Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tanja Begenisic. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tanja, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What was your school or training experience like? Share an anecdote or two that you feel illustrate important aspects or the overall nature of your schooling/training experience.
The school I attended for my Yoga Teacher Training is called Yoga Academy International, I completed my YTT in Costa Rica. This was one of the most wonderful and profound experiences of my life, and the best decision I ever made. This training and the program changed my life in so many ways. I had just gone through a divorce, left the corporate world and was on my own, starting fresh and becoming a new version of me.
I was there for 5 weeks and it was definitely intensive and an all-around immersive program. I knew Yoga teaching was something I wanted to pursue after practising it for years and it helping me with so many things in my life. I knew some of the benefits of yoga and I wanted to learn more about it and how I can teach and help others heal through this practise. What I did not know was that it would be such a transformational and healing experience for me, physically, mentally and emotionally. I learned things about myself and our bodies that no-one had ever spoke about nor taught in school.
The most important aspects were how healing Yoga truly is, in all of its forms and how we can all apply it to our daily life for short terms and long term benefits. I learned the Chakra system; how it relates to many other belief systems, is directly connected to every body part, the emotions/traumas that we store and how they affect our health and our lives. While we were learning all of this and studying it, we were completely immersing ourselves in the process and healing throughout the program. I released emotions and trauma every single day that I was there and the more I embodied this knowledge and got to know myself through it, I started to feel free, more youthful and wise than every before. I tapped into parts of myself I never imagined were possible.
Near the end of the training, I dislocated my pelvis, which to this day is unknown how it happened out of nowhere, but I have my theories. While I was going through the pain and recovery process, it awakened a deeper part of me, an immense amount of gratitude, joy and will to live and to help others heal. As I was taking baby steps (literally) to walk again and make any movement, I knew in that moment I was meant for something greater than just teaching yoga. I imagined what it felt like to have a broken back, leg, arm, to be disabled, or sick since I got a little taste of it, and wanted more than ever to understand and help those that have suffered or are suffering. I embraced and thanked God for this happening to me so I could see, so I could get on with my journey and path to helping others, and in some form saving lives in any way I can.
Helping people has always been my desire and mission and it is through this practise I was enabled to do that as a living. I am forever grateful for this journey and wouldn’t take back a single moment.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
As mentioned in my previous story, I got into this industry through my own Yoga practise and healing. I knew it had so much to offer and before being able to offer the teachings and help to others, I knew I had to dive deep and learn as much as I can on my own skin. I also knew I would end up doing more than just teaching classes, as I felt called to hold space and facilitate many types of classes, workshops, retreats, etc.
I offer a wide-range of classes, from traditional hatha, to vinyasa, yin, restorative, meditation, breath-work, and more. I also do body-work, which is better known as energy healing, including chakra balancing and reiki. I offer self-love embodiment workshops and private sessions. I facilitate various other workshops around yoga and healing, and host retreats.
My biggest achievement and what I am most proud of are my weekend (3 night) retreats for women. These are called Love Yourself Yoga & Wellness Retreats, you can see more about them Instagram as I am currently re-doing my website. The Retreats are held in a spacious and beautiful home immersed in nature, where my cousin (a professional photographer and meditation teacher) and I run a full program. This includes all meals, accommodation, and everything to do with self-love: yoga, breath-work, intuitive and ecstatic movement, nature walks, meditations, self-care, journaling, reflection work, workshops, sound healing, energy healing, nutritious meals, detox, dancing, sharing circles, individual photo sessions, and more!
I am truly proud of this work and we just completed and celebrated our 17th Retreat in Cabarete, Dominican Republic! We are planning retreats all over the world and it is truly our passion what we do and how transformational the work is. We also host say retreats, for those that cannot join for a whole weekend or trip away from Toronto, our home base. I can’t wait to connect with even more beautiful souls all over the globe! I love bringing women together and see the sisterhood unfold, the empowerment soar and love at an all time high!
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
I think the most helpful ways to succeed in my field is by doing, by constantly learning, evolving, growing, healing and taking time to help yourself while helping others. It’s simply put, “practise what you preach”. There are a lot of practitioners, teachers, facilitators and coaches out there who do not do this and that is a big flaw in the field, in the system in general and I think can be seen across other industries as well. I promised myself and my current/future clients that I will always continue to be a student and practise what I learn and what I teach.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
Yes I wouldn’t change a thing, because I found my voice in this profession and can truly be myself. I love that I can express my truths, my love and passions freely.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: tanjab444 … AND … loveyourselfyogaretreats
- Facebook: Tanja Begenisic
- Linkedin: Tanja Begenisic
Image Credits
Aleksandra Radic Photography