My journey began in my teenage years, at a time when I was already experiencing chronic back pain. Yoga entered my life not merely as a physical practice, but as a source of healing and inner transformation. It offered me a profound understanding of both the physical and energetic body, becoming a refuge for my physical pain and a foundation for mental and emotional well-being. As my studies deepened, I discovered the method of Ashtanga Yoga and found myself completely immersed in a system overflowing with wisdom, structure, and self-inquiry. Through the practice, I experienced not only strength and healing, but also humility, compassion, and a deeper connection to life itself.

Born in Iran to a Lebanese father and a Korean mother, I grew up surrounded by different cultures, traditions, and ways of seeing the world. This upbringing instilled in me an open mind, a gentle heart, and a deep respect for humanity in all its diversity. Living across different countries and cultures revealed something universal: beyond language, religion, or nationality, we are all connected through faith. Faith in ourselves, faith in the path, faith in effort, and faith in surrendering to what we cannot control. Faith that life will hold us, even in moments of uncertainty.

To me, Ashtanga Yoga is far more than a physical discipline. It is a sacred tool that guides us back to our center. The teachings of yoga do not seek to give us something new, but rather to help us remember what has always existed within us, clarity, presence, resilience, and peace.

Before dedicating my life fully to teaching yoga, I spent nearly eight years working as a producer in the production industry. That chapter of my life exposed me to the intensity and demands of the modern world and gave me a deeper understanding of the pressures many people silently carry. It shaped my perspective profoundly and continues to influence the grounded and compassionate way I approach teaching today.

When I was first introduced to Ashtanga Yoga, the connection was immediate and life-changing. Since then, I have remained devoted to the practice and the continuous journey of learning it demands. After more than two decades of dedicated daily practice, I began teaching yoga in 2012.

Traveling to Mysore, India, to study with my teacher Sharath Jois at the Shri K. Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute became a natural and essential part of my path. I continued returning to study with him at the Sharath Yoga Centre until his passing in November 2024.

I remain deeply humbled and grateful to have received Authorisation from my beloved teacher Sharath Jois to teach Ashtanga Yoga, becoming the first Lebanese practitioner to receive this blessing within the lineage.

Today, I am honoured to be holding the only traditional authorised Ashtanga Yoga program in Dubai, and to currently be the only Level 2 Authorised teacher by Sharath Jois teaching in the city. Through The Shala Dubai, my intention is to preserve and share this practice with sincerity, devotion, and deep respect for the lineage from which it comes.

Yoga has been woven into the fabric of my life for as long as I can remember. The practice continues to strengthen me while softening me, teaching me discipline while reminding me to remain humble. It inspires me to meet each moment with awareness, gratitude, and sincerity.

It is the greatest honour of my life to share this practice and lineage with others. I remain forever grateful to my Guru, whose teachings shaped not only my practice, but the way I move through life and hold space for my students today.

May we continue to honour this sacred tradition by stepping onto our mats with devotion, humility, and gratitude.

Nathalie Daou

For the list of authorized teachers please check the link:

https://sharathyogacentre.com/asia/