#144 Returning to the Page
Fellowship, Kittens, Kirtans and the Joy of Daily Practice
Hi friends,
I’ve fallen a little off track with writing my Substack posts. It feels almost surreal to remember that there was a time when I was writing here every single day! I still write daily, but much of that has shifted into my personal journal as I move through a quieter, more inward season.
In this time, I’ve also finally begun working the Twelve Steps. For a long while I was waiting for the “perfect sponsor.” One Sunday a few months ago God did for me what I could not do for myself and aligned me with a wonderful sacred assister. The process has been deeply spiritual. The Promises say, “You will be amazed before you are halfway through” - and that is exactly what it feels like right now. I am so grateful to be part of this fellowship and the healing it brings and I love bringing my students to the weekly women’s meeting with me when they are in Bali.
Outside of that, life in Bali has been full in the most beautiful ways. I’ve decided to adopt my three-pawed kitten, Zero, who has quickly become part of the family. I’ve also been enjoying teaching at Sky Yoga in Pejeng and Radiantly Alive in Ubud (my regular classes are Mondays 6pm Slow Flow, in September I am subbing 7:30am Tuesdays Gentle Flow and at the end of September I am permanently taking over Wednesdays 7:30am Gentle Flow). I feel so much joy singing at kirtans with my teacher Diana at Sayuri’s (join us this Sunday 6pm!). All of these pieces are filling my days with purpose, connection, and gratitude.
I love connecting with you all and I’m setting the intention to write here at least once a week on Sundays. Think of it as our weekly catch-up, where I’ll share updates on what’s happening with my work and life in Bali.
The Start-Up of Mindful Bali
It still feels surreal to say that I have my own yoga shala here in Bali. Slowly but surely, classes are growing and the energy feels beautiful.
This week I’ll be teaching at 9:30am on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday—so if you find yourself in Ubud, Bali, I’d love for you to drop in for a class. We’ve already received some really lovely feedback from students, and I’ll share a few of their words at the end of this post.
The 300-Hour Advanced YTT Begins Tomorrow
Tomorrow marks the beginning of my third 300-Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training—and I’m so excited!
These trainings are always intimate because they’re open only to graduates of a 200-Hour YTT. Next year’s training will be held July 5–25, 2026. With just 10 spots available, enrollment is limited, and we already have our first sign-up!
Mantra Meditation Teacher Training
Some of you know that in January 2024, I completed a three-day online mantra meditation training with Jenn Agostini, my co-teacher for many YTTS here in Bali! I dabbled with the practice at first, but things deepened after co-hosting a retreat in September 2024 with Rory Kinsella. Since then, I’ve meditated twice daily for 20 minutes (40 minutes total) and now have a streak of over 260 consecutive days (and more than 400 in total!).
The transformation has been profound. Because of this, I’ve decided to enroll in the One Giant Mind teacher training this fall. Moving forward, I’ll be offering a How to Meditate course before all of my retreats and trainings, because I believe a daily meditation practice is foundational for both yoga teachers and practitioners and I want to support you in becoming self sufficient with it!
Upcoming 200-Hour YTTs
Here are the confirmed dates for next year’s 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Trainings in Bali:
New Year’s 2026: Dec 28, 2025 – Jan 17, 2026
Spring 2026: March 15 – April 5, 2026
Summer 2026: June 14 – July 5, 2026
Fall 2026: Sept 20 – Oct 11, 2026
Each training is capped at 10 participants, so if you’re feeling called, I’d love to have you join us.
The Online Membership
Every Sunday, our online membership community gathers live on Zoom at 8:30am EST / 8:30pm Bali time. This is a space where we come together for yoga philosophy study, community connection, and guided meditation. September’s theme is the Niyamas—the yogic observances that invite us to live with more discipline, self-reflection, and devotion.
The Niyamas remind us that yoga isn’t only about what happens on the mat, but also about how we live off the mat—in the choices we make, the care we give to ourselves, and the devotion we bring into everyday life. Whether through śauca (purity), santoṣa (contentment), or īśvara praṇidhāna (surrender to something greater), the Niyamas offer a roadmap for cultivating peace and alignment in daily living.
Whether you’re a teacher, a student, or simply someone seeking structure and support in your spiritual journey, this weekly circle is such a nourishing way to stay connected.
What’s Next at Mindful Bali, The Mindful Life Practice, and Alcohol Free Retreats:
Our India Sober Women’s Retreat in February is now fully booked. Email me if you’re interested in getting put on the waitlist.
Beginner Yoga & Meditation Retreat – I’ll soon be announcing a retreat here in Bali designed especially for beginners. Stay tuned for more details!
Mindful Bali Mentorships – I’ll also be offering mentorship programs for YTT graduates who want to deepen their practice, refine their teaching, or explore the spiritual and business side of yoga. More information will be coming soon.
Thank you for being here with me. I’m so grateful for this community, and I look forward to reconnecting with you each Sunday.
With love,
Alexandra
Looking forward to joining you in Bali in January!