Thrive Guide

Michelle Bartolo

About

In my late twenties , I was scattered, not sure which direction I wanted my life to go in and numbing myself out to not have to deal with it - we all know how well that works (not!) I found my first teacher in Toronto and dove in head first to Ashtanga Yoga and I noticed big shifts in a short amount of time. I felt so grounded and reconnected to myself. Five years later I travelled to India and lived in an Ashram and did a 500hr YTT in Transformational Yoga, more big shifts were happening and I loved how it all felt. I then ran retreats in Gozo, Malta & taught public drop in classes. Then Kundalini entered my life 12 years ago while teaching in Morocco and I've now created my own style of combining Asana from the Vinyasa tradition with Kriyas (combination of breath, sound & movement) from the Kundalini tradition. I offer 200 hr YTT's here in Gozo, Malta and I'm always amazed at how powerful this practice is as I've witnessed many students turn their lives upside down in positive ways. The only way out is IN - SatNamNamaste :)

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Today is the tomorrow you were worried about yesterday

Retreat Specialties

the attention students receive in classes is equivalent to a private session - everyone mentions this - that they felt very taken care of during the yoga classes

Teaching Specialties

Soft but strong - stickler on safety and fun - disciplined and thorough with lightheartedness and mucho authenticity.

What are your favorite Retreat Venues around the world

I taught retreat in Essaouira, Morrocco years ago, in a Riad in the middle of a city which was beautiful, challenging and fun all at the same time. Delicious food and gorgeous yoga space. Ayampe, Ecuador at a sustainable bamboo built shala in the Jungle with all sorts of wildlife, fresh food and eco-friendliness & beautiful views of the ocean. Gozo, Malta my home, for its gorgeous blue waters, quaint villages, kind people and community.

What's your personal definition of what it means to thrive?

To grow in an environment that is supportive & be surrounded by a community of people who are all believers in growth, change & LOVE. I feel like I'm Thriving the most when students come to me wanting to work on issues I've already worked on or am presently working on - to me that signifies that I am in line with the universal law - energy attracts energy - it's a magical way to live!

Who do you look up to ? Who has helped you the most along your teacher / retreat leader journey?

I have had many great teachers although I feel I have carved out my own path in the way I run retreats etc. My first teacher was Geoffrey Weibe who is still my top teacher after 20 years of trying many others. Kia Miller would be next in line with her grace, elegance and ability to make classes fun and effective. Simon Borg Olivier had a profound effect on the anatomy of teaching and I love how he combines his knowledge of the east (lived in India 10 years) with his science background as a physiotherapist. Mahankirn Kaur is also an inspiration in the Kundalini field with her down to earth explanations.