In the “Bhagavad Gita”, one of the central scriptures in Yoga, Krishna explains that you discover Yoga in your life because of practicing it in a previous life: you are attracted to it as if by a magnet – even against your own will.
The Argentinean roots
In my case, it was the Yoga studio near the university in my hometown Mendoza, Argentina, where I studied computer science. I often walked by this place on my way home: “Instituto Pymander – Yoga y salud” was written on a big sign in front of it. One day I thought to myself, why don’t I go in and join a class? I only knew it from what people had told me, a few of my cousins (the Argentinean extended family is great!) had told me about it. What I had gathered from all these stories: that Yoga is about stretching and movement, that it is simply a normal “sport”.
In the Yoga studio Pymander at that time there were two brothers teaching, and they were like yin and yang: one brother very gentle, calm and meditative, the other brother very dynamic and fast.
I first started with the gentle style. The practice was very relaxing and meditative, the perfect balance after a busy day at the university. I felt very comfortable and it was a space where I found both peace and like-minded, friendly people. Then, after the recommendation of a couple from class, I also took part in a dynamic session. And this experience was also something wonderful: we moved much more, it was more exhausting… and at the end it was also a wonderful relaxation thanks to Savasana.
I attended these Yoga classes for about a year. For a few months I changed my leisure activity and took lessons at a musicals institute; the end of my studies was approaching with big steps, and March 2012 I started my journey to Europe. My father’s family is from Hungary, part of them lived now in Vienna. And that’s exactly where I ended up.
Back to Yoga in Austria
Five eventful years went by, both privately and professionally. Then, in 2017, Yoga became present in my life again. I first joined a Yoga group as a participant, they practiced regularly in the Stadtpark. At the same time, I started leading a Yoga group for my colleagues at the company where I work as a programmer. A year later, I changed sides in the city park and now stood on the mat as a yoga teacher.
Yoga had now become much more than just a sport for me: Yoga became my philosophy of life, a holistic approach to all aspects of my life. I also owe this in large part to my psychotherapist, who has become my “spiritual guide” over the years.
Queer Yoga at the Hosi Wien
At the beginning of 2019, I wanted to get actively involved in the LGBTQIA* community in Vienna. So, my path led me to the Hosi Wien, where I offered to volunteer as a Yoga teacher. That’s how the Queer Yoga group came into being. A safe space for queer people to do Yoga. A space where acceptance, respect and openness prevail, where everyone can develop freely without fear of judgement or weird looks. I communicate these values in every session I offer.
Off to India, to the Ashram!
In September 2019, a long-cherished dream came true. I set off on a journey to India, to the roots of Yoga. I spent three weeks in Rishikesh, the Indian Yoga capital with its many ashrams that look back on a long tradition. I took part in a Yoga Teacher Training in traditional Hatha Yoga there. The energy was extraordinary, very profound and mystical. The meditative and spiritual approach to Yoga that I experienced there was life changing. The people who came together there were equally in tune with this energy, the atmosphere was beautiful, friendships were formed immediately that continue to this day.
Back in Vienna, I wanted to expand my yoga classes. In 2020, the first Queer Yoga session at the Vienna Pride would have taken place. Then Corona came, and so this first session at the Vienna Pride took place in the summer of 2021. The offer was welcomed with great interest in the queer community in Vienna, so now I am offering Queer Yoga sessions every year at Vienna Pride.
At the beginning of September 2021, I lead a Yoga retreat for the first time in beautiful Krimml. It was three very relaxing days spent in harmony with nature, which have encouraged me to continue my offer in this direction.
One point was still missing on my Yoga journey: The decision to make my Yoga practice and work available to a wider public. The result you can see here on this website, on my Instagram profile and my YouTube channel. For this I am deeply thankful to Eva, a very good friend of mine! 😊🙏
And what is your journey to Yoga?
Where did you first start practicing Yoga?
What is the reason for you to get on your mat regularly?
I would love to read about it in the comments!