From London to messina: A Journey of Self-Discovery Through yoga
After years abroad, Bruno Porcari, a native of Messina, returned to his hometown with a mission: to share his passion for yoga and create a sense of community.Inspired by his experiences in London and Thailand, Porcari sought to introduce a new way of life to Messina, emphasizing the connection between mind, body, and spirit.
An International Education
porcari’s journey began in Messina,where he felt limited by the traditional routines. Seeking a more international habitat, he moved to London, where he explored his interests in sports and music. “London gave me a lot,” he recalls, noting the diverse sporting community he discovered there.
A Call Back Home
Despite his fulfilling life in London, a sense of curiosity about the changes happening in Messina drew him back. “For those who live here every day, maybe it always seems the same, but when you see it from afar, you realize that something is changing,” he explains. This, combined with a desire to bring the communal activities he loved in the UK to his hometown, motivated his return.
Yoga on the Beach: A New Beginning
Inspired by his time teaching yoga in Thailand, Porcari started offering yoga classes on the beach in Messina. “I decided to return to Messina as, of course, there is no shortage of stunning beaches here,” he says. His intention was to promote yoga as a lifestyle, fostering a sense of belonging and highlighting the importance of well-being in harmony with the city’s natural beauty.
The Path to Yoga: From Fitness to Spiritual Awakening
porcari’s yoga journey began in Milan, initially as a form of fitness. However, his experiences in London and his work as a physiotherapist and osteopath led him to recognize the profound connection between body, mind, and spirit. This realization prompted him to explore yoga more deeply, leading him to Rishikesh, India, the ”world capital of yoga.”
In India, Porcari studied yoga and lived in an Ashram, immersing himself in Ayurvedic cuisine and meditation. He then traveled to Thailand, where he continued his spiritual quest, studying Buddhism and teaching yoga in monasteries and on beaches.
A Life-Changing Realization
While teaching yoga in Thailand, Porcari had an epiphany: “I realized that we also have the beach.” This realization sparked the decision to return to Messina and create a yoga community, sharing the practice in its purest form.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Change
Despite warnings that Sicily might not be ready for yoga, Porcari was persistent to succeed. He found that young peopel in Messina were curious and eager for new experiences. “I noticed how curious young people here are and how eager they are for novelty, and how tired they are of living with stereotypes, prejudices, and seeing their peers leave,” he says. This enthusiasm made introducing yoga to Messina both challenging and rewarding.
The Essence of Yoga: unity and Awareness
For Porcari, yoga is about “union,” the connection between mind, body, and spirit. It’s about being present, aware of one’s body and breath. “When we talk about yoga, we talk about awareness,” he emphasizes, describing it as a lifestyle that brings serenity and centers one’s essence.
Beyond a Trend: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Porcari believes that yoga is more than just a trend; it’s a journey of self-discovery that one doesn’t want to interrupt. It’s a new way of life that embraces mindfulness and inner connection.
Vinyasa and Yin Yoga: Balancing Movement and Meditation
Porcari primarily teaches Vinyasa and Yin Yoga in Messina. Vinyasa is a flowing, dynamic practice that connects movement with breath, stimulating the muscles and cardiovascular system. Yin Yoga, on the other hand, is a more meditative practice, holding poses for longer periods to delve deeper into the body and spirit.
He also incorporates Pranayama, Indian breathing techniques, and breathwork techniques to help individuals connect with their emotions and subconscious.
Community and Locations
The Sicily Yoga Escapes community gathers for lessons in Piazza del Popolo, with classes held at the Church of Santa Maria Spirito Santo.Porcari also organizes excursions to Mount Etna and other locations. As the weather improves, he plans to move classes to the Riviera, forts, and green spaces like the Villarè Agricultural Company.
How does Bruno’s background as a physiotherapist and osteopath inform his approach to teaching yoga?
From London to Messina: A Journey of Self-Discovery Through Yoga – Q&A
Who is Bruno Porcari?
Bruno Porcari is a native of Messina, Italy, who, after living abroad in London and Thailand, returned to his hometown to share his passion for yoga and create a sense of community. He’s a physiotherapist and osteopath with extensive yoga training.
What inspired Bruno to return to Messina?
A combination of factors led to his return. He felt a pull to see the changes happening in Messina after being away, a desire to bring the community-focused activities he loved in the UK to his hometown, and the realization that Messina’s beaches were ideal for yoga.
Trivia: Messina is located in Sicily, Italy, which is known for its stunning coastline.
What kind of yoga does Bruno teach?
Bruno primarily teaches Vinyasa and Yin Yoga. Vinyasa is a dynamic practice that connects movement with breath, while Yin Yoga is a more meditative practice that holds poses for longer periods to delve deeper into the body and spirit. He also incorporates Pranayama (Indian breathing techniques) and breathwork.
Actionable Advice: If you’re new to yoga, consider trying a beginner-amiable Vinyasa class to build strength and flexibility, and then explore Yin Yoga for relaxation and deeper stretching.
Were does the sicily Yoga Escapes community practice?
Classes are held in Piazza del Popolo, at the Church of santa Maria Spirito Santo, and othre locations such as Mount Etna and the Riviera. As the weather improves,classes are planned for forts and green spaces like the Villarè Agricultural company.
What is Bruno’s philosophy on yoga?
For Bruno, yoga is about “union” – the connection between mind, body, and spirit. It’s about being present, aware of one’s body and breath, and finding a lifestyle of awareness that brings serenity and centers one’s essence. he sees it as a journey of self-discovery.
Why is yoga gaining popularity in Messina?
Bruno noticed that young people in Messina are curious and eager for new experiences,and tired of stereotypes. This enthusiasm has made the introduction of yoga both challenging and rewarding.
Inspired by Bruno’s journey? Consider exploring the transformative power of yoga and discover your own path to self-discovery.
