[#5] Elka Haeckel: Yoga teacher, Meditation & life coach
Elka Haeckel
Yoga Teacher, Meditation & Life Coach
Meet Elka Haeckel, a worldwide yoga instructor who has trained over 300 people since 2011, a licensed and accredited Life Coach through Accomplishment Coaching and the International Coaching Federation (ICF), as well as a health holistic practitioner specializing in Thai Medical Massage. Elka’s exuberance and passion for teaching, extensive knowledge of yoga philosophy, holistic health, and coaching combined with her experience of owning two successful San Diego yoga studios, leading international trainings, workshops, organizing retreats in many countries make her a positive force to be reckoned with.
Let’s start with what drew you toward the work you do today…
I always say to my students during my teacher training program that “teaching is healing”. I found yoga in my life 21 years ago. I was dealing with depression and anxiety. I was very disconnected of my body and mind. When I had my first episode of panic attack, everything has changed for me. I must say I was never the same after that. And that was a blessing. Because of my anxiety, I started to take yoga classes and something has awaken inside of me. I became more in tune with my emotions and starting treating my body as a temple. I must also say that I did look for treatments back then and thanks to the medicine, it helped me to live my life in a social living . But medication didn’t heal my being, it helped me to stand up everyday and do my self-care work, which came from me, not by medication. I took responsibility for my own well-being, nobody and anything can do that for you. I started to be dedicated to take care of myself daily. Yoga, meditation became my medication and very organically I started teaching yoga. I found my purpose through pain which is serving others.
What does wellness mean to you? how does wellness intersect with your everyday life?
WELLNESS means; looking into your well-being as a whole. To be in touch and balance with your body/mind/soul. It doesn't matter if you are super healthy, having a fit body but you live in a stressful environment and behave in a way that can be detrimental for your soul. Or you might be very calm and peaceful but your health or nutrition is not aligned with your mind. Everything is connected when you look into a WELL-BEING. I have a daily routine no matter how I feel. I am committed everyday to show up for me. Of course there are times we don't feel motivated, but I've learned through yoga to develop discipline. I wake up very early 5;30-6am Meditate, I also practice Kabbalah, journal, read for at least 15 minutes, do my Ayurvedic rituals and then I am ready for my day. I also do my affirmations before I leave home. Then I do yoga, samba dance and/or gym. I also make sure I have a healthy and joyful schedule so I created a schedule of my work where I can also balance my work with my personal life. I try to go to bed early. And everyday I choose to have a positive attitude no matter in what situation I am in. It is up to me. I am constantly doing a self-checking in with my thoughts, words and actions. I practice daily to be mindful of everything I do. I am not perfect and that is not my goal, but I am better than I was before. If you look to be perfect, you will not surrender to experience life at the fullest. It is about taking one step at time. One breath at time.
Being Latina and living in the US for almost 24 years has been an amazing experience for me. Being able to share my work with my culture it is a truly honor. I have not only taught in Latin America and the US but I have also led retreats in Spain and Bali. Travel is one of my passions because it opens my mind to different cultures and experiences – I learn so much when I connect with people for the first time.
You have lived and taught all over the states, Brazil & Mexico. What kind of growth did that experience bring you, personally and professionally?
Being Latina and living in the US for almost 24 years has been an amazing experience for me. Being able to share my work with my culture it is a truly honor. I have not only taught in Latin America and the US but I have also led retreats in Spain and Bali. Travel is one of my passions because it opens my mind to different cultures and experiences – I learn so much when I connect with people for the first time. Especially now, after the height of the pandemic, I feel that we (as a collective) are craving more connection. One of the things that I love the most when I am in different places is that even though our cultures and traditions are different, there is a sameness that runs through us. We all are longing for the same thing: peace of mind, balance, harmony, love and healing. We are all ONE... and that is YOGA.
You have opened and ran successful yoga centers here in San Diego – what kind of advice would you give to someone looking to open one of their own?
I think it is very important to first consider your intention to open the business. Most people only dream about opening a business but they are not prepared for the process of running the business and that can be overwhelming and a failure. Failure is not a bad thing, we learn a lot from our mistakes. However, there are things you need to prepare before you open a business; it is very important to have a business plan and be financially sustained for at least 5 years that will not be coming from the business. And remember to always believe in yourself. When you do something that you truly love and you are dedicated to put your heart and soul into it then it is already a success. Also, another piece of advice: think about for how long do you want to have the business? If you feel it is a business that you want to do forever, totally fine. But if it is a business you want to make it profitable and be able to sell it, then plan on how many years you will be with the business. If you sell it, do it when the business is making money and not at loss. If you don’t have a business background consider to hire a business coach or an adviser.
Each month, I host a One-Day Women's Retreat at my sacred space. It is a chance for women to connect with their feminine energy and other minded women in a place you can feel safe and nurture your well-being.
In a single day you get yoga, dance class, sound healing, guest teachers, reiki, massage, Ayurvedic meals and cacao ceremony.
Is there any particular resource or practice that has been especially instrumental in your personal or professional growth?
I am a yoga teacher, mediation and life-coach but I am student for life. I am constantly learning and feeding my soul with trainings and guidances. Meditation is my fuel, I teach and practice Instinctive Meditation & Tantra by The Radiance Sutra with my master Dr. Lorin Roche and Camille Maurine
We love featuring local businesses! Do you have a favorite shop, restaurant, or business that comes to mind?
I love Ultreya Cafe in La Mesa. The onwer, Danielle, is an amazing being who truly dedicated her cafe with the best quality of coffee, food and products. She always does events to support local vendors. Her story is an inspiration.
Is there anything you have going on that you would like to share with us? How can people connect with you?
I hold once a month a One Day Women's Retreat at my sacred space in which has been a success. This retreat is a chance for all the women to connect with their feminine energy and other minded women in a place you can feel safe and nurture your well-being. In a single day you get yoga, dance class, sound healing, guest teachers, reiki, massage, Ayurvedic meals and cacao ceremony. The next retreat will be on January 28th and the theme of the month will be Rebirth & Renew. I also hold two times a year a 200 hours Yoga Teacher Training that is not about becoming a yoga teacher but a life transformation experience, our next training will be on January 25th-February 26th. I also offer life-coaching online, yoga classes and privates.
Connect with Elka:
Website: elkayoga.com | Instagram: @elkayoga