A little look into the background and world of Yoga Azores co-founder Mandy in our teacher highlight series. 

What got you into yoga?
When I was 21 I lived in Singapore for a few months and visited other south east Asian countries whilst there. It opened my eyes to different ways of understanding the world. I became interested in Buddhism and read lots of books about it - in one of them Yoga was mentioned so I looked for a yoga book. There began my first dip into yoga with Richard Hittleman's 28 day exercise plan! I didn't take it that seriously but it was something that I kept coming back to. Then upon return to England I started going to classes. What really 'got me into it' was realising that here was something that addressed body, heart and mind and I felt better for doing it.
What is yoga to you?
A practice. A way of life. A way of understanding the world. My practice on the mat  includes mindful movement, breathing, mantra, mudra, reflection and meditation. For me the main practice is meditation because it is the most direct way to experience yoga. I am really interested in all the ways we practice and experience yoga off the mat.
How do you practice sustainability or social awareness?
Moving to the Azores from England was largely motivated by a desire to try to live in a more sustainable way. We live in a yurt which is a very low impact dwelling and have a couple of sheds for our kitchen space etc. We compost everything, including our own waste, we generate our electricity via solar and wind, we use all of our grey water on the garden, we grow a lot of our own food (organically), we buy very little stuff apart from food that we can't grow and a few extras. Every decision I make, especially when consuming, has the question 'what is/has been the impact of this to the environment and people?'. So that means being mainly vegan and always going for organic and fair trade when it is an option. 
What do you love about the Azores?
Well, speaking from the perspective of this little Azorean island of Santa Maria, I love the quiet, the nature, the lack of pollution, the laid back culture, the slow pace and the climate!
What are you grateful for today?
My beautiful daughter Ostara who reminds me every day of all that is good in the world.

What got you into yoga?
Yoga just happened to me. Walking in East Village, Manhattan I once saw a sign about yoga classes in a place that looked like a temple. I got curious and went in for my
first yoga class and since then yoga never left me. It just feels like the right
thing for me. Yoga made me realize that I belong to something. And exploring
this feeling of belonging through yoga made me a better person. Also, it makes feel wonderful and calm.
What is yoga to you?
For me yoga is everything. Is a way of living, seeing and acepting life. It's getting to know myself on a daily basis, taking care of myself and continually learning through my actions and thoughts. It is my journey of awareness into love and relaxation.
How do you practice sustainability or social awareness?
I recycle, I make my own soap (soon I will start with laundry detergent, softner
and toothpaste). I try to avoid all products that are tested on animals and
the ones with palm tree oil (which is very difficult, most of all the
products have palm oil). I usually look for organic and local produts.
What do you love about the Azores?
Everything! I like the feeling of living in a tiny point in the middle of
atlantic ocean. Being surrounded by nature, allows me to realize how lucky
I am for the gift of being alive.
What are you grateful for today?
Grateful for having a crazy wonderful family and friends. For all the
people that crossed my path and allowed me to grow, for being born on this
special "rock" of the Azores, the gift of being alive.

Contact Daniela to take a class! 

We recently caught up with Carolina Lino, a yoga teacher in São Miguel, Azores, who shares a bit about her philosophy on yoga and teaching in the Azores.

What got you into yoga?
I became interested in Yoga because of the revitalizing philosophy not only of the physical but also of the mental aspects, and how this can affect you in your daily life.
This journey is long and powerful. With yoga, we discover our inner - being, strengthen our thoughts, transform our ideas and act with confidence.

​What is yoga to you?
Yoga is much more than asana and pranayama. It is a complete system including purification, meditation, various techniques and philosophy concepts, establishing, equilibrium between body and mind. The path of Yoga offers opportunities for self awareness, liberation, transformation and development.

How do you practice sustainability or social awareness?
I am vegetarian. I can say that I feel very good to have followed this course.
I feel I am contributing to a more sustainable way of living, increasing the amount of grain available to feed people in need, reducing pollution, saving water and energy and minimizing my impact to deforestation.

What do you love about the Azores?
The natural beauty of the Azores is unique, each corner is beautiful and marvelous.
The energy of land and sea transforms the soul. Without a doubt, a a must-see destination.

​What are you grateful for today?
I'm grateful for the ability to share my knowledge and experiences with others. To be able work in a profession that I love and believe in what I do. I am grateful for yoga outdoors, yoga on the beach, and offering events and workshops, for people to learn more about Yoga and its importance. 

Find out more about Carolina and her classes by contacting her here.

We hope to highlight all the local teachers on the islands of the Azores during the course of this year, so please contact us if you know of a teacher not listed on our site!