It was a perfect February day. Maybe it was the weather, or maybe it was the approaching full moon. In any case, we had an unbelievable turnout for our first event, in both São Miguel and in Santa Maria.

We led groups on both islands through a “yoga hike” where we started with a little yoga and breathing, before commencing the trails. Rimi led a group of around 35 local through the Rota de Água trail, an intriguing trail with long tunnels, arches, and passes over ancient aqueducts. Mandy led a group of 10 (and three four-legged friends) along the Pico Alto trail which begins at the highest point on the island and winds through woodland on the mountain, affording spectacular open views across Santa Maria. On both islands, participants spent portions of the hike in silence, observing and connecting more deeply to nature and to themselves.

One of our goals is to Offer locals and visitors the opportunity to more deeply connect with the islands of the Azores through yoga, enabling the body and mind to truly "feel the Azores". Encouraging environmental sustainability is another of our goals and before the event, we encouraged participants to bring reusable water bottles and reminded everyone about the importance of respecting the environment.

And so, we are grateful for having successfully completed our first event and sharing a bit of mindfulness, yoga, and nature with the local communities. We hope to involve other islands and in the future we can host events simultaneously with all the islands of the archipelago!

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!