“For almost six years, Mysore Melbourne has been my sanctuary, a place I call home where I’ve grown not only in my practice but as a person. Walking into the shala every morning, I always feel an overwhelming sense of peace and belonging, knowing that I’m stepping into a space where both my body and spirit are nurtured. What began as a physical practice has evolved into something so much more under Amanda’s guidance.

Amanda’s depth of knowledge and experience is beautifully complemented by her humility and innate intuition. Her ability to read her students is truly remarkable—she always knows when to encourage me further and when to remind me of moderation in my practice. With her gentle yet powerful presence, Amanda has guided me through the intermediate series, with patience, strength and steadiness. The deep trust we have in our student teacher relationship gives me the confidence to go beyond what I think is possible, and now, as I embark on the journey of the third series and longer final backbends, I feel both challenged and supported in ways that only Amanda can provide.

What further sets Amanda apart is her unwavering dedication and consistency in her own practice and her teaching. She was brave and tenacious to continue teaching Mysore classes online during the lockdowns several years ago. Teaching Kapotasana via zoom is not something any teacher will be willing to attempt! She shows up for her students with such care and commitment, creating a space where we feel safe to explore, to fail, and to grow.

I’m eternally grateful for Amanda—not just as a teacher, but as a mentor and a true guide on this journey. She has opened doors within my practice I didn’t know existed, and I can’t imagine my life or my practice without her. I always get very emotional reflecting upon my time here and my heart swells with so much love for this practice and community. 

Mysore Melbourne is more than just a place to practice traditional Ashtanga yoga; it is where I have found a deeper connection to myself, and for that, I am forever thankful.”

—SN

“I first walked into Mysore Melbourne about 8 years ago. Since than Amanda has been a gentle and sincere guide for my yoga practice. She supported me in developing a practice focused on longevity and ongoing exploration through ever changing life circumstances. She embodies devotion without rigidity. Her focus is on helping practitioners develop a sustainable practice, no matter what someone’s personal perceived limitations or challenges are. She can teach anyone – and I’ve seen it.

Apart from Amanda, what I love about Mysore Melbourne is the community. I am continuously inspired by all the other practitioners – genuine people in all stages of life. When stepping into Mysore Melbourne you will feel a warm and welcoming atmosphere, you will see bodies breathing and moving in silence, sparingly used hands-on adjustments to foster the students’ independence, you will hear Amanda’s well-articulated cues – and, of course, the occasional laughter.”

—AA

“I am very lucky and grateful to have stumbled upon Mysore Melbourne post COVID lockdowns at a time when I needed support to reconnect with yoga. The program allows ample space for learning, consolidation and reflection on one’s practice and offers flexibility to connect remotely when travel or other circumstances prevent in person participation.

Amanda models and encourages patience, openness and lack of judgement, holding space for participants to develop and evolve a personal practice according to their individual capacity and needs. While others sometimes teach yoga in a way that seeks to impose external ideals as a kind of one size fits all, she is great at adapting the practice to the individual to accommodate and work through any physical limits encountered.

She meets each student who arrives at the shala where they are on their yoga journey, be they an absolute beginner or experienced practitioner, offering the benefit of her keen observation and extensive experience to give each individual guidance and support that is appropriate to them in the current moment. She has a knack for providing just enough support where needed without undermining individual responsibility. Being part of this program has been key for me in establishing and maintaining a daily personal practice through the cycles of progress (and occasional setbacks) over the last 4+ years as a student at Mysore Melbourne.”

— MV

“As a Yoga practitioner of over 22 years, people often ask, what makes me continue getting on the mat? Amanda’s teaching is palpable pure devotion, and far from static.  Each morning in amongst the quiet space, we students sift through thoughts, emotions, physical barriers and sometimes even lack of faith in our own abilities. Amanda sees it all, and allows what arises, to arise. Cheering and steering us on, and through, our practice. Our collective energies have weaved the core of Mysore Melbourne - Community is everything in our Shala. I’ve been here at Mysore Melbourne, for nearly 8 years, still learning, still growing, still feeling a part of something larger than us all. That’s why I continue doing Yoga.”

—NA

“Mysore Melbourne is special for 2 reasons.

• Firstly, Ashtanga yoga helps relax your mind because you follow the same sequence. I find this very meditative.

• Secondly, Amanda is a generous teacher and natural coach. She intuitively knows when to be gentle and when to push you a little.

Thank you :)”

—CB

“I think that Mysore Melbourne and Amanda embody a mindful, grounded and gentle approach to a practice that can often be mistakenly perceived as rigid and intense. Ashtanga is for everyone and MM is certainly a place where everybody is welcome.”

— DR

“Amanda's heart is at Mysore Melbourne. I can feel that every day. I don't have many comparisons to other types of yoga or other studios but I can feel that every person in the room receives all the love and attention that Amanda has to give. There were a few occasions now where I could observe how students who studied with her a long time ago returned back to the studio after months or years. They take up where they have left off. I think this is something special and that students gain a sense of long term trust in a teacher. I was also fortunate to observe how Amanda introduces new students to the practice. Recently my dad asked me how it was possible that all these students in the room know what to do. He thought you must pre-train to come to the studio - No. Every student receives Amanda's full attention and enthusiasm every day. Longevity is difficult for us to understand when we have practiced for only a few months or years. Which is why Amanda is very clear about movements that are beneficial for us and which ones are not beneficial for us in the long term. We need this guidance as we sometimes cannot see how a movement that might be easy for us now could become difficult or even painful as we progress through our lives. Mysore Melbourne gives me space and time to grow and learn and I am very grateful for this opportunity.”

— DS