Meet Laura Johanna | Yoga Instructor, Massage therapist, Connectin with Nature

We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura Johanna and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura, how do you think about risk?
For me taking risks means a huge opportunity to grow and learn about myself. It feels scary to step outside the comfort box, but after doing so the development is inevitable. When I had my first yoga course for seven weeks, I remember being nervous teaching my first course class. in the end of the course I felt so peace and the teachings were giving me so much that I never expected that. And also it gave me lot of self confidence, if I was able to lead a course, then what else would I be able to do?

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I was working as a nurse for a decade before starting my own business. But as I was working I always knew that I was supposed to do something else in the long run. And I started to renovate our summer cabin that wasn’t being used to make it as my “healing hut” as I call it now. It’s surrounded by beautiful, peaceful nature, a pond and sauna which I also use in my work. So now I teach yoga occasionally, massage and peat treatments and offer a space for small groups. So after a peat sauna and swimming in the fresh pond the body feels very relaxed and fresh. And I’m so happy I’m able to make the Nature part of my work, because I feel very connected with the Nature.

For me the biggest challenge has been in my own head, as I’ve felt I’m not good enough to do treatments or teach a yoga class. However the only thing we have to do is to just start taking baby steps towards our goal. And I’ve learned that after doing something a while the doubt in my head has started to disappear. And I’ve realized that I’m my own biggest enemy on the way to make my dreams come true. Which is liberating as I can start change my own mind set, baby steps.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Can I say Lapland, Finland. I live in South of Finland but I definitely would take visitors to Lapland, as it’s such a beautiful and magical place. It feels like a different world, the energy is so pure there. I Love it!!!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout goes to the woman who has been my mentor for some time now. Her name is Deepthi and she has thought me the ancient ceremony work for and with Mother Earth. We have been living so separated from the Nature, animals and from our ancestors for such a long time, at least in the Western culture, that most of us feel lost. So my mentor has reminded me of this important work we can do to heal ourselves, the Nature and our bloodlines. And by healing ourselves first we have a huge impact on the people and Nature surround us.

Website: www.laurajohanna.fi

Instagram: laurajohanna111

Facebook: @laurajohanna111