Having personally enjoyed the wide ranging benefits of yoga practise he has always believed there was a need to provide 'western-friendly' yoga to others. He believes that yoga practise is an important complement to traditional western style practise's which generally seem to 'punish' the body. An awareness of the physical body and the energy body in the management of stress and health are important to him. This establishes a high degree of personal balance. This philosophy underpins his teaching style.

CARLEY

Carley has always been interested in the inter-connection of the body and mind - accordingly yoga was a natural home for her. With a background in the dramatic arts and a deep interest in the spiritual nature of man, she has been influenced by various influential thinkers and gurus of various disciplines. eg: Mirabai, Lionel Berman, Barbara Brennan, Ingrid Kohler, Swami Krishna Chandra, Gangaji, Elizabeth Kruger (Master EK), Terry Winchester (Mind Frame Technique) and Keith MacFarlane (RHASA) etc. Carley is also a dedicated student of A course in miracles

Her foundation in formal training practise being with the Bihar System of Swami Satyananda. She then furthered her training under Durgana who is the president of the Yoga Teachers Fellowship in South Africa. Carley has also had training in the fields of Reiki, Thai Massage and Cranio Sacral balancing, Barbara Brennan school of healing - all of which have enhanced her practical application of yoga asana.

She has had the privilege of visiting and practising yoga and similar modalities under a variety of instructors and teachers in New York, Thailand and India. Carley believes in all learning leading into one great truth. This principle has been developed into a unique system of integrating yoga and reiki so that yoga can be practised more effectively as a healing modality. She believes that the asana combined with the pranayama can balance the body and mind and restore personal equilibrium. Working with the awareness of prana - vital healing energy.

She enjoys teaching beginners and working with the energetic systems of the body.

Caroline Stiebler

Caroline attributes her interest in yoga to years of her childhood spent in New Delhi, India.

She started practising yoga during her university days in Cologne, Germany, and soon realized that combining yoga essentials- such as breathing techniques, postures, meditation, relaxation, and yogic knowledge help to sharpen sensitivity and awareness of the subtler facets of what is going on in the world around us.  She was able to put this into good use in her professional career as journalist in international broadcasting for the Horn of Africa region, and, later, in humanitarian coordination for the United Nations in the Great Lakes Region.

After moving to South Africa, she trained and qualified as a Satyananda Yoga Instructor at Yoga Connection in 2008 and joined the Yoga Teachers Fellowship of Southern Africa in 2010.  Later, she also qualified as Sri Sri Yoga instructor with the Art of Living Foundation.

Caroline believes that through the discipline of Yoga we become more aware of ourselves just by doing simple postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and relaxation to rejuvenate the body and quieten the mind.
It is in this gentle and careful manner that we cultivate a healthy, happy lifestyle and harmony in ourselves. Sharing this is what her yoga classes are all about.

Shahnaz

Shahnaz has been practising yoga postures since 1996 when she was taught to use them as part of the warm up for Tai Chi practice. In 1999 she practised yoga with Rita and Tricia in Kampala, Uganda before joining the Yoga Connection in 2001 upon her return to South Africa. 

When her husband was sent to Kinshasa (DRC) in 2004, she realised that there was a great need for yoga classes there. After intensive study in books and on the internet she was asked to start simple classes with a friend. Later she began to give formal classes at a gym, three times a week. Soon after, the UN also asked for classes and she gave 2 evening classes on their premises. People working for the various NGO's who did not have access to UN premises, asked for classes which were held at someone's apartment on the sixth floor of an apartment building in Kinshasa – interesting times!

Soon after they moved to Brazzaville (RoC) in 2005 where she found a job with the UNDP and decided not to teach yoga there as there were no appropriate venues. However, a few months later, friends who had heard of my classes in Kinshasa, found a venue, put together a group and asked me to give a once a week session until they returned to South Africa in 2008.  

Back in South Africa Shahnaz formalized her teaching skills at Yoga Connection and now continues giving instruction at Yoga Connection.

Lelanie

Lelanie has only practiced yoga from 2008 but has become completely immersed in everything thing involving yoga. Coming from a very scientific background, her insatiable need for knowledge of the Self guided her to discover amongst other things, yoga. Having always had a keen sense of interest in the fields of energy healing, psychology and general health through alternative methods, the transition to yoga was a very natural one.

On her quest to practically apply spiritual principles and life truths, she found herself completely at home at Yoga Connection. Discovering not only the amazing emotional, mental and physical benefits but also a safe place to grow and experience more of her-Self J. Completely taken with the meditative style of teaching, combining physical exercises and breathing!

Having trained with Carley, she now practices Bihar Style yoga, especially enjoying teaching beginners classes. Focussing on awareness of the experience while, gently guiding the students in and out of various practices.

Helen

Having been on the Path of yoga from an early age its always been a part of my life. Having practiced as a qualified Beauty Therapist for many years and also trained in fitness and nutrition I had the desire to instruct Yoga for a very long time.

Yoga had a powerful part to play in being part of my recovery after a serious illness and I realized the how I would like to play a part in helping others to heal through the magic of Yoga.

The unity of Breath, Asana and Awareness has a profound affect on the body and mind. This is when healing starts and changes start to happen within the body, the self and around..more in harmony,at peace,centered,balanced and healthy, inner and outer strength in the physical body. Combining postures with Breath and Awareness the magic of Yoga takes over.

Carley and Yoga Connection have given me a wonderful opportunity to train under their guidance in the authentic Hatha tradition following the teachings of the Bihar school of Yoga

Natasha

Qualified holistic therapist and Reflexologist specializing in meridian therapies. I have always been interested in alternative\holistic ways, since practicing yoga for the last 3 years, developing my teaching skills at Yoga Connection and making yoga part of my daily life it really has opened so many doors, bringing you in tune and harmony with one’s body, mind and emotions, discovering your true self and true desires and zest for life. No words can describe the incredible benefits you receive from yoga. I prefer instructing the more ‘general’ to ‘advanced’ classes but combining all practice with ‘basic’ yoga is essential in bringing your body into a balanced state of normalization of function.