Maria Natsouli

The journey of self-discovery takes many forms, and for me, yoga became the compass that led to transformation, purpose, and deep connection. What began as a personal practice soon evolved into a calling to teach, inspire, and guide others through the path of yoga.

Unlike many who begin with a background in movement or sport, I came to yoga from a different world—after a 20-year career in marketing and communications. I had no particular interest in physical activity before, but something about yoga felt different. It wasn’t just exercise—it was a doorway inward.

That doorway opened wide when I moved to Dubai and discovered yoga as a powerful tool for self-awareness, healing, and transformation. What started as a personal refuge soon evolved into a passion for learning and eventually teaching.

My journey deepened through dedicated practice in Ashtanga and Iyengar yoga, where I experienced firsthand the value of structure, discipline, and alignment. Wanting to explore yoga from its roots, I  made the decision to travel to India and start from the beginning—completing my first 200-hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training. That experience marked a profound shift, and I continued my studies with two 200-hour and two 300-hour trainings, covering styles such as Hatha, Yin, Vinyasa and Ashtanga, including training under Fatima Garcia (KPJAYI Level 2) and Iyengar Yoga with Ganesh Shinde.

I am now an E-RYT 500 with over 3,000 teaching hours and a certified wellness coach through the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, founded Avra Yoga in Athens, Greece—a studio dedicated to meaningful practice, community, and high-quality teacher education, and lead the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program, designed to be accessible, inclusive, and rooted in both tradition and contemporary understanding. My teaching style is structured yet nurturing, disciplined yet compassionate, always encouraging students to listen deeply to their own voice and truth.

My decision to broaden my studies with Rocket Yoga stems from a desire to explore a freer, more creative dimension of the practice. This dynamic approach resonates deeply with my evolving teaching style, as I seek to balance structure with freedom and inspire students to explore their full potential—physically, mentally, and energetically.

I see yoga not as a destination but as a way of life—one that supports growth, connection, and presence both on and off the mat. My story is proof that transformation can happen at any stage of life and that it’s never too late to begin. I teach that yoga is for everyone—not just the flexible or athletic. It is a journey back to the self, and an invitation to live with greater clarity, strength, and grace.