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योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः
Yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ (Yoga Sutra 1.2, Patanjali)
 
“Yoga is the calming of the fluctuations of the mind.”​

Ashtanga Yoga & Ayurveda

MY PATH

 

 

Yoga as a Lifelong Path

​Yoga has been a constant companion in my life for many years. What continues to move me within this tradition is the understanding that yoga extends far beyond physical movement. While the practice of asana is a valuable part of the path, it also opens the door to greater awareness, concentration, and a deeper understanding of one’s true nature.

My Practice

​​The foundation of my personal practice is traditional Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, in the lineage of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and Sri B.N.S. Iyengar, who celebrates his 100th birthday in 2026 and continues to share his knowledge with passion and dedication.

Regular stays and study trips to India have shaped my path to this day. Direct contact with my teachers and the living tradition allows me to continually deepen my practice.

My most important teacher remains the daily practice itself—the steady return to breath, observation, and inner focus.

Yoga Beyond Asana​

For me, the physical practice is a meaningful entry point, but not the ultimate goal.

Over time, yoga has taught me to listen more closely—to the body, the breath, and habitual patterns of mind and behavior. Not every practice feels light or easy. At times we meet resistance, at times patience, and at times unexpected clarity.

It is precisely in this that the depth of the tradition reveals itself: not in forcing outcomes, but in gradually building a conscious relationship with oneself.

The Connection Between Yoga and Ayurveda​

Traditionally, yoga and Ayurveda are deeply interconnected.

While yoga refines the mind and cultivates awareness, Ayurveda supports balance in the body, energy system, and lifestyle.

For this reason, my work also integrates pranayama, mudras, yoga philosophy, as well as Ayurvedic approaches and treatments alongside asana practice.

Together, they form a holistic path toward greater health, stability, and vitality.

Teachers & Inspiration​

I am deeply grateful to have learned from many extraordinary teachers and to have been inspired by their dedication and wisdom.

Among the most influential teachers on my path are:

  • Christian O. Braun

  • Lalit Kumar (in the tradition of Sri B.N.S. Iyengar)

  • Balu Thevar

  • Rolf Naujokat

  • John Scott

  • Ty Landrum

  • Gregor Maehle

  • Petri Räisänen

  • Kristina Karitinou

  • Manju Jois

  • Sri B.N.S. Iyengar (ongoing)

  • Saraswathi Jois, KPJAYI, in the tradition of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois (ongoing)

Their teachings continue to guide and inspire my practice to this day.

GALIA MILANOVA

Yoga since 2006 · Ashtanga Yoga since 2009 · Teaching since 2011

My Intention

​I aim to support people in experiencing yoga not merely as a system of exercise, but as a personal practice.

A practice that can build strength and stability.
A practice that nurtures patience, awareness, and trust.
And a practice that continually invites curiosity and exploration of one’s own path.

This practice offers a space to get to know oneself more deeply and to engage with the challenges of everyday life in a more conscious and grounded way

Ashtanga Yoga - My  Experience

​For me, Ashtanga Yoga is a practice of direct experience. Rather than focusing on theories or concepts, the emphasis lies on daily observation: How do I feel today? What shifts through practice?

Which habits support me, and which ones hold me back?

My teaching is intended as guidance along this path. Every person brings different conditions, experiences, and intentions. Together, we develop a practice that can grow step by step and be meaningfully integrated into everyday life.

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The traditional guiding principles of Ashtanga Yoga—“Practice, and all is coming” and “99% practice, 1% theory”—remind us that understanding arises primarily through direct experience.

​​​For this reason, I encourage a regular practice of at least twice per week.

I support this process with patience, clarity, and trust that development unfolds through consistent practice.

For me, yoga begins with repetition – asana, pranayama, mantra. Again and again, without expectation. Over time, the practice leaves the mat and quietly enters life. The rest unfolds naturally.

Practice is the path.

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