About
“Less about what it looks like and more about what it feels like” beautifully encapsulates Olivia Otten's teaching philosophy. Olivia guides each class with the intention of leaving you feeling profoundly connected to your inner self – embodiment and introspection are the central pillars to each experience. Her teaching is rooted in sharing the tools, techniques, and practices that have guided her through her own journey of grief and personal challenges. Drawing from the wisdom of Viktor Frankl; she hopes to help you create more space between stimuli and response so that you are empowered to respond to life with intention rather than reaction.

A Global Journey
Born and raised in the vibrant city of Cape Town, South Africa, Olivia Catalina discovered yoga at the age of 11. As a teenager, she turned to yoga intermittently to manage anxiety and chronic pain. By 19, Olivia was working to bring yoga and mindfulness practices to underprivileged children. At 21, she traveled to Kerala, India, to study 300 hours of Registered Yoga Teacher Training in Ashtanga and Vinyasa.

Evolving Practices
Olivia's yoga practice has evolved to embrace slower, more restorative styles. She has studied and taught more Yin and Restorative Yoga, Guided Meditation, Yoga Nidra, and Breathwork over the past years. Her exploration also led her to sound meditation and Deep Listening drawing from the wisdom of Pauline Oliveros, where she artfully incorporates crystal sound bowls, gongs, and koshi chimes into her sessions.

Living in Hope
Olivia aspires to live in a perpetual state of hope, viewing it as a vital strategy: “Hope is a discipline” –Mariame Kaba. She believes that love and human connection are paramount. Through her careful curation of music and movement, Olivia infuses her practices with compassion, a sentiment deeply felt by those she teaches.

Experience and Certifications
– 300 hours Registered Yoga Teacher Training in Ashtanga and Vinyasa
– Yin Yoga Teacher Training with Bernie Clark and Diana Batts
– Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Certificate with TCTSY
– Meditation Teacher Training with Tracee Stanley
– Restorative Yoga Teacher Training with Judith Lasater
– 10 years of teaching experience

Olivia has also hosted multiple yoga and meditation workshops and retreats and shared her practice in South Africa, England, Seychelles, Italy, New York, and California.