A Journey That Brought My Fire Back

Mariana de Andrade Portella - Yoga Without Borders, January 2026

It has been 23 years since I first started practicing yoga, and 10 years since I began teaching yoga, meditation, and arts to children in schools in São Paulo, Brazil. But this past year something changed. I stopped feeling inspired. The fire and sparkle I once had for teaching just wasn’t there anymore.

To be honest, I felt a little lost and unsure if I was even meant to continue doing this work.

Over the years I’ve had the privilege of teaching many children in many different schools and private classes. But they all came from the same kind of background. In Brazil, yoga is something that mostly exists in wealthy schools. Only rich children can usually access it.

It’s not that I felt those children didn’t need yoga — they absolutely do — but deep in my heart I always dreamed of bringing yoga to underprivileged children as well. I just didn’t know how to start. I felt stuck.

One night I was lying in bed feeling frustrated with myself and the direction my life was taking. I was scrolling through my phone, checking emails, when I saw one from Gopala about volunteering at a school in India through the Yoga Without Borders project.

As soon as I read it, I didn’t even think — I just filled out the application.

Suddenly my heart was full of love and excitement. All the dreams I had buried inside me woke up again.

How could I do something like this in Brazil?

How could I bring a project like this back home?

How could I learn more?

But honestly, I never expected a reply. My first thought was: English isn’t my first language… why would they choose me?

Time passed.

Then October arrived, during Navaratri — the nine nights dedicated to the Goddess Durga. Traditionally, many people chant and fast during those nine days. That year, I decided to take the practice seriously. I felt real tapas — that inner fire of discipline and devotion.

I didn’t ask for anything for myself. I only prayed to be able to give the best of myself to the world.

And right in the middle of that intense spiritual process, I received the email:

I had been accepted as a volunteer.

They had a spot available in January — which happened to be the only month I was able to travel.

It felt like life was placing a challenge in front of me:

You say you want to help? Here is your chance.

The months leading up to the trip were filled with doubts. I think every therapy session I had revolved around this decision.

I had to leave my two dogs behind.

I wouldn’t be able to teach for a month, so I needed to save money for the plane ticket.

And I was honestly scared of the idea of staying on a school campus for an entire month.

What if I hated it?

What if leaving my comfort zone was too much during such a difficult time in my life?

I worried a lot. But in the end, all those worries were unnecessary. Somehow everything aligned perfectly so that I could make the journey to Firozabad.

The only flight I could afford was on New Year’s Eve. So at midnight, while people around the world were celebrating, I was boarding a plane alone.

It was a strange and emotional way to begin the year.

The journey took about 26 hours, including a six-hour stop in Dubai. By the time I arrived in Delhi, I was exhausted. But when I saw the driver, Sanjay — a kind and welcoming man sent to pick me up — I could finally breathe again.

At Mala’s mother’s house, I received the warmest welcome. They let me rest, take a shower, and then served an incredible dinner. I already felt cared for and supported.

The next day I met my partner in this adventure — Nicoletta from Italy. She is a super energetic and charismatic person, and I knew right away that working with her would be a joy.

Because the school was still closed for vacation, we spent about five days in Delhi before traveling to Firozabad. During that time, Mala’s brother Dhirraj and their incredible 90-year-old mother — who is such an inspiration to me now — made us feel completely at home. They took us sightseeing, to restaurants, and around the city. Their kindness was constant.

This was when I truly understood Indian hospitality. It is the most generous hospitality I have ever experienced.

Finally, the day came when Nico and I arrived at the school.

They welcomed us with flowers, smiles, and such warmth. The weather was very cold, but the people were incredibly warm and curious about us.

The children had not yet returned from their holidays, so during the first ten days we worked with a smaller group — 36 students and 22 teachers. I actually loved this. It allowed me to connect more deeply with each person.

It was during those first days that I realised how important this journey would be for me.

I shared with the teachers and staff my interest in studying yoga philosophy, and they kindly took me to local temples and introduced me to rituals and traditions that you can only truly understand through local people.

The food was also unforgettable. Rajni cooked the most delicious Indian meals I have ever tasted. Everyone joked that I was a very good eater because I tried everything with curiosity and enthusiasm — and truly, I loved every dish.

The house where we stayed was comfortable. But for someone who lives alone, being surrounded by people all the time was challenging at first.

Then I began to understand that this closeness was actually a gift. It allowed us to exchange knowledge, share affection, and understand each other’s lives more deeply.

I met so many strong and inspiring women there. Some shared stories of hardship that moved me deeply. Listening to them made me reflect on my own life and the privilege I have living in a country where, as a woman, I have so much freedom.

Through them I learned about collectiveness — about the strength that comes from sharing stories, struggles, and wisdom. That connection made me feel stronger too.

And then there were the children.

They were incredibly disciplined, loving, and affectionate. They constantly hugged us, brought us flowers, and treated us with such kindness. I had never experienced anything like it.

They were eager to learn and open to everything we proposed.

But we also noticed something interesting. Their education is very focused on studying, structure, and traditional methods of learning.

 

 

So we asked ourselves:

What if we bring them something different?

What if we step off the mats?

What if we bring creativity, art, and body expression?

What if we break away from the usual ways of teaching and learning?

So that’s what we did.

We brought freedom.

We brought play.

We brought laughter, imagination, and games.

Yoga was always present — that is what we do — but we allowed it to expand beyond the usual format.

And I am very proud to say that I think we succeeded.

I saw so many smiles. The children laughed constantly. They began to loosen the boundaries of their structured learning and express themselves more freely. Watching that unfold was emotional and beautiful.

In my experience, children often learn far more deeply through play and joy than through books alone.

And something else touched me deeply: these children were already calm and grounded. Their minds were not crowded with the overstimulation we often see in Western children. They didn’t need more discipline or organization.

Perhaps what they needed — at least for a moment — was permission to step outside the box.

This experience has changed me.

I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity. It helped me grow as a yoga and arts educator, and it gave me the inspiration and confidence to begin a project for children in Brazil as well.

I could not be more proud of the children in Firozabad. I wish I could teach them forever.

 

The school, the teachers, the staff, and the children will always have a special place in my heart.

When the time came to say goodbye, there were tears, hugs, and promises to stay connected — with future visits and video calls already imagined.

And as I left, I realised something important:

The fire that I thought I had lost…

had simply been waiting to be reignited.

 

Yoga Without Borders – Volunteer in India

Together, we’re creating lasting impact for girls from underprivileged backgrounds, supporting their emotional wellbeing, confidence, and connection through yoga. And we’re inviting you to be part of it.