True yoga is more than physical—it’s a journey inward. Raised in the wisdom of Bhakti Yoga, I share an authentic practice that reconnects body, mind and soul.
My Journey
Early Life in Bhakti Yoga
I was born into Krishna consciousness, on the path of Bhakti Yoga, and from my mother's womb, I have been listening to mantras. I strictly follow vegetarianism, not consuming meat or eggs, and now I am vegan. I have always lived within temples, surrounded by incense and preparing offerings for the deities, decorating the altars with garlands, flowers, and all possible adornments. The chanting of the Japa Mala, 108 repetitions of the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra, was always encouraged, and I have practiced it since I was young.
Initiation and Spiritual Mentorship
At the age of 15, I received initiation and the blessings of my spiritual master at the time, Gurudeva Paramdvait, a German-born master who lives in Vrindavana, India, dedicating his life to helping thousands through Krishna consciousness. He is a significant activist for Mother Nature, protecting the sacred waters of the Yamuna River. Disciple of Maharani Taravali, ambassador of universal love.
Lifestyle and Principles
My principles of life, strengthening my spiritual life, include vegetarianism, abstaining from alcohol or illegal drugs, coffee, and other stimulants that alter my consciousness level. Practicing Ahimsa, non-violence, towards myself and others, as well as animals, among other principles.
Discovering Iyengar Yoga
Years on this spiritual path led me to a strong commitment to regular Yoga practice at 21, particularly with the Iyengar Yoga method. What I experienced was divine; I could not wait for the next day to practice yoga. This sparked my interest in deepening my knowledge of yoga, studying its philosophy, and improving my personal practice (sadhana). Thus began my journey of training, starting with the Iyengar method, doing an intensive course with my Yoga masters, Pedro and Camila in Florianópolis. This was concurrent with the university course I was taking at the time, Physical Education.
Academic Integration: Body and Soul
Everything made sense, studying the body and its various possibilities of movement, as well as well-being and the connection of body and soul (atma). During the Physical Education course, I used Yoga as a tool for body liberation, preparation for many sports, and to encourage classmates to control their breathing and senses. I was often invited to lead Yoga practices.
Yoga for Health and Community
Then came my most beautiful moment with Yoga, having the opportunity to share the blessing that is Yoga as a means of Health Promotion. During two years of postgraduate studies in Family Health, I worked in the public health system (SUS) in health centers, particularly with the community of Rio Vermelho, where I lived for 15 years of my life.
In the SUS, I realized that Yoga is my path to fulfillment as a human being, using this powerful tool, the Yoga for All project, to alleviate people's suffering and raise individual and collective consciousness. Studying and experiencing the positive changes as health gains, positive thoughts about life, reduction in medication use, and increased general well-being. Feeling of communion with the community and with the whole.
The Pandemic Shift
Pandemic, the most intense moment experienced by me as a collective consciousness, where global fear was instilled, and the invitation to stop was made. It was during this pandemic that I could develop my Online Yoga project, Yoga with Ruki, leading daily Hatha Yoga practices, helping mental sanity in challenging times.
Answering India’s Call
Post-pandemic, I return to live in Portugal, and more than ever, India calls me. Many years had passed since I had planned to backpack and train in India where my biggest adventure started…
My Indian Journey
Leaving Madrid to India, I began my spiritual journey at the age of 30, wholeheartedly.
Arrival in India
India. I arrive in New Delhi in early November 2023. It's very hot and humid. Sweating, I take a taxi to the Yoga school, Patanjali Yoga Foundation, which I consider one of the best and most traditional Yoga centers in India and the world.
During the car ride, between dozing off and blinking due to extreme fatigue, I was dazzled by the chaos of India—thousands of people, colors, all kinds of noise, cars, buses, motorcycles, carts, horses, cows, animals in the streets, heaps of dung, everything you can imagine.
Meeting the Master
Welcome to the Yoga school, I meet with the master of the School, Dr. Jitendra, with his long hair and a demeanour of much light, peace, and love. It was love at first sight, and I immediately connected with the space and the energy of the school and the master.
Thus begins my 23-day intensive journey of training, from Monday to Saturday, with only one rest day per week.
Purification Begins
Intense schedule from Monday to Friday, 7am to 9pm.
The first days of the course were quite challenging, which I call the Days of Purification, detaching from the past, bringing my thoughts, my senses to the single time of NOW.
Ayurvedic food, harmonic, spicy, hot, and delicious. I begin to lose weight due to fasting every day until 10:30 AM and restricting to only 2 meals daily.
The Yogic Diet – Food as Energy
Every day after finishing the yoga practice, I really felt prepared to receive the nutrition that was to come, rich in the energy of GOODNESS, a Yogic diet, with the characteristic of SATTVA, foods that grow from the earth like seeds, beans, grains, fruits, and vegetables.
The Five Vital Energies – Pancha Prana
Udana – Throat energy. Eat foods growing on trees and bushes.
Prana – Heart energy. Favor sprouts and green leaves.
Samana – Solar plexus energy. Grains, cereals, beans, corn, dairy.
Vyana – Aura energy. Watermelon, cucumber, tomatoes.
Apana – Lower region energy. Potatoes, tubers, root crops.
Include all five in a single meal to nourish your energetic field. Prefer cooked or sprouted, not raw foods.
Morning Practice – Pranayama & Kriyas
Our daily morning routine was always from 7am to 8am, practicing PRANAYAMAS and KRIYAS – awakening, cleansing, and enlightening.
8 Pranayama Techniques
Anuloma Viloma – Alternate nostril breathing
Nadishodhan – Purifies psychic network
Ujjayi – Oceanic breath, balances thyroid
Bhramari – Bee breath, deep relaxation
Sitkari – Hissing breath, cools mind and body
Seetali – Tongue-rolled breath, reduces pressure
Bhastika – Bellows breath, awakens inner fire
6 Satkriyas – Yogic Cleansing
Dhauti – Digestive fire activation
Basti – Pelvic cleansing
Neti – Nasal cleanse (as needed)
Nauli – Abdominal massage
Trataka – Candle flame gaze for concentration
Kapalabhati – Brain brightener, energizing breath
Transformation Through Practice
At the end of the practice, I felt full of energy, clean and open mind, blood drained inside me, new, lucid, confident, intelligent, creative. Day by day, the process became smoother, yet always challenging. The mind often plays tricks that can hinder healing.
My body changed rapidly—more strength, lightness, harmony. I felt my essence: a healthy, vibrant body. As Patanjali describes, success in Hatha Yoga brings leanness, glow, clear voice, bright eyes, healthy organs, and pure Nadis.
Liberating the Mind – Yoga Philosophy
The philosophical studies expanded my consciousness—taming mind and senses through Dhairyam and Pratyahara.
The Senses and the Mind
According to Gyanendriya, we have 5 sensory organs and the mind (the sixth sense).
5 Organs of Action (Karmendriya):
Vak (speech)
Pani (hands)
Pada (feet)
Upashtam (genitals)
Payu (anus)
5 Organs of Knowledge (Gyandriya):
Tvak (touch)
Jivha (taste)
Grahna (smell)
Shotra (hearing)
Chakshu (sight)
The mind controls the senses, not the other way around.
The goal of Yoga is to unify the Ātma (soul) with the Superatma (Supersoul) through harmony of body, mind, and energy—treating the body as a powerful vehicle, the mind as the driver, and energy as the fuel.
Experiencing Meditation
I explored the 5 types of meditation as proposed by Patanjali. Beyond focus (dharana), I felt soul elevation, lightness, and a high vibrational state. Energy surged through my crown chakra—Sahasrara.
Chanting mantras like Om and Om Namah Shivaya, I felt the universe vibrating within me. A dialogue between me and existence itself.
We also chanted the Bhojan Prak Mantra before meals, purifying the food and honouring the moment. Meals became sacred, the flavours ecstatic.
Every home is a temple. Every act is a prayer. Every greeting, a soul-to-soul offering.
Preparing for the Journey Ahead
The training was magical and prepared me for my backpacking journey through India, from north to south.
What India Taught Me
Acceptance of Uncertainty – In India’s paradoxes, I found freedom in not knowing, and beauty in imperfection.
Detachment – Simplicity and wisdom helped me let go of expectations and desires.
Compassion – In the generosity of people, I learned to act with greater kindness.
Humility – I saw my smallness and opened to learning from every moment.
A Path to Your Best Self
Ultimately, my journey to India was one of transformation and awakening—a doorway to a new way of seeing, being, and becoming.
Chukriá. Dhanyvad.
Gratitude, India.
Train Yoga in India
Patanjali International Yoga Foundation
Rishikesh, India
200h and 300h
Live a transformative experience in the world capital of Yoga, at the foot of the Himalayas and the Ganges River. I recommend and connect you with the traditional school where I received my training — a serious, profound place with incredible teachers. Courses open at the beginning of each month. You choose when you want to go and I will help connect you with the school and masters directly. A unique opportunity to learn Yoga in its essence, straight from the source. Call me to find out more!
