Ramonet’s (Ram) Story
I was first introduced to yoga in 2006, practising Kundalini Yoga from the Bhajan tradition. In 2008, I moved to Tasmania, it was here I was introduced to Satyananda Yoga.
Looking to develop my yoga practice further and expand my knowledge of different yoga traditions, in 2012 I headed to India. During the six months I was there, I travelled throughout the country deepening my yoga practice visiting different ashrams and schools of yoga. I completed a 250hr yoga teacher training in Hatha Vinyasa with Atmayaan Yoga Academy, Mysore Ashram, India.
Here I learnt with masters across different schools of yoga including Ashtanga Vinyasa, Satyananda and Sivananda Yoga. This gave me a foundation to instruct different styles of asana classes, combining with other important aspects of yoga, such as pranayama, Yoga Nidra, and basic meditation.
Continuous development
Continuing my studies further, in 2014 I began the highly respected two-year (1600hr) Diploma of Satyananda Yoga in Australasia. During this period, I was living in Cambodia balancing my time between my studies, instructing Hatha yoga at Otres Beach and working with NGO’s building sustainable buildings for the local community.
In 2017, I returned to India, to begin the three year Kriya Yoga Course at the Bihar School of Yoga. Here I was initiated into Kriya yoga by Swami Niranjananda Saraswati. It is a very strict and serious sadhana ( spiritual practice) that required me to return to Bihar each year to receive further instructions for the year ahead.
My teaching influences
My style of teaching draws on my foundations in yoga physiology, psychology and philosophy. It allows me to share an authentic yoga experience. It’s important to provide students with a balanced class of asana, pranayama and relaxation and/or meditation. And to create space for students to fully experience and go deep into their practice.
Since 2012 it has been my focus to develop a solid meditation practice. I participate regularly in silent meditation courses and retreats including Buddhist Vipassana meditation and Yoga Tantric meditation.
Every year I also spend time at the Bihar School of Yoga in India to study further and to immerse myself in traditional ashram life. It’s through continuous study and experience, that I am able to increase my knowledge, and bring my experience into my teaching.
For more than 20 years I worked as a professional cook. But being on this yogic journey, I have awakened a passion for Vegetarian and Vegan cuisine. I’ve switched from working in traditional commercial kitchens to yoga centres, ashrams and catering for workshops and retreats.
And it’s through Yoga that I discovered Ayurveda, the sister science of yoga. I love learning how, through these ancient philosophies we can bring harmony to body and mind by adapting our diet and lifestyle.
Sustainable living
Throughout all these years, side by side with my yoga journey, I have lived in sustainable communities around the world. Here I have experienced alternative ways of living and learning about permaculture, which is a totally integrated design system that is modelled on nature.
Permaculture opens the door to one of my passions, which is sustainable building. I have studied and specialise in building Earthships. These are sustainable buildings designed for people to live off the grid. They are built using natural and recycling materials, natural sources like the sun and rain water, and incorporating natural ventilation system and food production.
I believe that permaculture and yoga are the same, a way of living in balance and harmony within our Self and Pachamama (mother nature).