Ronja, from Germany, shares her transformative journey through yoga and travel. She discovered yoga during a difficult period in her life, recognizing the need for change and finding the courage to set out on her travels. This journey led her to explore the combination of surf and yoga in the Dominican Republic, learn about meditation in Hawaii, and complete her teacher training in Costa Rica. Through these experiences, Ronja discovered her purpose: merging her love for travel with her mission to share the essence of yoga. With each destination, she continues to teach and inspire others to embrace their own unique paths.
Read more about her journey and enjoy a guided meditation led by Ronja below!
How did you find yoga and what was your path from student to teacher?
Yoga came to me during a very challenging phase of my life, filled with a lot of emotional and physical pain. When I decided to leave Germany and travel, yoga always felt like coming home for me. During that time, I backpacked through Central America without any plans, and yoga helped me find a sense of grounding and stability. I discovered Surf Yoga in the Dominican Republic, where I learned how yoga and surfing perfectly complement each other. After that, I went to Hawaii to work in a meditation center for two months, and then I felt the call to go to Costa Rica, where I completed my first yoga teacher training (By now I’ve completed in total 3 yoga teacher trainings). My very first yoga class was on a beautiful small island in Panama.
What’s your approach/philosophy to your teaching?
I want to share my experiences and knowledge, and I aim to inspire and empower others to pursue their dreams. Yoga is a holistic way of living, and my classes are always inspired by our daily lives. I strive to teach my students how to bring the lessons from the mat into their everyday experiences.
What inspired you to want to travel and teach along the way?
I always felt a desire to travel and see the world, but I was often too insecure and scared. After experiencing a lot of emotional pain back home, I knew I had to make a change, and that’s when I found the courage to go.
How many countries or locations have you taught yoga in so far? Which was your favorite and why?
I have taught yoga in around eight different countries. It's hard to choose favorites; I believe my first yoga class in the jungle of Panama and my first yoga retreat in Morocco will always hold a special place in my heart. Other than that, I love teaching yoga surrounded by nature, whether in the jungle or by the ocean. I also enjoy teaching during my retreats, spending a week with the guests, as it allows for a deeper connection and enables me to better understand their needs, thus facilitating a meaningful transformation.
How does your travel experience shape your approach to teaching yoga?
During my travels, I learned so much about different cultures and about life itself. Yoga is a lifestyle and a philosophy, which is why I prefer to teach from personal experience rather than solely from books. I aim to keep experiencing life as I continue my journey.
What challenges do you face when teaching yoga in different environments or settings?
Sometimes it can be noisy, very hot, or humid. However, I believe I’ve become quite adept at teaching yoga in various conditions. It’s important to remain flexible in your teaching and to sense what kind of vibe and class are appropriate for your students and the environment you are in.
How do you manage logistics, such as finding studios, securing accommodations, or dealing with language barriers while traveling?
I am very spontaneous when it comes to traveling, and I typically do not book accommodation in advance. I also teach online and record videos for my yoga platform, so I look for quiet spots with enough space to record. In my experience, language barriers are not too problematic, as long as you strive to communicate with the knowledge you have and maintain a smile and open-mindedness.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of teaching yoga while traveling?
You meet people and students from all around the world, inspiring a diverse range of individuals. The most rewarding aspect of teaching yoga while traveling is definitely hosting my own retreats and receiving incredible feedback from guests afterward. Seeing how they transform over the course of a week and rediscover their "glow," happiness, and confidence is a feeling that surpasses all others; it truly is my purpose.
What advice would you give to other yoga teachers who aspire to travel and teach?
Just do it. Don’t overplan. Apply for many jobs, talk to as many people as possible, and stay open-minded. If applying doesn’t work out, just leave and go. You will encounter numerous people and opportunities along the way. Share your dreams with them and be patient. If you stay committed and don’t give up, things will work out. When I began teaching Surf Yoga in Munich, I had only two people in my classes. After a few weeks, I wanted to cancel the class, but I persevered, doing marketing and holding classes even with just two participants. A few months later, my classes were fully booked, and after a year, I was teaching surf yoga in front of 200 people on stage at a yoga festival in Munich.
Lastly, what does your yoga practice mean to you? Fill in the blank: “Practice makes .....” (learn more here)
Practice makes change. My yoga practice didn’t just change my physical condition and body—it transformed my entire life. It improved the relationship I have with both my body and myself. Yoga helped me shift my mindset, allowing me to enjoy life more and handle challenges better. Daily, mindful movement leads to happiness. Especially in our fast-paced world, everyone needs a yoga practice to stay focused, practice self-love, and prepare for life off the mat. Change is constant… so why not guide it, so you can move toward the lifestyle you desire, rather than let life change you randomly.
Practice On with an 8-minute guided meditation
Listen
Connect
- Yoga retreat in Sri Lanka February 2025: Wood and Sand
- Instagram: ronja.yogaflow
- Online yoga- live & on-demand library: ronja-yogaflow
Photo credits: @julewbrr
