(picture credit: @kerronriley)
Aimee a yoga teacher in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, discovered Jivamukti in 1989 in New York City and never looked back. Now with a global teaching presence and deep roots in multiple yoga traditions, she leads from presence—not a plan. Her classes are an expression of Jivamukti’s essence: fierce, grounded, and spiritually alive.
How did you find yoga and what was your path from student to teacher?
My yoga journey began at 14 in prep school in New York City. Years later, when my only brother was diagnosed with HIV, I returned to the practice seeking something deeper than traditional religion. Yoga offered a path that was alive, spiritual, and non-dogmatic. I’ve always been rooted in Christian values, and yoga became a bridge. When I teach, I silently pray over my students and honor the divine in every body, every breath.
Do you have any tips for balancing your personal practice and teaching?
Show up to your own mat first. Your presence and alignment with Source are what make your teaching transformative. I don’t plan sequences—I listen, feel the room, and teach from presence. That kind of intuition only comes from deep, embodied personal practice.
What’s your approach/philosophy to your teaching?
Discipline + playfulness + devotion. I teach from lineage and intuition—not templates. I’ve trained in over 10 systems (Jivamukti, Ashtanga, Bikram, Budokon, Hot Vinyasa, Yoga Therapy) and have led teacher trainings across 37+ countries. My approach is strong, soulful, and built in the moment to meet what’s present. I believe real transformation happens when people feel safe enough to be challenged.
(picture credit: @evelienmarianne)
What inspired you to specialize in Jivamukti, and how did you first encounter this practice?
I found Jivamukti in NYC in 1989. I had already been teaching Hatha and exploring Ashtanga and power yoga, but Jivamukti was different—it was bold, spiritual, unapologetically devotional. Sharon Gannon’s courage in naming God during class gave me permission to bring my full, integrated self into my teaching.
For those new to the practice, what is Jivamukti and what makes it unique?
Jivamukti is a spiritually driven, physically dynamic yoga method that integrates asana, chanting, breathwork, scripture, music, and activism. It’s not just movement—it’s a soul-awakening experience.
What are the key principles or foundations of Jivamukti yoga?
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Ahimsa (non-harming): At the root of all practice.
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Bhakti (devotion): We serve something greater.
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Dhyana (meditation): Stillness clears the mind.
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Nada (sound): Music and mantra as tools for transformation.
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Shastra (scripture): Ancient wisdom applied to modern life.
(picture credit: @robertsturman)
Can you describe a typical Jivamukti class?
We begin with chanting and breathwork to tune in, then flow through strong sequences toward a peak pose, often with hands-on assists and essential oils. Every class ends in a deep, sacred savasana. It’s common for people to cry or laugh—transformation happens.
Are there benefits of Jivamukti practice on the physical, mental, and spiritual bodies?
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Physically: Builds strength, flexibility, and body awareness.
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Mentally: Brings clarity and inner calm.
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Spiritually: Reconnects you to who you truly are—beyond performance or ego.
How do you encourage students to embrace the journey of self-discovery and growth through Jivamukti?
By keeping it real. I’ve lived through loss, burnout, and rebirth. I walk beside my students through it all. I don’t sugarcoat the work—but I hold the space for them to show up as they are.
(picture credit: @evelienmarianne)
How do Jivamukti teachings extend beyond the mat?
Through our choices—how we eat, speak, treat others, live. Jivamukti teaches us to stay awake in daily life, not just on the mat. It’s a call to action: live with love, integrity, and devotion.
Advice/resources for those new to Jivamukti?
Read Jivamukti Yoga by Sharon Gannon and David Life. Practice with senior teachers. Most of all—practice regularly and stay open. The method will meet you exactly where you are.
For readers interested in delving deeper into Jivamukti, what advice or resources would you recommend to them?
This isn’t the easy path—but if you’re ready for truth, it will change your life. Jivamukti is sacred, fierce, and filled with heart. If that resonates with you, come practice with me. You’ll be welcomed.
(picture credit: @kerronriley)
Which Manduka product(s) do you currently practice on, and what makes this mat your go-to choice?
At home, I love the Manduka GRP Adapt yoga mat—its traction under sweat is unbeatable for hot yoga.
For travel, I use the Manduka PROlite yoga mat with an eQua towel—lightweight, supportive, and flow-ready.
For deeper therapeutic work, I always return to the Manduka PRO yoga mat. Its durability and sacred energy hold space for long, intense sessions and advanced yoga therapy work.
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