ABOUT ME

Introduction

Irena Bartolec is an authorized KPJAYI Yoga Teacher, currently living in Costa Rica. She holds and organizes annual Retreats, Workshops, and Teacher Trainings internationally in Bali, Europe, Costa Rica, and beyond.

Teaching and Management Experience

Irena has 20 years of extensive Teaching and Management experience in the fields of Yoga, Health, Wellness, and Mindfulness. She is the Creator and Director at Ashtanga Yoga Mama, established in 2014.

Yoga and Meditation Studies

Irena has studied Yoga and Meditation extensively with Sri. K. Patthabi Jois, Sharat R. Jois, Rolf Naujokat, Richard Freeman, Lino Miele, Nancy Gilgoff, Eddie Stern, Dr. Jayashree, and Prof. Narasimhan, Sharon Salzberg, Bodhi College. Their great wealth of knowledge, generosity, and tutelage have formed the pillars for Irena’s own yogic teaching style, and accompanying philosophies.

Authorization and Traditional Lineage

In 2014, Irena received her Authorization to teach Ashtanga Yoga from The KPJAYI Institute in Mysore, India. She spent many years in Mysore, returning annually, establishing a deep relationship with the Ashtanga practice and the traditional lineage at the time.

Global Search for Knowledge

Irena Bartolec had the rare opportunity to study Yoga and Mindfulness beside a carefully curated group of noted and revered spiritual Teachers and Masters. Her search for knowledge has taken her all over the world, from India to the USA, Europe to Asia, Central America to Hawaii. She remains committed to spending time with teachers whom she admires, and they dutifully inspire her teaching path.

Academic Background

Irena Bartolec received her Master of Science in Kinesiology Degree from the University of Zagreb, Croatia in 2004, where she graduated with a Master’s Degree in Physiology. Her final thesis was titled “The Influence of Yoga on the Cardiovascular and Respiratory System.”

Continued Education

Irena continued her education in various Yoga schools such as The Yoga Workshop in Colorado, Samahita in Thailand, and The Birthright School in the U.K. This extensive education gives Irena a strong platform to teach different levels of classes and meet her students’ individual needs. She is fully versed in anatomical studies, various physical therapy programs, and has worked extensively with clients who suffer from various physical and mental dis-eases.

Teaching Philosophy

Irena’s refined teaching philosophy balances well-honed strength with proper alignment, ensuring that students develop an extensive yet firm Yoga practice, equally pledging importance on Creativity, Individuality, Discipline, and Tradition.

Early Teaching and Business Ventures

In 2004, Irena opened The Body Element Studio in her hometown of Zagreb, Croatia. She designed, conceptualized, created, managed, owned, and taught at Body Element for 10 years. Her passion for Yoga and Wellness supplied Irena with the vision and fortitude to establish the first traditional Ashtanga Vinyasa program in Croatia. Her early teaching choices and business inceptions laid the foundation for a rapidly growing and currently successful Yoga community in Croatia.

Time in Bali

In 2014, Irena Bartolec moved to Bali, where she taught at Seminyak Yoga Shala until May 2019. She developed and led their Ashtanga Yoga program, overseeing and teaching a very successful and influential Mysore program that drew students from all over the world. She is the creator and lead teacher for Cosmos Yoga Academy Teacher training program.

Current Life in Costa Rica

In 2020, due to unpredictable global events, Irena ended up in Costa Rica, where she is currently living and hosting private tailored retreats on the Pacific Coast of Guanacaste. She is forever grateful to this beautiful country and the opportunity to create and share this peaceful oasis with the community.

Publications and Contributions

Irena is a published writer on The Medium, a contributor at Sensa Lifestyle Magazine since 2008, and a meditation teacher at InsightTimer. You can also find me on: bookretreats.com