Yoga, meditation and breathwork | Integrating neuroscience, psychology, coaching and nutrition | Tailored classes for all levels: individual, group or corporate | Nourish your mind, body and spirit.

Find out more about Andra

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I began practising yoga 12 years ago without any experience in mindfulness or breathwork. At that time, I felt disconnected from my mind and body. However, I noticed immediate changes and became deeply interested in energy work and meditation. After many years as a student, I pursued teacher training in 2019, which helped me understand yoga's profound depth and 5,000-year tradition.
  
  Before my yoga training, I faced some health challenges. Studying nutrition at the Hippocrates Institute and IIN made me realise how interconnected wellness truly is. This led me to explore other areas like mindfulness, neuroscience, and psychology. I now understand that holistic well-being is not just a destination but a lifelong journey and lifestyle. As Lao Tzu said, "To attain knowledge, add things daily; to attain wisdom, remove things every day."

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  While prioritising my students' requirements, I recognise that we all have blind spots. Therefore, I might introduce one or two new ideas for you to explore to help you achieve your desired outcomes.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  My favourite yoga teacher and mentor, Sianna Sherman, inspires me greatly. Additionally, my neuroscience mentor, Stephanie Faye from Mindset Neuroscience and Marc David from the Psychology of Eating, along with many other spiritual and scientific masters, have influenced my journey.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  It is being present and listening attentively with the ears, eyes, and heart.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  During my first ten yoga classes, I felt like a broken toy, struggling to keep up with the rhythm and coordination. However, something changed within me. Reflecting on it now, I understand that this shift was due to my mind's calming and the role of endorphins, as supported by neuroscience research.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or are still facing in your subject?

  In this field, it's easy to fall into self-judgment, thinking you could always do more or do things differently. Being aware of these personal biases can be challenging. On some days, I find it easy to remind myself that I'm doing my best, while other days require deliberate effort.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general, an element of the subject, or something completely different?

  When it comes to mindfulness and yoga, I believe interoception (the awareness of internal bodily sensations) is crucial; otherwise, it's just another workout. In holistic wellbeing, my main focus is diet, gut health, and how we nurture ourselves-whether through relationships, passions, or simply resting. During a 10-day Vipassana meditation course, I learned that the body experiences sensations first, which are then interpreted by the brain, leading to emotions and thoughts. This process of meaning-making is one of my favourite topics to explore.