Sami

Astanga Mysore begins Sunday, Aug 31!

Moksha Riverwest, 6:30-9am

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Sami took his first ashtanga workshop at Astanga Yoga Helsinki in 1999 after leading an active life including studies in: martial arts, boxing, tai chi, gentle hatha yoga, Tibetan yoga as well as running and swimming. After this first challenging and hilariously sweaty Astanga class Sami was convinced he had found the practice he longed for. The vinyasa system was so natural and invigorating that Sami felt a couple of inches taller and a couple of grams happier.

Sami was fortunate to begin his regular practice within the dedicated astanga
community with Juha Javanainen and Petri Räisänen under the guidance of Lino Miele as a visiting teacher. Even more fortunate were Lino's regular workshops and retreats in Finland and India where Sami was
able to practice for 6-8 weeks every year.

One thing led to another and soon Sami quit his job in advertising after Astanga Yoga Helsinki asked him to join as an assisting teacher in 2001. Guruji's visit earlier that year in Helsinki had given him inspiration to follow his heart on the yoga path. Sami is grateful for having been able to deepen his practice with Guruji in Helsinki and Mysore and also for the opportunity to assist at Lino's retreats in India.

Sami also worked in Paris as a mysore teacher in summer of 2006. Sami feels priviledged for his amazing experiences as a student and teacher in the strong ashtanga community. The lineage in Helsinki and Lino's sincere and playful encouragement has deepened his understanding of a dedicated, patient and joyful every-day practice.

Through this process, Sami's discovered that it's all about being aware of one's breath and being able to feel gratitude in the present moment.