If you’ve read my book Sober Yoga Girl, you’ll know it’s been a dream of mine for basically…ever…to have my own yoga space.
Back in 2019, my psychic Dan told me I’d one day have a retreat center around age 30. I pictured buying a giant property, taking on scary amounts of debt, and running a full-scale retreat center. I toured places, took meetings, and ran numbers. It felt so out of reach.
The universe had a simpler plan.
The rooftop vision
When I moved into new my home in Bali and first climbed onto the roof, I knew. I saw a yoga shala - clear as day. I even had a vision of teaching up there with a baby in a sling. It felt wild because I’d always assumed a studio meant a huge investment. Instead, the sanctuary was literally above me. Bonus: there’s a beautiful four-star hotel right next door - one minute away - for guests.
The real timeline (and the lesson)
December - March: I moved in to this house, but was travelling a lot in this time hosting events and spending time with family. As a result I questioned if this really was the right move.
April: I finally decided to start shala construction on a small shala that fit six yoga mats that opened up the week of my 33rd birthday and 6th sober anniversary.
May - June: I opened the space for private one-on-one sessions and small groups.
July: I hosted my first YTT group over for breakfast and a meditation and started to feel energy filling up the space. Then I started drop-in classes to the public. They filled up fast - beautiful, overflowing energy that told me this space wanted to grow.
August: I began an expansion and renovation so we could welcome more students. Now it fits 10 mats. Paint just got finished today and it is (almost) dry!
It’s the biggest thing I’ve ever built, and I’m proud.
Yoga philosophy in real life
The Yoga Sutras say: yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ—yoga is the stilling of the mind’s fluctuations. This project was exactly that: returning to steadiness when doubts got loud.
Abhyāsa (steady practice): Showing up day after day - calls, contractors, communication issues, classes.
Vairāgya (non-attachment): Letting go of timelines and “shoulds” so the right pace could reveal itself.
Ishvara-pranidhāna (surrender): Trusting the quiet nudge that said, “Build here. Keep going.”
Dharma (natural purpose): Not something I chased, but what emerged when I aligned action with inner truth.
There were detours - almost moving, almost saying yes to someone else’s plan for my life. Spoiler alert: he moved out; I stayed. (And I think about that almost once a day - how close I came to not having this yoga shala).
What’s next
We’re already hosting our first space rental for a retreat staying at the hotel next door next week! If you want to bring your own group to Bali, you’re welcome to use the shala and stay at the hotel next door :).
If you’re called to go deeper, our first Yoga Teacher Training in this studio runs December 28, 2025 – January 17, 2026 (New Year’s in Bali!).
What began as a dream has become dharma. I’m so excited to welcome you here.
How to Visit 🌺
✨ Drop-In Classes: $20 USD per class. Perfect if you’re traveling through Bali and want to practice with us on the rooftop. (The official classes will be starting again next week on Monday, after closure for renovations.) You can book drop in classes here.
✨ Private Sessions: Available for individuals and groups. A beautiful option for personalized yoga or meditation guidance. You can book here.
✨ Retreat Rentals: Hosting your own retreat in Bali? Our shala is available for space rental, with a four-star hotel next door for your guests. You can book the space here.
✨ Teacher Trainings: Join our community for the 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training (December 28, 2025 – January 17, 2026). The YTT booking is here!
For bookings and more details, email me at alexandra@themindfullifepractice.com or visit www.mindfulbali.com.
I can’t wait to welcome you to practice with us in Bali.