We were lucky to catch up with Maria Diehn recently and have shared our conversation below.
Maria, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Have you ever experienced a times when your entire field felt like it was taking a U-Turn?
In recent years, the yoga industry has undergone a shift. With the rise of platforms like Instagram, there’s been a noticeable move away from the holistic, compassionate approach that yoga embodies. Instead, there’s been a growing emphasis on physical appearance and achieving ‘perfect’ poses.
I believe this shift is a missed opportunity. Yoga is an embodied practice that fosters mindfulness, self-awareness, and healing. In a world where stress and trauma are prevalent, a trauma-informed approach is essential to create safe and inclusive spaces for individuals.
My passion lies in returning to those roots, where it’s not just about physical fitness but also about nurturing mental and emotional well-being. I’m committed to promoting this holistic approach in my practice and teaching, helping individuals find balance and healing through yoga.
By integrating the trauma-informed philosophy into the industry, we can offer more meaningful experiences and support overall wellness. I’m excited to be part of this movement.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Namaste,
I’m Maria, the founder and lead yoga instructor at Yoga MariSol Mallorca. Let me share a bit about my journey.
My love for yoga began during my university days in Cologne in 2007. It became a sanctuary during stressful times, leading me to explore Hatha Yoga, Hot Yoga, and Vinyasa Yoga.
After some years in corporate business, I had a revelation during my travels in Australia, especially in beautiful Byron Bay, where I fell in love with Yin Yoga – a practice focused on softness and deep stretches. Yoga had been a constant in my life, and I was inspired to share its positive impact.
I traveled to Rishikesh, India, known as the yoga capital, for a comprehensive teacher training that encompassed asanas, alignment, pranayama, and the profound philosophy of yoga. Shortly after, I pursued Yin Yoga teacher training in Cologne and founded Yoga MariSol. Teaching with passion, I’ve evolved through continuous learning and additional trainings, including advanced training in Costa Rica, prenatal yoga, and stress and anxiety relief yoga, yoga for women, as well as trauma informed yoga and trainings focussing on nervous system regulation.
My deep passion lies in embodied and trauma informed practices that bring people back into their bodies and connect them with their true self, I love Yin Yoga and embodied flows, and offer Yin Yoga teacher trainings as well as Yoga as a healing modality teacher trainings certified by Yoga Alliance as continuing education. It’s my soul’s joy to share the wisdom of Yoga and witness students embracing the softer aspects of life. In addition, I host self-care retreats for women once a year. Join me in discovering the transformative power of Yoga and the art of self-care.
With gratitude,
Maria
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
In my business and as a yoga teacher offering Yoga Teacher Trainings & Retreats, the heartbeat of my success has been the profound embrace of authenticity, compassion, and allowance. It forms the heart of genuine connections with students and clients. Authenticity sets the tone, allowing each participant to explore their true self within this nurturing environment. Compassion guides me in understanding and supporting every individual’s unique path. Through allowance, I welcome diverse perspectives and backgrounds, creating an inclusive and enriching atmosphere. They empower my students to become exceptional yoga teachers and foster a sense of unity and growth. It’s through these principles that I’ve cultivated a community where personal and collective success naturally thrive.
Alongside these, other key elements include organization, accountability, commitment, as well as managing finances.
Being well-organized ensures smooth operations, while accountability builds trust. My unwavering commitment is dedicated to well-being and growth. Additionally, managing my finances properly ensures benefits for everyone involved and fair pay.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
If I had the opportunity to go back and choose my profession all over again, I would wholeheartedly select the same path without a moment’s hesitation. As a yoga teacher specializing in trauma-informed yin yoga teacher training, trauma-informed yoga as a healing modality teacher trainings, and trauma-informed women’s self-care retreats, I’ve discovered that there’s nothing more profoundly rewarding.
Seeing individuals evolve, heal, and embark on journeys of high professional and personal development has been an incredible privilege. Witnessing the positive impact of trauma-informed practices and self-care on their lives has solidified my passion for this profession. It’s not just a career; it’s a calling.
The ability to contribute to the well-being and growth of others, to be a part of their transformative journey, is an unparalleled source of fulfillment. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have found this path, and I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world. It’s a profession that allows me to make a meaningful difference, and for that, I am truly grateful.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yogamarisol.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/yogamarisol
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yogamarisolmallorca
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/maria-diehn-43b57b16b