#86 - How Yoga Helps - Yoga in Kosovo with Rina & Agnesa Mehmeti

Welcome to Episode #86 of the Wild Yoga Tribe Podcast! My conversation with Rina Mehmeti and Agnesa Mehmeti, sister yoga teachers and yoga studio co-owners from Kosovo, was so beautiful as they shed light on what it was like to open the first yoga studio in Kosovo and how yoga impacted their community after all the turmoil and difficulties that followed the war. If you’re looking to tune into a podcast episode that is all about yoga in Kosovo then this is the conversation for you.

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What to expect in the Yoga In Kosovo episode of the Wild Yoga Tribe Podcast

Step into the vibrant world of yoga in Kosovo with Rina and Agnesa Mehmeti, the dynamic duo behind Urban Yoga in Pristina. In this episode of the Wild Yoga Tribe Podcast, they share their incredible journey of opening a yoga studio in a country that was relatively unfamiliar with yoga just a few years ago.

Rina and Agnesa's story begins with skepticism from friends and colleagues who couldn't fathom leaving their stable jobs for the path of yoga. But their passion for helping others and the word-of-mouth recommendations soon started to spread, creating a buzz around their studio. Local media coverage further introduced yoga to the community, dispelling misconceptions that yoga was simply sitting in a cross-legged position. The pandemic played a surprising role in boosting the popularity of yoga, turning it into a lifestyle choice that benefits both mental health and physical well-being.

Beyond their studio's success, Rina and Agnesa offer insights into the beautiful country of Kosovo. They describe it as a small nation with stunning mountains and a young population. They highlight the warmth and hospitality of the people, making visitors feel like part of a family. They also touch upon the challenging times Kosovo faced during the war, recounting their personal experiences as refugees and the difficulties of living in a post-war environment. However, they express optimism for the future, with positive changes occurring in the country and the upcoming visa liberalization that will allow easier travel within Europe.

For Rina and Agnesa, yoga is not just a physical practice but a transformative experience. It has helped them find balance, navigate anxiety, and be fully present in every moment. They view yoga as a powerful tool for healing and personal growth, instilling a sense of love, connection, and gratitude for life.

Tell me more about Rina & Agnesa Mehmeti

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Agnesa and Rina Mehmeti are sisters and yoga teachers Kosovo. They co-own the Urban Yoga studio in Prishtina, the capital city of Kosovo. Their yoga journey started in 2013 when they first came to the practice, and they began teaching in 2017. 

Agnesa and Rina have both completed various teacher training programs, including 200h Hatha Yoga in Crete at the Breath of Life School, Vinyasa Yoga in the Netherlands at the Arhanta Yoga Ashram, Prenatal Yoga in Italy at Transformational Hatha Yoga School, and  Kids Yogain Vienna at Yogaji School, and Ashtanga Yoga at Yoga Mea in Italy. They both teach Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Yin Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, and Kids Yoga. 

Both Agnesa and Rina bring their extensive training and passion for yoga to their classes, inspiring their students to live more mindful lives. Their studio, Urban Yoga, is a space for grow