It's not only on waves that you can surf, and it's not only on a mat you can do yoga. A proof of that is what Carolina has been doing in the past years. Taking her practice to new places and approaches, she has been spreading her good energies and teachings of a life devoted to well being and happiness. Embracing what life brings to her, the island plays an instrumental role in her work, and every "corner" of it is the backdrop of inspiration and connection of body and mind with mother earth.
Who are you?
I'm Carolina and I was born in 1988 on the island of São Miguel. I’m a Yoga teacher and I’m kind of a walking metamorphosis with a free soul, who is out there enjoying every moment of life!
How’s life on the Island?
Living on the island is wonderful, but it’s not for everyone. Here, there’re days in which we have winter, that turns into spring or into an intense summer day, all on the same day...Here, we live with quality, we are surrounded by a wonderful landscape, where the sea embraces and invigorates us, which makes everything even more peaceful. Nature here is unique. It offers us peace through special places, we just need to stop and contemplate.
“You have to leave the island to see the island. We don’t see ourselves if we don’t get out of ourselves.” José Saramago
Favorite place? Why?
I feel like a daughter of nature, because I’m very connected to it, and I constantly feel the need to look for it. I have some places where I take refuge, but I would say Sete Cidades. Besides being a very peaceful place, all its colors, aromas and surroundings give me good vibes, and I can do Paddleboarding, SUP Yoga or Yoga on land.
Favorite object? Why?
The object that, for me, has great sentimental value is the book “Os Filhos do Silêncio”, which was signed and offered to me by Ana Paula Fonseca, author of the book and also my cousin, who unfortunately is no longer with us.
What about hobbies?
Hiking, cycling and paddleboarding.
What role does yoga have on your life?
I married Yoga many years ago, so this relationship has only matured over time. Yoga is a sport with remarkable effects at body level, but also of the mind and emotions, being an activity that can have a transforming effect in all aspects of the physical and psychological life of those who practice it. That's it! And, in my case, it helps me in every aspect; so, I strongly recommend it, but I’m suspicious.
One song / one band
Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rollling Stone” – it represents a turning point in my life.
A unique moment in your life?
One of the most unique and rewarding moments of my work was on a trip to the island of Santiago, at Cape Verde, where I met the Associação Delta Cultura, located in Tarrafal, which mission is to develop training programs for children and young people, a fantastic project. While I was there, I gave some yoga classes on the beach to the children, who had never done yoga, nor had they ever heard of it. It was great to be able to share those moments with them!
What’s been keeping busy?
I've been teaching and working on a new project. Good things on the way!
If you could pick two people (alive or dead) one to have a yoga class with and one to have dinner or conversation, who would they be?
For a yoga class, Deva Premal, and, to talk, Dalai Lama.
Any parting thoughts, words of wisdom or sage advice?
Follow your heart.
And Carolina heart and life @yogacarolinalino | @supyoga_azores.
Some photos were courtesy and used with Carolina permission.