my journey
Roots & Beginnings
My name is Soomai (pronounced “Sumai”). I’m Swiss, born and raised in La-Chaux-de-Fonds, with roots in Cambodia and Hong Kong. I’ve left the mountains about 10 years ago and have been living wherever the sun takes me.
What else about me… I love yoga. On and off the mat, I consider myself an eternal student. I’m deeply grateful for all the teachers I’ve met, and for the opportunity to share my practice and knowledge with students from all over the world.
Discovering Yoga - A Life Changing Decision
Yoga first came into my life in 2012, during a challenging time when I was working in Cambodia. Since then, it has continuously fascinated me and transformed my life in ways I never expected. It led me to make a life-changing decision – to leave behind a career I once loved in humanitarian and political affairs, working with children affected by armed conflict at the United Nations, and fully dedicate myself to yoga and well-being.
Yoga is more than just a passion or a path to live closer to my true self. It has been a support of healing through difficult times, a guide through trauma, and a constant companion in moments of peace and joy. Today, yoga allows me to share this journey and create spaces where others can reconnect with themselves. Spaces where they can heal, grow, or simply play, rest, and explore self-discovery.
Breathwork - A New Perspective
In 2021, I discovered the transformative power of breathwork in Florida, USA through a dear teacher, Iha. I was attending a yoga retreat at his school, not knowing I was about to experience a life-changing session of shamanic breathwork. That session opened my eyes to the vastness of who I am and the limitations I had placed on myself, mostly in an effort to please others.
This experience sparked a deep desire to continue exploring breathwork, which led me to explore different types of techniques, especially soft breathing techniques. Along different practices, I learned how to calm my nervous system down, observe my thoughts and emotions, and most importantly, to just sit with myself and be ok with it. These experiences eventually led me to become a facilitator. I am now grateful to offer others a space to breathe, led by patience, love and deep respect for each person’s journey.
Discovering Yoga - A Life Changing Decision
Yoga first came into my life in 2012, during a challenging time in Cambodia. Since then, it has continuously fascinated me and transformed my life in ways I never expected. It led me to make a life-changing decision—to leave behind a career I once loved in humanitarian and political affairs, working with children affected by armed conflict at the United Nations, and fully dedicate myself to yoga and well-being.
Yoga is more than just a passion or a path to live closer to my true self. It has been a source of healing through difficult times, a guide through trauma, and a constant companion in moments of peace and joy. Today, yoga allows me to share this journey and create spaces where others can reconnect with themselves—spaces where they can heal, grow, or simply play, rest, and explore self-discovery.
The Magic of Water - My Journey into Janzu Water Therapy
In 2023, I discovered the transformative power of water therapies (Watsu, Wataflow, and Janzu) in Holbox, Mexico, thanks to many dear friends, including Alejandra, Mayte, Joyce. It was during a Janzu water therapy session that I knew I was ready to share this incredible healing practice with others. Trained by the magical Sol Naciente, I am now honored to offer these therapies to those seeking deep relaxation, healing and/or joyful moments in the water.