A Fine Balance

Almitra was born and raised in Bandung, West Java. From an early age, she balanced her creativity and a lifelong interest in arts, music and dance performance with practical, real-world skills. At university, she studied Economics and Accounting but also found time for outdoor activities – hiking, climbing and sea kayaking – and getting close to nature. 

Learning yoga helped her with an important and sometimes difficult skill: discipline.

Her work at Ashtari Yoga is also about balance and discipline. She teaches yoga, co-creates classes, workshops and training, and puts her business skills to good use.

She spoke to mylombok about the path that led to her current role.

When did you first become involved with yoga and yoga teaching? 

My mom, my grandma and grandpa are yogi. I found my first yoga book on my grandparents’ bookshelf, when I was in elementary school. It was interesting to see all the cool yoga poses. When I was 18, my friend's mom, who was a yoga teacher, took me as her assistant. I followed her classes, trained as an instructor and later took one or two of her classes each day. 

At university I financed myself by working. I taught yoga six to twelve classes a week for four years. When I started my thesis, I had a more flexible schedule, so I joined Jejak Kecil, which is about learning through play, and trained with them to work as a pre-school teacher. 

I went to Bali and took another yoga training course, to deepen my knowledge. I was looking for the best opportunity  to build a career in the economics industry as well as yoga teaching. 

What were the circumstances that first brought you to Lombok?

After Bali, I registered with an international yoga association – Yoga Alliance – where Ashtari Yoga found me. I flew to Lombok in early 2016 and, after a month, decided to sign a year-long contract; I have kept on extending it. 

It was what I dreamed of. Ashtari allows me to teach yoga and work in the sales and marketing department. 

I came to Lombok to work, yes, but living here has been like paradise! 

What are the types of yoga you offer? Could you briefly explain them?

Yoga is a system to control the fluctuation of the mind to reach enlightenment and connect with peace. There are different types, which are complex to explain but, briefly:  

• In Karma yoga, we serve others so we can do charity
• In Bhakti yoga, we practise selfless devotion, recognizing the Divine in everything
• Raja yoga is about controlling behaviour, working with body, breath and mind to feel peace within. This is what we do in most regular classes
• Jnana yoga involves reading or studying, for those who are ready to go a little deeper.

There are also many styles to deliver this 4-path concept. The teaching is done in a studio setting and involves a little yoga philosophy, purification, yoga postures (static or dynamic), yoga breathing techniques and meditation. Classes vary, according to individual needs: some people want to relax and tap into meditative practice; some need energy and movement.

I also offer different practice techniques – either with traditional positions that follow a fixed pattern or with more creative sequencing, based on clients’ needs or specific topics.

What do you enjoy most about teaching?

Teaching sparks my soul. It  inspires me to keep aspiring. To teach is to learn twice. I enjoy it a lot.  

Because yoga crossed my path and I learned so much, I need to give back, by teaching. When I give, I also receive. It’s rewarding and recharging. I feel happy when my clients are happy and smiling from their hearts. 

I’m also involved in teaching the teachers. In 2022, I created a 200-hour international yoga teacher training program, which involves lectures as well as practice. 

What are the challenges?

First, yoga is very broad. There are extremists who think it is a religious practice; others see it as gymnastic practice. This leads to debate or judgements. 

Another challenge is to accommodate all needs. In a 75-minute class, I try to add a little bit of every aspect but to understand yoga as a holistic approach to wellbeing needs lot of time and practice. 

Also, at Ashtari I mostly see tourists, so I can't really grow with them. I can only plant a seed of curiosity and when they feel better after a class, I encourage them to continue when they go home.

What is your range of clients like?

It depends on the class. Women like the dynamic classes, men prefer the static and meditative aspects.  I have mostly younger practitioners (18-55); there aren’t many older people around. 

What are the various reasons people take yoga classes?

Many different reasons. Some try yoga because they’ve heard it is good for them. For athletes, yoga is complementary to sport. Some people want to learn how to breathe properly. Some need to change perspective, reset and create new habits. Some want to keep fit or relieve back pain. For those who can’t sleep or stop thinking, it’s the calm in a busy day; others need to energize. Some people do it for fun or as quality time with friends or family. 

How would you summarise the benefits for the people who come to your classes?

They come to self-realisation and self-confidence. They get to know their bodies better and connect with their breathing. They gain flexibility and strength. They sleep better. Some also see life with a new perspective and clarity. 

Mostly, people experience a sense of self love, being kind to themselves and connected with their authenticity. They are comfortable and at peace with themselves.

People always leave classes with a big warm smile; that touches my heart. 

What is the most important thing you want them to know as they practise yoga?

Practise and all is coming. Aspire to inspire, you are the light that illuminates others.
Practise for the sake of peace. Uplift our vibration, expand our horizon. Our inner peace is peace for humanity.
Practise with continuous effort and earnestness. In a strong body, there will be a strong mind and a free spirit. 

What has been your own greatest learning experience?

Always to be grateful. Trust my intuition. Trust myself. Trust the journey. 

This mantra keeps me alive: I am powerful and brave. I can achieve anything I set my mind to. Every obstacle I overcome is a success. I am ready and open for upcoming opportunities that life gives me. 

I’ve learned about the need to control my vision to see the positive. And about the power of what is spoken. It’s important to say your dreams out loudly and repeat them.

Who have been your major inspirations or influences, mentors or supporters?

My life is influenced by many people I’ve met along the way. The most admiration is for my grandma; she was my yogi inspiration. She passed away when I was fifteen. At 75 years old, she was beautiful and peaceful, with a smile every day. I want to be like her. Of course my mom is my role model; she’s a very strong woman. And my father is outgoing, fun and a handyperson; everybody likes him. 

After I moved to Lombok, Jean-Marc, one of the owners of Ashtari, was a major inspiration, influence, mentor and supporter – like a father and a brother. He is smart, tough, kind and disciplined. 

My mentor in life is my brother – a spiritual person, a doctor and a ‘walking Google’, who answers all my questions. My support system and my fuel are my husband, Okke, and my girl, Kayana. 

What has been your proudest moment?

I think my accomplishments make me grateful rather than proud – especially when I go through daily challenges and when my vision comes true and I see the universe allowing it to happen! This makes me happy. I also feel grateful to be surrounded by love.  

What do you hope to achieve in the future?

Starting in August 2024, I will teach a weekly class at Mandalika Intercultural School. I'm looking forward to bringing yoga to school. 

I would love to support athletes – maybe Moto GP racers, or runners. I’d also like to launch the 300 hours yoga teacher training program, in collaboration with my brother. My husband and I are opening a flower studio: I’d like to combine yoga with flowers. So many wishes! But to be healthy and in good condition is more than enough.  

What do you enjoy most about living and working in Lombok?

Being close to nature. Lombok has endless natural beauty: mountains, blue sky and sea, beautiful beaches, green hills and fresh air. Sunset and sunrise moments are unforgettable. Small hidden islands! Pure raw beauty. 

I can also connect with so many beautiful souls. People here are so inspiring. I’ve met people from all over the world, and I’ve learned a lot from them.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I don't really know what spare time is. I’m in two modes: sleeping and non-sleeping. Apart from yoga activities, I am a full-time mom. I spend time playing guitar, singing and dancing with my little one. Walking, swimming and surfing are also my things. And I can’t live without reading. Nowadays I also read out loud to my daughter. 

How would you sum up your life philosophy or beliefs connected with the practice of yoga? 

Yoga has opened my mind. It’s technical and practical and it’s also a life philosophy.  It’s connected with beliefs but not related to religion.

I believe everything is changing. Nothing is absolute but peace. To change things, I believe we need to keep the body and mind strong, so the spirit is free. To connect with the peace within and to build harmony with others and the universe is a never-ending journey. 

My wish is for everyone on the journey is a strong mind and body, a free spirit and an appreciation of the beauty around them.

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