About Carolina
info@carolinabenzi.com
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Philosophy & Vision
Living in Alignment: Honoring Eternal Teachings and the Wisdom Within
My teachings are built upon the timeless yogic principles contained in the classic books of this tradition, all pointing at celebrating life-sustaining harmony and purpose. Ahimsa (non-harm) is the foundation value: I believe that a genuine commitment to a life of respect and kindness leads us toward liberation, the remembrance of our True Nature. This principle guides all that I offer, whether in yoga, education, lectures, freediving, or any practice I teach.
I aim to help students uncover their innate intelligence and potential through the sincere and traditional yogic ways of bhakti (loving devotion), karma (non-ego driven action), jnana (study and self-knowledge), hatha (force and fire) and raja (meditation). I embrace these teachings as tools to polish our luminous mind, able to directly remember and realize the ultimate, non-dual Universal Principle: the One in all manifested reality. These are the essential foundations for a lifelong practice, leading to happiness and Peace. I integrate ancient teachings with modern perspectives, embracing diversity and inclusion in all aspects of life.
My Story…
From Researcher to Yoga Teacher, from Freediver to Language Teacher
What you’re about to read might seem quite eclectic, but that’s who I am: a scientific mind with a heart in search of profound spiritual questions. I’m a bit of a nerd, but also very athletic, a dreamer, and yet grounded with a passion for tangible results.
My First Teacher: The Ocean
My journey to yoga didn’t follow the usual path. From a young age, my first contact with breathwork and meditation came unconsciously through the water. Freediving, which has been a part of my life since childhood, taught me how to connect with my breath and quiet my mind long before I knew the formal practices of pranayama and mindfulness. This early, unconscious introduction to yogic principles became my foundation. Today, I am a committed, actively training freediver and snorkeling guide, currently working toward full certification as instructor and constantly refining my abilities as a water woman.
Yoga, Academia & Advocacy:
It wasn’t until the age of 18 that I formally began studying yoga, which soon became an integral part of my life. I practiced rigorously and studied yoga in depth, particularly within the Ashtanga Vinyasa and Gosh traditions, before eventually finding my way to the non-dual tantric traditions and Swami Rama’s lineage. As I traveled to India, the USA, and the Netherlands to deepen my studies, I simultaneously balanced a rigorous academic education. I hold a BA in Modern Languages and an MA in Cultural Studies and Policy. My intellectual curiosity and passion for social justice led me to pursue a career in academia, specializing in Cultural and Gender Studies, where I became a university researcher and a Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) advocate. I also traveled to the USA and Spain to study sexuality education, gender policy, and human rights. My work in this field focused on promoting social sustainability and cultural awareness, and it was during this time that I launched my yoga & culture podcast (in Italian).
The Shift
As my personal yoga practice deepened, I began to feel an increasing disconnect between the academic world and my spiritual seeking, which was growing along with the call to share and teach. The latter is what I longed to fully embrace. I was struggling to keep both things active at the same time, and my days felt endless and tiring, between studying yoga, teaching, working at University and freelance work. I left academia to follow my true calling—practicing, sharing and teaching yoga and languages, being an entrepreneur, and founding a school close to the ocean. I moved to the Canary Islands and opened a Surf School and Yoga Studio with my partner.
Today:
I balance my roles as a yoga teacher, entrepreneur, language teacher, continuing to foster learning and knowledge in both practical and ways. I have registered my school with Yoga Alliance, I organize retreats and provide training and continuing education for teachers. My academic background continues to shape how I approach teaching – with a deep appreciation for critical thinking and a foundation of rigor, ensuring that everything I share is rooted in knowledge and sincerity.
Lineage & Teachers: Honoring the Past, Building for the Future
With time, practice, and the invaluable support of mentors, I became first a teacher, and then a teacher trainer. I’ve completed over 1000 hours of training in Hatha Yoga, Yin Yoga, Meditation, Philosophy, and Yoga for Pregnancy.
My Yoga Teachers:
“The teachings that inform my practice come from a rich lineage that blends classical and modern Hatha Yoga, non-dual Tantra, and Advaita Vedanta. I have had the privilege of studying under respected and loving teachers such as Pandit Rajmani Tigunait (Himalayan Institute, Swami Rama), Sudhir Rishi, Christina Chung, Karina Guthrie, Indu Arora, Micheal King, Talia Sutra, Mark Robberds, Joanna Vladescu, Eva Espeita and more. Via distance learning through Satsang I am studying with Krishna Das (bhakti and Ram Dass lineage), Philosophy and Sanskrit with Yogic Studies by Seth Powell PhD and Samadhi Collective. I also consider Christopher Wallis Hareesh one of the teachers that has influenced me the most through his lectures and publications on Tantra. Each of these teachers has shaped my integrative approach to yoga, where the body, mind, and spirituality are in constant dialogue.”
Entrepreneur, Teacher Trainer & Language Teacher: Developing the Self Through Yoga, Sport and Education
As the founder of NALU: Mind Body Surf, a Surf School and Yoga Studio in Fuerteventura, I offer retreats and wellness programs that blend yoga, mindfulness, and movement. I am the director of Nereya Yoga School, a yoga education institution providing teacher trainings and continuing education for teachers and committed students.
As Language Teacher, I invite students to express themselves sincerely and connect with the people they love, new cultures and the world. Learning a language means opening up to new ways of looking at the world, building bridges and developing both individual and social skills. I strongly believe that language learning is a peace-making practice too.
Your Journey Starts Here: Join Me
Whether you’re looking to explore the depths of yoga, breathwork, or the ocean, my offerings are here to support your personal journey. Join me for classes, 1:1 mentorship, retreats worldwide, and training. Together, let’s explore what it means to live fully and authentically.