Teacher
Chantal van der Meij
Chantal van der Meij is my full name, but everybody calls me ‘Chanti’ for the sake of ease. I was born in Jakarta of Indonesia, but I grew up in the Netherlands. Though I am influenced by the western society, my heart belongs to the esoteric world of the East.
Dance, Music and Art are my secret Lovers; they support me when I need it in. Surfing and travelling became an important part of my life as well and during my trips I took my first yoga class. First I experienced the physical effect of yoga and soon I felt it also helped me finding better ways to relax. Then I realized my real journey has begun.
I have devoted the past years to the study of various yoga styles and deepen my practice with beautiful inspiring teachers as Shiva Rea, Sarah Powers, Katiza Satya, Max Strom, Martyn Hoogstra and many more. Because of that I became more interested in religion and philosophy and travelled to India. Slowly without much notice I became a yogini as well.
My real path towards “spiritual awakening” started when my father became ill and passed away at a young age. Two weeks after his funeral I had an accident and almost died. I had experienced a near-death experience. Both emotional experiences completely changed my view on life. I realized how precious the physical body is and how fragile we are. My own Yoga and Meditation practice and teachings were great tools to keep me in form both physically and mentally, while I was clearing up the ground of my mind.
I am a certified Vinyasa Yoga teacher and Massage Therapist, founder of Yoga is Life and co-founder of Natural Yoga. I have been teaching yoga classes and workshops at different yoga studios, fitness centers as a regular teacher or guest teacher. Also to many other clients as companies.
What I love most about sharing my practice is the reciprocal learning, love and compassion that flows continuously back and forth between the students and myself.
I am deeply grateful to all my beloved ones, teachers and students.
With love and gratitude,