Meet Laura

Hi! I’m so happy you’re here on my website. Let me take a moment to introduce myself.

My yoga journey began in 2008 while I was modeling in Cape Town. At the time, I was searching for something that would help me tone my body and find more balance in my mind. My job was fast-paced, intense, and demanding, with frequent travel and high expectations. Yoga was my answer.

As I began practicing regularly, I quickly noticed physical changes - my body became leaner - but more surprising was the sense of calm and clarity that followed. I was hooked. Yoga didn’t just strengthen my body, it quieted my mind. This new experience was transformative.

In 2012, I traveled to Samahita in Thailand for a month-long study with Paul Dallaghan, where I completed my first 200-hour certification as an Ashtanga yoga teacher. From that moment, my journey deepened. I trained with several internationally renowned teachers, including Shiva Rea, Simon Park, and Sri Sudhir Tiwari. Each teacher added new layers of understanding and practice to my path.

Yoga: More Than Just Asana
Over the years, I have come to realize that yoga is not just about the physical postures (asana). While asana and pranayama (breath control) are important tools, they are only the preparation. The true essence of yoga is about preparing the body and mind to sit in meditation for long periods of time, allowing us to tap into deeper states of awareness. It’s about cultivating stillness and presence, not just flexibility or strength.

Yoga is, at its core, a path toward inner peace and self-realization. The physical postures and yogic breathing help us to create the conditions - both in the body and the mind - that allow us to meditate with greater ease and depth.

A Holistic Approach to Healing and Well-being
In addition to group classes, I also offer private yoga sessions with a special focus on yogic therapy. These one-on-one sessions are tailored to meet your specific needs, whether you are dealing with physical tension, stress, trauma or emotional imbalances. Yogic therapy combines postures, breathing techniques and mindfulness to support your overall well-being and help you heal on all levels.

Trauma-Sensitive Yoga and Social Projects
In 2018, I specialized in Trauma-Sensitive Yoga and began working on a project at De Regenbooggroep, where I led free weekly classes for people from diverse backgrounds. For almost two years, I had the privilege of teaching a group of remarkable individuals who came together to practice yoga, connect with one another and find healing through movement and breathing.

After relocating to Haarlem, I continued this work with women at a 'Blijf van mijn lijf huis' (shelter for women fleeing domestic violence), as well as children and adolescents (ages 4–18) in GGD residences, where I taught trauma-sensitive practices. I also taught yoga in various high schools in Haarlem and Amsterdam, helping young people cope with stress and develop emotional resilience.

Pranayama and Yogic Breathing
In August 2022, I completed Year 1 in Pranayama within the Kaivalyadama lineage, one of the oldest and most respected yoga research institutes in the world (www.kdham.com). This study has deepened my understanding of how yogic breathing can profoundly impact the body and mind. I have completed Year 2 in early 2024, and recently in februari 2025 I completed the 3 years study. Upon completion, I am certified to teach and pass on this knowledge to new teachers and I'm happy to share that I am 1 out of 25 people worldwide who have this accreditation.

Would You Like to Join Me on the Journey?
If you're interested in learning more about my projects, private sessions, group classes, or corporate yoga, feel free to send me an email. I'd love to connect with you and take you along on this beautiful journey of yoga and pranayama.

Warm regards,

Laura Bliek