New Moves and New Mindsets in Kuala Lumpur - December 2023/January 2024

My trip to Kuala Lumpur, just before New Year’s Eve, turned out to be one of the most inspiring and perspective-shifting experiences I’ve had. I returned to teach at Isabella’s studio — actually, two studios now — and I must say, it’s one of my favorite places to teach. Isabella has built an incredible yoga community in KL: the classes are packed, the students are curious, eager to learn, and always open to grow. I was teaching two classes a day and also had the chance to guide three intermediate classes, which was a real highlight. Watching practitioners challenge themselves and evolve is something I truly love.

To celebrate the New Year, Isabella and her friends took me on a little trip to a UNESCO heritage city (don’t ask me to recall the name — my memory packed light), and we welcomed the new year among open-air markets, local food, and vibrant street vibes. Back in KL, I stayed for 10 days, soaking in the city and the studio energy. I even met up with my colleague Ewelina, who happened to be in town on a business trip — we grabbed a coffee and caught up, which felt like a little slice of home.

But this visit wasn’t just about yoga. It ended up being a bit of a turning point for me. For the first time, I tried a group tennis session — and loved it. Then I did my first Reformer Pilates class — wow. The way it tunes you into your body, so precisely and intentionally, really impressed me. And then came boxing. I joined a class at Tribe Studio, and honestly, it was electric. The energy, the sweat, the power — I was hooked.

That’s when it hit me: life is more than just Bikram Yoga. Until then, I had been all in — teaching, practicing, breathing Bikram. But Kuala Lumpur opened my eyes to the joy of trying new things, moving in different ways, meeting new people through different communities. It was like a mental door opened and the fresh air rushed in. So I made a little promise to myself: this year, I’m saying yes to more. More new experiences, more movement, more connection.

Kuala Lumpur wasn’t just another stop on my yoga journey — it was a spark.