Samara Zelniker – Transformational Yoga and Mindfulness Teacher
Tell us a bit about yourself and how you became a yoga and mindfulness teacher.
After several years in the corporate workplace, I often came home feeling depleted, unfulfilled and with limited time and energy to focus on extracurricular activities. I thought that if I was feeling this way, others probably were too. I knew that a shift in focus from stress and sluggishness to health and action was a must for me. I began to strengthen my connection to mind, body and soul through yoga and mindfulness meditation. This caused a massive shift in my life and helped me become a much happier, more fulfilled person. I knew that I needed to share this amazing experience with other people.
Not long after, I took a life-changing trip to Nairobi, Kenya, where I helped train 150 people from all over Africa to become yoga teachers. I felt called to volunteer and fundraise for this trip after hearing about the amazing and significant changes yoga was making in these people’s lives, people who I perceived as having much less than I did. What I found was that although they did not have many material possessions, they were rich in love, self-worth and community, qualities prompted by their daily yoga practice. Deeply touched by the people that I met and their quality of life, I became committed to spread this knowledge within my community.
Returning home I founded Mindfulness Matters, my company that uses yoga and mindfulness practices to help people become the best versions of themselves.
Where can patients of FirstMed experience a class with you?
I teach yoga in both group and private settings, in schools, pre- and post-natal yoga, and conduct speeches, workshops and international retreats. I currently maintain the Mindfulness Matters Yoga Studio in the heart of downtown Pest on Paulay Ede utca. I also offer ‘Power Yoga’ classes at the Pilates Factory on Virányos út in the 12th district a couple of times a week.
What can they expect from a class with you and who are the classes suitable for?
People can expect to have fun, work hard and be pushed slightly out of their comfort zone. Often when we try something new and commit to it, this is when life-changing transformation occurs. If working together privately, we will cultivate a plan and work together on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to reach desired outcomes. My classes are a workout for your body and mind to ensure strengthening all areas of your life.
Classes are an hour long, working on a host of different yoga poses that strengthen and tone your body. Each pose and transition taught is also linked to the breath. Breath is an important aspect of my teaching and that’s where the mindfulness component ties in. When we connect our mind with our breath, we quiet our mind and this allows us to become more present, which helps our bodies relax.
Mindfulness comes in many forms, and you will learn tools that will help you reduce stress in all areas of your life. Classes are suitable for men and women of all ages. All yoga poses have varying levels of difficulty and there are variations and modifications for each pose, so all levels will have the opportunity to challenge themselves safely, including those with injuries.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us about yoga and mindfulness?
I am constantly experiencing firsthand the benefits that come from doing yoga, both mentally and physically, and it is my mission to spread these benefits to others. I am excited to share these principles with FirstMed’s patients and guide them to realize their full potential.
My class timetable is available on my website www.mindfulnessmatters.ca.
Also, if someone would like to set up a private class you can contact me at: samara@mindfulnessmatters.ca.
Samara Zelniker 300 RYT (yoga teacher designation)
