We dedicate this studio to all our teachers past and present, their work and wisdom inspired us to create a space for all seekers.
The Teachers
Lana Beex (Lead, Co-founder)
Lana has worn many hats over the years: dancer, biomedical scientist, doctor in neurophysiology, serial student, yoga teacher. Leaving a life of scientific research behind to become an osteopath was a sea change on her path to self-actualization and one she sees as an ideal compliment to the practice and teachings of yoga. Though her path has been winding, Lana says that the one constant in her adult life has been yoga. She was specifically drawn to Ashtanga for its strong tradition, which has allowed her to experience the deeper aspects of yoga through self-study. Many mentors and role models have been involved in her growth and connection to the softer side of this fiercely beautiful and healing practice, Gretchen Suarez in particular. Working with students, her own practice, and the trials and tribulations of life and relationship have been and remain her greatest teachers.
-
Tracey first encountered Restorative Yoga during her Vinyasa teacher training. But it wasn’t until her struggles with a chronic health condition reached boiling point that she truly discovered the practice and all its nurturing benefits. At the point when she could barely do a sun salutation, Restorative became part of her healing process. Now, guided by her teachers Judith Hanson Lasater, Lizzie Lasater and Adelene Cheong, it is part of her daily life. Although her path was largely prompted by illness, Tracey sees Restorative as both therapeutic and preventative – a meditative tool for wellbeing. Many of us know how to do more but find it harder to do less. Tracey likes the idea that an active yoga practice represents an inhale and Restorative, an exhale. We need both. She encourages her students to learn to embrace stillness and to make conscious rest a daily habit.
-
From the moment I walked into the mysore room, yoga has been a part of my daily life. First drawn to the physical aspect of the practice, I soon realized it has so much more to offer. It has become a practice in self exploration, both on and off the mat, that is constantly evolving. It is also my anchor to stay grounded while working as a PhD candidate in environmental sciences.
Even though yoga is an individual practice, for me it is also about community and connection. I feel very lucky to be part of The Breathing Space community, both as a student and as a teacher.
-
Every day, my work as a psychologist/therapist is showing me how essential it is to be receptive to the internal signals of our body. I am so grateful the practice of yoga is teaching us just that! Through my own practice I continue to experience that yoga can deepen your connection to the present, your body, and your inner knowing, as well as to others, nature, and the world around you. I am delighted that as an instructor, I can share these teachings by connecting to other practitioners.
-
Nele set foot on the path of yoga in 2010 when she joined her first meditation retreat. This was followed by a few fun and somewhat unfocused years which Nele spent guiding dive safaris and teaching scuba diving in Indonesia, where Nele found herself in her first teaching role. Before embarking on her psychology studies in 2014, Nele spent a few months in Bali where she was introduced to Ashtanga yoga by Damien de Bastier and Andrea Drottholm. Ever since, the Mysore practice has been Nele’s anchor and mirror wherever life took her. Currently, she is working on her PhD in public health. For the past years Nele has been practicing at The Breathing Space with Lana and Mercedes and in 2020 she joined their teacher training. Over the years, yoga has had many different meanings to Nele and she enjoys exploring the many faces of this practice; on and off the mat.
