Melanie Fissendjidis

Why did you start with yoga?
Pure curiosity! I was studying in England and saw the university offered a mindfulness course and yoga training. I have always been interested in knowing and understanding myself deeper, and I was curious what yoga would do for me. Turned out to be one of the most valuable journeys I’ve been on 🙂

Why did you become a yoga teacher?
Yin yoga inspired and changed me unimaginably. This gentle, yet powerful style of yoga, taught me to listen to and respect my body and its boundaries. I discovered the freedom and joy of surrender, rather than ‘working hard to get it right’. A valuable journey started of softening, opening and finding a sense of ease with what is. The effects Yin yoga had on the spaciousness in my body and mind, my energy levels and overall sense of fulfillment was obvious, yet I couldn’t wrap my head around what was happening inside of me. Out of pure fascination and curiosity I followed a holistic Yin Yoga teacher training. Not necessarily with the intention to teach. But after learning about the what’s and how’s of anatomy, the 5 elements of nature and Chinese medicine (the basis of Yin), I knew I wanted to share this ancient wisdom – which helped me so much – with others too.

What do you love most about teaching yoga?
That moment when you just see someone sinking from their heads into their body. This might show for example in a subtle softening of the forehead & eyes, a sigh, or a drop of the shoulders. I also love it when I see everyone in class doing something slightly different: taking up their own pace, resting a little longer, exploring which variation of a yogapose works best for their body. To me that’s yoga: letting go of how it should be or look like and truly listening to your own body. Making the practice feel good for yoú. I gently guide and encourage students in this process of connecting to themselves.

What style of yoga do you teach?
Yin and gentle flow

Can you describe your personal teaching style in a few words?
Easeful, calming, gentle and intuitive. Wherever possible, adding a little playfulness to the mix

What is your favourite song for Savasana?
Guarisci il mio Cuore by Valerio Castilla – followed by What a wonderful world (acoustic version by John Burnsby) to wake up to 🙂

What is your favourite book?
Light is the new black