#137 - ALESSANDRA ORAM - The Courage to Begin Again
In this episode, I sit down with Alessandra Oram— a yoga teacher who chose evolution over comfort, and alignment over staying put. @absmo
For years, Alessandra built what many would call a dream life: she founded and ran MA•NA YOGA LOFT in Barcelona, created a thriving academy, led teacher trainings, and cultivated a deeply loyal community. Professionally and creatively, everything worked. And yet, quietly, a deeper question began to surface — how to align motherhood, family, time, and values with a life that had become increasingly demanding.
We talk about the reality of running a yoga studio behind the scenes: the financial pressure, the emotional labour, the exhaustion of constantly replenishing community, and the tension between teaching, business, and personal truth. Alessandra shares what it’s like to realise you’re living someone else’s vision — even when that vision once felt like home — and the grief that comes with letting go of something you’ve poured your heart into.
This conversation moves through architecture, creativity, lineage, community, social media, parenting, and the modern yoga industry. We explore the courage it takes to leave not because something is broken, but because life has changed. The difference between abandoning a path and honouring its completion. And why time — not money, not success — became the deciding factor.
Now living in New Zealand, teaching online through MA•NA YOGA ONLINE and beginning again slowly, Alessandra embodies a quieter definition of success: space, presence, family, creativity, and trust.
This episode is about listening before life forces you to. About choosing now instead of someday.
NOTABLE QUOTES
“You don’t have to reject a beautiful life to choose another.”
“I wasn’t failing — the life just didn’t fit anymore.”
“Success stopped meaning growth and started meaning exhaustion.”
“Time became the deciding factor.”
“I realised I was living someone else’s vision — even though I loved it.”
“Leaving wasn’t about abandoning yoga. It was about honouring this season of life.”
“I don’t feel like I’m winning — but I am following my heart.”
“Freedom isn’t doing more. It’s having space to choose.”
“Starting again humbles you — and that’s not a bad thing.”
“Life doesn’t wait for your retirement plan.”
PERKS FOR YOU
10% off Liforme yoga mats with code HUSLER10
10% off expert validated wellbeing brand at Healf via this link
10% off Colorful Standard clothing with code ADAMHUSLERCS10
20% off Vivobarefoot shoes with code HUSLER20
5% off Nurosym vagus nerve stimulation device with code ADAMH5
25% off our online studio full of yoga, sound and meditation, with code HONEST25 (25% off single 12 month membership or reoccurring monthly membership until cancellation)
THE HOST
@adamhusler - Fuelled by a fascination with anatomy and a desire to ask ‘why’, Adam specialises in a signature style of Alignment-Based Vinyasa— inspired by decades of study of anatomy, mediation, yoga and mobility . He’s taught classes, workshops and trainings in over 60 studios across over 20 countries, along with countless conferences and events. You can find him chatting on the Honestly Unbalanced podcast, consulting for studios and brands, co-leading one of Europes largest teacher trainings, writing for the likes of Yoga Journal and trying to be an awesome dad.
For workshops, trainings, events and retreats, find out more here.
