soundtrack, it’s impossible not to feel a little more grounded, a little more alive.

Writing Under the Pines with Sara

Imagine sitting beneath a pine tree, pen in hand, as the breeze carries your thoughts into words. Sara’s writing sessions weren’t just about filling pages; they were about unlocking the stories within us. With her prompts and encouragement, creativity flowed effortlessly. The trees, the fresh air, the laughter of like-minded writers—it all came together to remind us why we love storytelling. These moments weren’t just for writers; they were for anyone ready to let their imagination take flight.

Soaking, Savoring, and Exploring

We spent afternoons at the local hot springs, letting the mineral-rich waters melt away stress. Afterwards, we indulged in meals at charming tavernas, where every dish told a story of tradition and love. The flavors, the warmth of the locals, the simplicity—it was pure joy.

And then there was the winery, where time seemed to slow. With every sip, we tasted the heart of the region, surrounded by breathtaking views of rolling vineyards. These moments reminded us how rich life can be when we truly pause and savor it.

Nature’s Wonder: The Waterfall

The day we visited the waterfall felt like stepping into a dream. The sound of rushing water drew us closer, and the cool mist kissed our faces as we stood in awe of nature’s raw beauty. It wasn’t just a hike; it was a journey back to ourselves, a chance to feel connected to something greater - mother earth.

Of course the retreat was about yoga, writing and trips but at heart it was mainly about the people—the ten of us who came together, each bringing our own stories, fears, and hopes. Through shared laughter, quiet moments, and deep conversations, we found something rare: connection. These bonds weren’t fleeting; they were the kind that stay with you long after the retreat ends. And indeed some of the participants have met and traveled together once more! From time to time all of us share love and laughter, blessings and celebrations in our original WhatsApp group

Looking Ahead

As we hold onto the memories we created, there’s an undeniable excitement for what’s next. These moments have shown us what’s possible when we open ourselves to new experiences. Let’s carry that sense of wonder and connection forward, ready for the next chapter in this beautiful journey.

In Joy - In Peace - In Love - In Abundance - In Gratitude - In Grace - In God

Cooking Up Delight: A Culinary Class with Aggeliki at Her Special Tavern

Meet Aggeliki: The Heart and Soul of the Greek Tavern - Lagoudera

Imagine stepping into a cozy taverna on the shores of beautiful north Evia Island, where the air is filled with the aromas of traditional Greek dishes, calmness and love.

That’s where Aggeliki works her magic, pouring her heart and soul into every meal she serves. Growing up in a family that celebrated culinary traditions, she learned to cook from her grandmother, who would often say, “Cooking is an act of love.” Now, as a taverna owner, Aggeliki takes that sentiment to heart by using fresh ingredients sourced from her own garden and from local farmers and crafting recipes passed down through generations. Whether it’s her smooth as silk eggplant salad or crispy kalamari, each dish tells a story of heritage and passion. Dining at Aggeliki's place isn’t just about satisfying your hunger; it's about sharing in the warmth of her hospitality and feeling like part of the family. So next time you're on Evia Island, don't miss out on experiencing the true essence of Greek culinary traditions through Aggeliki's delightful creations! You could either come and enjoy a regular meal on opening hours of Lagoudera, either book in advance your Cooking lesson with Aggeliki and enjoy both.

All ingredients organic, local, fresh, healthy and prepared with care and positive energy!

The Menu: Discovering the Three Delicious Dishes We’ll Create Together

So, you’re ready to whip up some mouthwatering Greek dishes, huh? Picture this: your kitchen filled with the fresh aromas of bio veggies, best home made olive oil, mountain picked oregano and morning caught fish - for our own marinated anchovy - which are apparently from the most expensive meze. Now we know why.. the process of making - takes quite some efforts :)

After preparing the anchovy, we moved to our next dish - Grilled bio Eggplants Salad from Lagoudera's garden - the most tender eggplant salad we have ever tried.

So grab your apron and get ready for a cooking class that’s more than just food; it’s about sharing stories, laughter, and maybe even a little dancing once the meal is ready. You’ll be serving up more than just dinner—you’ll be creating memories!

Behind the Scenes: Capturing Moments with Photos and Video Interviews

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to step into a culinary wonderland, let me take you behind the scenes of our cooking class with the fabulous Aggeliki and her husband Thanassis (big magician behind the scenes ;) Picture this: a cozy kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of fresh herbs and sizzling ingredients, where guests dive into hands-on experiences that transform them from home cooks to greek culinary rockstars. During our video interviews with Aggeliki, she shares her secret tips and tricks while whipping up delicious dishes that make your taste buds dance. It’s not just about learning how to cook; it’s about creating unforgettable memories and bonding over shared flavors and stories. And trust me, every laugh and “oops” moment in the kitchen makes for a recipe worth remembering! This culinary adventure is one you won’t want to miss – it might just inspire your next dinner party!

What to Expect in a Culinary Class at Aggeliki's Tavern?

Imagine stepping into a cozy kitchen filled with aromas of olive oil, fresh herbs, and zesty lemons, all while surrounded by friends who share love for good food, people and moments. In this hands-on experience, you'll not only learn to cook authentic Greek dishes but also dive into the culinary techniques that make them shine. The friendly atmosphere makes it easy to ask questions, experiment with flavors, and even get a little messy—because let's face it, that's part of the fun! By the end of your culinary adventure, you'll leave not just with delicious recipes but also with newfound skills.

Our Conclusion is that as much as a midday lunch or a sunset dinner would be an amazing sense-full time spent at Lagoudera, going for the full experience with a cooking lesson would be even a more profound way to enjoy the gifts this place has to share with the world! We sum up with some useful informations; - Cooking classes are available middle week on Low Season days (Monday - Friday / October - May). - Cost per person - 50 Euro (Cooking class + Meal). - Minimum 3 Participants. For booking you are welcome to get in touch directly with us

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Lagoudera - Agiokampos - North Evia Island - Greece

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Evia Bay Suites & Retreats - Paralia Agios Nikolaos - Loutra Edipsos - North Evia Island - Greece

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