Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cordula Thurnhuber. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Cordula , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
In 2020, I had meticulously planned out my year as a self-employed yoga instructor. My business was thriving, and despite my chronic depression, I was living a fulfilling and happy life.
Then, the pandemic hit, and the world plunged into a strange mix of apocalypse and standstill. Everything came to a halt—no progress forward or backward. At first, I naively believed that we would all return to normal life within three to four weeks. I remained relatively unconcerned. But as those three weeks stretched into six, and then over two months, I realized we were facing something far more serious than I had ever imagined. I watched as all my plans, stability, and sense of security—both personally and professionally—began to crumble, and I spiraled into a deep depression.
Despite this, I forced myself onto the yoga mat every day, pushing through physically demanding practices that had always helped me in the past. However, my symptoms worsened with each passing day. I vividly remember the moment during Downward Dog when I suddenly couldn’t breathe. I broke down in tears, and my body collapsed to the floor. I had my first panic attack and couldn’t get out of bed for the next three days.
It quickly became clear to me that my body was in a state of emergency, that my nervous system was completely dysregulated, and I needed to adjust my meditation and physical practice. I shifted from flexible athleticism to practices aimed at regulating my nervous system.
I searched online for yoga programs specifically tailored for people dealing with depression and found—nothing. 280 million people worldwide suffer from this mental health crisis, yet there was no yoga offering tailored to their needs? I couldn’t believe it. At that point, I didn’t have the strength to create something new—I needed to focus on making myself functional again. But I made a promise to myself to collect all the techniques and exercises that would help me going forward, with the intention of someday sharing them with others in need.
It was in that moment that the idea for MySoulapy was born.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
The MySoulapy platform is an online space offering yoga, mindfulness, breathwork, and meditation specifically designed for people suffering from depression or going through a phase of mental exhaustion. Not only are the physical movements tailored to meet the unique needs of those affected, but they are also thoughtfully integrated with embodiment techniques, creating a therapeutic experience where healing happens through movement—almost like psychotherapy through the body. And all of this can be done from the comfort of home, within a safe space.
A crucial element on the path to healing is realizing that you are not alone. MySoulapy also functions as a community where, in addition to on-demand sessions that cater to different phases of mental health challenges, members have the opportunity to come together twice a week for live online sessions. These group sessions offer the chance to practice yoga, meditation, and self-care alongside others. Knowing you’re not alone brings deep comfort, which greatly supports both the healing process and long-term well-being.
I have since expanded the business idea of MySoulapy to include a preventative offering for companies: MySoulapy Corporate. This diversification serves as an online platform that provides businesses with a tool for corporate health management, supporting employees in regulating stress in their daily work lives, promoting relaxation, and thereby preventing mental health issues.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
I truly enjoyed my studies in literature, but in the end, I chose a completely different career path. Not because I didn’t see potential in the field of literary studies, but because sharing yoga has always given me the opportunity to express not just my talents, but my deepest and most authentic self, with all its lovable quirks and imperfections. There are no wrong decisions, unless they are made out of fear. Every decision that comes from a place of deep, courageous heart is the right one—leading us onto a path where many more choices await, each one ready to be met with the same heart-driven courage.
I firmly believe that when we align ourselves with work that fulfills us and brings us joy, success will naturally follow.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I have had to learn (and continue to learn) to soften my own perfectionist expectations of myself. The true “perfection” in socially-driven businesses lies in embracing and owning our imperfections. Aside from the fact that absolute perfection doesn’t exist—since it always depends on perspective—we become more relatable and approachable when we allow others to see the sides of ourselves that we might otherwise want to hide. This, purely from a business standpoint, creates room for deeper connection and identification. But what’s even more important is that it brings us closer together as human beings.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mysoulapy.de (B2C) & https://mysoulapy-corporate.info (B2B)
- Instagram: @cordula.thurnhuber / @mysoulapy
- Linkedin: Cordula Thurnhuber
Image Credits
Image credits: Isabel Wallace
Design credits: Tanita Schneider