Vessy Zlatareva

Birthplace? Bulgaria.  The date I moved to Sydney was February, 2022.

What’s your signature dish? Thai Green Curry.

Tea or Coffee? For the past 15 years Jasmine Green Tea has been my number 1.

Favourite café?  Currently having fun finding my favourite café. So many lovely places in Freshie and Manly.

Cat or Dog? Cat (preferably super lazy and fluffy).

Star Sign? Gemini.

What quote do you live by? When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change – Dr. Wayne Dyer 

What Yoga style do you practice? Hatha, Gentle Flow, Yin, and Bikram Yoga.

How did you start yoga? My yoga journey began when I was a child with my father
teaching me at home.

Can you sum up what Yoga gives to you in a few words? Yoga gives me tools for living well, with integrity and fun.

When and where did you do your first Teacher Training? In London, 2012.

Favourite pose? Vriksasana or Tree Pose.

Least favourite pose? Salabhasana or Locust Pose.

If you could study with any teacher, who would it be and why? I would study with Buddha because I subscribe to his principles: “Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books.  Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, if something agrees with your reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.”
― Buddha Siddhartha

Best in-class blooper? None stands out in my memory. I have many moments in class that make me smile and each is very different.

Lululemon or Dharmabums? Neither.

Where would be your ultimate Yoga retreat destination? Having just moved to Australia, I have yet to visit Bali and would love to attend a retreat there or in Thailand!

What do you love most about your job? I love being able to give from the heart and share the wisdom of the yoga practice. Being of service is what makes this job special. I love seeing the transformation on people’s faces at the end of each class.

What have you given up to teach yoga? I have given up nothing and gained everything.

What have you gained by teaching yoga? I have gained self fulfilment and I have met wonderful people and teachers. I have gained a deeper understanding of my heart and the
power of love.

What did you learn during lockdowns? The lockdowns have reinforced what the yoga practice has taught me. Take each moment as it comes, be flexible in both mind and body.  The present moment is the only one we have.  Love wholeheartedly. Be grateful and find joy in the little things.

 If you could talk to your pre-yoga self, what would you tell her? Be Patient and Trust in the divine order of things.

What hobbies/activities do you have outside yoga? I love reading, cooking, and enjoy running barefoot on the beach.

How long have you taught at Qi? Just over 4 months.

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