Sam Voolstra
I am a…
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner
Yoga Australia yoga teacher
Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga Facilitator
Certified iRest mindfulness meditation teacher and supervisor
Currently studying NeuroAffective Touch and Somatic Internal Family Systems
Yoga has helped me through some of the difficult parts of my life, and highlights the beauty of every day.
My yoga and meditation journey started in Nepal. I lived there for 12 years and during that period I was so fortunate to study with several yoga and Buddhist masters.
I did my formal yoga teacher training at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Dhanwantari Ashram in India and started teaching in Kathmandu.
In 2011 I founded Pranamaya Yoga in Kathmandu and it grew into a beautiful community of Nepalese and international teachers and students with yoga classes and workshops in city studios and yoga retreats in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries.
In Nepal I experienced a big earthquake and got involved with the relief efforts. After coming to Australia to be with my partner Michael, I was diagnosed with PTSD.
To heal myself I extended my yoga practice with iRest meditation and Somatic Experiencing based therapy. Not only did my PTSD symptoms disappear over time, I also felt more whole and present than ever before. The desire to share what healed me with others fuels my current studies and work.
I work in private practice in Lismore, Larnook and online, and facilitate regular courses and workshops.
I also facilitate Trauma Sensitive Yoga at the Mental Health Units of Lismore Base Hospital, at Riverlands Drug and Alcohol Centre and at several organisations that support survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse.
