Yoga in Kalandraka

Our teacher:

Our yoga classes are taught by Nicole Papa. Nicole has been passionately practicing yoga since 2000 and is trained in Sivananda and Ashtanga yoga based on the AYI® method (Inspired Teacher Training) by Dr. Ronald Steiner. She gained further Ashtanga yoga knowledge from various teachers in Mysore (India). Currently she is being trained by Dr. Ronald Steiner as an Advanced Teacher in the AYI® method. Through her anatomy and physiology studies in the USA, she has a profound knowledge of the anatomical workings of the body, which she continues to deepen through her further education. Nicole has been climbing for 30 years, has reached a level of 5.13d or French 8b and has been teaching yoga, climbing and the combination of the two in Germany and Spain for many years.

Yoga and the style taught by Nicole:

Yoga is an Indian philosophical tradition that developed out of humanity’s age-old search for the essence. On this quest the techniques of yoga have changed constantly since the first writings about 3000 years ago. The AYI® method taught by Nicole continues that journey by combining old and new and brings together the traditional practice system of Ashtanga yoga and the latest scientific findings, especially in the fields of medicine, kinesiology and psychology. The practice she teaches cultivates balance as the base for liveliness and sees a chance to experience the essence in the here and now, in this world and in this body. This combination of ancient techniques (Vinyasa, Bandha and Dristhi) and a modern approach makes Nicole’s teaching a moving meditation carried by the breath. In her classes she finds the right position and intensity for each student – from athletic and acrobatic to therapeutic and preventive.

Open classes for everyone – from beginners to advanced yogis – in Spanish, English and German.

Yoga Schedule

Mon 18.30 – 20.30 Mysore Style

Tue 10.00 – 11.30 Open class with topic

Wed 10.00 – 11.30 Open class

Thu 19.00 – 20.30 Pranayama, Meditation, calm Yoga

Fri 10.00 – 11.30 Open class

Sat 10.00 – 11.30 Open class

All classes are open to everybody. Before attending a Mysore Style class it is recommended, that you attend one or more open classes or have experience in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga.

Open class:

The class is based on the first series of Ashtangayoga. It aims to relieve stress; as well as balance body and mind. Depending on the needs of the participants, the class ranges from therapeutic and preventive to athletic and acrobatic.

Pranayama, Meditation, calm Yoga:

Pranayama are the breathing exercises of yoga. With Pranayama you deepen and harmonize the breath and prepare for meditation. The class includes Maitri (compassion), mindfulness, Mantra or breathing meditation; in addition to, concentrated yet relaxed yoga, with many positions lying down and sitting.

Open class with topic:

Each week a new topic. For example: Energy locks of yoga (Mulha Bandha, Uddiyana Bandha and Jalandhra Bandha), Yogabreath (Ujjayi), handstand, backbends, shoulders, hips, correct alignment etc.

Check the Kalandraka facebook page for the latest topics

Mysore Style:

Individual teaching in a group setting as is usual in Mysore (India) in the tradition of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Each student practices the Ashtanga Yoga Series in his own breathing rhythm and in a form appropriate for him or her. The teacher corrects and introduces new positions individually, ranging from traditional to therapeutic, depending on the physical needs of the participant. The result is that each student is immersed in his or her own personal practice, opening the doorway to concentration with deep calm and evolving into moving meditation sustained by the breath. Not much is spoken during the Mysore style class. Questions, requests etc. are discussed before or after the class.