How Somatic Awareness Can Alter Your Approach to Ashtanga Yoga

What does it take to hold space for both structure and sensitivity in modern yoga practice? In this warm and wide-ranging episode, Harmony and Russell talk with Leo Castro and Samira Eidi, co-founders of Coletivo Mysore, a thriving Ashtanga yoga community in downtown São Paulo, Brazil. Together, they explore how somatic intelligence and bioenergetic therapy can be integrated with traditional yoga practice to create more inclusive, emotionally aware spaces.

Sami and Leo share their personal stories—how Leo transitioned from a life in aviation to becoming an Ashtanga teacher, and how Sami’s deep dive into bioenergetics has transformed her understanding of embodiment and healing. This episode is a thoughtful examination of tradition, adaptation, and the courage it takes to meet people where they are — whether they’re seeking strength, softness, or something in between.

Harmony also shares exciting news: she’ll be teaching a Mysore intensive at Coletivo Mysore this October! Details below.

🧭 Episode Themes

• Founding a yoga community in the historical center of São Paulo

• Why yoga spaces need to embrace emotional sensitivity

• How Leo balanced life as an airline pilot with a dedicated practice

• The intersection of bioenergetics, trauma, and traditional yoga

• Making adjustments more ethical, intuitive, and embodied

• Emotional energy as a teacher: learning to hold space without control

• Moving from orthodoxy toward curiosity and community

• Co-teaching, disagreement, and the “third space” between teacher and student

• The power of subtle adjustments and energetic presence

• Remembering who we are through the body

🌍 Guest Bio: Samira Eidi & Leo Castro

Samira and Leo are longtime practitioners and teachers of Ashtanga Yoga, and the co-founders of Coletivo Mysore, a community-driven yoga shala located in the historical center of São Paulo, Brazil. With backgrounds that include aviation, bioenergetics, and years of spiritual discipline, their work blends structured practice with somatic intelligence and emotional awareness. They are committed to creating inclusive, non-hierarchical yoga spaces that prioritize embodied transformation over rigid dogma.

Website: https://www.coletivomysore.com

Follow them on Instagram: @coletivo.mysore

🌟 Call to Action

If you’re in South America—or looking for an excuse to visit—Harmony will be teaching a Mysore intensive + weekend workshop at Coletivo Mysore from October 8–12. Come practice in São Paulo and connect with this vibrant, evolving community.

For details and registration, visit: coletivomysore.com

Follow Harmony: @harmonyslaterofficial

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