Meet Petra Gordon

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

Hi Petra, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
The most valuable principle to me is authenticity and relating to the world from my true self. To me this is the essence of living free and it is my daily practice to reflect and tune inwards and recognize what’s happening and how I can be my best and give my best. It creates an energy dynamic: This is who I am and who I  attract respectively. In this dynamic you get to the right  place at the right time and avoid the hole in the ground  before you fall in. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Yoga is the art of living. I stepped into the role of creating practice spaces for people to experience it for themselves. Teaching yoga is more like being the messenger of art. Yoga belongs to all and yoga is universal. Once understood and applied, Yoga brings happiness and well being. My position in this concept is for the client to see their own value and to discover their own potential. Most people are able to see and access their core easily once they have established their peace of mind. I often put a little spice in the soup that isn’t called for in the recipe. I do the same with the way I share yoga. Although I am very closely connected with a traditional yoga method I’m also welcoming to some freestyle so that everyone can get what they need now. This clients feedback makes me really proud.: I’m showing them self-compassion through the practice of yoga, which enables them to be less critical of themselves and more successful in their life. Yoga just came to me, that was the easy part. At first I started my adult life with travel management, which was rather short lived. Then life turned around and yoga came over 25 years ago when someone I knew asked me if I’d be up for joining their team. It was the best start into something new one could wish for. The team was like a family and full of creative energy and support. And of course life is taking its turns with ups and downs. There were a few really hard moments including relocating around 3 different continents with various different family configurations over a lifespan of 10 years and starting the same career all over again. The most important tools to overcome these challenges were my deep belief, working hard, good will and the knowledge of yoga, that life is continuously changing. Over time I have learned that we are all the same, once we simplify our existence to a yoga mat. It doesn’t matter anymore what our cultural background, our social status, our job is. As humans we are cut from the same cloth and need to control our mind and therefore need to find ways that help us with it. I want the world to know that we are all ONE and we are all here together. My emphasis lies on a culturally mixed international community practicing yoga for their self-care and peace of mind.

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.
I love showing my visitors the amazing outdoors around here. I would take them along the coast, have coffee by the beach, hike up into the mountains, star gaze in the desert. We would go on a culinary adventure all around town and try the different foods from different corners of the world. And always end the days with watching the sun set on the horizon.

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?
Along my journey to self-discovery I have been blessed with some amazing mentors who showered me with unconditional love and support. My two sons Sam and Levi: they both hold a high place as my guides from darkness to light. They teach me 24/7 how to listen. The late yoga guru Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and the whole yoga family that came along with him. Endless gratitude for all the experiences. The late Cave Sadhu Jamana Giri Swamiji: the vastness of the stories he told me about the ancient scriptures, the gods and the universe and how it applies to our modern life.

Website: livingyogamindfully.com
Instagram: Namaste.Petra
Facebook: Petra Gordon