Question 1

Magali Sasson

Accepted Answer

Yoga is a method that uses an ancient technique developed approximately five thousand years ago. 
The method was developed by humans who lived in nature, as they discovered their crucial need for balance and harmony between the body and the environment,  between us and ourselves.
 
The yoga is made out of eight limbs, which can be seen as steps, that you need to practice simultaneously and consistently.
The third step, "Asanas", are the body postures in yoga, which include physical training. 
When practicing "Asanas", we are building our core muscles, improving our balance, setting our mind on focus and obtaining self-discipline.
 
I discovered yoga at the age of 17 when my parents used to practice with a professional yoga instructor and I would join them every now and then. 
As a teenager, I was struggling with ADHD. Through yoga, I learned to overcome the obstacles of life.
At 20, after practicing with many teachers, I decided that yoga should be a significant part of my life. I wanted to  practice by myself in order to not rely on teachers. This decision has led me to India. 
At 21, I took a journey to India, where I finished an instructor's course in "Hatha" yoga, Kerala and Trivandrum. In India, I acquired the tools needed to practice yoga independently.
At 23 I felt ready for my next challenge, I wished to take my skills to the next level, so I took a course in "Ashtanga" yoga, two series with Shimon Ben Avi.
 
My yoga journey never stops. Like everyone, I'm still learning and have a long way to go. After learning self-practice, physical skills and training, I was interested in the science behind the yoga, so I faced the "Iyengar" center to learn new techniques, that I still study and practice today.  
 
My journey has shaped my teaching method, I see in yoga a way of life and I am grateful for the path I took.
 
After finishing my studies I opened a yoga center in Sri Lanka. The place hosts top instructors from all over the world, runs daily lessons, retreats, and yoga teacher's courses. 
The center is inside @thenugahouse, inspired by yoga, surfing and a connection to nature.  
Yoga gives us a feeling of physical and mental control along with a calmness of the soul. 
 
About the connection between yoga and surfing:
I started surfing at age 6. My father surfed throughout his life. It was almost inevitable that I would fall in love with this sport. Surfing combines techniques of power, flexibility and a connection between the surfer to nature.
 
The connection between yoga and surfing is unique, there is almost a perfect balance between the two. The wave, in fact, is an expression of bursting energy which keeps progressing until it hits the shore. similarly, yoga is a connection to the energy that flows in our body, until it reaches an equilibrium point - a mental, physical and spiritual balance.
 
I invite you to come and learn, experience and observe with me.

Question 2

Christopher Paul Cunningham

Accepted Answer

Chris believes that it is possible to build an awareness of our bodies and what they need through the practice of yoga. As well as teaching yoga, Chris is a registered physical therapist and a massage therapist. This allows him to enhance his yoga teachings through an extensive knowledge of the human anatomy and a strong passion for helping others. 
 
Chris’s classes will take you through various techniques such as Pranayama (breath work) and meditation to calm and clear the mind, as well as various Asanas (poses) to strengthen and energise the body. He offers a variety of yoga styles, from an energetic Hatha/Vinyassa flow, to a deeply restorative Yin class. Chris’s yoga classes are designed to strengthen the physical body while also providing relief to mental and emotional blockages.
 
For the past five years, Chris has spent time in India, Sri Lanka, and Australia developing his yoga teaching skills as well as practicing physical therapy and massage. This has provided him with the extensive knowledge and experience which he brings to all his classes. 
 
"I have a strong passion for helping others to improve their health and wellbeing. Yoga has personally allowed me to maintain my active lifestyle and with the combination of my physical therapy and yoga I have found it the perfect tool in guiding others to a more fulfilling life, not just physically but also mentally and spiritually"

Question 3

Jessica Roberts

JOIN THE GROWING NUGA SHALA COMMUNITY

The Teachers

Learn more about the team:

Magali Sasson

Christopher Paul Cunningham

Jessica Roberts