
I opened my “Dream Drawer” and found some things, some objects—useful objects, but still just things. Then I looked closer and saw this opportunity, and I felt as if I were walking on clouds. My thoughts became clearer (though a few doubts lingered in the background, I chose not to dwell on them). I held on to the feeling of excitement, and here I am: plane ticket purchased, school and accommodation booked, and my electronic visa received just before Christmas. The direction is set. Namasté, Agnese 🙏🏻
Today I Begin: A Journey Toward My Evolution
January 30, 2025, marks the beginning of a journey I wish to share with all of you—my students, clients, and anyone interested in my work. Even while the Stay Shiatsu studio will remain closed for 32 days, this blog will help us stay connected. I’m departing for Rishikesh, India, to attend a 300-hour advanced yoga teacher training, focusing on Embodied and Hatha Yoga. This is a gift I’m giving myself, a special way to celebrate my 57th birthday on February 2, the day my training officially begins.
A Birthday Gift
As a child, I dreamed of becoming a classical ballet dancer. I had a natural flexibility that made me feel at ease in movement. My parents would say I often imitated Carla Fracci, whom I watched on TV. However, life led me in a different direction. At age ten, I had to wear a back brace day and night for two years to treat scoliosis. It was a literal cage of iron that restricted my movements and, as I grew older, left me feeling rigid both physically and mentally.
Only as an adult, starting in 2003, did I begin to regain the flexibility I had lost through the practice of yoga and shiatsu. These two disciplines taught me how to re-educate my body and posture.
Over the past three years, thanks to the teachings of Master Federico Blardone, I have been rediscovering a flexibility I thought was long lost. At the same time, I am no longer interested in achieving a specific goal.
I first met Federico through the practice of Ashtanga, and later he invited me to his classes, which he called Hatha Yoga Flow. Transitioning from the rigidity and inflexibility of Ashtanga to the Flow was a revelation for my body—I felt possibilities.
The practice of Embodied Yoga, which for me blends the deep sensory awareness of shiatsu with an exploration of space and movement, has opened new pathways for personal and professional growth. The practice is sustainable for my body and over time.
Why Embodied Yoga?
Embodied Yoga is not just a physical practice. It’s not about achieving a perfect asana but about exploring the space we occupy—exactly as we are, in the present moment. The yoga philosophy, which integrates mind, body, and spirit, aligns perfectly with my holistic approach to life and work. It shares many similarities with shiatsu, where touch and listening serve as tools for deep connection with the body.
The Yoga Sadhana School of Guruji Parveen Nair
I first met Sri Guruji Parveen Nair in Italy during two workshops organized by Federico. The experience of practicing under his guidance was a confirmation of the practice I had started with Federcio and a discovery for all the senses, a continuous revelation for body, mind and spirit.
"... Acharya Shri Parveen Nair is a movement artist, educator and a uniquely inspiring teacher of yoga and non-dual philoposhy, he is best known for his ability to help students and teachers embody an authentic and spiritual practice of Yoga, assisting those who come to him to find their own narrative in exploring their body-mind centering practices." (Source: Yoga Sadhana Guru)
During this course, I’ll deepen my knowledge not only of physical practices but also of Vedic philosophy, pranayama (breathing techniques), anatomy, meditation, and mantra chanting.
Core Study Areas for 300 hour Advanced yoga teacher training Rishikesh
Critical thinking and facilitation skills
Pranayama, mantra & meditation
Functional anatomy, Physiology and kinesiology
Introduction to Embodied movements,Hatha & Vinyasa Styles
The art of sequencing strategies
Creative and innovative teaching methodology
Classroom management skills
Alignments and adjustments
Functional use of Yoga props (such as yoga chair and wall ropes)
Understanding of women’s practice during the month of menstruation
Practicum : practice teaching and sharing feedbacks
Yoga philosophy and ethics
Asana line drawings and teaching principles
Leadership, Communication & group dynamics
My Journey: A Lifelong Learning Path
Since 2003, my life has been a continuous journey of learning. I became a certified Shiatsu practitioner in 2009 and a 200-hour Ashtanga Yoga teacher in 2020 after graduating from the Abhinam Yoga School in India. Inspired by figures like Carla Fracci, who remained a student of dance even as the world’s leading ballerina, I believe that staying open to learning is the key to embracing life fully.

What to Expect During My Journey
On February 1, I’ll participate in the school’s opening ceremony, and the following day, the intense and transformative program begins. Through this blog (digital connection permitting), I plan to share my experiences, the lessons learned, and the progress I make in my practice. This will be a way to bring you along on this exploration of an ancient and profound discipline.
A Message for You
Thank you for your patience and support while the Stay Shiatsu studio remains closed. You can schedule your next appointment directly from this website using this link.
This journey is not just an opportunity to grow as a teacher but also a chance to bring back new knowledge and inspiration to enrich our future sessions together.
Stay connected through the blog—I look forward to sharing the fruits of this extraordinary experience upon my return!
With gratitude and inspiration,
Agnese
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