Sophie Malahieude

What inspired you to teach yoga? What is your WHY?

25 years ago, what initially piqued my interest in yoga was my curiosity about the mind. I was searching for a way to connect with my inner self, and I hadn't found it through other avenues yet. Even though I was happy in my life, I had the feeling that something was missing. When I joined a yoga class, I was fortunate to meet a teacher who loved ancient Vedic philosophical texts. This initial introduction set me on the path, guiding me toward a journey of contentment and purpose. He also taught me the first step of self-care: quiet the mind. At that time, I was also introduced to Ayurveda. It taught me how to preserve my health and tune with nature. Both of these knowledge systems support the concepts of Dharma and Karma. In my view, yoga is the path to developing our consciousness, while Ayurveda allows us to understand our connection with nature.

What are you certifications?

200 hours Yoga Teacher by the Asheville Yoga Center, Asheville - 2007. 500 hours Yoga Teacher by the Yoga and Meditation Center, San Diego - 2010. Laughter Yoga leader by Dr. Kataria's School of Laughter Yoga, San Diego - 2010. Yoga therapy and Ayurveda consultant by the Deep Yoga School, San Diego - 2011. Hormone Yoga Therapy Level 1 teacher by Susanne Knuttila, San Diego - 2013. Yoga and Ayurveda Wellness consultant by the American Institute of Vedic Studies - 2014. Ayurvedic Culinary and Nutrition For Optimal Health Consultant by Nahid Ameen - 2017. FeetUp® Trainer Teacher by Daniel Scott - 2019. Grief Yoga® Teacher by Paul Denniston at Kripalu Center - 2019. Ayurveda lifestyle consultant by the American Institute of Vedic Studies - 2021. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction 5-day Silent Retreat by Mindful Leader- 2021. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction 8 weeks program by Mindful Leader - 2021. Reiki Usui Holy Fire III level 1 and 2 by Stephanie Munoz - 2023. Yin Yoga by Posey Kettler Daves - 2024

What do you teach?

I teach Classic Hatha Yoga, inspired by Swami Shivananda, Iyengar, and Shashi Potthatil. In addition, I incorporate principles from Ayurveda. For me, while Yoga encourages personal growth, Ayurveda develops self-awareness. My classes prioritize the connection between body, mind, and consciousness, incorporating philosophical insights and principles into each class. By releasing bodily discomfort, we remove mental stress and allow Prana to guide us toward our authentic selves.

Complete the sentence! “Yoga is…”

Yoga is...a lifestyle. We receive knowledge on the mat, implement its principles beyond the mat, and attain wisdom.