Annika Rosic Escalante
Owner & Instructor
How and when did you get into yoga?
I took my first class 2001, didn’t know very much about yoga but I had heard so many good things about it that I just had to give it a go. It was definitely different to all other forms of exercise I was used to, was this really going to give me the workout I was looking for, as that was the aim at that time. Shortly thereafter I moved to London, which is where my real yoga path started. I tried all different types of yoga; Sivananda, Classical Hatha, Vinyasa, Bikram yoga etc. It was only when I actually stepped up my practise that I started seeing all the amazing benefits that came with it; so much more than just a form of exercise. I went through some really stressful times while excelling my career in London within Finance, working long hours, studying at the same time, family, socialising, working out and much more, that I am quite certain it was my yoga practise that helped me stay steady and keep going. ‘It helped me find a balance, to de stress and find mental clarity’ in other words ‘Survive’. This is when I decided to change my life and gave up my office work and studies to take my first yoga teacher training in 2010 which was Bikam yoga (original hot yoga). After that I have naturally added on with more teacher trainings and education in vinyasa, partner yoga, yoga thai massage, yin yoga, mindfulness, traditional chinese medicine, yoga nidra, power yoga, forrest yoga, myofascial release and so on. I have never looked back and have since worked full time teaching yoga, building and running 3 hot yoga studios, creating and running teacher trainings and yoga retreats. Yoga today is so much more than just a physical exercise.
What do you do in your spare time?
My family, husband and 3 kids, dog and cat keep me busy! I spend a lot of time in the nature and in our garden.
What makes you happy?
Discovering new places – locally and abroad 🙂 Sunshine, sea, good food, my family and friends and so much more!
Favourite vs least favourite yoga posture?
Favourite: 2 at the moment! camel pose and standing bow pulling pose
Least Favourite: Full Locust
Leonie Wendt
Bergmark
Instructor
How and when did you get into yoga?
My journey into yoga started more than 15 years ago in Malmö. I went into my first class, curious, but knowing very little about the practice. At that time in my life I really didn’t know yet how much I needed just that. And how yoga would become one of the most important, holistic and balancing healing modalities in my life. I remember coming out of the class thinking “this is SO weird! Why are we doing all these strange positions. And why on earth would I need this in my life”. But somehow that first class ignited something in me, a curiosity that I could not ignore a stillness in my body that I hadn’t felt before. So even though I didn’t understand it, something inside of me knew there was wisdom to retrieve. So I kept coming back. Determined, very much in my head and not my body, so focused on how it looked and to succeed with the physical asanas. Not there yet to actually feel and understand how the physical parts were also deeply linked to the other layers in my body. BUT – the medicine still reached me. And slowly, I fell head over heels in love. With the practice, the traditions, the community, the way it created something inside of me that I didn’t know I needed but was absolutely craving. A love story that I believe will never end. Today – I enjoy being deeply rooted in the ancient yogic traditions – both for my own practice and in my teachings. But what really awakens my passion right now is to move and teach more freely, softly, allowing, loving and listening. To weave together ancient wisdom with modern practices. Breathwork, somatic movement and embodiment.
What do you do in your spare time?
In my free time I’m creating space to live a slowpaced life with my family, in the forest, by the ocean. I love to submerge myself in the elements of nature no matter what that might be. Forestwalks, swimming in the ocean, growing and harvesting herbs and flowers in my graden, picking wild grown in the forest, sitting around the fire, sauna, singing, reading, elemental ceremonies, making herbal medicines and brews, yoga, breathwork, surfing, vanlife, exploring. I love good foods, the small adventures of everyday life, spending quality time with family and friends, resting, contemplating. Spare time for me is to feel deeply that I actually have time, energy and freedom to do what I feel like I need and want – for me and my family. Not too many thing scheduled, not to many ”have to’s” and far away from the hustle and bustle of the city
What makes you happy?
All of the above and so much more! Living life from my own truth and longing – and not somebody else or society’s expectations <3 That is true happiness, safety and freedom for me.
Favourite vs least favourite yoga posture?
Wow, a hard question that I really can not and wont answer It all depends on the mood, energy and shape of the day. I listen to what my body needs, lovingly, ALWAYS. But also have no problem of integrating that with hardcore discipline. Or devotion, dedication you might call it. Not afraid to try a challenging posture that last time didn’t feel good or in reach. I do love the dynamic yoga, flowing, not holding. And heart/chest opening.
anneli
wisén
Instructor
How and when did you get into yoga?
While studying in the University of Lund in 2004 a friend took me to my first class. It was clear that I needed it a lot – my body ached and I found downward facing dog to be anything but nice. At the time I was used to more dynamic activities, such as body combat and running, and it took me a few years until I was truly hooked on yoga and clearly could see and feel the benefits of the practice. As I was going through a burnout and big life changes yoga became my daily practice, often twice a day, and so much started to change for me, both on the inside and on the outside. From here on it was clear to me that yoga was my path forward, I took my first teacher training and have been studying and teaching yoga since then. Through hatha, vinyasa, ashtanga, hot yoga, rocket, yin, restorative, meditation and yoga Nidra. Yoga has taken me traveling the world, and I’ve been teaching full time both abroad and in Sweden. The practice has called me to Costa Rica, Spain, Malta, Italy, Bali, the US, Sri Lanka and I’m looking forward to experience and teach in more amazing places and to meet more beautiful yogis on this yoga journey
What do you do in your spare time?
I love spending time with my dog, and couldn’t imagine a life without a friend like this by my side. I also like long walks, working out, the sea, winter bathing, spending vacation time in the High Coast, exploring new places and countries, learning about plants and flowers, watching seeds grow in my garden and taking care of our country house in Österlen.
What makes you happy?
Living my truth, nature, snow, the sea, the forest, sunshine, friends and family, exploring and learning new things, an honest and open conversation, freedom, good food.
Favourite vs least favourite yoga posture?
