Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ainhoa Benimeli. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ainhoa, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

My life has been marked by taking significant risks on several occasions. One of the most significant was moving to a completely unknown country for the third time, where the language was new to me, and I had no family to receive or support me. It was like jumping into the void.

What drove me to do this for the third time at the age of 27 was the challenge it represented. I didn’t have a pressing need to do it, but I wanted to face the challenge of learning English in a country where it is the native language. Additionally, I wanted to experience life in “the land of opportunity.”

In every country I have lived in, I have always sought ways to educate, share, and provide my knowledge of yoga. This has also meant taking the risk of creating small spaces and events, relying solely on myself and what I do. When you arrive in a new place, no one knows your background or your story, making it a significant risk to invest your time and money. However, I believe that when you are clear about what you love and want to convey, all that risk is worth it, especially if you leave a positive message or help others along the way.

Ainhoa, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Yoga entered my life before I began traveling, and I owe many of my decisions to this discipline. It allows you to see life from a different perspective, understanding that “taking risks” is more about answering your call and trusting that the steps you are taking are leading you to your destination.

I embarked on my yoga journey through intensive study, starting with my first Teacher Training. I had never attended a class in a studio before, making the experience even more magical as I discovered yoga from its most beautiful, profound, and transformative aspects. I was touching the “true essence of yoga.” At that moment, I fell in love with life, began to heal, reconnect with myself, and get to know myself even better.

I was not in a good emotional state when I started. A friend invited me to the Teacher Training because she was too shy to go alone. I didn’t even understand what I was doing until a few classes later when I realized I was training to become a yoga teacher, which made me laugh.

It took me some time to decide to teach yoga. I was enjoying studying, practicing, being around other yogis, and embracing my evolution and new outlook on life. Eventually, I decided that I couldn’t keep all this healing magic to myself. Nothing made me happier than offering others the chance to understand the roots of this wonderful discipline.

What sets me apart is my passion for imparting the subtler aspects of yoga. Many people today see it merely as a way to relieve physical pain, but it is much more than that. My goal is to help others find a window of light. Yoga might not be for everyone, but it could lead them to another spiritual practice. Here, something can awaken within each person, helping them find what best connects them to their deepest selves.

Currently, I teach private yoga classes in Spanish and organize wellness events in Houston. I don’t do this alone; I’ve joined forces with two wonderful women who share the same path and calling to help awaken and heal other women.

I am very proud to be in this field at this moment in human history, as mental health has become a significant and growing issue. Being able to offer something that contributes to and improves the quality of life for others gives this discipline immense value to me. Whether people come to yoga for fashion, physical reasons, or any other motive, I am confident that if they stay, they will eventually see how it changes their perspective on life.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

It is crucial to continue growing alongside technology and social media, and to learn about marketing. Additionally, new styles of yoga are emerging more frequently, and it is important to take the initiative to experience them and incorporate the best aspects of each one. This not only helps you as a teacher to challenge yourself with new opportunities but also fosters greater self-discovery.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

Absolutely. Doing something that leaves a mark on others, contributing positively, and teaching something as valuable and powerful as yoga is incomparable to anything else I could do.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ainhoayogi