Meet Christopher Perkins | Co-founder and Yoga Instructor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christopher Perkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christopher, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own business was infact a collaboration with my family and myself,and was inspired by experiences of tremendous fulfillment and well-being while spending intentional time learning how to be closer with nature internally and externally, which reflect natural cycles, and a type of harmony That we all have the potential to align with. To be honest, neither of us are business oriented people, but we could see a growing need for a structure that would support people in finding a direct path to fulfilling their life while making a living, oh, the business was actually a natural side effect of us, living our highest ideals, and walking to talk. We made a commitment to practice yoga and conscious communication while living in community that is close to nature and using the opportunities to help one another as it means to strengthen our innate sense of purpose in society, I firmly believe that the continued success of our business is due to the altruistic motivation, and non-corporate/capitalist approach.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At Yandara Yoga Institute, our journey has been a labor of love and a commitment to service, deeply rooted in the profound teachings of our beloved teacher Darshan Singh, as well as his teacher whom my parents faithfully followed and learned from for over 30 years. These teachings have been a guiding light since my very birth, providing us with the wisdom and strength to navigate the challenges we encounter along the way. As a tight-knit family, working together has allowed us to experience the remarkable strengths and occasional obstacles that come with such a collaborative endeavor.

Over 20 years ago, we started this incredible adventure with just over $1000, beginning from scratch. Embracing a lifestyle of living close to nature and minimizing our impact, I personally spent nine years living in a tent, deeply committed to being in harmony with the natural world.

While our path hasn’t always been smooth, one significant hurdle came when our center was destroyed by a hurricane around seven years ago. However, the support and generosity of our community were truly remarkable, allowing us to rebuild and continue our mission.

Our growth has been a natural and organic evolution, devoid of investors, as it emerged from our authentic way of life and profound connection with nature. This dedication enabled us to be receptive to the powerful teachings of the natural world, shaping our approach to yoga and life itself.

Today, Yandara Yoga Institute stands as a testament to our humble beginnings, personal sacrifices, and the transformative challenges we faced along the way. It is a space where dedication, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the wisdom of nature thrive. We’re proud to be known as one of the biggest and most loved yoga teacher training and retreat centers out there, with over 40 programs every year including 100, 200, 300-hr YTT courses, Yin & Restorative, Sound Bath, Life Coach, Breath and Meditation, Yoga Nidra, Kundalini & Chakras, Sequencing & Anatomy, Bhakti & Mantra, Reiki Training and much more happening in places such as Bali, Hawaii, Sweden and Italy and of course our beautiful home center in Baja Mexico.

We offer a unique space for growth, transformation, education and a profound connection to yoga community and the natural world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Day 1:
– Arrive in Todos Santos and settle into your accommodation.
– Explore the town’s vibrant art scene and visit local galleries.
– Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the town’s renowned farm-to-table restaurants such as Jazamango or Noah’s Sushi in Pescadero.

Day 2:
– Start the day with a rejuvenating yoga session at la Dicha Yoga Studio.
– Spend the morning catching waves at one of the beautiful surf spots near Todos Santos.
– After your surf session, indulge in a fresh seafood lunch at a beachfront restaurant in Berracuda Tacos.
– In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along the beach and enjoy a stunning sunset.

Day 3:
– Begin the day with a sunrise yoga practice on the beach or at a tranquil outdoor setting.
– Embark on a day trip to explore nearby natural attractions, such as Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve or Punta Lobos.
– Take a break for a picnic lunch surrounded by nature.
– Return to Todos Santos in the evening and savor a Mexican dinner with traditional flavors and local ingredients as la Generala and then head over to the Oyster bar for live music and drinks in the magic olive garden in the back.

Day 4:
– Participate in a yoga and meditation retreat or workshop offered in Yandara Yoga o Cuatro Vientos.
– Enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring the town’s charming streets, boutique shops, and art markets.
– Treat yourself to a relaxing spa session or massage to unwind and rejuvenate.
– Finish the day with a delightful dinner at a restaurant known for its fusion of Mexican and international cuisine, in Benno, beachfront restaurant in San Cristobal Hotel.

Day 5:
– Join a surf lesson or guided surf excursion to discover new surf spots in the area.
– Take a break for a beachside picnic or enjoy a light lunch at a local beach cafe.
– Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby beaches, such as Playa Los Cerritos or Playa La Pastora, known for their consistent waves.
– In the evening, attend a sunset yoga class or meditation session to connect with nature and find inner peace.

Day 6:
– Start the day with a private yoga session that focuses on balance and strength on the beach at Yandara Yoga.
– Embark on a hiking adventure to explore the scenic trails and enjoy breathtaking views of the “old port”
– Visit a local organic farm to learn about sustainable agriculture and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch experience at Agricole.
– Return to Todos Santos and indulge in a traditional Mexican dinner with authentic flavors in la Morena.

Day 7:
– Begin the day with a final yoga practice or meditation session to reflect on your journey.
– Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring the town at your own pace including Hotel California Butique.
– Visit a local café for a delicious breakfast or brunch in Pura Vida or La Esquina before departing Todos Santos.
– Depart with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for the yoga, surf, and culinary experiences in Todos Santos, Baja Mexico.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to extend a heartfelt shoutout to John P Milton for not only believing in me but also offering an extraordinary opportunity. It was through his unwavering support and the provision of a piece of property he owned in Mexico that my family and I were able to take the crucial first steps towards realizing our life’s work, now known as Yandara.

Under John P Milton’s guidance, which drew upon the ancient wisdom lineages of Vision Quest, Daoism, and Dzogchen, I gained a profound container for my journey. This foundation empowered me to spread my wings and support my family to dedicate ourselves to serving humanity through yoga and meditation.

I will forever cherish the honor of apprenticing under John P Milton, whose generosity and vision allowed us to establish ourselves on the land he provided, enabling us to begin creating our path in Mexico.

Website: https://yandara.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/YandaraYoga/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YandaraYogaInstitute

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@YandaraSocial

Other: Podcast: Curious Ones, in Spotify etc.