'“Yoga does not exist in heaven above, in the earth or in the nether world.Those proficient in Yoga declare that Yoga is the unity of the individual and the supreme Self."

— Devi Gita VII.2

Liilamaya hails from Bogota, Colombia, South America, where she took her first breaths before the age of global exploration beckoned her family to Canada when she was just 15. There, amidst the cultural mosaic of her new home, she embarked on a journey of academic and personal growth. Liilamaya pursued her studies at the esteemed University of Ottawa, laying the foundation for her future endeavors in the realm of fitness and wellness.

BIOGRAPHY

Liilamaya hails from Bogota, Colombia, South America, where she took her first breaths before the age of global exploration beckoned her family to Canada when she was just 15. There, amidst the cultural mosaic of her new home, she embarked on a journey of academic and personal growth. Liilamaya pursued her studies at the esteemed University of Ottawa, laying the foundation for her future endeavors in fitness and wellness.

Her path led her to delve into the ancient practices of yoga, a journey that began in 1997 with tentative steps onto the mat and blossomed into a lifelong exploration. In 2002, she committed to teaching, immersing herself in numerous yoga teacher trainings to deepen her understanding of the practice. This dedication culminated in her certification as an E-RYT500 with Yoga Alliance, a testament to over two decades of devotion to the sister sciences of yoga and Ayurveda. While living in London, Liilamya pursued complementary interests, attending Raworth College of Sports Therapies in 2003 to expand her knowledge of the body, and studying at the London Centre of Fashion Studies in 2004, weaving creativity and movement into her holistic journey.

Liilamaya's quest for knowledge and holistic healing took her across continents, including a transformative year of study and community living at Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's North American Ashram, known as the Art of Living Foundation, in Quebec, Canada. Here, she merged the wisdom of yoga and Ayurveda, laying the groundwork for her future endeavors.

Today, Liilamaya's work as a facilitator extends beyond the confines of a studio, encompassing international yoga teacher training, Ayurveda immersions and therapies, detoxification retreats, and yoga retreats that nurture both body and soul. Her words grace the pages of esteemed publications such as Elephant Journal and GaiamTV, where she shares her insights and wisdom with a global audience.

Currently, Liilamaya is embarking on a new chapter of her journey, pursuing a Diploma in Early Childhood Education with the Creative Council of Education from Finland. This endeavor reflects her deep-seated belief in the power of education to shape young minds and her desire to integrate alternative philosophies with the transformative practices of yoga and Ayurveda.

With her heart spanning continents, Liilamaya splits her time between the serene shores of Ibiza and the lush landscapes of Costa Rica, where her vision of the future takes root. Inspired by the ancient wisdom of the East and the ancestral spirit of the Americas, she seeks to bridge the gap between these two worlds, nurturing the innate potential within each individual she encounters.

In all her endeavors, Liilamaya's mantra remains steadfast: "Nurture your Nature." This guiding principle encapsulates her belief in the inherent wisdom of the body and the transformative power of aligning with one's true essence.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Diploma in Early Childhood Education with the Creative Council of Education from Finland. July 2024

SOMABREATH Journey BREATHWORK Facilitator, February 2022

300-Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training, Peru | Kula Collective. Aug. 2016

Yoga & Ayurveda Advanced Therapy Course, Designed by Master Mind, Ayurveda Doctor and Vedic teacher | David Frawley, Nov. 2010-2014

Raja Dhiraja 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Kullu Valley, West Himalayas | India, April 2013

Pancha Karma Fundamentals & Theory at Zamorins Ayurvedic Health Retreat | Kerala, India March 2012

Sri Sri Ayurveda Technician Program through the Art of Living, North American Ashram | Quebec, Canada, May - Dec. 2009

London Centre of Fashion Studies | UK – 2004

Raworth College of Sports Therapies | UK – 2003

University of Ottawa, Canada | 1992-1994

Lisgar Collegiate Institute | Secondary Education

Unique Achievements

Languages | Fluent in English, Spanish & some French.

Hobbies | Yoga, Healthy cooking photography, travel, dance, and choreographer.

TV Appearances | Globe Trekker and Lonely Planet TV as a wellness professional and Yoga teacher/educator., Co-host of International TV fitness show: Kardio Knoc-out

References

BALNEA Spa, reserve thermale | Contact: Stephanie Emond, fondatrice. stephanie@balnea.ca

YOGA SANGHA | Contact: Sylvie Tremblay, fondatrice. sylvie.tremblay@yoga-sangha.com

ART OF LIVING | Contact: Ann Revington. My first Ayurveda teacher. annrevington@yahoo.com